Angkor travel style – most styles possible
Being on a bike, my style of exploring Angkor Park, meeting a completely different style.
Here at the West Gate of the Angkor Thom old capital, this beautiful Rolls Royce had brought their guests to visit. The kind elder couple had wanted to take this trip to Angkor for a long time. And they wanted a ride to make it very special.
I’d say they succeeded.
This gate is named Ta Kav gate in Khmer. I t is one of the four main entrances to Angkor Thom, out of the total of five gates int the capital built by the great king Jayavarman VII.
Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is truly a Kingdom of wonders. And some surprises.
There are several companies renting stylish and/or classic cars for people looking for that special travel experience in Siem Reap. Or planning a very special event. I have found several classic Mercedes, Bentleys, Italian Maseratis, and US Camaros and Mustangs. And Vipers.
#westgate #angkor #thom #cambodia #kingdomofwonder #bikingintheangkorwonderland
#rollsroyce #luxurycar #luxury #angkorthom #takavgate #jungle #khmer #art #architecture #elephants #selfie #jayavarmanvii #travelinstyle #travel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap
#bikingintheangkorwonderland
Liquid gold poured by a warm sunset
People loving scenic sunsets will enjoy every evening in Siem Reap, Cambodia, too. And they will have a new spot every afternoon. These spots are both inside and outside Angkor Arhcaeological Park. And when taking in the sunset experience, you can eat well and enjoy refreshments from stalls nearby.
This shot was taken near the West Baray, បារាយណ៍ខាងលិច, the gigantic manmade water reservoir from the middle of the Khmer Angkor imperial era. Nearly 900 years after its completion it still plays a vital role in water and flood management for the Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap city and the surrounding farmland.
The West Baray are used by locals and visitors alike, for leisure, bathing, boating, fishing and visit to the West Mebon temple on the artificial island in the Baray.
Built for the ages
Measuring appx 7.8 times 2.1-kilometre, West Baray is not a dugout. It is built with human made earthen dikes, with a height of 11,9 meters. The maximum capacity is 53 million m³ water. These 53 billion litres equal 14 billion gallons of water in medieval measurements.
It was finished appx 1066 CE, the same year England was conquered by the Norse rulers of Normandy.
West Baray is 12 kilometres from Central Siem Reap, mostly on flat, well-maintained roads. Easy to get to by tuktuk or car, or a nice, brisk bike ride morning or afternoon.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2024/09/01/golden-sunset-near-west-mebon/
#Angkor #ancient #art #architecture #sculpture #archive #worldculturalheritage #hinduism #khmer #empire #buddhism #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #greentourism #biking #sunset #sunsettrip #sunsetexperience #Cambodia #Kampuchea #southeastasia #westmebon #sunrise #westbaray #sightseeing #Water #reservoir #khmer #archive #architecture #siemreap #hydraulics #city #empire #visitcambodia #takeonlyphotos #leaveonlyfootprints 🎶🎶 #bikingintheangkorwonderland 🎶🎶
People loving scenic sunsets will enjoy every evening in Siem Reap, Cambodia, too. And they will have a new spot every afternoon. These spots are both inside and outside Angkor Arhcaeological Park. And when taking in the sunset experience, you can eat well and enjoy refreshments from stalls nearby.
This shot was taken near the West Baray, បារាយណ៍ខាងលិច, the gigantic manmade water reservoir from the middle of the Khmer Angkor imperial era. Nearly 900 years after its completion it still plays a vital role in water and flood management for the Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap city and the surrounding farmland.
The West Baray are used by locals and visitors alike, for leisure, bathing, boating, fishing and visit to the West Mebon temple on the artificial island in the Baray.
Built for the ages
Measuring appx 7.8 times 2.1-kilometre, West Baray is not a dugout. It is built with human made earthen dikes, with a height of 11,9 meters. The maximum capacity is 53 million m³ water. These 53 billion litres equal 14 billion gallons of water in medieval measurements.
