day 70.... angkor wat

angkor wat temple (12th century)

the most touted site in siem reap

so is it worth the hype?

well yes and no

while it's remarkably preserved and exquisitely detailed

some of the more interesting bits remain off limits. which is somewhat understood considering the bazillion tourists lurking just out of frame. that said i prefer something a little less precious to climb on. those less love dilapidated jungle ruins are my pick of the liter... sure they're not as grand and postcard perfect. but they're much quieter and sooo much fun to stumble through (literally).

that said angkor wat is still amazing

day 69 .......... preah khan

the temple of preah khan (12th century).
a place of ever changing scales

from the 16ft high entry you're slowly compressed down to the 8ft inner sanctum

from there each turn reveals

sleeping figures

forgotten altars

lost heros

and hidden gods

day 68..... banteay kdei

enter the monestary of banteay kdei (12th century)

a temple never quite finished due to deficient construction. apparently the lowest bidder was low for a reason

it never the less makes for a nice stroll

day 68.... temple of banteay srei

temple of banteay srei (10th century)

although small in size, the decorative carvings on this temple make it a site unto itself

a place everyone can appreciate

and after 1000 years in the elements, most details remain crisp as the day they were made

day 67 cont.... ta prohm monastery

ta prohm monastery (12th century)

now bears more than a holy significance

this flora being more impressive than the structure it now consumes

we've also been told this location was used in the filming of tomb raider. note this shot was taken (the split second) between retards doing their best lara croft impression.

did i mention the trees are impressive?

day 67..... angkor thom

getting gassed up for the sites

first stop bayon (late 12th century)

where king jayavarman watches your every move

and we stopped to appreciate his

onwards we pass the terrace of the leper king (12th century)

where michelle took relief with the elephants

last but not least we climbed phimeanakas (10th century)

a modest size temple and break from other tourists