Siem Reap

Arriving into Siem Reap on Tuesday morning Nov 17, I was used to vans and buses being used as airport transfers. Imagine my surprise when we were led to a tuk tuk.

Our room was not ready, so we took a walk into town. I saw alot of people wearing masks and was wondering if H1N1 was rife here. It didn't take us long to figure out that masks were worn because of the dust and we got ours at the first sight of a store selling them.

Next morning we rented a couple of bikes to cycle to Angkor Wat. This is what I came to see. Michael has been to Siem Reap some 20 years ago but this was my first time. The bikes cost USD3.00 for two of them for the whole day! Cheap! Nothing flash but ridable. (What do I know..hahaha!)

"The 12th century temple of Angkor Wat is the masterpiece of Angkorian architecture. Constructed under the direction of the Khmer king Suryararman II, it was to serve as the monarch's personal mausoleum and as a temple to the Hindu god Vishnu. It was designed as a pyramid representing the structure of the universe: the highest level at the center of the temple represented Mount Meru, the home of the Hindu gods, with the five towers on the highest level representing the five peaks of the mountain. The broad moat around the complex represented the oceans that surround the world."........Wikipedia

Here are some photos of Angkor Wat.

"The walls of the temple are covered inside and out with bas-reliefs and carvings. Nearly 2000 distinctively rendered apsara carvings adorn the walls throughout the temple and represent some of the finest examples of apsara carvings in Angkorian era art. But it is the exterior walls of the lower level that display the most extraordinary bas-reliefs, depicting stories and characters from Hindu mythology and the historical wars of Suryavarman II.".......Canby Publications

The Churning of the Sea of Milk.
The bas reliefs sculptured on the Southern section of this gallery represent the Churning of the Sea of Milk, a mythological scene from Vishnu lore. The gods (devas) and demons (asuras) use the serpent Vasuki as a cord wound around holy Mount Mandara, which rises from the Sea of Milk. By pulling alternately of the serpent, together they churn the primordial ocean in order to produce 'amrita', the elixir of immortality.

Across the road from Angkor are lots of hawkers and some restaurants.

Next, onto Ta Prohm. One of the more popular temples, partially cleared but intentionally left unrestored, you will see the roots of massive figs and silk cotton trees trying to take over the temple like aliens. Some of you may recognise scenes from Angelina Jolie's "Tomb Raiders".

Next stop, Bayon.

The Bayon's most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and massive stone faces on the many towers which jut out from the upper terrace.

Entrance to Bayon.

The temple is known also for two impressive sets of bas reliefs, which present an unusual combination of mythological, historical and everyday life that are interspersed among the battle scenes, including market scenes, cockfighting, chess games and childbirth.

Nice leisurely ride back to Siem Reap

Two days later, we joined a cycling tour to Beng Melea, 70km from Siem Reap. We had a guide and a support van. The bikes were much better. (Well, you pay for what you get).

With our guide Marie on the freeway

Marie wanted to buy some snacks, so we stopped at this kampong.

Then we stopped at this wayside hut for a rest and to have our snacks, which were like our kuihs.

Michael saw the lady filling up a mineral water bottle for sale. Luckily, we had brought our own water.

Next stretch, off road.

This is what you get when a 4WD zooms by....

After about 40km in the hot, blazing overhead sun, an air-conditioned support van is just lovely.

Michael did another 10km and decided he didn't want to get sunstroke. So into the support van he came to go the rest of about another 20km to Beng Melea.

Beng Melea is a temple which has been left to nature, but unlike Ta Phrom it has not been cleared at all. The result is the visitor clambering over ruined walls (exactly the sort of thing you are asked not to do at other ruins!) and through windows to get access to areas where nature is running riot. Lots of trees growing out of walls, and creepers hanging over ruined buildings, and consequently great for some atmospheric photos. Much of the standard walk is along wooden decking for those who don't want to clamber.

On the way back, we saw some tourists doing their own cycling trips as well. You can tell they are tourists.......looked like only foreigners wear helmets..:D

Siem Reap Airport