It was finished appx 1066 CE, the same year England was conquered by the Norse rulers of Normandy.
West Baray is 12 kilometres from Central Siem Reap, mostly on flat, well-maintained roads. Easy to get to by tuktuk or car, or a nice, brisk bike ride morning or afternoon.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2024/09/01/golden-sunset-near-west-mebon/
#Angkor #ancient #art #architecture #sculpture #archive #worldculturalheritage #hinduism #khmer #empire #buddhism #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #greentourism #biking #sunset #sunsettrip #sunsetexperience #Cambodia #Kampuchea #southeastasia #westmebon #sunrise #westbaray #sightseeing #Water #reservoir #khmer #archive #architecture #siemreap #hydraulics #city #empire #visitcambodia #takeonlyphotos #leaveonlyfootprints 🎶🎶 #bikingintheangkorwonderland 🎶🎶
Visit to an impressing off the main track citadel temple
Banteay Thom, the big (Thom) Citadel (Banteay), is 10 km north of Angkor Wat and 15 km out Siem Reap City limits. It is accessible by motorbike or a proper bike only.
This temple was built during the rule of Jayavarman VII "the Great" in early 1200s CE. There is one main entrance to the east, and a gate blockaded by debris to the west. Remains of a moat surrounds the old temple.
As a temple built by a mighty god king, it is of stately qualities including some very advanced arts and stone carvings.
After the anteroom and Gopuras, the main three towers are of impressive sizes. But in some need of restoration.
Being outside the main Angkor Park area, there is no need for an Angkor temple pass to visit. It is a truly quiet place with spots and details to study closely, without the queueing and crowds in the more famous temple from JVIIs reign.
Unfortunately, its solitude location means that the temple has been a target for looting into quite recent times.
Banteay Thom is surrounded by rice fields. Visiting during harvest season means meeting and surprise a lot of locals tending to their fields. Including the field where the young Khmer works, where you can listen to the latest in Khmer pop music.
That is not a bad thing. Kh-pop is patent, modern pop worth listen to. And makes a nice cultural contrast to the old Archaeological structure.
#angkor #siemreap #visitsiemreap #cambodia #offthebeatentrack #kingdomofwonder #angkortemples 🎶🎶 #bikingintheangkorwonderland 🎶🎶 #AOTBT #offthebeatentrack #Banteay #thom #Banteaythom #bike #rice #ricefield #dirttrack #backcountry #greentourism #Jayavarman #VII #JVII #J7 #Angkor #Thom #1250CE
Banteay Thom, the big (Thom) Citadel (Banteay), is 10 km north of Angkor Wat and 15 km out Siem Reap City limits. It is accessible by motorbike or a proper bike only.
This temple was built during the rule of Jayavarman VII "the Great" in early 1200s CE. There is one main entrance to the east, and a gate blockaded by debris to the west. Remains of a moat surrounds the old temple.
As a temple built by a mighty god king, it is of stately qualities including some very advanced arts and stone carvings.
After the anteroom and Gopuras, the main three towers are of impressive sizes. But in some need of restoration.
Being outside the main Angkor Park area, there is no need for an Angkor temple pass to visit. It is a truly quiet place with spots and details to study closely, without the queueing and crowds in the more famous temple from JVIIs reign.
Unfortunately, its solitude location means that the temple has been a target for looting into quite recent times.
Banteay Thom is surrounded by rice fields. Visiting during harvest season means meeting and surprise a lot of locals tending to their fields. Including the field where the young Khmer works, where you can listen to the latest in Khmer pop music.
That is not a bad thing. Kh-pop is patent, modern pop worth listen to. And makes a nice cultural contrast to the old Archaeological structure.
