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Since this was my last day to explore the temples I mapped out several of the smaller temples that I had breezed by on the way to the more popular spots. The first stop was Banteay Prei, built in the late 12th century. It is easy to see why this temple doesn't get much attention. It's not because it lacks anything but the small dirt road that leads to it is not well marked. It was however marked on my map and my great tuk-tuk driver knew exactly where it was. What a hidden little gem of a temple. I was the only one there and it was a great way to start the day. These smaller, out of the way temples only lack in size, not details. I have found some of my most rewarding moments in the seclusion of these little ancient havens. Just a few hundred yards down the same road was Prasat Prei, another 12th century temple. I had this place to myself too and enjoyed the solitude as I admired all the carvings, which I found to be extremely well detailed as the larger temples. From this quiet spot I headed back to the more crowded
Banteay Prei
A small secluded temple Angkor Thom complex. There was a small temple in the woods that I had read of and wanted to take a peek. Boy was I glad I did. Preah Palilay is set back a ways from the Baphon and is also fairly thin with tourists. There was just one other gentleman there besides myself and he left shortly after I arrived. This temple is another small but spectacular location. Like Ta Prohm, many of the huge trees that over took the structure have been left intact and it was a site to see. Once again going off of the beaten path had proven to be the right move. I spent the better part of an hour amongst the sprung trees and moss covered walls until it was off to the next location. I hadn't spent any time at the Terrace of the Leper King, which is next to the Terrace of the Elephants, so I decided to give it a look. It is a double terrace with deeply carved nagas, demons, and mythological characters. There is much debate about why it is called the Terrace of the Leper King but I found it to be pretty cool, especially the little
Banteay Prei
Hidden in the rubble Buddha statue perched at the top. As I walked across the road I came to the Preah Pithu group. This is a group of five small temples situated a couple of hundred yards off of the main road and while in full view, not very many tourists choose to visit them. Their loss was my gain. It was hard to believe that I could find so much peace and quiet amongst the heavily traveled tourist area. Just across the road the Terrace of the Elephants was crawling with people. I wandered around the temples which were spaced about 100 yards apart and managed to get some great images from a small moat surrounding one of them. Lunch was next on the menu so we headed of to a group of thatched covered places near the Bayon. As usual I let my driver recommend and as usual, he delivered. As I sat waiting for my meal I was surrounded by the small children selling their wares. I had resisted all week but since this was my last day I bargained for a couple of souvenirs. Boy was that a mistake, buy one thing and they are on you to buy fifty
Prasat Prei
Just down the road more. If nothing else, it provided me some entertainment while I waited for lunch. I finished eating and, since my driver had gotten a late start on his meal, I arranged for him to pick me up on the other side of the Bayon. The sun was out today in full force so I decided to take advantage of this and get a few more shots of those big smiling faces. As planned, I met my driver on the opposite side of the Bayon and we proceeded to the next site. There wasn't much to this little place with its solitary tower but I still found it to be an amazing little spot, surrounded by local huts and the occasional dog coming out to investigate me. My last stop of the day turned out to be one of the best. Phnom Bakheng is usually one that tourists reserve for the end of the day. It is called the mountain temple and for good reason. During the dry season there are two ways to get to the top, walk up the front of the hillside on what could loosely be called steps, or ride the elephants of the side trails. There
were no elephants around today so I chose to go straight up the steps. I was exhausted by the time I had climbed to the top but what a reward. The temple itself sits back from the steps by about 100 yards or so. It is a very large temple and was the first to be built in the Angkor area. It was built in the 9th century and instead of using quarried stones, the temple was built from the existing rock edifice. The view from the top was spectacular, offering wide vistas in all directions including the Eastern Baray, Tonle Sap lake, Siem Reap, and a great view of the Angkor Wat towers stick up through the jungle. It was an amazing view and I just didn't think I could top it with anything else so I called it a day. Not to mention the fact that I was dirty and sticky, and in terrible need of a bath. I will head out to dinner and maybe a little more shopping at the market after I finfish typing this although I do hear the rumblings of thunder in the distance.
My time here in Cambodia has been something
Preah Palilay
I had this place all to myself, what a find I will treasure my whole life. I see a lot of people coming through for a day or two of temple looking and then they are off to the next Asian location. They are truly selling Cambodia, and specifically Siem Reap, short by not staying longer and soaking up all that the area has to offer. The people of this country are kind and genuine and a pleasure to be around. I have enjoyed the town of Siem Reap almost as much as the temples. It is a town undergoing great transformations and it is fascinating to see how the people blend the old with the new and all with a smile on their faces. What most would see as poverty, they see as just their way of life and they don't sit back and wait for someone to take care of them. They are a hard working people and it's inspiring to see such determination mixed with the joy that they have for life. I hope that in reading this, you have been able to sample just a small bit of what I have enjoyed for the past week. It is a place that I highly recommend visiting and
Preah Palilay
More jungle intrusion in my opinion, the sooner, the better. And if you have time, ask me to see the rest of my pictures. It should only take a couple of days 😊
Take care, God bless, and safe travels,
Jeff
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Margaret
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Wow!
That reflection at Bayon is spectacular!! I just love the moss covered Buddah! What a beautiful face in the moss - is he smiling at you or is he a serene Buddha? Stunning! Have a safe journey home!!