I am doing the red route today. See partial map below.
The sun was glaring down when I finally reached this temple. I had quite a long way to cycle around Angkor Wat (8 km) to get to this small 10th-century temple. I really liked the reddish brick.
Kravan is located south of the artificial lake called Srah Srang.
They draw crowds, that’s for sure. The monkeys of Bayon. You spot a tripod, you spot a monkey.
The monkeys have an easy life. They get fed fresh fruit every day by tourists and photographers. I heard stories that they try to pick pockets, the monkeys, not the photographers.
Pretty much like the South Gate but less impressive or intact decorations in front. And it being North-facing there is more moss. The moat is also pretty overgrown.
I still love it for its style and faces.
This is the view when entering Angkor Thom.
Many temples in Angkor started out dedicated to Hindu gods, but were later converted to Buddhism. Instead of destroying evidence of the former religion like in so many other countries, in Angkor you often find bas reliefs carvings showing different gods. Can be confusing but I concentrated on admiring the architecture and craftsmanship.
Some monkey business going on here too.
Fairly hidden temple ruin off the main road behind Terrace of the Leper King. Nature is taking over.
This small temple is actually still in use today. There were also some local residences nearby which was nice to see. The walled city of Angkor Thom was a major city at one point and I would have expected more evidence of normal housing, not just temples.
Wait what? Yes, there was another King called Leper King besides the one of Jerusalem.
The statue was called the “Leper King” because discolouration and moss growing on it was reminiscent of a person with leprosy. However, there is also the Cambodian legend of the Angkorian king Yasovarman who had leprosy. In Cambodia he is known as Dharmaraja.
Quite a long terrace. Have a look at the map below.
Many towers and small temples spread out across from the Terrace of the Elephants and of the Leper King. Some parts date 10th century, others from the 12th.
Come with me on a quick cycle past Bayon to Prasat Suor Prat (3.4 minutes). Volume up for authentic noise like birds, traffic, bicycle bell, huffing and puffing… For a 4D experience inhale deeply during watching. Can you smell the exhaust?