Two Sore Backs

I’ll start with trip logistics to Siem Reap and the temples. (Angkor Wat is the most famous but there are many others.)

The bus trip is exceptional. Why? We have very comfortable seats, great air-con and a nice lunch is provided. There is only one rest stop but there is a bathroom on board. Four hours later we arrive in Siem Reap.

At the bus station we are surrounded by tuk tuk drivers who want our business. We later find out that post Covid, Angkor Wat / Siem Reap tourism has returned to about 50% of pre Covid levels. Another phenomenon is that tourists will probably use the same tuk tuk driver for their whole stay so that first fare to the hotel is important.

We meet Channara and as mentioned will stick with him for our four day visit.

In terms of touring the temples including Angkor Wat we settle on:

Tonight-sunset at Phnom Bakheng

Tomorrow-sunrise at Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom’s South Gate, Bayon, Ta Phrom, Prasat Kravann and allow a full day.

We are not ready to commit beyond this agenda but ask Channara to hire a guide for tomorrow. (There are over 300 temples near Siem Reap.) The agenda seems a little daunting even though this tour is known as the small tour (we learn because the temples are in close proximity).

We check in our wonderful hotel and get ready for our first temple visit.

Phnom Bakheng

One of the first Hindu temples built in this area back in the 9th century. It predates Angkor Wat by two centuries.

The temple is in the form of a mountain.

Because this temple is built on the top of a mountain there is a view eastward to Angkor Wat.

This is the temple to visit at sunset.

As we drive back to Siem Reap in a convoy of tuk tuks we are startled by the intense sound of the cicadas in the denser forest along the route. They are so loud I want to turn my hearing aid off!

We wrap up with a great meal. Larb salad with pork and fish amok. Yum.

We have one temple under our belts. Hmmm.

Tomorrow is a big day – we will head out at 5am.