Temples in Siem Reap attract millions of visitors each year, especially those set within the Angkor Archaeological Park. In 1992 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and there are approximately 50 Buddhist and Hindu temples dating back to the 12th century within its grounds. While most of the structures have collapsed and are now covered in greenery and trees, there are still many well-preserved stone temples and carvings that provide a glimpse of the once prosperous Khmer empire.
Ba Phuon Temple.
Hubs doing his Laurence of Arabia thang!
While in Siem Reap, we employed Mr Cowboy and his tuk tuk to drive us to the many temples. This quickly became a little troublesome as we kept losing him. He’d drop us off at a site and tell us to meet him somewhere or other, several hours later.
Terrace of the Lepers/Terrace of the Elephants.
Once we’d visited these terraces we lost him altogether. After much wandering around and peering into an infinite number of tuk tuks, we finally found him parked under a tree, strung up in a hammock in his tuk tuk, fast asleep. He simply poured a bottle of water over his head and carried on to the next Temple.
As the day went on, it became hotter and hotter and to be honest, we were becoming somewhat frazzled and a little templed-out. Once we arrived at Ta Phohm Temple, Mr Cowboy, [yes, that is his real name] dropped us at the East Gate and told us he’d meet us an hour later at the West gate.
We, however, had spotted a market and as soon as Mr Cowboy drove off for another nap, we slunk into it and acquired a couple of cold beers, and settled in the shade to watch the drama of the market unfold.
After a while, I checked the time and was astonished to see that the entire hour had gone by! Talk about losing time!
We immediately got a frantic wriggle on and dashed through Ta Prohm Temple which was a shame as I thought it was by far the most beautiful.
Seeing how the trees had attached themselves to the rocks reminded me how quickly nature would reclaim the earth if people disappeared.
The trees fair took my breath away!
Unfortunately, the West gate proved to be elusive and we found ourselves going around in circles.
In the end, out of desperation, we asked a security guy for directions. He then took us to the west gate personally, showing us all the best views as we went. That took a long time!
Needless to say we were very, very late, yet Mr Cowboy was jolly decent about it all, I think he appreciated the extra sleep.
The were lots of macaque in the temple grounds and I have to say that they are the politest monkeys I have ever met. This guy looked at me, and then at hubs, who was carrying a bottle of water. He then walked over and sat down next to him, and gently put his paw on hubs’ leg.
He obviously wanted the water so hubs gave him the bottle which he immediately guzzled down. Goodness, no snatching! Such a well mannered chap.
Two minutes later, this little guy did the exact same thing, she gently put her paw on hubs’ foot.
Unfortunately she didn’t get a chance to drink as a mother macaque took the water off her.
That was the last of the water sadly!
And Finally…..
There were pigs wallowing in the water in the temple grounds, no-one seemed to own them. How wonderful!
Wow, those monkeys certainly know how to handle water bottles!
How lovely that you got the best views — from the security guy! Well done, you!
What a wonderful experience. I love this post; the temples and the very polite monkeys.
Lovely to read, lovely to look at.
Those tree roots are amazing and the macaques look so cute!
All the best Jan
Interesting images.
Incredible! Like something out of Indiana Jones. Sounds like the monkeys were more polite than your driver.
Those tree roots are amazing.
The story with the macaques reminded me or a visit to the monkey forest in France I came away sporting a tiny dusty handprint on my cream trousers in the area of my bottom.
I read that it would take just 50 years for nature to swallow the M1 motorway if it was abandoned – a thought which rather appealed to me! I think this is my favourite part of your holiday, Dina – and although the temples are lovely, I wholeheartedly agree with time off for a beer in the shade! xx
Fascinating again, Dina! Those roots are fantastic, and make me think. I could see them as guardians, protecting the temples: or as threat, trying to destroy them. Or maybe, just nature, blowing a raspberry at humanity when we think we are stronger than she is!
Another enjoyable post and wonderful pictures. Well done on sharing your water. xx
Primates are so easy to love, and yet they’ve suffered terribly from mankind. I envy you the pleasant meeting with them. When I traveled abroad (I was much younger than you guys… didn’t have had the courage after middle age), guides and transportation had to stick close or we separated ways. Usually what interested me were not the ‘featured’ places… But it is always nice to visit a temple, especially when we take the time to get to know the monks or religious people who adhere to them. How nice it is to be enjoying your trip with you. Warm regards to Hubs!
What wonderfully well behaved monkeys. My only experience of them was in Sri Lanka, where they were quite vicious and mugged a poor man for the mango he was eating! Love those tree roots. xx
Those trees remind me so much of the strangler figs in the Daintree rainforest. Awesome! Clever macaques.. they’ve learned a good trick there!
The pecking order is not to be defied, monkey mum ensured that. I wonder if her well taught offspring got a drink eventually…..who knows. Mannerly behaviour, one which they know may appeal to homo sapiens softer side, is a surprising feature of the macaque’s communication.
Mr Cowboy sounds like a personable driver. He must have a well rehearsed travel route of places that visitors might be interested to see, though obviously he is not a tour guide. In his shoes, I think I would take the opportunity to get in a few power naps.
Those trees and their roots do look as if the will swallow up the buildings they are encircling. Their interweaving make for fascinating shapes.
Smashing trip. xxx
I love the sweet macaques, and the tree roots are so beautifully sculptural!
I would have felt a little over-templed, but then I’d think about another chance to see all these beautiful spaces not coming around again, and, as you say, the last was the best…but the break for a cold beer sounds great!
Such beauty and history surrounding you, Dina! What a marvelous journey you’re on! Thank you for sharing!
I think I’d have spent my time with the macaques and the pigs. Awww, bless them, they just wanted a drink of water.