Yet another early start, and the On the Go group are off to the brand new Phnom Penh airport, and a short domestic flight to Siem Reap, in the north of the country. The airport is huge, and amazingly quiet. Looking to a busy future!
We are met at Siem Reap airport by our guide, and head the Angkor area for lunch. First stop in the afternoon, is the Angkor National Museum. This is dedicated to the collection, preservation and presentation of Angkorian artifacts and Khmer civilisation, with collections mainly dated from Khmer Empire’s Angkor period circa 9th to 16th century.
After a nice group lunch at a tourist restaurant, we moved on to the legendary Angkor Wat. This is a massive temple complex, built in the 12th century by King Suriyavarman II, originally dedicated Hindu god Vishnu. It was later converted to a Buddhist temple and is now a major tourist attraction, a symbol of Cambodia, and the world’s largest religious monument.
After a few chores and chilling back at the hotel, we dine at a restaurant directly opposite. Very nice and as per usual, reasonably priced.Probably half the price of a comparable evening out in New Zealand.
Today Day 13, is “Temple Day.” Firstly we visit the temples of Banteay Srei, stopping at an exotic butterfly sanctuary, and the village of Preak Dak. At Preak Dak, each of us will have the opportunity to plant mango or Jack fruit saplings as part of a tree planting initiative by the company.
At Banteay Srei we see some of the finest stone carvings in the world, dedicated to Shiva.
Before lunch and Ankgor Thom, we visit a silk factory. Very interesting, and a silk scarf purchase for Sue.
Post lunch, it is Angkor Thom. We see the Bayon Temple, Baphuon, the royal enclosure, and the terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. There are also an abundance of monkeys in the area, which are fascinating to watch.
The last stop on the tour of the Angkor complex is Tra Prohm Temple, which has been left in the ruined state in which it was discovered.