#angkor #siemreap #visitsiemreap #cambodia #offthebeatentrack #kingdomofwonder #angkortemples 🎶🎶 #bikingintheangkorwonderland 🎶🎶 #AOTBT #offthebeatentrack #Banteay #thom #Banteaythom #bike #rice #ricefield #dirttrack #backcountry #greentourism #Jayavarman #VII #JVII #J7 #Angkor #Thom #1250CE
The little village temple in 890s Hariharalaya
An early morning visit to the very old Prasat Trapeang Kaek ប្រាសាទត្រពាំងក្អែក with two oxen.
Prasat Trapeang Kaek, or O Ka-aek temple, is a single tower temple built in Hariharalaya. This was the second capital of Angkor Empire. O Ka-Aek was built 50 years before the capital was moved to the area near Angkor Thom.
O Ka-aek is part of the standalone temples in Roluos group. Probably it was built as a village temple. It is situated close to the old main dirt roads leading into the southern part of modern Siem Reap.
O Ka-aek is appx two kilometre west for Bakong Temple, the first large temple built in mountain style in the Khmer Empire.
Peace on the main old road
Since it is off track modern roads, O Ka-aek is rather peaceful and gives a chance to look closely on early architecture and art in the Angkor Empire. Even if the walls mostly have caved in, there are surprisingly well-kept stone art in the remaining structure. The north and south permanently closed gates have amazingly detailed carvings still.
The single tower temple is built in old Khmer Hindu style closely resemble development from the older Chenla style.
It is also on a nice green spot, meaning that the locals let animals graze around it. Two oxen were doing this on my visit, stopping only to study me study the O Ka-aek temple.
Getting here is easy by any vehicle or bike. It is a nice 18 km bike ride one way from Siem Reap. As the old road is gravel mostly, a mountain/terrain bike is advisable.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2024/11/10/a-green-small-spot-at-prasat-trapeang-kaek/
#angkor #hariharalaya #roluosgroup #temple #okaaektemple #PrasatTrapeangKaek #TrapeangKaek #angkor #architecture #roluos #bikingintheangkorwonderland #bluesky #hinduism #890CE #offthebeatentrack #angkoroffthebeatentrack #AOTBT #Cambodia #ancientcapital #countryside #daytrip #greentourism #khmer #Pagoda #visitsiemreap #southeastasia #visitcambodia #worldculturalheritage
An early morning visit to the very old Prasat Trapeang Kaek ប្រាសាទត្រពាំងក្អែក with two oxen.
Prasat Trapeang Kaek, or O Ka-aek temple, is a single tower temple built in Hariharalaya. This was the second capital of Angkor Empire. O Ka-Aek was built 50 years before the capital was moved to the area near Angkor Thom.
O Ka-aek is part of the standalone temples in Roluos group. Probably it was built as a village temple. It is situated close to the old main dirt roads leading into the southern part of modern Siem Reap.
O Ka-aek is appx two kilometre west for Bakong Temple, the first large temple built in mountain style in the Khmer Empire.
Peace on the main old road
Since it is off track modern roads, O Ka-aek is rather peaceful and gives a chance to look closely on early architecture and art in the Angkor Empire. Even if the walls mostly have caved in, there are surprisingly well-kept stone art in the remaining structure. The north and south permanently closed gates have amazingly detailed carvings still.
The single tower temple is built in old Khmer Hindu style closely resemble development from the older Chenla style.
It is also on a nice green spot, meaning that the locals let animals graze around it. Two oxen were doing this on my visit, stopping only to study me study the O Ka-aek temple.
Getting here is easy by any vehicle or bike. It is a nice 18 km bike ride one way from Siem Reap. As the old road is gravel mostly, a mountain/terrain bike is advisable.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2024/11/10/a-green-small-spot-at-prasat-trapeang-kaek/
#angkor #hariharalaya #roluosgroup #temple #okaaektemple #PrasatTrapeangKaek #TrapeangKaek #angkor #architecture #roluos #bikingintheangkorwonderland #bluesky #hinduism #890CE #offthebeatentrack #angkoroffthebeatentrack #AOTBT #Cambodia #ancientcapital #countryside #daytrip #greentourism #khmer #Pagoda #visitsiemreap #southeastasia #visitcambodia #worldculturalheritage
Inside this great collection of green is the remains of one of the oldest temples in Angkor Park
A colourful memory from that time I had lunch near Prasat Kôk Svay Pream. I had visited four temples in old Hariharalaya/Roluos group covering 400 years of architecture. Finally found this well covered, very old pre-Khmer empire temple site.
