Siem Reap, Cambodia Day 3--Last Day of our vacation:(

We had the entire day to finish seeing some of the temples. Sam-na was available to drive us around via tuk tuk which only cost around $18 for the entire day. We weren’t “ templed” out as the architecture continued to impress us with each new temple we saw. Two of our favorites this day were Ta Som and Preah Khan.

East Mebon

Built: Late 10 century AD

Religion: Hindu (Shiva)

East Mebon is a large “temple-mountain like ruin.” It has 3 different levels and 5 towers. It originally sat on an island called Eastern Baray. This island is now dry. The temple is dedicated to Shiva in honor of the king’s parents. One day, I'm sure they will discontinue allowing tourists to walk, climb, run, or hang on the ruins.

The view from the back seat of our tuk tuk and Sam-na driving! Termite mounds anyone?

Ta Som

Built: Late 12^th century AD

Religion: Buddhist

This temple was like a miniature Ta Prohm. It was built in Bayon-style and contained numerous face tower gopuras, sanctuaries, and a number of outstanding carvings. Similar to Ta Prohm, a huge tree grew from the top of a gopura and was destroying the gate but it was a great photo opportunity.

This temple was really neat because not all of it had been restored.

Similar to Ta Phrom, this tree had completely grown around the building.

The colors here were fabulous.

We took a break to have some coconut water. We really wanted to try them. Mine was super sour, but it was worth the experience.

You put the lime in the coconuts....

Neak Pean

Built: Late 12^th century AD

Religion: Buddhist

This was a small island temple and was one of the last temples to be constructed by a Khmer king in the Angkor area. The main temple sits at the center of eight pools. Our brochure states that “Originally known as Rajasri, Neak Pean took its modern appellation, which means ‘coiled serpents,’ from the encoiled nagas that encircled the temple. The temple is faced by a statue of the horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors.” Even though this temple was originally dedicated to Buddha, it also contains several Hindu images. The waters here were thought to have healing powers. Unfortunately, we were there during dry season which gave this temple a quite different look.

This was the largest termite mound I've ever seen.

I guess this would look completely different during the rainy season.

Preah Khan

Built: Late 12^th century AD

Religion: Buddhist

This temple was a huge monastic complex and was completed in 1191—it’s full of carvings, passages, and amazing photo opportunities. It used to be a Buddhist monastery and school with over 1000 monks. King Jayavarman VII lived here for a short time while Angkor Thom was being built. This temple was dedicated to the Kings Father. Some of the Buddha images here were vandalized in the later Hindu resurgence. Cylindrical columns on the temples western side are one of the only examples of round columns and could date from a later period. Children hanging out near the temples to sell itmes to the tourists. This was amazing to see how the building was still standing with this gigantic tree perched on top of it.

Terrace of the Elephants

Built: Late 12^th century AD

Religion: Buddhist

Well, this is exactly what it says it is: a long terraced wall adorned with carved elephants and garudas. The sculptures here were impressive and included a five headed horse and scenes of numerous warriors and dancers.

Phnom Bakheng (Bakheng Hill)

Built: Late 9^th century to 10^th century AD

Religion: Hindu (Shiva)

This temple is actually built on top of a hilltop with a great view of the Angkor Wat temple and the Tonle Sap lake can also be seen from here—which makes it a popular spot for viewing the sunset. It was the first major temple to be built in the area when the former capital was moved to Angkor in the late 9^th century. It served as King Yasovarman I’s state temple at the new capital city called: Yasodharapura. Black Elephants were available to take us to the top, but we chose to take the hiking path!

From the top of the temple, Angkor Wat could be seen from afar.

We basically had to climb down these steep steps. Check out the ladies above me.

The Black Elephants

One last look at Angkor Wat.

B wanted to get his hair cut and I was looking forward to a foot massage--so Sam-Na took us to a street where we could accomplish both. $3 later, B had a $1 haircut, $1 shave, and gave the guy a $1 tip. He came out with half a shave and tears in his eyes due to a dull-single-bladed shave with a straight-razor, no side-burns and B said he just kept cutting and cutting and cutting...hehehehehe--Chock it up to a "cultural experience".

We then headed back to the Soria Moria to watch the sunset, enjoy a glass of vino, and to rearrange our bags for our flight back which departed at 1040 pm.

Cambodia will always have a special place in our hearts and one day we hope to return! I highly suggest reading First They Killed My Father or another book about the Pol Pot regime before taking a trip there to get a better understanding of what their culture has been through over the last 40 years.

These are the wild monkeys we stopped to see while we were on the tuk tuk.