A tiring walking trip to explore the stone castles of Siem Reap, Cambodia - Angkor Thom (EP.2) (End)

Continuing from the previous episode: A tiring walking trip to see the stone castles of Siem Reap, Cambodia - Angkor Wat (Angkor Wat) EP.1

The morning was spent exploring Angkor Wat, followed by a visit to Angkor Thom in the late morning.

Angkor Thom

The ancient city was once the most prosperous capital of the Khmer Empire, with numerous large and small temples. Before entering the city of Angkor Thom, we must first pass through the city gate.

Upon reaching the gate, one is immediately struck by its grandeur. The sandstone is intricately carved with the visage of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

Flanking the entrance are intricately carved stone figures. On the left, celestial beings stand poised, while on the right, fierce giants struggle to restrain the serpentine form of a naga.

A tuk-tuk brought us to our first stop, the Bayon Temple, the heart of Angkor Thom.

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The unique and intriguing feature of this site is the face-shaped prang towers, each with distinct and enigmatic expressions.

The faces carved on the top of the prang represent the four faces of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, according to the belief.

There are many great photo spots here, no matter how you take your photos, they will turn out beautiful.

The interior walls of the castle are adorned with intricate carvings that vividly depict scenes from that era.

The outer gallery features sandstone pillars adorned with bas-relief carvings of celestial nymphs engaged in a graceful dance.

The original sandstone roof has collapsed, leaving a pile of stones next to it.

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Cambodian women dressed as Apsaras are also available for tourists to take photos with.

Bayon Temple is renowned for its unique construction and concept, boasting beauty that rivals Angkor Wat. A must-visit destination, it is an experience not to be missed!

Baphuon Temple

Located near Bayon Temple, within walking distance.

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The structure is a long stone bridge that serves as a walkway leading to the castle.

It has a pyramidal shape with a castle-like structure on top.

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Let's take a look at the view from above.

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Each floor has a surrounding balcony, and the completeness varies.

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The highest point of the castle.

It's time to go down. The descent is not as scary as the ascent. It's very high.

According to historical records, Prasat Baphuon was once dismantled to construct the large reclining Buddha statue located behind the castle. Traces of this event remain visible today.

After descending from Baphuon, I walked along the path behind the castle.

You will encounter the Phimeanakas (Vimean Akas), the Abode of the Gods.

The structure resembles a miniature pyramid-shaped castle.

Terrace of the Elephants

The carved elephant-shaped wall of Angkor Thom city is located directly at the exit.

Terrace of the Leper King

The name "Phra Lan Saidet Khi Ruean" (พระลานเสด็จขี้เรื้อน) refers to a statue with a dark and mottled appearance, resembling a person with leprosy.

The inscription is carved in stone on the wall.

After this point, you will need to take a tuk-tuk to the temples outside of Angkor Thom.

On the way, we passed by Ta Kao Castle. Let's stop by for a bit.

It didn't take long to reach Ta Prohm Temple, where you'll find an entrance gate similar to Angkor Thom. The top of the prang features the faces of the four-faced Bodhisattva.

Upon entering the temple grounds, one encounters the outer gopuram.

The structure you see before you is the Ta Prohm temple. The most striking feature of Ta Prohm is the large trees that cover the temple.

As you ascend another level, you will begin to notice large trees clinging to the castle walls.

The castle's allure stems from its enigmatic location, nestled amidst dense foliage and towering tree roots.

Ta Prohm temple gained worldwide fame after being used as a filming location for a major motion picture.

The Apsara at Ta Prohm Temple

Another angle of the tree roots covering the castle.

From an unseen angle, massive tree roots extend over the contours of the castle roof.

Engraved images on the archway

It's time to move on after a short walk.

Neak Poan temple is located a short distance from Ta Prohm temple. This temple was built on an island surrounded by water, and the entrance is a wooden bridge that leads to the island.

The castle will be located in the middle of the water.

It doesn't take long here.

Temple of the Sacred Sword

Located near the Neak Pean, the Preah Khan temple was built by King Jayavarman VII in dedication to his father. The Ta Prohm temple, dedicated to his mother, shares similar architectural features. The entrance is adorned with a naga bridge, featuring deities and demons pulling the mythical serpent.

The front gate wall features a large bas-relief of Garuda battling a naga, carved from laterite stone.

The entrance gate to the castle

The path leading to the castle remains overgrown with trees. Along the way, before reaching the main castle, there are smaller castles.

Upon entering, it felt like stepping into another world. The atmosphere here is serene and tranquil, unlike the bustling crowds at Angkor Thom.

Large trees also covered the castle.

Walking into this corner, I really like it. It looks mysterious.

The intricate carvings on the wall are a testament to the artist's meticulous craftsmanship.

The Roman building stands out from the surrounding castles, its purpose remains unknown.

The Roman building is a two-story structure with round columns resembling Roman architecture.

In the central hall of the temple, there is a pagoda in the middle.

The intricate carvings of the castle's archway

We have now reached the exit of the castle.

Across the Nagas Bridge

The tour of Prasat Phra Khan ends at the opposite exit of the castle. A tuk-tuk will be waiting for us at this point.

Phnom Bakheng

The final stop of the day was the most stunning sunset viewpoint in Siem Reap. It took two hours to queue and climb to the top.

The central temple on the top, Phnom Bakheng

Very crowded

This concludes the image.

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