Nearly a 100 year older than Khmer Empire
Prasat Kôk Svay Pream, ប្រាសាទគោកស្វាយព្រាហ្មណ៍ in Khmer, is mostly covered by vegetation.
Only some small remains of a brick wall, an entrance gate and a lingam basin are relatively easy to be found. In front there of this is an entrance platform facing eastwards. The thick growth of green trees, palms and thick foliage including thorn bushes covers the rest of the site. It looks like it has been a moat of sort around the elevated area where this temple remains are.
When Prasat Kôk Svay Pream first was rediscovered, three lintels where found. They show the bridging of architecture and design from Sambor Prei Kouk of Chenla kingdom to Prei Khmeng and Kulen of early Khmer during the 700s CE.
The Chenla kingdom was the last Khmer kingdom before the Khmer empire was declared in 802 CE. Its capital was near Kampong Thom.
It is a nice and peaceful place, and not a lot of visitors. Or locals. Some friendly cows, though. Always lovely with something bovine out in the countryside.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2024/09/20/lunch-at-prasat-kok-svay-pream/
#2019CE #ancient #Angkor #AOTBT #offthebeatentrack #architecture #archive #archivephoto #art #ប្រាសាទ #គោក #ស្វាយ #ព្រាហ្មណ៍ #រលួស #backcountry #bike #biking #bikingintheangkorwonderland #bluesky #Cambodia #oldcapital #Hariharalaya #roluos #roluosgroup #citylife #classic #khmer #countryside #daytrip #dirttrack #Empire #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #Kampuchea #angkoroffthebeatentrack #temple #Pagoda #Prasat #KôkSvayPream #rice #ricefield #roadtrip #siemreap #southeastasia #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #worldculturalheritage
A colourful memory from that time I had lunch near Prasat Kôk Svay Pream. I had visited four temples in old Hariharalaya/Roluos group covering 400 years of architecture. Finally found this well covered, very old pre-Khmer empire temple site.
Nearly a 100 year older than Khmer Empire
Prasat Kôk Svay Pream, ប្រាសាទគោកស្វាយព្រាហ្មណ៍ in Khmer, is mostly covered by vegetation.
Only some small remains of a brick wall, an entrance gate and a lingam basin are relatively easy to be found. In front there of this is an entrance platform facing eastwards. The thick growth of green trees, palms and thick foliage including thorn bushes covers the rest of the site. It looks like it has been a moat of sort around the elevated area where this temple remains are.
When Prasat Kôk Svay Pream first was rediscovered, three lintels where found. They show the bridging of architecture and design from Sambor Prei Kouk of Chenla kingdom to Prei Khmeng and Kulen of early Khmer during the 700s CE.
The Chenla kingdom was the last Khmer kingdom before the Khmer empire was declared in 802 CE. Its capital was near Kampong Thom.
It is a nice and peaceful place, and not a lot of visitors. Or locals. Some friendly cows, though. Always lovely with something bovine out in the countryside.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2024/09/20/lunch-at-prasat-kok-svay-pream/
#2019CE #ancient #Angkor #AOTBT #offthebeatentrack #architecture #archive #archivephoto #art #ប្រាសាទ #គោក #ស្វាយ #ព្រាហ្មណ៍ #រលួស #backcountry #bike #biking #bikingintheangkorwonderland #bluesky #Cambodia #oldcapital #Hariharalaya #roluos #roluosgroup #citylife #classic #khmer #countryside #daytrip #dirttrack #Empire #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #Kampuchea #angkoroffthebeatentrack #temple #Pagoda #Prasat #KôkSvayPream #rice #ricefield #roadtrip #siemreap #southeastasia #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #worldculturalheritage
A quiet morning at the hospital temple Prei Prasat Ta Oun Temple
This is one of those temples that literally is off the beaten track. The only access is via a narrow bike trail, on the side of farmland with grazing cows. The trail gets very muddy in green season.
