Siem Reap, Cambodia - Preah Ko

Preah Ko is the first temple built in Roluos, which is 15km south of Siem Reap.

There are six brick towers in this temple.


Unlike the first set of temples we visited, this temple is made of bricks instead of large stones.

Inscriptions

Some of the doors in Preah Ko have inscriptions carved on it.

Lime Mortar



Instead of carved stone, images are made out of lime mortar.

Stone Lintels


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Siem Reap, Cambodia - Ta Prohm

Entrance to Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is one of the popular temples in Siem Reap. Ta Prohm was one of the locations where Tomb Raider was shot.

Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is one of the heavily damaged ruins. Surprisingly, it was not a war or major distaster that destroyed this temple.

The temple was destroyed by the large trees that grew between the stones.

Silk Cotton trees



Silk cotton trees grew all around the temple and destroyed many of the structures.

Strangler Fig trees


Strangler fig trees have also grown large and destroyed the temple.


Here you'll see how large the trees are compared to one of the tourists walking.

Ta Prohm Ruins










Blocked

There are many pathways in Ta Prohm that have been blocked by fallen stone.

Apsara

Images of the Apsara are found along the temple walls.

Strangled Buddha

This strangled image of a buddha is a popular attraction in Ta Prohm.

It may seem big, but the image of the buddha under the tree is just one feet tall.

Wall Carvings

Many stone wall carvings are also present here. These walls are 2 storeys high.

Restoration

There's extensive restoration in this temple due to its popularity to tourists.


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Siem Reap, Cambodia - Banteay Samre

Guardians

Stone lions guard the entrance to Banteay Samre.

Stone Bridge

The stone bridge lets you cross what used to be a moat.

Banteay Samre

Banteay Samre is a little farther from Angkor Wat. However, you will find that its towers have very similar designs.

Walls

Walls of Banteay Samre.

Prayers

Some worshipers place offerings around different areas of the temple. Some of them accept donations in exchange for prayers.

Linga


Many symbols of Linga can be seen within this temple. The linga in this temple vary in sizes.

Galleries

Entrance to the galleries.

Libraries


Banteay Samre also has its own library.

Door Carvings

Intricate designs are also seen in this temple.

Cruciform Terrace

A Cruciform Terrace is also seen in Banteay Samre. Unfortunately, this section has lost its roof.

Rear Entrance

The rear entrance is where you will most likely start your journey into Banteay Samre as the main entrance is not accessible by road.

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Siem Reap, Cambodia - Pre Rup

Pre Rup





Pre Rup was the State Temple of King Rajendravarman's capital.

Pre Rup means, 'turning the body'. Although this meaning is said to be misleading. Turning the body of a corpse is a cremation rite.

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Siem Reap, Cambodia - Phnom Bakheng

Pilgrimage

Many tourists make their climb up the hill to see the sunset at Phnom Bakheng.

There used to be a steep stair climb, but this has been made unsafe by the rain. You have to use the long winding road or the elephant trail to go up.

Phnom Bakheng

Phnom Bakheng was the State temple of the first city of Angkor.

The Wait

Many tourists gather at Phnom Bakheng to watch the sunset.

Angkor Wat



You can see Angkor Wat from a distance from the top of Phnom Bakheng.

Sundown


This is is your reward for the long climb up the hill.

...more to come.

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Siem Reap, Cambodia - Angkor Wat (Part 2)

Apsara

Apsaras are supernatural beautiful and elegant young girls. They are proficient in the art of dancing.

They entertained the rulers and heroes of the past.

Birds


Monkeys

The pillars and walls of Angkor Wat is covered with carvings.

The images range from birds, flowers, monkeys or full stories of the rulers and the gods.

Bas-reliefs

Bas-reliefs are considered the greatest of Khmer art. These are stone carvings that cover the exterior of the walls of the main temple.

The carvings run for a total of 600m in length and 2m high.

37 Heavens and 32 Hells


This bas-relief depics the 37 Heavens and 32 Hells derived from the Indian tradition.

The carving above shows a god deciding on who will go to heaven and who will go to hell.

Battle of Langka


This bas-relief is an episode of Ramayana, an Indian epic tale.

Rama's monkey army fight the Demon King Ravana's army to rescue his wife Sita, who was captured and held hostage in Lanka.

Erasures


The stone carvers also made mistakes during this time.

To correct mistakes, they bore holes and plug in a new stone so they can carve again.



.. more of Siem Reap to come..

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Siem Reap, Cambodia - Angkor Wat (Part 1)

Angkor Wat Entrance

Before entering the temple grounds, you'll see the moat surrounding Angkor Wat. The moat and the temple grounds is about 1.5km by 1.3km .

A moat is present in temple designs. However, most have dried up or has been destroyed through time.

Bridge

The temple and everything enclosed by the moat represent the universe.

Library

Libraries are smaller structures within the temple grounds.

Their libraries don't have books. Instead, they have carvings on the walls telling history, religion and other stories.

Looking Through

A view of Angkor Wat through one of the libraries.

Angkor Vat


Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument. Angkor Wat is also known as the "city (which became a) pagoda."

It was build during the reign of Suryavarman II as the capital and State Temple dedicated to Vishnu.

Basins

There are four are basins used for blessings within the main building.

Cruciform Cloister (inside)


Cruciform Cloister (outside)

The Cruciform Cloister is the covered path around the basins.

It is also known as the "Hall of the Thousand Buddhas. Only a few remaining Buddha statues can be seen.

Towers of Angkor




Angkor Wat is usually seen with just 3 towers. The temple is actually made up of 5 towers.

There are towers on each corner of the square-shaped temple and larger tower at the center.

Second Level Galleries

Path to the second level galleries.

Stone Piles

There are many stones scattered around Angkor. Restorers could no longer find where the stone pieces fit.

... to be continued..

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