Angkor Wat is the largest Hindu Temple Complex in the world. It is situated in Siem Reap province of Cambodia. The province is the gateway to Angkor wat. Siem Reap also consists of many tourist attraction like Cambodia National Museum, National War museum, PUB Street, Night Market, Old Market, Buddhist temples, Floating Villages, Silk Farm, Apsara Dance Show (Cambodian Traditional Dance) and much more. Inspite of all this, the major attraction is Angkor Wat.
Angkor Wat is a huge temple complex that spreads around 400 Acres. It was built by Suryavarman II during 12th century. This temple is dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu, but later it was transformed into Buddhist temple. It consists of several temples in the complex. Each temple is separated by the minimum distance of 3 to 4 kms. So for covering the entire complex it takes a complete day. So if you want to see the place in the relaxed way we can go for two or three day passes. (Passes details mentioned at the end).
We(me and my friend) decided to cover Angkor Wat first during our stay in Cambodia. We started the day around 09:30 AM,then rented a bike for a day and brought a day pass from the ticket counter located almost 6 kms away from the complex and drove towards the complex. There was a check point at all the entrance of the complex, entering the complex without ticket is impossible and a criminal offence. We showed our ticket at the check point and entered the complex.
One of the biggest advantage is that we can get map of the temple complex in almost all tourist places. It is better to get one from the travel and tour operators. We got a few maps about the complex. There are almost 7 temples where we want to show our ticket for visiting. The temple includes Angkor(the main temple), Angkor Thom (Bayon Complex), Ta Phrom, Banteay Kdei, Ta Keo, Neak Pean, Phnom Bakeng(Sunset View point). These are the temples where we need to show our tickets apart the list there are other temple as well which we can visit without showing the ticket.
Angkor Main temple took us around 3 hours for completing it . It has inscription from Hindu Mythology sculpted on the wall. Churning of the ocean of milk, war involved by the king, etc are sculpted. The temple has 5 main towers. The entire view of the temple was astonishing. We are allowed to enter the top of the tower for the full view. The temple has a lake in front of it, which will add to its beauty during sunrise. The temple is a perfect example for Khmer architecture. Lots of sandstone and handwork has been made
We then went to visit Angkor Thom temple or Bayon temple. It is a huge complex which has 4 or 5 temple inside its complex. If we are not clear with the map we will end up confusing the places we are visiting. We spent another 2 hours in exploring all the temples. Bayon temple, Baphuon, Elephant terrace, Royal Palace are the main attraction inside the complex.
Then we went to Prah Khan temple inside the complex, we where asked to show our tickets by the guards. We went inside and spent around 30 minutes. It was a straight temple with the idol of god at the centre from both entrance.
After that we are left with an hour for seeing other remaining temples inside the complex. So we left for Ta Keo temple, which is almost 4 kms distance. We reached and climbed to the top of the temple. Temple has 2 storey with steep steps. We have to climb carefully. We spent around 25 minutes here and left for Ta Phrom.
Angkor Main temple took us around 3 hours for completing it . It has inscription from Hindu Mythology sculpted on the wall. Churning of the ocean of milk, war involved by the king, etc are sculpted. The temple has 5 main towers. The entire view of the temple was astonishing. We are allowed to enter the top of the tower for the full view. The temple has a lake in front of it, which will add to its beauty during sunrise. The temple is a perfect example for Khmer architecture. Lots of sandstone and handwork has been made
Ta Phrom is the another place where we have to show our tickets. Ta Phrom is a massive temple complex which is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu. The temple consists of tree which are very old and huge with big roots. Some of the temple structures are covered by tree roots. The entire place was so greenery and full of fresh air.
Banteay Kdei was the last place to visit for our day. While entering the temple the guard after checking the ticket, told us that we were left with only 20 mins for visiting the place. We have to walk a bit fast for seeing the place and the place was superb among all. The place have some Buddha idols for worshipping and covered by trees on all sides. Winds causes a mild chill as it is evening time. We then went to Trapeng Srah Srang which is a lake situated exactly to Banteay Kdei.
The evening on the lake was really a refreshing thing, after spending the entire day running for seeing all the place. We chilled there for a good 30 minutes and then went back to our hostel.
The day was good but we have to rush at the end of the day, which makes it little exhausting. Some of the points to be noted to avoid rush and happy seeing of places.
Tips:
1. Ticket fare for Angkor War complex
One day pass - $37
Three day pass - $62
Seven day pass - $72
2. Two day pass will be sufficient for seeing it relaxingly.
3. Taking Tuk-tuk or renting a bike depends on your group. If you are 2 then renting an bike is a good option. More than 2, please go for tuk-tuk. They will wait for you the whole day and take you to all places.
4. Local peoples are little weak in English, so be prepared for that.
5. Please start early for the day to see all places in you took a one day pass. If it is for two days the you can start little slowly.
6. We can get food inside the complex and if you wish we can also carry our own food.
7. Expense $50 includes ticket price, food and other expense.
We also got a chance to speak to a couple who were travelling all the way from Switzerland around Asia in their Van. They were so friendly. They spoke to us about their experience in travelling in Van, the reason behind their decision to travel in Van, their future plan for visiting the places and returning back to their home country. They are good enough to let us visit the inside of van. Their travelling story was so fantastic and the preparation they made before taking the huge step.
With memories, will post another blog on Cambodia soon.