Localised well north of Angkor Thom, this temple was built in late 12th century. It is one of the over 100 hospital temples built during the reign of the great Khmer king Jayavarman VII. More known for his state temple Bayon with what is considered his portrait being repeated all over its façade.
Hospital temples were temples connected to a nearby public hospital. It was used for prayer, rites, offerings and probably as part of the therapy. It was an early example of public healthcare system built in scale. It shows how advanced and rich the Angkor empire was at its peak 450 years into its existence.
Compact and peaceful
It is not a large site, but it is one of the best kept examples of these hospital-temples built in Bayon style. Even the moat surrounding Ta Oun is in relatively good order. But it dries up during the hot season.
There are remains of a Gopura and a Library to the east of the main temple, and a smaller gate to the west. There are no remains of the hospital itself.
It is worth a visit not only for the insights into an important part of Khmer imperial history. Ta Oun is well off the main visitor’s area, is peaceful and often without any other visitors.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2025/02/16/ta-oun-temple/
#1280CE #ancient #AngkorArcheologicalPark #angkor #temples #angkorthom #angkorwat #angkorpark #AOTBT #architecture #archive #art #Asia #Biking #bikingintheangkorwonderland #bluesky #Buddhism #Cambodia #citylife #countryside #daytrip #Empire #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #J7 #JayavarmanVII #Kampuchea #khmer #kingdomofwonder #offthebeatentrack #Pagoda #PrasatTaOun #Temple #siemreap #southeastasia #taountemple #travel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #worldculturalheritage
This is one of those temples that literally is off the beaten track. The only access is via a narrow bike trail, on the side of farmland with grazing cows. The trail gets very muddy in green season.
Localised well north of Angkor Thom, this temple was built in late 12th century. It is one of the over 100 hospital temples built during the reign of the great Khmer king Jayavarman VII. More known for his state temple Bayon with what is considered his portrait being repeated all over its façade.
Hospital temples were temples connected to a nearby public hospital. It was used for prayer, rites, offerings and probably as part of the therapy. It was an early example of public healthcare system built in scale. It shows how advanced and rich the Angkor empire was at its peak 450 years into its existence.
Compact and peaceful
It is not a large site, but it is one of the best kept examples of these hospital-temples built in Bayon style. Even the moat surrounding Ta Oun is in relatively good order. But it dries up during the hot season.
There are remains of a Gopura and a Library to the east of the main temple, and a smaller gate to the west. There are no remains of the hospital itself.
It is worth a visit not only for the insights into an important part of Khmer imperial history. Ta Oun is well off the main visitor’s area, is peaceful and often without any other visitors.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2025/02/16/ta-oun-temple/
#1280CE #ancient #AngkorArcheologicalPark #angkor #temples #angkorthom #angkorwat #angkorpark #AOTBT #architecture #archive #art #Asia #Biking #bikingintheangkorwonderland #bluesky #Buddhism #Cambodia #citylife #countryside #daytrip #Empire #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #J7 #JayavarmanVII #Kampuchea #khmer #kingdomofwonder #offthebeatentrack #Pagoda #PrasatTaOun #Temple #siemreap #southeastasia #taountemple #travel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #worldculturalheritage
Modern colourful Lolei pagoda
The original, classic Khmer temple Prasat Lolei was placed on an island in an artificial water basin. It was the royal family temple in Hariharalaya. That was the last capital outside what we now recognise as the core Angkor Archaeological Park area around Angkor Thom north of Siem Reap.
The water is gone, but the four old temple towers are still there. Around the old temple grounds, a modern Buddhist monastery was built and still operating.
