CAMBODIA: Travel Spontaneously in Siem Riep
March 14, 2018As I told you before on my first blog about Cambodia that one day is not enough to discover its gems (If you never happened to see my small tour blog you can read it on this site). So I was able to come up with a new trip not going to my hotel’s recommended big tour but I created my very own BIG tour. Big tour not because I went to big ruins but BIG tour because it needs to have a big patience and time before you arrive to see the ruins.
My service tuktuk arrived around 6:30am infront of my hotel. The first ruins that we are heading to is Banteay Srei. It is named after and dedicated to Shiva, the Hindu God.
This is the only temple in Angkor area that is not created by a King or a monarchy. This was the most gorgeous ruins that I saw because of its noticeable red sandstone carvings. This made the temple popular and it is also known for the beauty of its sandstone lintels and pediments.
A pediments is the triangular space about the rectangular doorway.
The pediments at Banteay Srei are large than its doorway.
A lintel is the horizontal beam that spans the gap between two posts. Its purpose is to support the weight of the superstructure but some lintels are just for decorations.
The designs were so adorable. I can't stop taking pictures in different angle. But as time goes by, many tourists are on their way so I've decided to move out and let them enjoy the view. How I wish I
have plenty of time wandering around this beautiful place. 😭
But before living the place, I had a chance to have a glimpse of the view outside. I was so stunned and can't leave my eyes close (even a blink).
The view outside the temple is incomparable especially when you are standing before the pond full of blooming lotuses. Although it's small, it is really stunning. So perfect!
After Banteay Srei, we headed to the next ruins that is almost 30 kilometers far from Banteay. Beng Mealea is made of sandstone and the largely unrestored temple in Angkor. Trees overgrown the place and stones are lying in great heaps.
Years ago, Beng Mealea is difficult to reach, but they built a road to be more accessible for the tourists. The history of this temple is questionable and remained unknown. The age of this temple can only be determined by its architectural style.
Next temple is again, 30 kilometers far from the previous temple. Prasat Lolei is another example of a temple built using red sandstone. The temple was being reconstructed during my visit. I only stayed for a couple of minutes and headed to my next temple.
Preah Ko has a lot of hidden sculptures that of course I cannot read. Its carvings on the wall is as beautiful as Banteay Srei.
Another and the last temple I visited in Cambodia is the Bakong Temple. It is the first temple mountain made of sandstone. The view from afar was so majestic and looks like a stepped pyramid.
You can see a lot of lions guarding around the temple from the ground going to the top especially on the stairways. And some elephants statues as guardians at the corners of the three lower levels of the pyramid.
And there ended my trip around Angkor. If ever I had plenty of time, I wish to discover more about Angkor. Not only its ruins but to know more about their culture and history. My time for Cambodia is not enough to be astonished by the temples and how rich their country with its ruins and gems. Anyway let me talk about some ideas on what/how to get a trip to Angkor complex.
0 comment