Siemreab Plants & Animals
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Siemreab, Cambodia
If you go here, you know what you came to see: hundreds of ancient temples that had been swallowed by the jungle, particularly the deservedly famous Angkor Wat. You will not stop with AW, of course, as there are also Angkor Tom, Bayon, Banteay Srei, Ta Phrom, and many, many more worth seeing. Getting to the top of Angkor Wat is a strenuous climb and not for those afraid of heights, but is well worth it for those who visit. Visit early in the morning when the heat and crowds are not so oppressive.
Bring a digital camera with a zoom lens and LOTS of batteries and a large memory card. You will want to take a lot of photos. We brought a laptop so we could upload the photos every night at the hotel, keeping the memory cards fresh for the next day.
When visiting the temples, don't forget that there are people who live there in extreme poverty. They are not just begging and trying to sell handicrafts because they want to annoy you. Visit a village and see how they live. The Cambodians we met in this area were exceptionally friendly and welcoming to visitors. No visit would be complete without taking a little time to get to know some of them.
Bring a digital camera with a zoom lens and LOTS of batteries and a large memory card. You will want to take a lot of photos. We brought a laptop so we could upload the photos every night at the hotel, keeping the memory cards fresh for the next day.
When visiting the temples, don't forget that there are people who live there in extreme poverty. They are not just begging and trying to sell handicrafts because they want to annoy you. Visit a village and see how they live. The Cambodians we met in this area were exceptionally friendly and welcoming to visitors. No visit would be complete without taking a little time to get to know some of them.
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom is one of the most famous temples in the Angkor system, behind Angkor Wat and the Jungle Temple. Also known as the Banyon, this temple is best known for the faces carved into the many facades on the temple. Most visitors choose to spend sunrise and sunset at Angkor Wat, but I highly recommend skipping the crowds and enjoying the sunset at Angkor Thom. The setting sun reflects beautifully off the stony faces of the Banyon and this usually crowded temple is relatively vacant around sunset as most of the tourists flock to nearby Angkor Wat at this time. I believe that it is the best time to see Angkor Thom and we were nearly alone, save for a lone monk and one or two other tourists. Any other time of day this popular temple is overrun with other visitors.
During our exploration we encountered a nun who was attending one of the Buddha statues housed inside the Banyon. She greeted us warmly and offered us each three sticks of burning incense to make and offering to the Buddha. We followed her lead as she blessed us and showed us the proper way to pay our respects. In return for this a small donation is expected but well worth the experience.
Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/srtemples.htm
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Preah Pithu Group After visiting Angkor Wat we continued into Angkor Thom. The major draws of Angkor Thom are The Banyon, The Baphuon, The Terrace of the Elephants The Terrace of the Leper King but there are other lesser temples in the area where you are less likely to find the hordes of tourists. We had every intention of starting with the Terrace of the Elephants and working back to the Banyon but when we arrived and saw all the people we made a run for the Preah Pithu Group. Not only were we the only visitors in site, these lesser temples are relatively hidden in the jungle providing much needed relief from the blazing heat of the morning sun. The Preah Pithu Group is made up of five smallish temples of both Hindu and Buddhist origins. They were constructed in the early 12th Century for Suryavaman II. The temples are in need of restoration but are easy to explore. And many of the artifacts and statues belonging to these temples are on the jungle floor giving visitors a chance to examine them up-close and personal. But remember it is illegal to remove artifacts from Angkor so please resist the temptation and leave them in place so other visitors may enjoy them too. Directions: Located in Angkor Thom across the road from the Terrace of the Leper King and just above Prasats Suor Prat. Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-preahpithu.htm
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Ta Prohm, The "Tomb Raider" Temple One of the most popular temples in Angkor is Ta Prohm, also known as the Jungle Temple. Ta Prohm was built for Jayvarman VII in the mid 12th to early 13th centuries. Its modern-day fame spread by it’s inclusion the recent “Tomb Raider” movies starring Angelina Jolie, because of which this temple is always high on any tourist list and is therefore crowded most of the day. I highly recommend visiting this site first thing in the morning if you’re looking to avoid the crowds. Since most people visit legendary Angkor Wat for sunrise Ta Prohm is generally quiet then. Our second day in Angkor we visited Ta Prohm second, after sunrise at Sras Srang and a quick trip to Banteay Kdei, allowing us to explore this breathtaking site in relative calm. Directions: West of Banteay Kdei on the Small Tour Circuit Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-taprohm.htm
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Ta Keo
Perhaps one of my favorite temples that we visited in Angkor was Ta Keo. I think it was more of the whole experience we had while visiting this temple that made it so special. We arrived here on our second morning after a visit to Ta Prohm and we were the only visitors to the temple when we arrived. Ta Keo features an extremely steep set of stairs you must climb to reach the top of the temples. Fortunately, this temple is not as popular as the famous Angkor Wat, so although the steps here are as precipitous you’re not competing with the hordes to scale them so it’s a seemingly less dangerous climb. Construction on Ta Keo was begun in the late 10th century and completed in the 11th century for Jayavarman V. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Ta Keo means Mountain with Golden Peaks.
