Wednesday evening, Mr. Pai took Nat and I in his tuk tuk to The Angkor Temples with thousands of others to watch the sunset over Phnom Bakheng. The path to sunset starts at a dusty clay set of steps and proceeds with a short hike up a mountain to the gorgeous temple. Phnom Bakheng was built during the late 9th- early 10th century C.E. And was the first major temple built in the area ( thanks SR visitors guide). At the base of the temple, a steep wooden staircase has been erected to allow visitors to climb to the top to see the sunset over a mountain. The temple has intricate carvings on all surfaces and carvings of Buddha and Aspara dancers throughout. The evening was cloudy, but the sun peaked through the clouds twice, just in time to watch it set. It was stunning! This was only a precursor of what was to come!
Upon our return to town, we scoped out the Night Market. Thankfully, I exercised some self-control and saved my wallet some $$$! We ate curry at a restaurant on Pub Street (the place to be for all things drinking and eating) and ended up in bed at 9:30 in preparation for our day at the temples!
Alarm on Thursday, 4:30 am to meet Mr. Pai by 5:10 in front of the hotel. By 5:30 we were in front of Angkor Wat in the pitch black beginning our trek, flashlight in hand, walking toward it. It's hard to describe the feeling of watching the sun slowly rise over this awe inspiring temple. The day was cloudy overall, but the sky slowly lightened over the next hour revealing the magnificent structure in front of us. Thousands of visitors were standing with us by the lake on the left side of the temple inside of its gate. Watching the sunrise here was a once in a lifetime experience. Angkor means "capital city" or "holy city". Angkor Wat was built during the 12th century and serves as the centerpiece to visitors of the temples. We spent the next couple of hours exploring Angkor Wat. We commented on how we have never had such access to explore and walk around and climb on a structure like we were given at the Angkor temples. I ended my morning at Angkor Wat lying on the grass in front of it, taking in the view and the moment.
After breakfast, we headed to Angkor Thom, the ancient city, who's gate is lined with Buddhas and entryway is a stone arch with a face emerging from the top on both sides. Bayon was next and is impressive! Stone faces are present all over the temple, on its 37 standing towers. Bayon was one of my favorites. Our next 1-2 hours were accidental as we got lost along the way, but we ended up seeing Baphoun, the Royal Palace area, and Phimeanakas. Baphoun, recently restored, is the large temple mountain. Full disclosure, I was terrified walking up and down the steepest steps I've ever experienced that lead you to the top of Baphoun. The view from the top was worth the hike, but the nausea on the way down was rough! When we got back on the path, we explored the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. The Figures in the store were beautiful!
For lunch, we enjoyed more Khmer food and the headed to Ta Prohm, where massive fig and silk-cotton trees grow out of the temple. The visual is gorgeous and impressive...also one of my favorites! Along the way, Mr. Pai stopped at the smaller temples of Thommanom, Chau Say Thevoda, and Banteay Kdei. The day was long and tiring, but one of the most beautiful I have ever experienced. These temples are impressive! I am grateful to have spent a day exploring them.
We ended this wonderful day with a tuk tuk drive around the local Siem Reap carnival area followed by a late afternoon rest by the pool. It took a few days for the magnitude of the temple day to sink in!
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