Tra-abel Cambodia Trip Day 2: Temple Hopping at Angkor Wat - Outer/Grand Circuit

A beautiful view from Neak Poan

On my second day at Siem Reap, I purchased a US$12 tour ticket from Mandalay Inn and Tour. The tour agency is located in the premises of Mandalay Inn, where I was staying. The ticket is for a van tour on the Outer/Grand Circuit of Angkor Wat Archeological Park or those temples far from the main Angkor Wat. The tour includes an English speaking guide, unlimited supply of ice cold bottled water and of course a comfortable ride in a 16-seater air conditioned van.

As indicated in my receipt, the tour starts at 7:00 AM, so I woke up early and had a simple breakfast of chicken noodle soup which I ordered at Mandalay Inn. At exactly the agreed time, the van picked me up and I was welcomed by a Cambodian national inside the van. I was expecting a jam packed van so I was really surprised to only see the tourist guide inside and a middle aged Chinese tourist girl. I introduced myself to the group and told our guide that I still don’t have a visitor’s pass. He then assured me that we will get one later after picking up the rest of the group. Minutes later, we were joined by 2 Japanese girls, same age as mine. Unlike my short conversation with the Chinese girl, I instantly became friends with the Japanese girls not just because we’re of the same age but because they have been to the Philippines, specifically Cebu, where they studied for English.

A group picture before the tour ends!

Moments later, the van stopped at the ticket counter, where I bought my pass for US$40 good for 3 days. The process in buying ticket was simple and fast. After paying for your desired number of days to visit Angkor Wat, your picture will be taken and a visitor’s pass will then be issued to you with your picture on it.

We were back on the road in no time and after half an hour, we reached our first destination – Preah Khan. 

It is a combination of temples dedicated to Buddha, Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. It is also said to be one of the largest complexes at Angkor, constructed by Jayavarman VII.

The temple is a network of arched corridors, beautiful carvings and amazing stonework.

One of the structures would make you feel like you’re in Greece rather than at Cambodia due to its architectural design.

Amzaing temple ruins at Preah Khan!

Our second stop for the tour was Neak Poan, a small temple with large square pool surrounded by four smaller pools, with a circular island in the middle. It is one of the 12th century works of Javayrman VII located near Preah Khan.

Another interesting sight to behold is the lake where dried and decaying trees can be found while walking in a wooden make-shift bridge built by the locals.

Our next stop was Ta Som, a small temple, also the work of Javayarman VII which has numerous trees and other vegetation growing among the ruins.

My favorite part of this temple was the third eastern gopura (entrance ways) with a tree growing on top of it.

Since it was already nearing lunch, we then went to Bantaey Srei where a restaurant is located. Lunch was not included in the tour; hence, we bought our own lunch. As for me I ordered a serving of curry rice worth US$4.

A short walking distance from the restaurant, we then made our way to Bantaey Srei or the Pink Temple. It was referred as such because of its color. The temple is cut from pinkish stone and has some of the most unbelievable and intricate stone carving in the world. 

According to some readings, Bantaey Srei means “citadel of the women” and believed to be carved by women as depicted by its fine carvings which are too intricate for the hand of a man.

After more than an hour of exploring the temple, our guide told us we would be heading to the last leg of the tour - Pre Rup. However, before reaching out final stop, we first made a quick stop along the highway where we met a community selling different handicrafts and coconut delicacies. We played with the kids and were offered a taste test of their local coconut delicacies (bukayo). 

After which we continued our way to Pre Rup.

Pre Rup is a temple which was originally built as the state temple of a Khmer king dedicated in early 962. The temple was large and pyramidal in structure, with three prasat on top of it. The climb to top was a little bit tiring and scary. But once we reach the top, we were rewarded with a beautiful view.

The view from the right side of Pre Rup!

Much as I want to stay longer and marvel at the beautiful temple, the tour had ended and we need to get back to the town proper.

Next Post: Tra-Abel Cambodia Trip Day 3 - Angkor Wat