Thommanon, Chau Say Thevoda and Banteay Kdei Temples, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

After thoroughly exploring the temples in Angkor Thom, we continued cycling east, along the short circuit of temples. Along this route are some amazing temples, including Thommanon Temple, Chau Say Thevoda Temple, Spean Thmor, Banteay Kdei Temple and Ta Prohm which I will devote a separate post to.

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Thommanon Temple

A beautiful intricate temple, featuring a large central tower, plenty of Devatas were carved into the stone around the temple.

Chau Say Thevoda Temple

A smaller temple with nice stone carvings, though most damaged.

Spean Thmor

An interesting ancient stone bridge with three arches, what was interesting was a large tree growing on top of it.

Ta Keo Temple

Banteay Kdei Temple

Banteay Kdei Temple, meanding Citadel of Chambers, is a large complex with multiple enclosures protect by parameter walls. Plenty of well preserved statues and wall carvings.

Srah Srang

Kravan Temple

Cambodian children, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

We brought some small trinkets with us and gave them out to children who we met along during our exploration of the Angkor Wat temples.

Below is a photo of some children we met around Prasat Banteay Kdei Temple.

 

Preah Pithu, Angkor Thom, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Preah Pithu in the north eastern corner of the ancient city of Angkor Thom is a group of five temples. The grounds was quiet with little tourists, it was fun exploring the area.

Angkor Thom – Baphuon, Phimeanakas and Terraces, Siem Reap, Cambodia

The next day we decided to explore the surrounds of Angkor Thom, the ancient capital city with Bayon in the centre which we had previously explored.  We started by cycling to the north-west quadrant which had a large clump of temples and terraces.

thydzikgooglemap(http://sonyaandtravis.com/maps/angkor-thom-baphuon-phimeanakas-terraces-siem-reap-cambodia.xml)

Baphuon

The first temple we viewed was Baphuon, quite a unique temple made from sandstone blocks that resembled bricks. A seventy meter sandstone unfinished Buddha is located on one side, which though extremely large, we found quite difficult to make out.

Phimeanakas

A quaint little temple in the middle of lush jungle, it made for nice photos as we climbed the three tiers to the top.

Terrace of the Elephants

A three-hundred meter long terrace of elephants that runs in a north-south direction along the centre of Angkor Thom

Terrace of the Leper King

A terrace of carved sculptures, named due to the moss growing on the sculptures resembling a person with leprosy.

Preah Palilay

A small temple with not many visitors, this allowed us to set-up the tripod for a few photos.