Tag: Siem Reap

Angkor Small Circuit: Bayon Temple

My next temple in my Siem Reap, Cambodia Angkor temple adventure is the 12-13th century Bayon Temple with all the fun faces.

Bayon temple is another very popular temple and did get a little annoying with the excessive amount of “model posing” (everyone is insta-famous) but it still is a fun temple to visit. I don’t think I have seen a similar temple that features faces all over the structures.

My “model” pose

Angkor Small Circuit: Angkor Wat Sunrise

Angkor Wat is the most famous Cambodian temple. This 12th century temple was originally built as a Hindu temple and then later became Buddhist temple.

I am there early, before 5 am to be exact. Myself and probably thousands of other people are there to watch what is the wonder of the Angkor Wat sunrise. When I arrive it is still dark. I cross the water bridge with many other people in pursuit of a spot to watch the sunrise.

Viewing around the lake proves popular, the crowd is already deep enough that I am unable to get an unobstructed view. I am disappointed so I wander around and try to at least find higher ground so I can see. That plan isn’t working so I push myself up to the crowd and hope the people surrounding me are generous with sharing the view with my short self.

Got my selfie in
At one point I walk around the lake and peer back at the crowds.

I slowly watch the sky change. The temple comes more into focus as time passes.

My photos are coming out only so-so therefore I head into the temple for some sightseeing before the sun fully rises and makes it unbearably hot.

I start along the perimeter of the temple. I marvel at the stone carvings along the wall.

I head further inside the temple to look around.

There is a long line to get up to the next level since they limit the amount of people at once. Once I arrive up top I view the line below.

Its getting warm and I still have many temples to see for the day so I head out. Despite the crowds it is a lovely temple to visit.

Heading back to exit gate
Exit and floating bridge

Angkor Big Circuit: Pre Rup +

Pre Rup is the Hindu temple where I am supposed to watch the sunset today after my long day of temple sightseeing.

If you think it looks similar to a temple I already posted you are probably right. It looks similar to the East Mebon temple I just visited.

Tuk tuk waiting

Turns out it is very cloudy and I cut my visit short in favor of just going back to the hotel early. My driver is surprised to see me so quickly and starts taking me back toward my hotel; but instead he makes a detour for the famous Angkor Wat so I can watch sunset there instead.

The stop to Angkor Wat was not planned for today so it is a pleasant surprise.

At the entrance the original bridge is closed for repairs. I walk along a long bouncy water bridge to get to the site for pictures and a good view.

  • Bridge under construction

I didn’t explore too much this evening because the plan is to be back early tomorrow to see the sunrise.

It is very beautiful and impressive in the evening, can’t wait for what the morning holds.