After arranging a TukTuk to get me to and around Angkor, and getting my 3 day pass, it was off to the temples. Today was the mini-tour, which basically means Angkor Thom temples (the big complex behind Angkor Wat), Angkor Wat itself and some temples in between.
Tour starts by going around Angkor Wat, which already leaves you suitably impressed by the large moat and perimeter wall. You enter Angkor Thom via the south gate, and it’s balustrades of demons (I think) pulling on a naga (snake). Once inside, you visit the Bayon temple (the one with all the big 4-faced spires), the Baphoun temple, some terraces and lots of hawkers. The conversation goes:
“Sir, you buy Tshirt / guide book / bracelet / postcard / painting / scarf / pineapple / cold drink / water; for you good price, only x dawller.” (repeat x17)
“Maybe when you come back”
“Sir, I remember you”
The highest / central tower in the Bayon has had its faces fall off over the last 1000 odd years, but you can climb high enough to get good shots of the faces on the side towers.
Tour starts by going around Angkor Wat, which already leaves you suitably impressed by the large moat and perimeter wall. You enter Angkor Thom via the south gate, and it’s balustrades of demons (I think) pulling on a naga (snake). Once inside, you visit the Bayon temple (the one with all the big 4-faced spires), the Baphoun temple, some terraces and lots of hawkers. The conversation goes:
“Sir, you buy Tshirt / guide book / bracelet / postcard / painting / scarf / pineapple / cold drink / water; for you good price, only x dawller.” (repeat x17)
“Maybe when you come back”
“Sir, I remember you”
The highest / central tower in the Bayon has had its faces fall off over the last 1000 odd years, but you can climb high enough to get good shots of the faces on the side towers.
South gate approach
Angry naga-pulling demon - possibly because his bit of the naga is broken
Side profile
Tourists entering the south gate on elephant
Perimeter wall
Entry to the Bayon
Orange Buddhist parasol at the end
Steep steps up to one fo the libraries
Bayon towers
De-Hinduised carvings - the religion of choice changed after some of the temples were built, so various forms of conversion happened
Narrow gaps inside the temple
Traditional dancers waiting for something to happen
Main tower in the Bayon
Side tower over corridor roof
Lots of nice big trees all over the groundsThe Baphoun was largely closed for restoration, but the nearby terraces were accessible…..
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