A modern Wat and Temple
The monks here were quite interested in talking to visitors, seeking information and some of them loved to practice their English. And some German too, come to that.
This photo is from inside the modern Buddhist temple, which is among the heaviest colourful temples I have seen in the Siem Reap area. But it is also very open to the sun light, making it a place of worship filled with light and colours.
I like religious buildings with this sort of character.
Under a hundred meter away, the 1100 years older holy towers connect the old and new continuous cultural history and heritage of Cambodia.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2024/10/10/prasat-lolei/
#2018CE #893CE #ancient #Angkor #angkorwat #apsara #ApsaraAuthority #architecture #archive #art #Asia #ប្រាសាទលលៃរលួស #biking #bikingintheAngkorWonderland #biking #adventures #bluesky #Buddhism #Cambodia #citylife #countryside #daytrip #Empire #greentourism #Hariharalaya #Hinduism #history #imperial #Kampuchea #khmer #khmercapital #leaveonlyfootprints #lolei #Temple #Pagoda #prasatlolei #roadtrip #roluosgroup #Roluos #siemreap #southeastasia #takeonlyphotos #temple #travel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #wat #worldculturalheritage #yasovarman #leperking #Bakong #Loleimonastery #Nikkor #Nikon #oldangkor #nationalroad6 #kingdomofwonder
The original, classic Khmer temple Prasat Lolei was placed on an island in an artificial water basin. It was the royal family temple in Hariharalaya. That was the last capital outside what we now recognise as the core Angkor Archaeological Park area around Angkor Thom north of Siem Reap.
The water is gone, but the four old temple towers are still there. Around the old temple grounds, a modern Buddhist monastery was built and still operating.
A modern Wat and Temple
The monks here were quite interested in talking to visitors, seeking information and some of them loved to practice their English. And some German too, come to that.
This photo is from inside the modern Buddhist temple, which is among the heaviest colourful temples I have seen in the Siem Reap area. But it is also very open to the sun light, making it a place of worship filled with light and colours.
I like religious buildings with this sort of character.
Under a hundred meter away, the 1100 years older holy towers connect the old and new continuous cultural history and heritage of Cambodia.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2024/10/10/prasat-lolei/
#2018CE #893CE #ancient #Angkor #angkorwat #apsara #ApsaraAuthority #architecture #archive #art #Asia #ប្រាសាទលលៃរលួស #biking #bikingintheAngkorWonderland #biking #adventures #bluesky #Buddhism #Cambodia #citylife #countryside #daytrip #Empire #greentourism #Hariharalaya #Hinduism #history #imperial #Kampuchea #khmer #khmercapital #leaveonlyfootprints #lolei #Temple #Pagoda #prasatlolei #roadtrip #roluosgroup #Roluos #siemreap #southeastasia #takeonlyphotos #temple #travel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #wat #worldculturalheritage #yasovarman #leperking #Bakong #Loleimonastery #Nikkor #Nikon #oldangkor #nationalroad6 #kingdomofwonder
Royal honour to the grandparents
Prasat Lolei, ប្រាសាទលលៃ, is the northernmost temple in the old capital of the Khmer empire Hariharalaya. Finished in 893CE, the temple group of four towers was dedicated to Shiva and to members of the royal family by king Yasovarman I.
The two tall brick temple towers were built in honour of the king’s grandparents. The two lower towers were for his parents. King Yasovarman I was not a big fan of his father’s plans of succession. He ended up making his own succession line and legitimized right to the throne via his grandmother’s family.
Last larger Hindu temple built in Hariharalaya
It was originally a temple on an island in a now dried out water reservoir called Indratataka Baray. This was the first Baray of many built by the imperial god kings of Angkor. A temple on an island surrounded by water is probably meant to symbolise Mount Meru, home of the gods in the Hindu pantheon.
Back then it was an Ashram nearby, today there is a modern pagoda and a monastery surrounding the classic site. The interior of the modern pagoda is worth a closer look.
