Angkor Thom, an enclosed city down the road from Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, and surrounding temples are arguably much cooler than Angkor Wat for the following reasons:
This gate, the south gate of the complex:
This temple within Angkor Thom, called Bayon:
And this temple called Bauphon:
And this temple outside Angkor Thom, called Ta Keo, which I climbed, then took 23 minutes to climb down:
This sunset from Phnom Bakheng, where you can see over Angkor Wat on the east side and out to the west (seen here):
What’s great about touring these temples is that there is very little you cannot explore. If a temple has a flight of stairs and no signs prohibiting you, you can climb up, down, walk around here, walk around there…
That freedom is likely to give you a glint in your eye, not just due to the strong sun, but the sense that you’re exploring something you really shouldn’t be able to access. I’m walking on centuries-old artifacts, come at me, museum docent. Who knows if we’ll be able to have that sort of access again during this trip, or any trip.
All photos by Kiwi.
November 19, 2014 at 4:54 pm
I love your comment, “I’m walking on centuries-old artifacts, come at me, museum docent.” It’s so true! Touching surfaces that are so old is an incredible feeling.
Love your pics!
November 26, 2014 at 7:57 am
Thanks lady! It’s truly incredible. Imagine being able to climb Big Ben or Buckingham Palace, or walk Winston along Stonehedge. It would blow your mind. Maybe Duchess Kate should make that a thing.