2006 - Beijing to Bangkok overland (Part 11a - Siem Reap)

Wednesday 6 December - Another early start to get to the border. Chaos as there are huge numbers of people going backwards and forwards. The formalities were straightforward although the cost of the visa was $US20 plus 200 Thai baht. We all knew where the baht was going and we hoped the officials spent it wisely. Over border to Poipet in Cambodia. The road to Siem Reap was long, bumpy, dodgy bridges and not sealed as there is a rumour that a certain airline pays the Cambodian government NOT to upgrade the road. The road is only sealed for the last 10km or so before Siem Reap. The guest house has excellent food.

Local farm house near Siem Reap.

Local shops on the road to Siem Reap.

Thursday 7 December - An all day (leaving the hotel at 5:00 am!) tour of the Angkor complex, starting with sunrise at Angkor Wat. There were lots of other people with the same idea and we sat by the lake in front of Angkor with our hot coffee, provided by enterprising locals. The purchase of the coffee also got you a seat.

The sunrise starts ...

... and continues ...

... and continues ...

... and continues.

We did not stay at Angkor as we would be coming back later in the day and we drove to Bayon (Angkor Thom) and had breakfast. Bayon is famous for its serene carved faces.

On the bridge at South Gate.

The South Gate into Angkor Thom.

The South Gate into Angkor Thom (Bayon).

The moat around Bayon.

One of the many faces at Bayon.

The tourist market and restaurants.

Locals near Bayon.

Bayon Temple.

Tourists at Bayon.

One of the many faces at Bayon.

The hordes of tourists at Bayon.

Bayon.

From there we stopped at Baphuon with its Elephant Wall.

The Elephant Wall at Baphuon.

Monks on a bus.

Next was Ta Keo which was deserted.

Ta Keo temple.

Next is the second most famous temple, Ta Prom. This is the temple with the trees growing over and through the walls. Lots of tourists here, thinking they are Lara Croft doing a bit of tomb raiding!

One of the many walls in the complex.

Ta Prom temple.

The effects of the jungle on Ta Prom.

One of the entrances to Ta Prom temple.

The trees at Ta Prom.

Tourists at Ta Prom.

More of Ta Prom.

We went back to back to Angkor Wat for lunch and exploration. We stayed until sunset watching the sun go down from our seats by the lake. Once the sun had gone down, the temple is lit up with different coloured lights and looks great. My photos however are rubbish, hence there are none posted.

The moat around Angkor Wat.

Another view of Angkor Wat.

The central part of Angkor Wat.

Inside Angkor Wat.

One of the gates at Angkor Wat.

The classic view of Angkor Wat.

Locals at Angkor Wat.

In all a long, brilliant day at a magnificent place.

Dinner and beers at the guest house.
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