During our visit we climbed to the top of the temple and started to explore. The upper level of Ta Keo provides great views of the surrounding jungle and gives a nice birds-eye view the temple. Here we encountered a small group of temple children who apparently care for, and live in and around this temple. These children weren’t selling anything and were more interested in playing with the other children in the temple than wacky tourists like us. Later into our visit we were joined by more guests, some being a group of saffron robed monks who acted more like teenaged tourists than introspective men of the cloth. They were as fascinated with us (and the other tourists) as we were of them.
Directions: Past the Victory (East) Gate of Angkor Thom on the Small Tour Circuit on the western border of the East Baray. Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-takeo.htm
Good tip?
(0)
Siemreab, Cambodia
If you go here, you know what you came to see: hundreds of ancient temples that had been swallowed by the jungle, particularly the deservedly famous Angkor Wat. You will not stop with AW, of course, as there are also Angkor Tom, Bayon, Banteay Srei, Ta Phrom, and many, many more worth seeing. Getting to the top of Angkor Wat is a strenuous climb and not for those afraid of heights, but is well worth it for those who visit. Visit early in the morning when the heat and crowds are not so oppressive.
Bring a digital camera with a zoom lens and LOTS of batteries and a large memory card. You will want to take a lot of photos. We brought a laptop so we could upload the photos every night at the hotel, keeping the memory cards fresh for the next day.
When visiting the temples, don't forget that there are people who live there in extreme poverty. They are not just begging and trying to sell handicrafts because they want to annoy you. Visit a village and see how they live. The Cambodians we met in this area were exceptionally friendly and welcoming to visitors. No visit would be complete without taking a little time to get to know some of them.
Bring a digital camera with a zoom lens and LOTS of batteries and a large memory card. You will want to take a lot of photos. We brought a laptop so we could upload the photos every night at the hotel, keeping the memory cards fresh for the next day.
When visiting the temples, don't forget that there are people who live there in extreme poverty. They are not just begging and trying to sell handicrafts because they want to annoy you. Visit a village and see how they live. The Cambodians we met in this area were exceptionally friendly and welcoming to visitors. No visit would be complete without taking a little time to get to know some of them.
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom is one of the most famous temples in the Angkor system, behind Angkor Wat and the Jungle Temple. Also known as the Banyon, this temple is best known for the faces carved into the many facades on the temple. Most visitors choose to spend sunrise and sunset at Angkor Wat, but I highly recommend skipping the crowds and enjoying the sunset at Angkor Thom. The setting sun reflects beautifully off the stony faces of the Banyon and this usually crowded temple is relatively vacant around sunset as most of the tourists flock to nearby Angkor Wat at this time. I believe that it is the best time to see Angkor Thom and we were nearly alone, save for a lone monk and one or two other tourists. Any other time of day this popular temple is overrun with other visitors.
During our exploration we encountered a nun who was attending one of the Buddha statues housed inside the Banyon. She greeted us warmly and offered us each three sticks of burning incense to make and offering to the Buddha. We followed her lead as she blessed us and showed us the proper way to pay our respects. In return for this a small donation is expected but well worth the experience.
Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/srtemples.htm
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Preah Pithu Group After visiting Angkor Wat we continued into Angkor Thom. The major draws of Angkor Thom are The Banyon, The Baphuon, The Terrace of the Elephants The Terrace of the Leper King but there are other lesser temples in the area where you are less likely to find the hordes of tourists. We had every intention of starting with the Terrace of the Elephants and working back to the Banyon but when we arrived and saw all the people we made a run for the Preah Pithu Group. Not only were we the only visitors in site, these lesser temples are relatively hidden in the jungle providing much needed relief from the blazing heat of the morning sun. The Preah Pithu Group is made up of five smallish temples of both Hindu and Buddhist origins. They were constructed in the early 12th Century for Suryavaman II. The temples are in need of restoration but are easy to explore. And many of the artifacts and statues belonging to these temples are on the jungle floor giving visitors a chance to examine them up-close and personal. But remember it is illegal to remove artifacts from Angkor so please resist the temptation and leave them in place so other visitors may enjoy them too. Directions: Located in Angkor Thom across the road from the Terrace of the Leper King and just above Prasats Suor Prat. Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-preahpithu.htm
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Ta Prohm, The "Tomb Raider" Temple One of the most popular temples in Angkor is Ta Prohm, also known as the Jungle Temple. Ta Prohm was built for Jayvarman VII in the mid 12th to early 13th centuries. Its modern-day fame spread by it’s inclusion the recent “Tomb Raider” movies starring Angelina Jolie, because of which this temple is always high on any tourist list and is therefore crowded most of the day. I highly recommend visiting this site first thing in the morning if you’re looking to avoid the crowds. Since most people visit legendary Angkor Wat for sunrise Ta Prohm is generally quiet then. Our second day in Angkor we visited Ta Prohm second, after sunrise at Sras Srang and a quick trip to Banteay Kdei, allowing us to explore this breathtaking site in relative calm. Directions: West of Banteay Kdei on the Small Tour Circuit Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-taprohm.htm
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Ta Keo
Perhaps one of my favorite temples that we visited in Angkor was Ta Keo. I think it was more of the whole experience we had while visiting this temple that made it so special. We arrived here on our second morning after a visit to Ta Prohm and we were the only visitors to the temple when we arrived. Ta Keo features an extremely steep set of stairs you must climb to reach the top of the temples. Fortunately, this temple is not as popular as the famous Angkor Wat, so although the steps here are as precipitous you’re not competing with the hordes to scale them so it’s a seemingly less dangerous climb. Construction on Ta Keo was begun in the late 10th century and completed in the 11th century for Jayavarman V. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Ta Keo means Mountain with Golden Peaks.
During our visit we climbed to the top of the temple and started to explore. The upper level of Ta Keo provides great views of the surrounding jungle and gives a nice birds-eye view the temple. Here we encountered a small group of temple children who apparently care for, and live in and around this temple. These children weren’t selling anything and were more interested in playing with the other children in the temple than wacky tourists like us. Later into our visit we were joined by more guests, some being a group of saffron robed monks who acted more like teenaged tourists than introspective men of the cloth. They were as fascinated with us (and the other tourists) as we were of them.
Directions: Past the Victory (East) Gate of Angkor Thom on the Small Tour Circuit on the western border of the East Baray. Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-takeo.htm
Good tip?
(0)
Siemreab, Cambodia
If you go here, you know what you came to see: hundreds of ancient temples that had been swallowed by the jungle, particularly the deservedly famous Angkor Wat. You will not stop with AW, of course, as there are also Angkor Tom, Bayon, Banteay Srei, Ta Phrom, and many, many more worth seeing. Getting to the top of Angkor Wat is a strenuous climb and not for those afraid of heights, but is well worth it for those who visit. Visit early in the morning when the heat and crowds are not so oppressive.
Bring a digital camera with a zoom lens and LOTS of batteries and a large memory card. You will want to take a lot of photos. We brought a laptop so we could upload the photos every night at the hotel, keeping the memory cards fresh for the next day.
When visiting the temples, don't forget that there are people who live there in extreme poverty. They are not just begging and trying to sell handicrafts because they want to annoy you. Visit a village and see how they live. The Cambodians we met in this area were exceptionally friendly and welcoming to visitors. No visit would be complete without taking a little time to get to know some of them.
Bring a digital camera with a zoom lens and LOTS of batteries and a large memory card. You will want to take a lot of photos. We brought a laptop so we could upload the photos every night at the hotel, keeping the memory cards fresh for the next day.
When visiting the temples, don't forget that there are people who live there in extreme poverty. They are not just begging and trying to sell handicrafts because they want to annoy you. Visit a village and see how they live. The Cambodians we met in this area were exceptionally friendly and welcoming to visitors. No visit would be complete without taking a little time to get to know some of them.
