Photo Love/Travel Log: My Favorite Temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia

A mix of Angelina Jolie and Wikipedia may be equally responsible for the popularity of Cambodia.  But if you really want to understand the aura and history of Cambodia, you should go to Siem Reap.  Siem Reap is the home of Angkor Wat as well as a number of other ancient temples.  But don’t get “templed” out too quickly!  You will start to see the differences in the temples and appreciate the workmanship of these wondrous buildings.  We got day passes for $20 each, but you can get a pass for up to one week (for $60). Come along with me for a virtual tour of the beautiful temples.

Angkor Wat
One can’t visit Siem Reap and NOT go to Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building.  I expected it to be larger (it is large but also quite spread out).  Angkor Wat is almost castle-like in its division of the central tower, smaller towers and moat; this also symbolizes the Hindu Mt. Meru.  Angkor Wat can be crowded at dawn (when we first got there) and tons of toursits hoped to catch the almost heavenly glow of the sun over Angkor Wat’s main towers.  But if you get there during rainy season (like us), you’ll just see gradual brightening of the sky with no sun in sight – maybe not worth it, but at least the temple is less crowded at 7 am!  My favorite part of Angkor was the small niches in the main temple.  There was a serenity and calm that helped me appreciate the bas-relief carvings in my own time.  My husband was exhausted and practically sleeping on stone steps.

But it is still nice to explore the temple, go back to your hotel and rest/eat, and proceed to the rest of the temples!

Ta Keo
This unfinished temple was built in about the year 1000 by Jayavarman V and was never finished.  It rises 50 m tall and there is something relaxing and satisfying about sitting atop those steep stone steps (I got minor vertigo – always go sideways and use your hands as well if you don’t feel comfortable with steep stairs).  Yes these workers were also carry 12 foot wooden beams and zipping along!

Prasat Kravan
After seeing multiple temples, we ended up appreciating when we could find differences in the temples.  Prasat Kravan was a temple composed of five sections and the main one (that we could visit) was devoted to Vishnu (Hindu god).  We enjoyed being able to go inside, practically touch the carvings (I wouldn’t do that though), and enjoy the view.

Ta Prohm
This is also the “Tomb Raider”temple and difficult to navigate when you enter.  This 12th century Buddhist temple has been in its current condition for at least a century.  It is the most stunning example of how nature can consume man-made structures.  Moss, plants, and trees grow on top of, around, and inside this temple.

Bayon complex – Terrace of the Elephants & Terrace of the Leper King
Bayon complex was built about 1200 by Jayavarman VII, the sprawling Bayon complex houses two interesting sites – the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.  Both are currently flat structures that were used for public ceremonies and parades.
The Terrace of the Elephants is guarded by 3-headed elephants.

The Terrace of the Leper King is interesting because it contains a hidden hidden trench within the front retaining wall; the carvings here appear to sneer at you and it makes for a cool stroll.

More pictures including Sras Srang waterside temple and Banteay Kdei (endless doorways) on Facebook.