Angkor - words are not enough...

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We don't really have words to describe how amazing the temples of Ankor were, so we'll let these pictures do the talking.

Overall, a brilliant three days to end our time in Cambodia, we loved Siem Riep as a base - great people, accomodation and food (wonderful Khmer restaurant recommended in Lonely Planet). Cycled ourselves to the temples on days 1 & 3 (gallons of water needed in the searing heat - Rob's salt crusted T-shirt was minging), and hired a tuk tuk with driver from sunrise to sunset on day 2, which allowed us to visit the slightly more distant temples in the 'Grand tour', plus make the journey out to Banteay Srei 14 km away. Very grumpy driver but with the scenery it really didn't matter.

Cath's favorite temples were the ones that were overgrown, Ta Prohm and the little visited group of about 6 smaller temples (Preah Pithu Group) in the centre of Angkor Thom. These lie opposite the main tourist attractions of the Terraces of the Elephants and Leper King and we were the only ones looking around. Bizarre when you consider how close they were to the other attractions and tourists. Rob liked the whole lot, but the temples with detailed bas reliefs were best (such as Banteay Srei and Angkor Wat).

If you want to geek out on the amazing history, culture, art and architecture, then Wikipedia has some of the low-down on this World Heritage site - Angkor - Wikipedia. This interactive map also illustrates the sheer size of the many Angkor cities that were built during the period.

Watched both sunset and sunrise at Angkor Wat. Just amazing. Words are failing now so look and see...

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Photos

Angkor Wat at dawn
4.30am start to the day, but worth it.

Angkor Wat at dusk
This view is through the windows on top of the Mountain Temple, west in to grounds of the temple complex.

Cartman - main entrance to Angkor Wat
Cartman found the crowds overbearing, but loved the many temples at Angkor.

Angkor Wat from the eastern end of the Naga Causeway
Look Cartman, no tourists! Cath waited for ages for this moment, was about to give up when her patience was rewarded.

Naga Bridge leading to Angkor Thom
Rows of devas on the left and asuras on the right are each holding a naga in the attitude of a tug-of-war. This is reference to the myth, popular in Angkor, of the Churning of the Sea of Milk.

The Bayon
The impressive Bayon was the last temple built in Angkor. Designed as a temple mountain to signify Mount Meru.

Face Towers - The Bayon
Numerous faces adorn the many towers of the Bayon.

Face Towers - The Bayon
Up closer, the faces are very serene and make for striking photos.

Bas-Relief (Devatas) - Angkor Wat
Devatas, minor female deities and heavenly nymphs.

Bas-Relief - Angkor
Historical, as well as religious scenes were carved onto the walls.

Bas-Relief - Banteay Srei
Arguably the best carvings can be seen at Banteay Srei.

Bas-Relief on Pediment - Banteay Srei
Up close, the red sandstone has preserved the elaborate and deeply carved decoration.

Trees at Angkor - Ta Prohm
When ´re-discovered´, the temples and sites in Angkor were literally covered in trees and vegetation. Many trees have been left to show how the buildings looked.

Trees at Angkor - Ta Keo
Not exactly Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft, but you feel like explorers clambering over these amazing sites.

Phnom Bakheng
Our first encounter with a temple at Angkor. And they only got better.

Comments

[Bradicus]

Cartman
Seems your travel buddy enjoys the extended holiday, though doesnt get a tan or lose weight. He's quite a guy..