Cambodia Diaries: The Temple of Phnom Bakheng

Most, if not all, of the temples in Angkor Wat are in ruins; in different degrees of severity. That is why rumors have been circulating for years that at some point it will be closed for restoration works. 

UNESCO, the Cambodian government through APSARA are hand-in-hand in preserving and restoring this archeological wonder. It's not only relevant for its religious significance; the engineering and architectural designs are noteworthy, too. Until today, it's still being studied by different experts, the world over. 

Time and political strife had been too unkind to the Temple of Phnom Bakheng. It's a temple that sits on a hill that provides a breathtaking view of the Angkor Wat Temple. 

Today, in spite and because of the influx of tourists, the temple only allows 300 visitors daily. It's too sacred to the Khmer people that guests who are in shorts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed to go up the hill.

 

 

Phnom Bakheng is also famous for its awesome sunsets. At around three o'clock, visitors are already flocking to the site to set up and be ready to capture that Siem Reap sunset. 

Unlike in Pre Rup, the sunset view here has an incredible horizon to lend any sunset shot a very romantic texture. 

Don't forget to put it in your temple list when you explore Angkor Wat. 

Xx

Sheng

 

Cambodia Diaries: Pre Rup Temple

The Pre Rup Temple is where you go to see the sunset. It's less touristy than its cousin Phnom Bakheng. Personally, I found this most impressive amongst the temples in the area. Although it plays a minor historical significance in the Khmer Empire, I found myself more in awe of the architectural design of this mountain temple. 

Hello, husband. Thanks for taking all the beautiful photos. 

Tyrone, hubby and resident photographer :)

 Jump shot, check! Done 4 meters above the ground. Awesome.

What's a trip without our obligatory jump shot?

 The beginnings of the sunset.

sunset alert!

Beautiful sunset, indeed.

Hello, sunset worshipers.

Whatever the original intent of this temple, whether it served as a crematorium to the royal family, what it is today makes my heart swell. Beautiful, beautiful place. 


Xx

Sheng

Cambodia Diaries: Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple

It baffled me at the onset why Angkor Thom is also called the Bayon Temple. Now it pays to have a very knowledgeable driver/guide. Since we did not avail ourselves of a guided tour, we rely mostly on the insights and information from our guide, Gana. 

He then explained that Angkor Thom is another city. Much similar to Angkor Wat but constructed by another King  Jayavarman VIII on a later empire in the 12th century. To understand the history more, click here.  

The South Gate of Angkor Thom

Xx

Sheng

Cambodia Diaries: The Pink Temple of Prasat Kravan

We started our Angkor Wat visit with a short glimpse of Prasat Kravan. To enter the Angkor Wat Complex, one must secure a ticket. There are 1-day (USD 20), 3-day (USD 40) and 7-day (USD 50) passes.

Buy your ticket here. Each tourist is required to be present as pictures are taken for each purchase. Ticket shows the ID photo of the ticket holder.

Helpful Information.

You cannot lend or sell your pass.

The temple of Prasat Kravan is quite small compared to the big temples in the Angkor Wat Complex but is worth visiting because of its uniqueness -- pink sandstone/reddish brick were used to build it. 

Temple Run?

Xx

Sheng