Arkoun!

“Thank you!” in Khmer. After visiting a dozen temples in and around Angkor under close to 40C degree heat — I say goodbye and thank you to Cambodia! The temples are simply impressive, breathtaking and should be in every traveller’s list of must-see. The people are very friendly and helpful. There are many tourists in Siem Reap and Angkor and it is apparent that every effort is being made to cater to them. Costs are relatively reasonable, probably with the exception of hotel accommodations – but there is a variety of standards to choose from. The U.S. dollar is the currency being quoted and accepted by…

More Angkor Temples

March 21, 2014May 15, 2014 Categories: Cambodia · Siem Reap · TravelTags: Angkor · Banteay Kdei · Banteay Samre · Cambodia · Prasat Kravan · Pre Rup · SIem Reap · Temples · Travel

Here are the last four temples I visited in Angkor. Surprisingly, I haven’t felt “templed-out“. Each one does have its own distinct architecture, style and personality. Prasat Kravan was built in 921 for Hindu worship. Uninspiring from the outside, the brick carvings concealed within its towers are the hidden treasures. Prasat Kravan was partially restored in 1968. From the latter part of the 12th century, Banteay Kdei is a massive Buddhist monastery. Pre Rup means “Turning the Body” and refers to a traditional method of cremation. It is believed that this temple served as a royal crematorium. It consists of…

Preah Khan + Temples of Rolous

March 18, 2014May 15, 2014 Categories: Cambodia · Siem Reap · TravelTags: Angkor · Bakong · Cambodia · Lolei · Preah Khan · Preah Ko · Rolous · SIem Reap · Temples · Travel

Angkor boasts some of the largest religious monuments ever built as it is known as the “City of God-Kings“. Many of these temples and monuments are under conservation and restoration funded by international organizations that include UNESCO, France, Germany, Japan and the U.S.. Preah Khan or “Sacred Sword ” is one of the largest complexes and is a maze of vaulted corridors, fine carvings and stonework. It served as the temporary residence of the King while Angkor Thom was under construction. The Temples of Rolous (namely Lolei, Bakong , and Preah Ko) are among the earliest temple complexes built in the…

Ta Phrom & Banteay Srei

March 16, 2014May 15, 2014 Categories: Cambodia · Siem Reap · TravelTags: Angkor · Banteay Srei · Cambodia · SIem Reap · Ta Prohm · Temples · Travel2 Comments

Two of my favourite temples in Angkor are Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei. Ta Prohm is a classic example of the power of nature and the jungle. Built in 1186 and originally known as the Monastery of the King, Ta Prohm was a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of the King. Ultimately, its crumbling walls and towers ended up locked in with the vast root systems of trees. Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft — as scenes from the Tomb Raider movie was filmed here. Considered the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art, Banteay Srei is made from pinkish…

Angkor Wat

March 14, 2014May 15, 2014 Categories: Cambodia · Siem Reap · TravelTags: Angkor · Angkor Wat · Cambodia · SIem Reap · Travel

The biggest draw for tourists into Cambodia is the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat, which means “Temple that is a City“. Considered as the largest religious building in the world in a complex that covers 97 sq. kms., Angkor Wat represents Mount Meru of Hindu mythology as the home of the gods and the kings. Built in the 12th century, this temple is the pinnacle of Khmer architecture with its highest tower at 669 feet. Virtually abandoned for 600 years, until French naturalist Henri Mouhot stumbled into it in 1861. Angkor Wat is dedicated to Vishnu and the only…

Angkor Thom

March 12, 2014May 15, 2014 Categories: Architecture · Cambodia · Siem Reap · TravelTags: Angkor · Angkor Thom · Baphoun · Bayon · Cambodia · SIem Reap · Travel

One of the world’s magnificent marvels are the ruins of the ancient city of Angkor in Cambodia. Angkor used to be the capital of the Khmer Kingdom from A.D. 802 until A.D. 1295. Meaning “The Great City” in Khmer, Angkor Thom is an impressive temple complex famed for its 148-ft central temple, Bayon and nearby Baphoun. Angkor Thom covers a vast area with over a mile on one side and filled with elaborate reliefs, statues and carvings. The Bayon is the centerpiece of the Angkor Thom complex, with its classic 216 huge stone carved smiling faces, typically set in groups of four and each…

Siem Reap

March 11, 2014May 15, 2014 Categories: Cambodia · Siem Reap · TravelTags: Angkor · Cambodia · SIem Reap · Tonle Sap Lake · Travel

Siem Reap in Cambodia means “Siam Defeated“, referring to the 16th century victory that solidified the Khmer Kingdom from the Thais. Located in western Cambodia, it is a small town located 6 kilometers south of the world famous temples of the ancient city of Angkor. Siem Reap is now populated by large five-star hotels and resorts, numerous restaurants and shops catering to the many tourists visiting the temples. An international airport handles flights from Southeast Asia. A break from all the temples is the floating village of Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia that provides a…

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Tag: Cambodia