Cambodia

Cambodia

A Travel Photologue 2011-May-10 to 2011-May-14

day one rolous Group 2011-May-10

The Rolous group of temples (built 877-899) include Bakong which was the first temple mountain of sandstone constructed by rulers of the Khmer empire. They represented the beginnings of Khmer classical art.

Statues of lions guard the stairways.

Large stone statues of elephants are positioned as guardians at the corners of the three lower levels of the pyramid.

Preah Ko consists of six brick towers arranged in two rows of three towers each perched on a sandstone platform.

Lolei is the northernmost temple of the Rolous group of temples. It was the last of the three temples to be built as part of the city of Hariharalaya that once flourished at Roluos.

Tuk tuk driver at Siem Reap Old Market.

Cha Traop Dot - Cambodian eggplant and pork dish.

Dinner at Apsara Theatre.

Classical apsara dancers depicting scenes from Khmer mythology.

A ceremonial folk dance.

day two a n g k o r w at 2011-May-11

Sunrise at Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat (built 1112-1152 ) is the best preserved temple at the site.

Bas relief depicting the Churning of the Sea of Milk.

Devetas are characteristic of the Angkor Wat style.

View of the moat surrounding Angkor Wat.

The Khmer tasting platter features a sampling of Cambodian specialties like fish cakes, spring rolls, fish amok, curry and beef lok lok.

Ta Prohm (built 1181-1201) has been left in much the same condition in which it was found. The atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor's most popular temples with visitors.

Roots of a sprung running along the gallery of the second enclosure.

Bas relief on Ta Prohm corridor

Banteay Srei (built 968-1001) is known for the intricacy of its carvings. This carving is of a kala, a mythical creature representative of time and of the god Shiva.

Banteay Srei (Citadel of Women) is adorned with intricate pink sandstone carvings.

The combat between Vali and Sugreeva is depicted on the western gopura.

Phnom Bakheng was built at the end of the 9th century.

The temple faces east, measures 76 meters square at its base and is built in a pyramid form of six tiers.

Sunset at Phnom Bakheng.

Handicrafts at the Night Market.

day three

ANGKOR THOM & Tonlé Sap 2011-May-12

Entrance to Angkor Thom.

Walking towards Bayon (built 1181 - 1201) located in the centre of Angkor Thom.

Bayon's most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and massive stone faces on the many towers which jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak.

Baphuon, built in the mid 11th century is a three tiered temple mountain located in Angkor Thom, northwest of Bayon.

Terrace of the Elephants.

View form the highest level at Angkor Wat.

An excursion to TonlĂŠ Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia.

Water dwelling on the lake.

day four

BANTAEY KDEI & BENG MEALEA 2011-May-13

Banteay Kdei (built 1181 - 1201) is also know as the Citadel of Monks.

Beng Mealea (12th century temple) was a prototype for Angkor Wat.

The tourist infested Pub Street.

day Five Siem Reap Town 2011-May-14

The Old Market (Psar Chas) in Siem Reap.