Hello Hivers! To continue this solo backpacking series, From Thailand I now bring you to Cambodia. Took a bus from Pattaya to the border of Thailand and Cambodia, paid my fees (please research beforehand, I almost got fooled by the officers processing my passport) and had my passport stamped. From the border, I asked a driver to take me to a small terminal. When I got there, all buses already left.
I asked the police stationed there what to do and tried to fix a ride for me to Siem Reap, Unfortunately, the police gave a price much more than what a ticket should cost. I explained to the police I don't have much cash with me. I then headed to the counter and good thing, the cashier offered a ride to Siem Reap on his van with his family for a minimal fee. This one I will never forget.
Reaching Siem Reap, I hired a tuktuk to bring me to the hostel I was staying. If I remembered it correctly, I stayed there for 5 days and 4 nights. My only itinerary in Cambodia was to visit Angkor Wat. On my first day, I explored a little bit of the area I was in and rented a bike ($3/day) to use on my excursion to Angkor Wat.
Riding my bike to reach the ticketing office in the middle of the city was scary for me. There were a lot of vehicles and the streets were busy. I didn't realize how far the building was from where I was staying but still I was glad I manage to get there.
The inside of the building was so neat and organized. The process to purchase your ticket was so smooth. Directions were everywhere. When I got to the counter, there were three options to choose: One day visit ($37), Three days visit and validity of 10 days from the issue date ($62) and Seven days visit and validity of one month from the issue date ($72). To be honest, I got so confused because I really thought that Angkor Wat was just 1 temple. I didn't realized after that Angkor Wat was a city! 😱 Thus "Angkor Wat Heritage Park" I got the 3 day visit.
The first temple I ventured out was the Banteay Kdei which means "A Citadel of Chambers", east of Angkor Wat Temple. Since this was the first temple I went to, obviously I was in so much awe. I was greeted by this stone gate with a carved head on top. This entrance is what they call "Gopura" which you would also find in other temples. It was like stepping into the past. Ancient times, ancient structures, ancient civilization. I ventured through the ancient ruins on my own and each step that I took, I felt this immense beauty and mystery I couldn't explain.
Banteay Kdei was built from 12th to 13th century and was used as a Buddhist monastery throughout those years. This monastery complex is a combination of Bayon and Angkor Wat architecture. Structurally speaking, the complex was built with three enclosures and an other compound wall. The chambers were made of thick pillars which was still holding the temple in its place. Carvings of Buddha are still visible to the eye and have intrinsic details.
The burnt orange stone walls also gives you a hint of its past. The long dark hallways were inviting me to roam deeper into the temple. Every turn inside the chambers was like thrust into the old times. Nostalgic but refreshing in a way. This place is less popular compared to other temples so there were only a few tourists exploring around.
During this time, restoration was ongoing. Support structures were attached to the building or thick ropes tied around on some parts of the building.
Just outside of Ta Prohm Temple is a baray or reservoir called Srah Srang. But this used to be "The royal bathing pool". This pond was only used by the King and his wives. This is a popular site for sunrise and sunset photography.
My tour around Banteay Kdei was really short but yet a great start of my 3 day adventure in Angkor Wat Heritage Park. This point on I was excited to reach the other temples. Next stop would be Ta Prohm Temple! Stay tune hivers.
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What a wonderful place! So imposing, I imagine what it must be like to be there and I get very excited. Someday I will be able to visit and travel to enjoy such wonderful things like this. Thank you for showing us your journey and this majestic place! 😍❤️
Hello @naradamoon! Thank you so much! True indeed. This temple was imposing. Visiting cambodia is affordable. You will definitely have fun there.
Beautiful temples. Ka nics sa imong travel.
Thank you @jurich60! I long to travel solo again.
The intricate carving and sculpture is breath taking. There is so much to see here. There is carving even on the tree. There is history all around. Amazing architecture.
Yes indeed! Its the carvings that I always end up admiring the most because they were preserved despite centuries being abandoned.
Amazing. Wish the government would do more towards it's preservation.
These photos are really interesting and beautiful! This looks really amazing @indayclara😍. I also post things related to nature and adventure do drop by when you are free.
Thank you @simrannn!
I love how breezy and spacious the tuk-tuk is. My memory of Angkor Wat was when I made the mistake of not wearing a long skirt or trousers. I had to buy a wrap-around skirt to get in which I remember was worth more than it was supposed to be. Despite many visitors present, I agree, there is something magical about the temples in the heritage park of Siem Reap.
Yes this is true! I'd prefer the tuk-tuks over our version. Oh gosh! I was not actually anticipating that they won't allow shorts there because these are abandoned temples but I guess they still treat these temples as sacred.
It's been a great journey, isn't it?
Yes, a journey worth taking again.
Amazing photography and a very well written post. Well done!
Thanks @celticheartbeat!
Wow, amazing pictures and post!
Hey @pippo84! Thank you!
sorprendente tu post
Thank you @angellinares8!
Awesome place and amazing photography.
Thank you @asmaniasmu
Welcome.
medyo scary ang place kon solo travel maam..
Hi @jayparagat! I actually like scary places 😅 ungo ungo lng gud ang peg 😂
I have heard and read a lot about your old abandoned cities! This is a very interesting layer of history and culture!
Thank you for sharing your journey.
And you made very beautiful photos!
"Mermaid by day, Witch by night." - you are a very interesting girl! 👍👍👍
oh hi @apnigrich! Its been a long time since I heard someone say Im a very interesting girl. I like being weird. 😉
Yes! There are more to explore in these abandoned cities! Watchig documentaries also help me understand the history and culture of psuch places.
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Very awesome photography darling; I imagine you enjoyed your trip a lot, being surrounded by so many natural beauties.
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Nice
I was born in Cambodia and I know Angkor Wat well. I have some cousins that live there. One of my cousin is a TukTuk driver but she doesn't do it anymore. I've been to some of those temples too. I hope I can go back to Cambodia. Have a good day.
Sana all po hihi
Yes! Each temple is different from each other! Angkor wat is a place where id keep coming back.