Feb 17 – Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
We were up early for a 6:30 AM departure from the hotel to catch our flight Cambodia Angkor Air 101 at 08:50 from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (for Angkor Wat). Once on the flight, we sat on the plane for hours while it was being repaired so after a 25 minute flight we landed in Siem Reap at 11:30, this missing the morning activity of going to the lake.
After lunch at the very nice Angkor paradise Hotel, We headed off to the Angkor complex – A series of Hindu and Buddhist temples and structures in a 400 square kilometer area. The first temple visited was the Buddhist temple – Ta Phom – we know it’s Buddhist as it is short vs Hindu temples which are tall, reaching for the gods. The carving and courtyards structures etc were amazing as the pictures will show. One interesting feature in this 1161AD temple was the use of Corbel (false) arch roofs like the Maya as opposed to the use of Keystones to support the arches.
Next to a Hindu Temple – Pre Rup – which is somewhat reminiscent of all the pictures of Angkor Wat in brochures with the turrets, and is on the Cambodian flag. We climbed the many steps and got a terrific view of the complex and surrounding areas. We hoped to see a spectacular sunset but a cloud prevented it just before. So down we went and after a quick freshen up we headed out to dinner at one of the best restaurants we had eaten in – Cambodian set menu.
Tomorrow is Angkor Wat itself. 😀
Roger & Anne Travels 