Between the 9th and 15th centuries, several Khmer capitals were built here on a total area of 200 km². To date, more than 1000 temples and sanctuaries have already been discovered. There are assumptions that one million people may have lived in the greater Angkor area at the height of the historic kingdom.
Day 1 – Great Loop of Angkor
Due to the vastness of the complex, it is hardly possible to discover it on foot. In Siem Reap there are transportation options of all price ranges: taxi 30 US$, tuk-tuk 15 US$ to bike for 2 US$ per day. For our second day in Cambodia we wanted to ride the big circular route. The day before, we arranged a full-day tour with a tuk-tuk driver for 13 US$, who picked us up at the hotel punctually at 8 a.m.
Angkor Thom
Bayon
We left Angkor Wat on the left and reached the former capital Angkor Thom (engl. "Great Capital") after a few kilometers. The most impressive temple complex here is the Bayon. This state temple, completed in the early 13th century, is famous above all for its towers with meter-high faces carved out of stone. Of the original 54 towers, 37 could be reconstructed. Most towers have four faces, which are aligned with the main cardinal directions. We were given the tip to visit the facility early in the morning. At this time, the sun is very favorable for interesting photo shoots.
Baphuon
We walked from Bayon to the monumental temple mountain Baphuon, which was built in honor of the Hindu god Shiva in the middle of the 11th century. We reached the pyramid via a 172-meter-long stone footbridge. This consists of four levels with a total height of 24 meters. From the top step we had a great view of the surrounding terraces.
Phimeanakas and the Terrace of the Elephants
Before we met our tuk-tuk driver again at the terrace of the leper king, we visited the phimeanakas and the terrace of the elephants.
Preah Khan and Neak Poam
Through the north gate we left Angkor Thom and drove to Preah Khan and Neak Poam. We found the relatively well-preserved Buddhist temple complex Preah Khan very exciting. In contrast, the Neak Poam is visited quite quickly. We could only get to it via a footbridge about 100 meters long, only to find out that the actual temple is closed.
East Mebon and Banteay Kdei
After a short lunch break and another temple visit, the East Mebon, we were driven to Banteay Kdei. Many buildings of this monastery complex are crisscrossed by trees. Due to the sandstone mainly used, we found it in a bad condition.
Sunset at Pre Rup Temple
Our actual plan was to experience the sunset at the Pre Rup temple. This is not as overrun by tourists as the Phnom Bakheng. Since it was still a bit early in the afternoon for the setting of the sun and the clouds blocked the view of the sun, we visited the temple just like that.
Day 2 – Small circular route through Angkor
For today, we took on the 17-kilometer small circular trail. For this we rented two bicycles in the Old Market area of Siem Reap. Since the roads are mostly at ground level and often lead along the forest, cycling is not a big problem even during the hot midday temperatures.
Ta Prohm
After three quarters of an hour of driving, we reached the Ta Prohm building complex. This temple complex, which was built in the early 13th century, we knew as a backdrop from the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
Phnom Bakheng
Since we could not visit Phnom Bakheng on our first day in Cambodia due to the rush of visitors, we made up for it today at noon. We hoped for a better view of the surrounding complexes of the Angkor Empire. Unfortunately, we were disappointed and could only see Angkor Wat in the distance.
To relax from the tour, we treated ourselves to a full body massage in downtown Siem Reap in the evening. This one-hour procedure costs just 5 USD.
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