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. This was the second of three temples on my itinerary for the day, and I was set on climbing it to the top.
This temple was bustling the day I visited it. As it is fairly close to Siem Reap and one of three temples in the area, this is a popular spot for tourists who want to see a little more than Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Many street vendors waited at the entrance to the temple, ready to sell tourists snacks and drinks needed to keep them going.
The climb to the top of the temple was short, but it felt taller and larger than the other pyramid temples I had visited. I walked past the usual linga you find at these temples as I ascended the mountain. Atop the temple I was treated to great views of the surrounding area, right up to the edge of the forest.
I could see other small libraries undergoing restoration among the ruins of the temple. There was also another, more modern temple near the other entrance. There was a ritual being performed at the time and I could hear the monks singing in prayer being broadcast through a speaker over the entire area.
As I descended I saw many monks leaving the temple – presumably their worship was over for the day. It was an interesting little footnote to my short visit to this temple. Two out of three so far, now I sought out the last, and most hidden temple.
