Siem Reap - A disneyland of ancient temples

Asia » Cambodia » North » Siem Reap
May 11th 2006

Published: September 10th 2006

9th May (Tues) - My mum and I flew to Siem Reap, Cambodia in the early morning. The flight was so early that my mum and I overslept and nearly missed the plane. In Siem Reap, my mum booked a taxi to bring us around. The driver brought us to Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, where we saw magnificient ancient temples with intact wall carvings and decorations... In the evening we went up Phnom Bakheng, a t... Read Full Entry

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Lau Chau Sang

autumncs

Born in Hong Kong and currently living in Singapore, I am a guy who loves travelling. Like many "travelholics" at TravelBlog, I'm so addicted to travelling that once I stopped travelling I will have withdrawal symptoms. Hence, to cure my addiction, I have to go somewhere at least once every 2 months. (I must admit that it is an expensive addiction. Haha. But at least addiction to travel is healthier than addiction to drugs/smoking/drinking...) I started using TravelBlog when I was doing my internship in Canada in 2005. (For older photos before my Canadian internship... full info

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The rocky path up to Phnom Bakheng

Phnom Bakheng (9th century) is the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area. Its hilltop location makes it a very popular spot to view sunset. However, to get to the top, one must climb this steep and poor-maintained path...

Phnom Bakheng

Finally, I reach the top of Phnom Bakheng. Unfortunately the sky is cloudy and we can't see the sunset. Nevertheless the view of the surroundings is superb.

Phnom Bakheng 2

Once again, to access the top of the temple, one must climb these steep stairs... (Why do ancient Cambodians have such a fancy for tall and narrow steps?)

Phnom Bakheng 3

My mum seems to have difficulty going down the steps...

Pre Rup

An architecturally superior temple-mountain built in the 10th century

Pre Rup 2

Banteay Srey

Meaning "Citadel of the women", Banteay Srey is built in the 10th century and is famous for its pink sandstone and ornate design.

Banteay Srey 2

These impressive carvings make the trip to Banteay Srey well worth the extra effort. (Banteay Srey lies around 40km from Siem Reap and the trip requires extra time and extra fee.)

Banteay Srey 3

Banteay Srey 4

The walls are falling inwards!

Cows shopping at the roadside stalls

Banteay Samre

Constructed around the same time as Angkor Wat, Banteay Samre underwent extensive restoration this century by archaeologists.

Banteay Samre 2

Children are often found loitering around temples and begging for money from tourists.

Banteay Samre 3

It's interesting to stand at one side of the temple and look through to the other side through the multiple doors.

Sras Srang

A picturesque man-made lake built in the 10th century

A girl asking my mum to buy jewellery

Banteay Kdei

A large monastic complex built in the 12th century

Banteay Kdei 2

Banteay Kdei 3

The age of the temple is evident when you see trees growing uncontrollably inside the temple grounds

Ta Prohm

Originally constructed as a Buddhist monastery in 12th century, Ta Prohm is left unrestored and it is now famous for its jungle atmosphere.

Ta Prohm 2

It is interesting to see well-preserved carvings amid a pile of collapsed stones.

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Siem Reap - A disneyland of ancient temples

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