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom is one of the most famous temples in the Angkor system, behind Angkor Wat and the Jungle Temple. Also known as the Banyon, this temple is best known for the faces carved into the many facades on the temple. Most visitors choose to spend sunrise and sunset at Angkor Wat, but I highly recommend skipping the crowds and enjoying the sunset at Angkor Thom. The setting sun reflects beautifully off the stony faces of the Banyon and this usually crowded temple is relatively vacant around sunset as most of the tourists flock to nearby Angkor Wat at this time. I believe that it is the best time to see Angkor Thom and we were nearly alone, save for a lone monk and one or two other tourists. Any other time of day this popular temple is overrun with other visitors.
During our exploration we encountered a nun who was attending one of the Buddha statues housed inside the Banyon. She greeted us warmly and offered us each three sticks of burning incense to make and offering to the Buddha. We followed her lead as she blessed us and showed us the proper way to pay our respects. In return for this a small donation is expected but well worth the experience.
Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/srtemples.htm
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Preah Pithu Group After visiting Angkor Wat we continued into Angkor Thom. The major draws of Angkor Thom are The Banyon, The Baphuon, The Terrace of the Elephants The Terrace of the Leper King but there are other lesser temples in the area where you are less likely to find the hordes of tourists. We had every intention of starting with the Terrace of the Elephants and working back to the Banyon but when we arrived and saw all the people we made a run for the Preah Pithu Group. Not only were we the only visitors in site, these lesser temples are relatively hidden in the jungle providing much needed relief from the blazing heat of the morning sun. The Preah Pithu Group is made up of five smallish temples of both Hindu and Buddhist origins. They were constructed in the early 12th Century for Suryavaman II. The temples are in need of restoration but are easy to explore. And many of the artifacts and statues belonging to these temples are on the jungle floor giving visitors a chance to examine them up-close and personal. But remember it is illegal to remove artifacts from Angkor so please resist the temptation and leave them in place so other visitors may enjoy them too. Directions: Located in Angkor Thom across the road from the Terrace of the Leper King and just above Prasats Suor Prat. Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-preahpithu.htm
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Ta Prohm, The "Tomb Raider" Temple One of the most popular temples in Angkor is Ta Prohm, also known as the Jungle Temple. Ta Prohm was built for Jayvarman VII in the mid 12th to early 13th centuries. Its modern-day fame spread by it’s inclusion the recent “Tomb Raider” movies starring Angelina Jolie, because of which this temple is always high on any tourist list and is therefore crowded most of the day. I highly recommend visiting this site first thing in the morning if you’re looking to avoid the crowds. Since most people visit legendary Angkor Wat for sunrise Ta Prohm is generally quiet then. Our second day in Angkor we visited Ta Prohm second, after sunrise at Sras Srang and a quick trip to Banteay Kdei, allowing us to explore this breathtaking site in relative calm. Directions: West of Banteay Kdei on the Small Tour Circuit Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-taprohm.htm
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Ta Keo
Perhaps one of my favorite temples that we visited in Angkor was Ta Keo. I think it was more of the whole experience we had while visiting this temple that made it so special. We arrived here on our second morning after a visit to Ta Prohm and we were the only visitors to the temple when we arrived. Ta Keo features an extremely steep set of stairs you must climb to reach the top of the temples. Fortunately, this temple is not as popular as the famous Angkor Wat, so although the steps here are as precipitous you’re not competing with the hordes to scale them so it’s a seemingly less dangerous climb. Construction on Ta Keo was begun in the late 10th century and completed in the 11th century for Jayavarman V. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Ta Keo means Mountain with Golden Peaks.
During our visit we climbed to the top of the temple and started to explore. The upper level of Ta Keo provides great views of the surrounding jungle and gives a nice birds-eye view the temple. Here we encountered a small group of temple children who apparently care for, and live in and around this temple. These children weren’t selling anything and were more interested in playing with the other children in the temple than wacky tourists like us. Later into our visit we were joined by more guests, some being a group of saffron robed monks who acted more like teenaged tourists than introspective men of the cloth. They were as fascinated with us (and the other tourists) as we were of them.
Directions: Past the Victory (East) Gate of Angkor Thom on the Small Tour Circuit on the western border of the East Baray. Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-takeo.htm
Good tip?
(0)