This was the last large temple build by the god kings in Hariharalaya. Yasovarman I later moved the capital to Yaśodharapura centred around Phnom Bakheng, near Angkor Thom/Nokor Thom as it is known today.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2021/04/06/the-modern-prasat-lolei-a-colorful-cultural/
#2022CE #893CE #ancient #Angkor #angkorwat #apsara #ApsaraAuthority #architecture #archive #art #Asia #ប្រាសាទលលៃរលួស #biking #bikingintheAngkorWonderland #biking #adventures #bluesky #Buddhism #Cambodia #citylife #countryside #daytrip #Empire #greentourism #Hariharalaya #Hinduism #history #imperial #Kampuchea #khmer #khmercapital #leaveonlyfootprints #lolei #Temple #Pagoda #prasatlolei #roadtrip #roluosgroup #Roluos #siemreap #southeastasia #takeonlyphotos #temple #travel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #wat #worldculturalheritage #yasovarman #leperking
Prasat Lolei, ប្រាសាទលលៃ, is the northernmost temple in the old capital of the Khmer empire Hariharalaya. Finished in 893CE, the temple group of four towers was dedicated to Shiva and to members of the royal family by king Yasovarman I.
The two tall brick temple towers were built in honour of the king’s grandparents. The two lower towers were for his parents. King Yasovarman I was not a big fan of his father’s plans of succession. He ended up making his own succession line and legitimized right to the throne via his grandmother’s family.
Last larger Hindu temple built in Hariharalaya
It was originally a temple on an island in a now dried out water reservoir called Indratataka Baray. This was the first Baray of many built by the imperial god kings of Angkor. A temple on an island surrounded by water is probably meant to symbolise Mount Meru, home of the gods in the Hindu pantheon.
Back then it was an Ashram nearby, today there is a modern pagoda and a monastery surrounding the classic site. The interior of the modern pagoda is worth a closer look.
This was the last large temple build by the god kings in Hariharalaya. Yasovarman I later moved the capital to Yaśodharapura centred around Phnom Bakheng, near Angkor Thom/Nokor Thom as it is known today.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2021/04/06/the-modern-prasat-lolei-a-colorful-cultural/
#2022CE #893CE #ancient #Angkor #angkorwat #apsara #ApsaraAuthority #architecture #archive #art #Asia #ប្រាសាទលលៃរលួស #biking #bikingintheAngkorWonderland #biking #adventures #bluesky #Buddhism #Cambodia #citylife #countryside #daytrip #Empire #greentourism #Hariharalaya #Hinduism #history #imperial #Kampuchea #khmer #khmercapital #leaveonlyfootprints #lolei #Temple #Pagoda #prasatlolei #roadtrip #roluosgroup #Roluos #siemreap #southeastasia #takeonlyphotos #temple #travel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #wat #worldculturalheritage #yasovarman #leperking
Sunrise greeting at the first grand temple of the Khmer Empire
Mornings are the most pleasant time to visit Bakong Temple. The large stone temple gets very hot later in the day.
Bakong was the first mountain type of temple architecture design in the Khmer imperial era. It served as a state temple for king Indravarman I, in the first dedicated Khmer imperial capital at Hariharalaya.
Today this is the Roluos Group of temples east of Siem Reap City, Cambodia. Other well-known temples here is Preah Koh and Lolei.
Large Hindu influence
The temple was dedicated to Shiva, and its main consecrated image was a lingam called Sri Indresvara. This step pyramid mountain temple draws inspiration from other large Hindu temples in the region built around the same time. Most notably the fantastic Borobudur temple in Java, outside Yogyakarta.
Bakong temple was the last large construction in Hariharalaya. Indravarman’s son and heir Yasovarman I moved the capital to Phnom Bakheng in the early 900s. Bakheng Hill is just south of what we today call Angkor Thom, the big (capital) city.
