Temple Run Series : Angkor Wat

We’re back at Angkor Wat, this time to tour inside the temple. At first we wondered why this is our last for the day, since it’s just about 2 PM. Our guide told us that it will take 2 hours to tour inside. I did not believe at first, but then you won’t notice you will really be spending about that much time going around inside.

The Angkor Wat reflection in the afternoon.

Entering the Angkor Wat will start at this hallway, where walls are engraved with scenes during their war times.

Then you’re outdoors again, having a nearer sight of the temple towers.

You will also see engraved images of the apsara women in the temple walls.

And inside the temple you will find a monk, where you can get “prayed over” while he ties a yarn bracelet around your wrist.

Nearing the exit, is this huge statue, a place for their worship.

Heading out of the temple, the heat is intense again.

We were sent back to our hotel, where we got few hours of rest before our night itinerary – dinner buffet with Apsara dance, and shopping and massage at Angkor Night Market (yes , we went again!).

The buffet dinner was so-so. There were a lot of food to choose from, but for me there was nothing special or outstanding. It was also nice to see their cultural dance, but the music was too slow, that I felt sleepy while watching. 

We decided not to finish the whole show, and so we went to the night market. 

We still have half a day to spend the next day, so we’ve planned to visit the farther temples -- Banteay Srei and Pre Rup. 

Temple Run Series : Angkor Wat Sunrise and Angkor Thom

Day 4. 

It was an early start of the day, as our first agenda was to catch the sunrise at the Angkor Wat. We left the hotel at around 5AM, and we were first brought by our tuktuk driver to the ticket counter. 1 day pass costs $20, and if you get a 2 day pass, you get one extra day free. We have 1.5 days to spend at Cambodia so we bought the 2-day pass.  You don’t get to share your pass, as your photo will be taken which will be printed in the pass.

Then we headed straight to Angkor Wat. The sight is a must see, which is why tourists flock the temple even at this early.

After numerous shots of the temple taken (and the sun has fully risen :) ), we went back to the hotel to have our breakfast before our tour starts.

About 7:30 AM, we are all set to start the tour. Our tour guide has arrived at the hotel while we were having breakfast.

Our first stop,  Angkor Thom.  As explained to us by our guide, Angkor Thom is not a temple, but rather a city.

There are elephant rides available here for $15 and $20. We wanted to try the $20 one, which will include entering Angkor Thom aboard the elephant. There wasn’t any available though so we just took the one what will tour you around Bayon temple.

Pardon me, I can only tell you what feature the temple each has. The historical details did not retain long in my memory, as I had too much information learned that time. :)

Bayon temple is the first and largest temple inside Angkor Thom. The very distinct detail or feature which I (and definitely anyone) will remember are the stone faces you will see all around the towers of the temple.

Next is the Baphuon temple, which had a long bridge in the entrance. Also the first temple, I hiked up. A reminder for everyone who will visit this temple, respectful clothing is observed (generally it is and it should be, since temples are places of worship). Meaning, anyone with above-the-knee shorts and sleeveless shirts will be denied entrance to the temple.

Last temple we visited inside Angkor Thom is the Phimeanakas temple, which was built like a pyramid. Going inside the temple is another hike up a steep staircase. Nothing much to see at the top, so after a few minute rest and some photo ops, we immediately went back down.

By the time we were done with Angkor Thom, the heat has become more intense. So be sure to take along a drink with you while touring the temples.

Our next stop, Ta Keo.