For my birthday in Siem Reap I had a special treat. By sheer coincidence, Shanghai band Chimera Cult were stopping by Cambodia on tour.
Cambodia
The Kingdom of Cambodia, in Southeast Asia.
Kampong Phluk Floating Village
After exploring temples near Siem Reap, it was time to look for something different. I had heard of a floating village nearby that was a popular tourist destination. So I set out on a tour to visit Kampong Phluk and to enjoy the sunset over the lake Tonle Sap.
Prei Monti: The Hidden Temple
The last temple I visited in Siam Reap was tucked away in the forest, hidden from plain sight. If you didn’t know it was there, you may never have found it.
Climbing The Bakong Temple
The Bakong Temple is the oldest sandstone mountain temple in the region. It is said to be inspired by the Borobudor temple in Java, and carries many elements inspired by the design.
Preah Ko: Shiva’s Sacred Bull
Just to the east of Phnom Penh is Prasat Bakong, an area with three temples really close to each other. I thought this would be a good area to visit on my last day exploring temples.
Phnom Bok: Not My Namesake
As soon as I learned there was a temple called Phnom Bok, I knew I had to visit. How can I miss a temple that bears my own name?
Preah Khan: The City Temple
After leaving the healing waters of Neak Pean, there was time for one more temple before returning to Siam Reap. The next temple I went to has been left largely unrestored, but it is still impressive in scope.
Neak Pean: The Water Temple
Perhaps the most spectacular island temple in the area, this temple of healing is surrounded by a large moat that needs to be crossed by bridge before you can reach the inner shrine. This was certainly a highlight of my second day exploring Khmer temples near Siem Reap.
Ta Som: Temple of Solitude
Ta Som is a small island temple that has, like Ta Prohm, been overrun by nature. It’s one of the smaller temples I visited on my second day of exploring. As such, it was also one of the quietest temples in the area.
East Mebon: An Island No More
The second temple of the second day exploring temples, East Mebon is a smaller island temple north east of Angkor Thom. Though it is an island temple, the moat has since been filled, giving it a mildly different history to other island temples.