BESIDES RELIC AND TEMPLE: INTO THE SHADES OF CAMBODIA

While most of the tourists took delight on marveling the clues behind the construction ways of the mega-structures (like Ian the housemate) and others on freezing the time for freshly crisp man-made wonders into their cameras, I certainly dread the times I will exhaust from those than touring as a word literally. That, I mean about plunging your bare eyes into the myriads of scenery might as well of knowing the first-hand history right from its front door than worry with the documentations at all. Human nature as it is, most if not all can't live without keepsakes and I for one is no denial to that. 

Angkor Wat - The largest temple and is a living heritage of the Cambodians better known as Khmer people located in the central part of Siem Reap. Built by King Suryavayarman II in the early 11th century and completed towards the 12th. Originally had 12 towers but in years and years of war, only 5 towers left to date for the world to see.

Bayon Temple - (Pardon me with the lameness of the signature move, i'm on a dry run!) A medieval sculpture built around 1190 AD by King Jayavarman VII, a Buddhist temple that showcases a collection of carved figures depicting a lot of historical events such as Linga worship, naval battle, military procession, civil war, victory parade, the all-seeing king, the land of plenty and a lot more to mention.

Baphuon Temple - Recently the government is taking efforts for the restoration of the temple as it collapsed largely and gradually in the 20th century. The rebuilding was led by French Archeologists and in 2011 the restoration was completed according to the positions of the stones as what it was in the original form. Built in mid-11th century as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

East Mebon Temple  - The picturesque temple stand on a platform like a chess pieces on a board. The ruined terraces are stunning like an outdoor theater or a venue to a garden wedding.

Ta Prohm Gate

Ta Prohm Temple - This is one of the locations the Tomb Raider movie took their shoot with Angelina Jolie. The appeal of the place is increased by it's partly  ruined state with the trees and its roots almost swallowed big portions of the ruins.

Banteay Srei Temple - more likely a temple in a flat plane and the ground is like a tennis clay court. This hard red-stone walled temple was built in dedication to the Hindu God of Shiva.

Neak Pean - This sacred monument is situated at the center of a  lake and  trailed with a long wooden path walk before you reach the place.

Preah Khan Temple - A temple set on a dense jungle.

Kbal Phrean river beds

Kbal Phrean River

Kbal Phrean Waterfall

Into the Temples

Angkor Wat

Bayon

Baphuon Temple

East Mebon Temple

Ta Prohm Temple

Banteay Srei Temple

Neak Pean Monument

Preah Khan Temple

Kbal Phrean Waterfall and River Beds

Intricate Carvings and Sculptures

One of the most anticipated conundrums of the experts with regards to carves and construction is the method of binding the stones without any spaces for binder in between. 

Signature Shots...

Navigation

We don't need to try numbers of guides and drivers to conclude this guy is the alpha male of them all. The services from brilliant suggestions to the initiative of providing us free cold water to asking now and then if we felt like to pee  is exceptional already. He can give you heaven of your touring!

Travel Young

In all fairness, I am totally inspired by the appetite these elders had towards living the life in their later years it's hard to instill the passion on things "I think" when you're older. But this one, changed my perspective. I hope they're not catching up on things they were not able to materialize when their younger. Travel is one of the to-do lists in your bucket and I believe it is wise to travel when all of your might is young!

And here are the things you might need to know...

Do's, Dont's and Prohibitions

1. Do not touch/play with the carvings (respect religious emblems)

2. Do not smoke/litter/eat at the temples

3. No pets allowed (make sure you look human)

4. No children 12 yrs. below (your super parent skills might not afford the dangers of the super steep and long stairs entering the temples leave it to the superheroes)

5. Wear appropriate dress as respect to religious figures. (For women, no skirt, no too short shorts-exactly above the knees are proper, sleeveless shirts and 'sandos') These prohibitions are usually implemented in big temples like Baphuon, Bayon and Angkor Wat.

6. No pregnant allowed (need I say more?)

When we take our first stop in the itinerary in Kbal Phrean Waterfall we were bombarded by lots of young vendors insisting to buy their products and since we still have to hike the trails to the waterfall all we have to do is tell them we'll just check out the stuffs later when we go back to the camp. And then, a lot of swear words come out running. And   one of the unforgettable lines my housemates could not dare forget is "Remember my name Lily, you promise me you buy for me" (with the tone like a tiny voice from the heavens)

Tidbits on dealing with Vendors

1. Don't give attention to the stuffs they are trying to sell if you don't have any intentions to buy. (Better not to give them an eye contact) They will irritate you to death that you will end up buying the stuff in order for them to stop talking to you. 

2. Be vigilant of the extreme kindness people in the temple are showing you...like giving you an intensive history of the latter, directions and taking you pictures. If you still have bucks to give them a tip? then this is not an issue. They usually require you to give at least $5 afterwards. 

3. Haggling. This is everybody's game. But if I were to go back there in the future I know better how to do the drama. If you were to ask me, I would have to act as I am interested with the product at first then decline to buy it because I don't have enough money for it. Then, look at the results as you are going to leave the place, every prices are going down to their lowest prices. Then, time for the wholesale buying! hehe..

Why Travel?