Angkor Wat Cambodia

Described as the 8th wonder of the world, Angkor Wat is an incredible site(s) and should be on every travellers list when visiting SE Asia. As one of the largest ancient empires in the world, one needs more than a few days to explore all the temples surrounding Siem Reap. The following is our two day back-to-back tours to just a handful of the many temples of Angkor Wat.

Both days we hired a tuk tuk driver to take us around the temples. We meant to rent bikes the second day but the 48c and the possibility of serious dehydration was a pretty big deterrent. 

Angkor Thom South Gate & Preah Neak Poan Temple

Wondering through the maze of corridors of Preah Khan Temple

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This used to be a two storey library.

The fusion temple (Buddha & Hindu) of Preah Khan

The many doorways of Preah Khan

Ta Som temple built at the end of the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII.

Up down, up down. 

Amazed at how they built these temples using only manpower and animals...

Speaking of animals...

A few samples of the animal carvings and statues.

The 350m long Terrace of the Elephants wall has carved out elephants parading towards both ends (bottom right)

Maybe this is now they were invaded back in the day?

My favourite temple - Ta Prohm AKA Tomb Raider temple.

Nature takes over here...

Inside Ta Prohn. 

Couldn't figure out why people kept taking my photo? Then Shawn told me it might have something to do with my outfit choice and a certain movie. Funny coincidence!

Mother Nature runs wild here

Even the animals come to visit the temples :)

After day one, I was in desperate need of a little TLC ;)

Day 2 - first stop, Bayon. 

The surreal state temple of legendary king Jayavarman VII, where 54 gothic towers are decorated with 216 enormous faces which resemble the king himself. 

Entrance to the Terrace of the Elephants

Hard not to sweat through your clothes while walking through miles of temples in 48c heat :(

Wall carvings throughout many of the temples

Angkor Wat

The best preserved temple and the Khmer's national symbol (as seen on the Cambodian flag).

Angkor Wat as we approach from the less crowded side entrance.

View from top inside the interior walls.

Exploring Angkor's interiors.

Looking out towards the grand entrance.

The grand entrance toward the sacred temple of Angkor Wat

Two days exploring Angkor Temples: $80

Tuk tuk & driver for the day: $15

Beers: $1

Drinking icy cold beer in the tuk tuk on the way back to the hotel after and long, HOT day: priceless!

Cheers!