The Cambodian Countryside

When we were planning our trip, everyone we knew said we only needed two days in Siem Reap.  Just enough time to check the temples off our list and hit the next place ready to see the 'must see' sights there.  I hate travelling like this, in fact I have been known to go to places and purposefully skip all the must see sights unless I am genuinely very interested.  I think you learn a lot more from a place by exploring.  Now I was generally interested in seeing Angkow War and the other temples but I am so happy that is not all we did. The last two days we have spent cycling around the beautiful country side.  We have seen villages, lakes, temples, schools, rice fields, rivers, and by far the best part, we have gotten to see how friendly and lovely the Cambodian people are.

 Yesterday we went some beautiful villages, all the children were so happy and friendly to us, trying to practice their English.  We bumped into a local wedding playing lovely music that echoed throughout the country side.  I wish I had taken more photos but really was just enjoying the day.

 Today we cycled to a lake, well we tried too.  These houses in a few months will be submerged in water, well not really as they are on stilts.  But the level water will be right up to the doors.  We could not get any closer to the lake as they would not let you unless you bought into a horrible package tour with a million other people.

 On the way back we chilled out at this, well chill out spots that they had all along the road.

We then stumbled on some more temples when we were going back to Siem Reap. What a great way to spend a few days.  Tonight is our last night and we will enjoy the night market and a few little bars that were recommended to us.  Tomorrow onto the capital.

Ta Prohm

Okay, first I have to correct my last blog post, Indian Jones never used this temple, Tomb Raider did (slightly disappointing as Indian Jones is obviously far superior).  Second, I just loved this temple the trees are just amazing.  It was founded back in 1186 AD by a King that was trying to honour his parents.  I would say he was pretty successful as even though it is not in perfect condition it is still extraordinary 850 years later. 

 I think the pictures give some sort of idea of how unique and jaw dropping this place was.  You can just not get over the roots and growth of the trees.

On our way back we stopped at an old pool for a King.  There use to be a temple in the middle but it is not anymore.  It is pretty big to say the least!

Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom was the next stop on our journey, it means great city and was founded in the late 12th to early 13th century.  The city's layout was meant to be a reconstruction of Hindu Heaven and is famous for its many monuments and five large city gates.  

We loved it!  It is just amazing, the whole place is so beautiful and memorising.  It was great just to walk around the monuments just soaking up all the atmosphere and feeling so lucky to be able to see this beautiful part of history. 

 Bayon was the crown jewel of the city, fifty towers with four faces per tower, it is quite amazing.  

 I am actually a little loss for words at describing Bayan. I keep retyping the same descriptors but I really cannot find words that will properly capture the feeling of being there.

 We spent a great deal of time here, exploring the other monuments and city grounds.  It was pretty amazing (I definitely need to expand my vocabulary).

 Siev our guide was the best ever, he also runs a free school for the local children and really is doing so much for his community.  He was totally inspiring.

At the city gates.  I feel so lucky to have been able to visit these spots and on such a beautiful day.  We then moved on to our next spot, Ta Prohm which some may recognise from an Indian Jones Film (next blog).