As far as I’m concerned, Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples are the only reason to visit Siem Reap. That being said, our time at the temples made the whole trip worth it. As I am, unfortunately, writing this waaay after our visit, there’s a fair chance I’ve mislabeled a temple or two. The important takeaway is that this magnificent temple complex is utterly unlike anything else in the world and should be on everyone's bucket list.
We got a three-day pass and hired a tuk tuk to shuttle us around. The tickets are personalized with your photo and need to be kept on hand at all times. Also, these are temples, so dressing respectfully (covering shoulders, knees, and belly) is important. I found a sarong to be super useful for this as I could wear shorts but wrap it into a skirt as needed. Our driver was mostly helpful and only changed the price on us a few times which, while frustrating, is apparently to be expected.
We got started around mid morning on day 1, which any “official guide” will tell you is way too late in the day; neither of us being morning people we didn’t particularly care (it’s 75 degrees at 3 am, it’s not like there’s actually a “cool” part of the day). We brought our cameras, hats, sunglasses, guide book and a little cash. Our driver had cold water for us which was fantastic! The temple complex is a bit outside of the city which meant we got to take in the local traffic on our way.
Yes, that’s a pedal bike being towed by a motorbike.
Our first stop was Ta Keo.
And hey look, I’m immediately distracted by the bugs. Typical.
I’m pretty sure this first stop was a test. Why? Stairs. It is a long way to the top of this temple. I should note that stairs across Angkor are not what we Americans typically think of as stairs. It’s more like a carved ladder, with rungs two feet apart. And maybe sloping downwards. And maybe only 3 inches wide (sometimes).
FYI - this is staircase one of three
“I’m not gonna make it! Save the phone!”
That being said, getting to the top was well worth it.
There were butterflies and dragonflies around the tops of the temple.
Legitimate Jungle Treetops
As well as the first of many outstandingly detailed carving we would see throughout the temples.
After enjoying wandering about our first temple there was just one thing left to do, make it down those stairs!
This guy had the most graceful controlled fall/jog down the stairs. 10/10.
Our next stop was Ta Prohm. This temple is famous for its magnificent trees as well as hordes of tourists trying to get a picture with said trees.
To be fair, they are really big trees.
While parts of the temple are falling down, it was still astonishing to look up and see heavy rock ceilings as well as the intricate details that went into the carvings. For reference, these were built Mid 12th - Early 13th century AD.
