Day 5. Angkor Wat Tour (part 1 of 2)

August 23, 2012
Day 5.


After a good night sleep in Bou Savy, we were just too excited for this day. With our accommodation package, it includes a free tuktuk service to Angkor Wat. Initially, it is only the Small Circuit Tour which covers the major temples in Angkor Wat Complex - Angkor Wat, Srah Srang, Bayon and Ta Prohm and small temples such as Prah Khan, Pre Rup and Terrace of the Leper King. However, based on one of the guide books we had, Banteay Srey is a must see, so we decided to include it in our itinerary aside from the sunrise in the Angkor Wat South Temple. A total of additional 10USD was added to our package.

Since we were opted the sunrise trip, we get up as early as 3:00am and we're ready to leave at 4:30. After about 30 minutes ride, we arrived at the Angkor Wat Complex, purchased one day pass and the tour started.

Ticket booth

1st stop: Sunrise at Angkor Wat South Gate

Sadly, because it was raining the whole day before, there was no sunrise. :( However, it was a good experience since it was a good start of our Angkor Wat day.

Angkor Wat. Sunrise failed.

Wall tower at the South Gate entrance

2nd stop: Prasat Kravan

One of the minor ruins in the Angkor Wat complex. You pass by this area if you are going to the major ruins in the Angkor Thom area. According to its marker, it is the only example of brick reliefs in the Angkor area.

Middle tower at Prasat Kravan

Outside facade

3rd stop: Banteay Srey

The farthest temple in our itinerary. We guessed the price of additional 8USD was well worth it. After a good 30 minutes ride from the Angkor Wat complex, you will arrive to Banteay Srey. The temple itself has the most beautiful set of carvings - we never imagined ourselves seeing these types of cravings.

The entrance to Banteay Srey

Detailed carvings at Banteay Srey.

After Banteay Srey, we decided to take brunch so we will not be taking too much of our time. Good thing, Mr. Dimples knew where we could take brunch and we decided to take him with us. He was just too kind, and would always ask if the temple is okay and beautiful. Anyhow, after the brunch, we just crossed the street and we were on our 4th stop.

4th stop. Banteay Samre

Much like Banteay Srey, Banteay Samre has these delicate carvings. its towers resembles more of Angkor Wat, because, according to our guide book, it was constructed around the same time as Angkor Wat.

5th stop. Pre Rup

It is the temple atop of a mountain. It has four towers, three towers on each directions and one at the highest point of the mountain. All the towers were covered with well-preserved and detailed carvings, much like those of the earlier temples we visited.

Designs at the West side of the Top Tower

Since it was about lunch and we have several temples to visit, I'll have to divide this post into two in order present some pictures.