Seeing the ancient temples of Angkor was the highlight of my trip to Cambodia last summer. People from half the world away go to this place to marvel at the accomplishments of early human civilization and I was very excited to also have the chance to see it myself. Angkor was a bustling metropolis built by the Khmer Empire in the 9th to the 15th centuries, it is known as the biggest pre-industrial city in history. Its immensity is comparable to settlements and grand structures built by other civilizations of the ancient world. Although most of the structures are now left in ruins, what remains is still very captivating and leaves any visitor a good grasp of Khmer history and culture.
The major parts of Angkor Archeological Park is within a few kilometers from Downtown Siem Reap. I stayed in Siem Reap for almost a week, hired to cover a corporate event. I was able to visit Angkor several times during my visit, mostly to take photos of other people enjoying a tour of the temples. I did manage to sneak in some photos for my blog of course. Before leaving Siem Reap, I made it a point to tour the temples myself even if it was only for half a day. Totally not advisable since Angkor is huge and it takes at least 3 days to fully appreciate all the details at a more leisurely pace but I had to do it given my limited time … the blisters on my feet were so worth it. I hired a motodop (single motorcycle) for US$8 to do the little circuit tour, which goes around the major temples. The admission fee for one day costs US$20 ($40 for 3 days and $60 for 1 week).
Charles de Gaule Road
Access Road from Siem Reap City Center to Angkor Archeological Park
Angkor Wat
The biggest single religious structure in the world and the main attraction among the temples in Angkor.
Prasat Cravan
Srah Srang
Banteay Kdaei
Ta Prohm
Made famous by Angelina Jolie and the movie, Tomb Raider.
Ta Keo
Spean Thma
Chau Say Tevoda
Prasat Suor Prat
Preah Pithu
Royal Fields
Buddha Shrine near Baphuon
Baphuon
Terrace of the Lepper King
Terrace of the Elephant King
Bayon
The central temple in Angkor Thom
Phnom Bakheng
Angkor Thom South Gate
Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Angkor Hot Air Baloon
Angkor Wat Laser and Lights Show
The main highlight during my visits to Angkor was witnessing a dinner gala at the grounds near the east gate of Angkor Wat. I feely so lucky since it has only been the second time that an event of similar scale was held there. The production featured a laser and lights show and performances by the 7 Sopranos, the electric strings trio Maske, and Jeremy Montierio (the Godfather of Asian Jazz). I’ll be posting more photos and some videos in upcoming posts :)
Photo by Loven Ramons
In the Philippine Ilonggo dialect, ambot ah literally means "I don't know." After graduating in college, I decided to hold off pursuing my profession and embarked on a free spirited journey of adventure and self-discovery. My travels have led me to many places across the Philippine Islands and South East Asia. I don't know where this path will take me but I'm certain I'll get a lifetime of stories out of it.
whoa! half day tour and you’re able to visit all of ‘em? ayus! :) I like your sunrise shot in Ankor Wat, I waited for the sunset pero dapat pala sunrise. haha :D
Thanks Gael. I wished I had time to take sunset pics of Angkor Wat from the pond though … I spent my sunset at Phnom Bakheng.
Yep… It was really very exhausting, my body took a beating after the tour … but nothing a glass of Beer Lao couldn’t fix, hehe.
From what I’m seeing, you’ve got a fresh take on the Angkor temples but one that surprised me was that big dinner party right in front of Angkor Wat – never imagined this would be allowed.
Thanks Nomadic Pinoy. It shouldn’t actually, but it (the huge amount it being paid to rent the place) brings hard currency to maintaining the Angkor Temples so they allow it.
looks like the Angkor Wat transform at night :) Hope to visit these places soon
It has a different feel to it … sunrise, daytime, sunset, and nighttime. I wished I could go there too during the wet season, I’m sure it’s also very photogenic during that time of year.
woooo—I have seen many stories and photos of this place but never about this laser show. astig pala. di ba pahirapan though ang pagbalik sa accomodation mo pag magpapagabi ka dito?
It was a private event (only happening thrice so far) and we were involved so may hatid kami. I think the Angkor Park closes at nighttime on regular days.
Hi. I also visited Angkor Wat last Sep 16-19. I actually feel quite envious because I wasn’t able to take excellent pictures such as yours. Iba talaga pag may talent sa photography. Hehe! Anyway, I really enjoyed looking at your great pics especially the Laser and Lights show. Angkor Wat looked terribly awesome! :-)
It’s the experience that counts di ba … I visited your blog, okay naman pala mga napuntahan nyo. I’m sure you also had a great time. Buti ka pa nga may pics ka of yourself with the temples.
Ako still wishing to visit Vietnam … hopefully next year.
wow. breath-taking talaga. di ko sure ano masmaganda ung pagkakatake ng picture ng cam mo or yung place eh. :p
thank you for a pre-experience of one of my dream destinations!
Maganda talaga yung place, hehe. It helps to take nice photos :)