Raiding the Angkor Temples at Siem Reap

We took advantage of our guesthouse -Bou Savy's package which includes the Angkor Temple Tour for inner circle. We have to pay US$20 for one day ticket and have our picture taken. Our driver then showed to us the map with our itinerary and asked us if we want to go to the other temples in the Bigger circle. Knowing that a one day tour is not enough, we declined the offer and went on with our tour. 

We passed by Angkor Wat and the driver told us that it's best to see in the afternoon. So we entered the South gate of the Angkor Thom. It was nice. Jes who is not a huge fan of temples and old structures was even amazed by this heritage that date back from the 9th century under the Khmer empire. Along the way, we passed by this huge elephant at the South gate of Angkor Thom. It was my first time to see an elephant but unfortunately, I wasn't able to touch it nor ride with it. The tuktuk driver took us to the first stop, the Bayon Temple and told us that he will wait at the Terrace of the Lepper King. Geez..we don't have any idea where that is and where to go. He asked us if we brought along with us a map and we courtly said NO. I was under the impression that he will take us to each of the temple but it isn't. Tourists have to walk to visit the other temples. It was a good thing that the tuktuk driver was so nice that he lent us his book with the map of the Angkot Temples. Funny thing is, it was in Japanese. Well, we still managed to use and understand some of it. The names of the temple were written in Roman alphabet. There are also a lot of tourists at that time to we just followed them. 

 THE TEMPLES:

                                                                     BAYON TEMPLE

Bayon Temple

I just wanna pose! :)

inside the temple

side view of Bayon temple

my moment!

nice carvings - outer gallery

feeling the beautiful work of art

Posing with the images

After taking lots of pictures at the Bayon Temple, we have to walk a few meters to reach the next destination - Baphuon. When we arrived at the place, we thought that we cannot enter the temple because of the on-going renovation. It turned our that you have to walk further to be able to reach the other side where you have to climb through a steep stairway.

                                                                      BAPHUON TEMPLE

Very BIG tree going to Baphuon

The facade of Baphoun Temple

Yes, I love  to climb

WELCOME

@ the side

Intruder!!!

This way to Baphuon

Clear view of Baphuon Temple

                                                                

It was already around 11AM and the sun is shining so bright and so hot! It's not really a long walk from Baphuon Temple but my feet is so dusty and my body is full of sweat. But that doesn't stop us from going to our next destination- The Elephant Terrace.

                                                         THE ELEPHANT TERRACE

Entrance of Elephant Terrace from Baphuon

Yes, another picture delight

resting under the cool tree shade

View of the Angkor grounds

my favorite part

elephants!

holding the tusk

pretty carvings

It's time for the Terrace of the Lepper King and I was looking at the map to check where it is located and to check the path but I couldn't find it. So I asked one of the APSARA personnel for directions and he just said to walk and go down. I didn't understand at first only to realize that the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Lepper king is just connected. So we went downstairs and were amazed by the beautiful wall carvings of the Terrace. It's just sad that some of the pieces are not complete.

                                                  TERRACE OF THE LEPPER KING

The border between the two terraces

Magnificent work of art

some pieces are missing

I super love this!

Entrance to the Terrace of the Lepper King

As agreed with the tuktuk driver, we have to meet him up across the Terrace of the Lepper King. However, we were so confused where to find him because what's across the terrace is a huge ground of market that seems like a hawker center and not to mention, parking area and waiting area for the tuktuk. Since we were so tired with all the walking and climbing, we stopped over this food stall to buy some refreshments. I had a glass of green mango shake for $2.50 and Jes bought 1liter of bottled water for $1.50. We then went to look for our driver at the parking ground. Luckily, he was able to see us immediately. We took a ride going to our next destination- Ta Keo.

Ta Keo as cool as it sound may not be as cool as how the name seems to be. Well, one has to have great stamina and endure heights. Yes, what you're thinking is right! CLIMB... You have to climb all the way up to the top! And it ain't just ordinary stairway, it's a steep stone stairway (with some broken stone-steps) and 3 storey high.

Lunch time: The tuktuk driver took us to this neat restaurant. Most of the drivers take their passengers there. I think they earn a certain percentage/commission every time they bring in tourists and they were given free food as courtesy. It's really like the practice here in the Philippines. The food was delicious. Thinking of it as I write this blog makes my mouth water. The chicken curry placed inside the coconut was superb. The spices and the curry sauce made the dish so delicious. One thing I don't like about that restaurant is the service. It was kinda slow and the waiter had a hard time communicating in English. Well, what really matter is the delicious food and the experience.

After lunch we went to a few temples and the most famous one was where the TOMB RAIDER by Angelina Jolie was shot. I took the time to pose without really minding what other people would say. Haha..  They don't know me and besides..I'm a tourist. '

Here are some picures:

The Grand Finale-- ANGKOR WAT TEMPLE