Siem Reap Temples (1)
Temples Visit 1 | Temples Visit 2 | Temples Visit 3 | Temples Visit 4 | Temples Visit 5 | Temples Visit 6 | Temples Visit 7
To make my year-end backpack travel log complete, I think should not just drop out Siem Reap (暹粒) in my writing... due to its difficulties...
There were so many temples we visited, and each has its own history. These histories are available in travel guides. Honestly, we bought a 3-day pass (USD40) but we went for temple visit for only 2 days.
However, there were some places which I was amazed with.
Day 1 Morning - Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Woke up at 0430, prepared ourselves, and met with the Tuk Tuk driver at 0500. The Tuk Tuk driver (Mr Bean) we met the night before was drunk. But he still assigned his friend to pick us up. I actually asked him to call Mr Bean to confirm before we hopped on to his vehicle.
On the way to Angkor Wat (吴哥窟), we saw a lot of early birds who were also on the same way. Yeah, Angkor Wat is pretty famous nowadays and is frequented by the tourists from all over the world.
When we arrived, it was still dark. We followed the crowd to the northern reflecting pool, sat there and waited for sunrise at the most popular sunrise location. The sun rose behind Angkor Wat, provided a silhouette of Angkor's distinctively shaped towers against a colored sunrise sky.
We then walked around. It really took quite some time coz the place is huge.
Angkor Wat means capital or royal monastery city. It is not simply a temple. It's the symbol at the very heart of the Khmer people's pride in their culture and heritage. Three of its 5 central towers adorn the national flag.
The temple is regarded as the single, finest aesthetic achievement in the history of mankind. It remains one of the largest, extant religious buildings in the world.
The visual impact of Angkor Wat, particularly on one's first visit, is awesome. I felt the same too. It is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It's a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level.
Apart from that, you can spot hundred of fine carvings of apsaras and scenes from Hindu mythology.
We took our brunch at the stalls nearby. To be frank, the food was not good at all. The baguette (or called sandwich) there was like challenging your teeth, if your teeth are fake. It was so hard to bite~~
It was a hot day.
At around 10am, we left Angkor Wat to the next destination. The sky started to get more beautiful.
I love blue sky.
I love blue with no doubt.
Notes:
1. More photos here.
2. Download some information here and read before your trip.
3. Have a close look at the Angkor map here or there and plan your route.
To make my year-end backpack travel log complete, I think should not just drop out Siem Reap (暹粒) in my writing... due to its difficulties...
There were so many temples we visited, and each has its own history. These histories are available in travel guides. Honestly, we bought a 3-day pass (USD40) but we went for temple visit for only 2 days.
However, there were some places which I was amazed with.
Day 1 Morning - Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Woke up at 0430, prepared ourselves, and met with the Tuk Tuk driver at 0500. The Tuk Tuk driver (Mr Bean) we met the night before was drunk. But he still assigned his friend to pick us up. I actually asked him to call Mr Bean to confirm before we hopped on to his vehicle.
On the way to Angkor Wat (吴哥窟), we saw a lot of early birds who were also on the same way. Yeah, Angkor Wat is pretty famous nowadays and is frequented by the tourists from all over the world.
When we arrived, it was still dark. We followed the crowd to the northern reflecting pool, sat there and waited for sunrise at the most popular sunrise location. The sun rose behind Angkor Wat, provided a silhouette of Angkor's distinctively shaped towers against a colored sunrise sky.
We then walked around. It really took quite some time coz the place is huge.
Angkor Wat means capital or royal monastery city. It is not simply a temple. It's the symbol at the very heart of the Khmer people's pride in their culture and heritage. Three of its 5 central towers adorn the national flag.
The temple is regarded as the single, finest aesthetic achievement in the history of mankind. It remains one of the largest, extant religious buildings in the world.
The visual impact of Angkor Wat, particularly on one's first visit, is awesome. I felt the same too. It is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It's a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level.
Apart from that, you can spot hundred of fine carvings of apsaras and scenes from Hindu mythology.
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 photo against the sky. After you cross through the gate and approach the temple along the walkway it slowly gains depth and complexity.Seems like I visited Angkor Wat at the wrong time!!
To maximize this effect, you should make your first visit in optimal lighting conditions, i.e. after 2pm. Do not make your first visit to Angkor Wat in the morning when the backlighting obscures the view.
We took our brunch at the stalls nearby. To be frank, the food was not good at all. The baguette (or called sandwich) there was like challenging your teeth, if your teeth are fake. It was so hard to bite~~
USD2 for this bowl of noodle.
Yes, it's just instant noodle.
Met a truly pity creature nearby the stall. Shouldn't it be very "man"??
Love the lilies.
A forgiven creature near the lily pond.
It was a hot day.
At around 10am, we left Angkor Wat to the next destination. The sky started to get more beautiful.
I love blue sky.
I love blue with no doubt.
Notes:
1. More photos here.
2. Download some information here and read before your trip.
3. Have a close look at the Angkor map here or there and plan your route.
4 comments:
I have yet to blog my post about Siem Reap. Now you inspire me...hehehe. But is real good place to visit, especially for the happy pizza :p
happy pizza???
ops...i love siem reap...would like to slowly explore the angkor wat area... i only been there for 1day!! next time will rent a bicycle and get the 3days ticket to see the whole area =p
When you eat happy pizza, it will makes you happy lor. I found it in one of the shop near to Pub Street, Happy Herb Pizza.
But you need to know what's the ingredient they put before you try ya :p
Post a Comment