Day 71 - Siem Reap Cambodia - Angkor Thom and Temples at sunset

 

 

George had spent the night cooling my fever with ice cold towels, I couldn't have asked for anyone nicer to aid me in my time of need. I awoke in the morning feeling weak but better. After trying to eat and failing at breakfast we met Phalin for our trip to Angkor Thom. This place is massive and the temples are mere drops in the ocean. I can't even begin to describe this place that would give it full justification but I will give it a go.

Built in the 12th century this was the capital city if the Khmer Empire. It is a plot of land covering 9km squared. On it are various temples some have been restored others in progress. Building a complex of this magnitude in the modern world would be a feat of engineering, how on earth did they build it that long ago. All the carvings are so intricate, some having been defaced when the Hindus came in and destroyed all pictures of the Buddha. 

The going was tough up and down steps in the heat obviously makes it hard work but by 11am my body had had enough, we returned to the hotel for some pool time before having a short nap ready for our afternoon adventure. We reconvened at 2.30pm and Phalin took us to a local restaurant for some lunch. George had an amazing curry while I stuck to tomato soup which I barely managed to dent. The car took us to a small temple inside Angkor Thom. Phalin had timed it perfectly, the crowds had gone.

We walked up a long boulevard lined with ancient trees offering us some shade and a gentle breeze. As if from nowhere the temple appeared shrouded in shrubbery, nestled amongst palms. All their architecture is based on the points of a compass and the trajectory of the sun. It means that you can often see from one end and out to the other. The straight lines of these buildings is fascinating and makes for a good photo. Phalin spent the whole time telling us of the history and showing us the best places for photos. 

After we had finished we headed back to the car for a short drive to Angkor Wat. This is the place most people associate with Cambodia. Unlike Angkor Thom this is a small site with one enormous temple on. The plan was to watch the sunset. Once you have crossed the entrance moat which is 200m wide and was hand dug you enter the site through a huge building which is easily the length of the Houses of Parliament. Columns 30m high line the terrace. It is absolutely huge.

We got to pray at the giant Buddha as Phalin is a Buddist, she gave us incense sticks which we could use to grant us a wish before placing them at the Buddhas feet. Then we stepped out into the open. Before us was another terrace over three hundred meters long and at the end the giant temple. Everything you see on the photos. I was a little choked it was like the first time I saw the pyramids. Utterly awe inspiring. We got to sit by the lake which gave a great reflection of the iconic five towers in the water.

As the sun dipped below the entrance which is west facing we headed back out to sit beside the moat. We did a few tourist shots holding the sun in our hands before turning to face the entrance building and watching it change colour as the sun neared the horizon. I have said it before but sunset never gets boring and with a backdrop like this makes it just perfect. 

After the short drive back to our hotel which is impressive and very posh, we showered and went for dinner in the restaurant. I stuck to western food, pizza! Georgie had a curry which was served in a pineapple. After a short Skype to my mum and dad who opened their coffee shop today, we headed to bed we had an early start tomorrow.