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Angkor Thom consists of a collection of ancient ruins whereas Angkor Wat is one single massive building. Angkor Thom includes many temples, terraces, as well as the royal palace - of which what remains are the walls and the royal ponds.

Angkor Thom

 

South Gate

 

Scenery at South Gate worth a stop. Instead of riding pass the gate, is advisable to walk across it.

The causeway is lined with stone figures of Devas or gods on the left and Asuras or demons on left tugging on a naga. This is a stone representation of the ancient Hindu creation myth, Churning of the Ocean of Milk,

Bayon

 

Is richly decorated Khmer temple at Angkor in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th or early 13th century as the official state temple of the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII. It has  216 gigantic faces on the temple's towers to other statues of the king has led many scholars to the conclusion that the faces are representations of Jayavarman VII himself. 

To me Bayon is one of the most unique temples, the stone faces stand out than all the other temples. To explore the temple start anti clock wise. The outer gallery filled with carving on walls depicted daily lives, depicting market and also historical events. 

Note: This is one famous temple and expects some crowd here. My friend told me to visit the site first at 6-7am to avoid the crowd. 

Baphuan Temple

 

Built in the mid-11th century, it is a three-tiered temple mountain built as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.  In the late 15th century, the Baphuon was converted to a Buddhist temple. A 9 meter tall by 70 meter long statue of a reclining Buddha was built on the west side's second level - wikipedia

 

Is a majestic temple with a raise walkway which is used to be a causeway. The temple restoration was attempted several times and only completed to what is seen now in April 2011 by French archilogist team. Temple built in lush tree surrounding, a good escape in this hot weather. Pay close attention to the wall at W side, is a reclining Buddha.

Phimeanakas is slightly hidden as well however the tower is quite high and you would not able to miss it. Stairs to the tower located at the back of the temple and the steps are steep. 

Phimeanakas 

 

Is a Hindu temple in the Khleang style, built at the end of the 10th century, during the reign of Rajendravarman (from 941-968), then rebuilt by Suryavarman II in the shape of a three tier pyramid as a Hindu temple. On top of the pyramid there was a tower, while on the edge of top platform there are galleries.

According to legend, the king spent the first watch of every night with a woman thought to represent a Nāga in the tower, during that time, not even the queen was permitted to intrude. Only in the second watch the king returned to his palace with the queen. If the naga who was the supreme land owner of Khmer land did not show up for a night, the king's day would be numbered, if the king did not show up, calamity would strike his land. --wikipedia

Note: Proper attire required to access to top level temple.
Climb up to the top level and there are stone facades surrounding that gives Athens feels. 

Elephant Terrace


300m long royal platform runs from Baphuon to Terrace of Leper King. Instead of walking on the terrace, walk on the grass ground. You’ll be greeted by 3 headed elephants with their three trunks pulling lotuses. Along the wall also has carving of elephants. 

Terrace of Leper King

 

The statue was called the "Leper King" because discolouration and moss growing on it was reminiscent of a person with leprosy, and also because it fit in with a Cambodian legend of an Angkorian kingYasovarman I who had leprosy.

--Wikipedia

 

Is adjoining from Terrance of Elephants. Climb down and walk into 3m high wall consists of several interesting carvings. 

Phnom Bakheng

 

Is a Hindu temple in the form of a temple mountain.

It takes about 2km hike to reach the temple but the hike is not strenuous. Alternate way is to catch a ride on an elephant for USD20. 

Spare bout 30 mins for the hike, reach the temple at 5pm. Was told no one allow to go up the temple after 5pm but I did see a huge crowd flocking the temple near sunset. Bring your umbrella with you coz is gonna be very hot and you will see everyone hiding behind shadow of the stones.
 

*Note: Dress appropriate to enter the temple and tripod not allow.
 

For photographer enthusiast, this place can be a miss. The sunset here is not worth the hike and crowd squeezing. 

>> Day 2

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