Cambodia Trip: Angkor Thom Gate, Bayon Temple and Elephant Terrace

We took advantage of the 2 days/3 nights package of our guesthouse wherein we paid for our room (which includes free breakfast) as well as a tour of the temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia. My friend was the one who booked the reservations in advance as I didn’t really give the whole trip much thought except for the expenses. I give props to her for ensuring that we were settled properly.

Siem Reap Temples Tour
January 20, 2011

Angkor Thom Gate
Bayon Temple
Elephant Terrace

elevation

Woke up late in the morning as we were still tired from the travelling during the previous day. Rode the Tuktuk and we started our tour. At around 10:30am, the weather was cold even if the sun was high up. There were a number of trees surrounding the road to the temples which explains the cool atmosphere.

one with the statues

Pon, our tuktuk driver, brought us to the ticketing booth for the temples. In Siem Reap, for you to go inside the temples, you need to purchase Temple Passes. They come in 1-day, 3-days and 7-days tickets wherein you’ll have your picture taken and you can use this pass to enter the temples. This is only good if you want to go inside as guards will check them before you can enter the temple premises.

a three-day ticket pass to the temples at 40 USD: don’t forget to smile for the camera

20 USD – 1 Day
40 USD – 3 Days
60 USD – 7 Days

First stop was the South Gate of Angkor Thom. Ankor Thom is also known as the “Great City” which was the the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer (Cambodian) empire. (Wikipedia – Angkor Thom).

statues at the South Gate of Angkor Thom

view from the top of Angkor Thom Gate

Saw elephants after entering the South Gate and wanted to ride them but it was too costly for us during that time since we were on a budget. I was able to touch them which was nice. One was yawning and the other was smiling. Glad to have captured it on camera.

15 USD – Elephant Ride

elephants – gentle creatures

Went to the Bayon Temple next. Bayon (Prasat Bayon) stands at the center of Angkor Thom. Its 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. (Wikipedia – Bayon).

Bayon Temple

A number of people already flocked the area. Tourists with guides and travellers who just wanted to explore the rich history of the Khmer empire roamed around.

Carvings on the wall represents the history of armies in battle. There are a lot more carvings on each side which shows how these stones were carefully designed by Khmer people and leaves one in awe.

intricate carvings

faces at the Bayon Temple, Siem Reap

Upon further exploring, some parts of the temple were being renovated to preserve the structure and its form. This was after all built in the 12th century so you can just imagine how long the structures have been standing.

renovation on some parts of the temple

Khmer locals in full traditional costume were also present. Pay a fee to have your picture taken with them. This is one of their ways to earn income from tourists who are also willing to pay a price. I didn’t bother asking how much the photo was.

pose with a fee

Going out of the Bayon temple, we exited at the right side wherein we saw a number of stones on the ground. Not sure if the stones were going to be used as foundation for another construction, we proceeded to another area of Angkor Thom.

Den on stones

The elephant terraces was used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall. (Wikipedia – Terrace of the Elephants).

Elephant Terrace

Was enjoying the different temples but we haven’t even reached half of the tour. Every temple, though they look the same, has its own history. I just couldn’t figure out right then and there what each location represented.

couldn’t help myself

already high and it started at the gate

I couldn’t hide the excitement I felt because of seeing these temples. Will be writing about Ta Phrom, which is famous for the Tomb Raider movie scenes, next.

Here’s a couple of comprehensive guides about Siem Reap:

• Tips and Things to Know about Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Digital Nomad Life: One Month in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Check out my other adventures here:

• Quick Update from Bousavy Guesthouse in Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Siem Reap and Bangkok Chronicles
• Getting There: Cebu to Manila to Clark to Bangkok to Aranyaprathet to Siem Reap
• No Ordinary Train Ride From Bangkok to Aranyaprathet
• Bangkok to Siem Reap: Avoid Scammers from Aranyaprathet to Poipet Border
• Where to Stay: Bousavy Guesthouse in Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Where to Stay: Victory Guesthouse in Siem Reap, Cambodia
  
• Cambodia Trip: Angkor Thom Gate, Bayon Temple and Elephant Terrace
• Cambodia Trip: Trees in Ta Prohm Temple, Siem Reap
• Cambodia Trip: Walking Barefoot at Angkor Wat Temple
• Cambodia Trip: Pre Rup, Banteay Srei and East Mebon Temples
• Cambodia Trip: Haggling Prices in Angkor Night Market
• Cambodia Trip: Those Khmer Kids Selling Merchandise
• Cambodia Trip: Chill Out and Relax at Pub Street in Siem Reap
• Cambodia Trip: Insightful Conversations Over a Fish Massage
• Cambodia Trip: Land Mine Victims
• Cambodia Trip: A Guide to Eating Cheap Khmer Food in Siem Reap
• Cambodia Trip: Engrish and Random Sights in Siem Reap
• Cambodia Trip: Shuttle Bus from Siem Reap to Bangkok, Thailand
• Total Budget Expense in Siem Reap, Cambodia

• Why I Keep Coming Back to Siem Reap
• Old Tourist Couple in Siem Reap, Cambodia