Day 68 25/11/2014

We left our hotel at 4.45am and set off to see dawn over Angkor Wat.  Diane was modelling the pants she'd bought the previous day from a street seller for $3 dollars (which was the same price as the Pringle's Simon bought the day before - hoping the pants will last longer!).  Along with the slightly off white colouring of some of our clothes we are starting to acquire the look of 'travellers'!  Angkor Wat is apparently the world's largest religious building, know as the Mt Olympus of the Hindu faith and home of ancient gods.  The national symbol of the Khmer's and a source of fierce national pride.  Unlike other temples in Angkor it has been in virtually continuous use since it was built.  It's surrounded by a moat forming a huge rectangle around the central temple.  It was still pitch black when we arrived and we had to use the light from Simon's iPhone to help find the way (we'd left our head torches back at the hotel).  We weren't alone in our early morning visit but thanks to Polin's speedy driving we got a great position at the lake edge and watched the stunning views as dawn broke.  From here we walked around the outside of the central temple complex which is 800m in length with numerous bas-reliefs, a number of which have been restored.  We then climbed the very steep stairs to the upper level of the central tower which has great views across the surrounding landscape.  Next we went to Phnom Bakheng which was designed to represent a mythical mountain with views across to Angkor Wat and apparently draws the crowds at sunset.  The temple itself is under major reconstruction and access is closed.  We'd taken our breakfast with us and sat at the top eating it and enjoying the peace and tranquility.  Then on to Bayon which has 216 faces of Avalokiteshvara carved amongst 54 towers.  It's a fascinating if not slightly crazy place.   Unfortunately we'd arrive just at the same time as several large groups and the place was heaving with tourists.  Bayon is part of the Angkor Thorm complex of temples which was the great capital of the Khmer empire.  We walked from Bayon a short distance to Bauphon and entered across the walkway before climbing the steep steps to the top level.  From here we passed the Terrace of Elephants, a 350m long structure used as a viewing stand for public ceremonies, and the Terrace of The Leper King, a 7m high platform believed to be topped with a statue of Yama, the god of death.   By now we're seriously starting to flag as a result of the early start and heat of the day.  After a quick chat with Polin we agreed to visit Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda and To Keo before heading back.  Thommanon is dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu and thanks to restoration efforts is in good condition.  Across the road Chau Say Tevoda is a twin temple and in similar good condition.  To Keo is a stark and plain temple by comparison to others we'd visited.  The central tower is almost 50m high surrounded by fo ur lower towers.  Apparently it was never completed which may explain it's lack of decoration.  By now we we re completely templed out and headed back to Siem Reap for lunch.  We spent the rest of the day chilling out by the pool at our hotel, enjoying a swim in it's cool waters, and starting to plan our trip from North Loas onwards into Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.  In the evening we walked into town and had dinner at a local Italian restaurant before heading back for a night cap and an early night.

Dawn at Angkor Wat    

The outer towers 

View from the upper level

 

Bayon 

One of 216 faces of Avalokiteshvara 

Bauphon

The Terrace of Elephants

Thommanon