Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia

This is part III of the heritage building in the heritage site in Siem Reap, Cambodia, THE ANGKOR WAT



















The visual impact of Angkor Wat is tremendous to us. As you pass through the outer gate and get your first glimpse, its size and architecture make it appear two dimensional, like a giant postcard photos against the sky.

The temple interior is not as densely carved as the first level exterior, but still sports hundreds of fine carvings of apsaras and scenes from the Hindu mythology.You can find the various chambers, statues and architectural forms in the interior. The central tower on the third level houses four Buddha images, each facing a different cardinal point, highlighting the fact that though Angkor Wat was constructed as a Hindu temple, it has served as a Buddhist temple since Buddhism became Cambodia's dominant religion in the 14th century.

Bayon - Angkor Thom - Siem Reap, Cambodia

This is a three-part postings of BAYON - Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The Bayon is a Buddhist temple constructed in late 12th century C.E. during the reign of Jayavarman VII.

If you have only time to see two temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia, then it has to be Angkor Wat and Bayon



















We visited this heritage site and came impressed. More to come on the Bayon, stayed tuned.

PRE RUP Temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia

PRE RUP in Siem Reap, Cambodia, a Hindu (Shiva) state temple of Rajendravaman II, was constructed in the late 10th century C.E.The style is Pre Rup.





















Architecturally and artistically superior temple-mountain.Beautifully carved false doors on upper level, as well as an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. Richly details, well-preserved carvings, particularly on the lintels. Traditionally believed to be a funerary temple, but in fact the state temple of Rajendravarman II.

Historically important in that it was the second temple built after the Khmer capital was returned to Angkor after a period of political upheaval when the capital had been moved to Koh Ker. The artistically similar East Mebon was the first to be constructed after the return to Angkor, less than a decade earlier.

Banteay Srey in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Banteay Srey was constructed in late 10th century C.E. during the Rajendravaman rule. The temple is of Hindu (Shiva) religion.























BANTEAY SREY loosely translates to "citadel of the women", but this is a modern appellation that probably refers to the delicate beauty of the carvings. Built at a time when the KhmerEmpire was gaining significant power and territory, the temple was constructed by a Brahmin counselor under a powerful king, Rajendravarman and later under Jayavarman V.

Banteay Srey displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. The walls are densely covered with of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple. The temples's relatively small size, pink sandstone construction and ornate design give it a fairyland ambiance.The colors are best before 10.30 am and after 2.00 pm but there are fewer tourists in the afternoon. This temple was discovered by French archaeologists relatively late in 1914.

The temple area closes at 5.00 pm. Banteay Srey lies 38 km from Siem Reap, requiring extra travel time. We had to pay an extra US15.00 for the car to take us to visit Banteay Srey temple.

Siem Reap : Phnom Bakheng

Phnom Bakheng was constructed in late 9th -early 10th century C.E. by King YasovarmanI. The religion is Hindu (Shiva) and the style is Bakheng.
















The construction of this temple mountain on Phnom Bakheng (Bakheng Hill,the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area, marked the move of the capital of the Khmer empire from Roluos to Angkor in the late 9th century AD. It serves as King Yasovarman I's state-temple at the center of his capital city Yasodharapura. The foundation of Bakheng is carved from the existing rock edifice rather than the laterite and earth-fill of most other temples. Bakheng's hilltop location makes it the most popular sunset location in the area., offering a view of the Tonle Sap Lake and a distant Angkor Wat in the jungle. Always overcrowded at sunset. Quiet the rest of the day. Elephant rides up the hill are available for sunset.

ADMISSION PASS TO VISIT THE TEMPLES

Welcome to Angkor

With the exception of Roluos 13km east, the most important temples lay 6-25km north, the closest being Angkor Wat. To visit the temples you will need to decide how long to stay, purchase an admission pass, arrange transportation and obtain a guidebook or tour guide.

























You must possess an admission pass to visit the temples and sites in the Angkor Archaeological Park. All passes may be purchased at the main entrance on the road to Angkor Wat. One-day tickets can be purchased at the secondary tollagate on airport road entrance near Angkor Wat and at Banteay Srey.

Passes are sold in one-day (US$20), three-day (US$40) and seven-day (US$60) blocks that must be used on consecutive days.

You can buy your one-day ticket from 4.45 pm and immediately you can visit Phnom Bakheng to see the temple at sunset. The ticket will have your photo printed on it.

Always carry your ticket. We are checked upon each park entry and at major temples.