Day 21 in Siem Reap - Temples, temples, and some more temples

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Our first full day in Siem Reap was full of temple hopping. We first took a 3km hike up a mountain to visit Kbal Spean, ancient temple built into a river bed. Then we moved onto Banteay Srei, Banteay Samrei, Preah Ko, Bakong, Rolous and Lolei temples (yes, literally all of these in one afternoon!). Our favorites were Kbal Spean, Banteay Srei and Preah Ko. We finished the day with a trip to town for some ice cream and veggie Khmer Food.

Overall it was a fantastic day. To say we were in awe of the temples would be an understatement, and to say we were not hot and sweaty would be a lie. Temperatures reached to ~96 degrees with significant humidity, and there was minimal shade to cool us off. At the end of the day, we burned our clothes...

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Photos

Kbal Spean
Some of the amazing views from the hike. Trail was empty, we felt like Indiana and Indiana-ette Wardle

Kbal Spean
Cheri happy...note that this was taken at the start of our 3km hike in 96 degree weather

Kbal Spean
Examples of some of the carvings within the river bed

Kbal Spean
At the base of the 1,000 Linga waters. Note, a Linga is the "male organ" of Shiva

Banteay Srei
This temple was started by a king but completed by priests
The couple was started by awesomeness

Banteay Srei
Although not huge, this temple is known for its elaborate carvings

Preah Ko
Cheri hanging with Nandi, the vimana of Shiva

Preah Ko
The king of beasts meets the king of studs

Bakong Temple
Amazing temple surrounded by moats (they were all the rage back in the day)

Comments

[Dave]

I'm confused
Which one is the king of beasts and which one is the king of studs?