For those interested in comparative historical timeline, this temple was finished as a state temple in 881CE. In Norway, the first unification of the kingdom under one superior king established the first larger Nordic kingdom.
#Firstcapital #khmer #empire #2018CE #ancient #881CE #Angkor #ApsaraAuthority #architecture #archivephoto #art #Asia #ប្រាសាទបាគងរលួស #backcountry #bakong #BakongTemple #bike #biking #bikingintheangkorwonderland #bluesky #Buddhism #Cambodia #capitalcity #citylife #classic #countryside #daytrip #dirttrack #greentourism #Hariharalaya #Hinduism #history #humanheritage #imperial #Indravarman #Kampuchea #lolei #mobilephoto #monks #morningbiking #Note9 #novices #offthebeatentrack #AOTBT #Pagoda #PrasatBakong #PrasatLollei #PrasatPreahKoh #ricefield #roadtrip #roluos #roluosgroup #SiemReab #SiemReap #southeastasia #sunrise #travel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #worldculturalheritage
Mornings are the most pleasant time to visit Bakong Temple. The large stone temple gets very hot later in the day.
Bakong was the first mountain type of temple architecture design in the Khmer imperial era. It served as a state temple for king Indravarman I, in the first dedicated Khmer imperial capital at Hariharalaya.
Today this is the Roluos Group of temples east of Siem Reap City, Cambodia. Other well-known temples here is Preah Koh and Lolei.
Large Hindu influence
The temple was dedicated to Shiva, and its main consecrated image was a lingam called Sri Indresvara. This step pyramid mountain temple draws inspiration from other large Hindu temples in the region built around the same time. Most notably the fantastic Borobudur temple in Java, outside Yogyakarta.
Bakong temple was the last large construction in Hariharalaya. Indravarman’s son and heir Yasovarman I moved the capital to Phnom Bakheng in the early 900s. Bakheng Hill is just south of what we today call Angkor Thom, the big (capital) city.
For those interested in comparative historical timeline, this temple was finished as a state temple in 881CE. In Norway, the first unification of the kingdom under one superior king established the first larger Nordic kingdom.
#Firstcapital #khmer #empire #2018CE #ancient #881CE #Angkor #ApsaraAuthority #architecture #archivephoto #art #Asia #ប្រាសាទបាគងរលួស #backcountry #bakong #BakongTemple #bike #biking #bikingintheangkorwonderland #bluesky #Buddhism #Cambodia #capitalcity #citylife #classic #countryside #daytrip #dirttrack #greentourism #Hariharalaya #Hinduism #history #humanheritage #imperial #Indravarman #Kampuchea #lolei #mobilephoto #monks #morningbiking #Note9 #novices #offthebeatentrack #AOTBT #Pagoda #PrasatBakong #PrasatLollei #PrasatPreahKoh #ricefield #roadtrip #roluos #roluosgroup #SiemReab #SiemReap #southeastasia #sunrise #travel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #worldculturalheritage
Prasat Bei – Trio of one out of four
Prasat Bei – ប្រាសាទបី – means three temples. On top of a small laterite platform of 10 x 24 meter there are these three towers, where the central one is fairly complete and in order. This temple tower rises 10 meter high.
The two flanking temple towers are not in that good condition, and the north one closest to the city moat around Angkor Thom was probably never properly finished. There are still some lintels with carvings left to see.
This is the largest in a quartet of temple sites on the west side of the Southern gate to Angkor Thom. Just to the east and west of this temple is the rather rudimentary remains of Sâk Krâop Temple I and II. Closer to the main road into Angkor Thom is Prasat Bay Kaek East – ប្រាសាទថ្មបាយក្អែក.
Among the earliest Angkor Thom temples
The temple was built for the Hindu god Shiva during the reign of Yasovarman I early in the 900s. This great King was the god king who moved the Khmer capital from Hariharalaya to Yaśodharapura, the area where we today find most of the most famous constructions and temples of Angkor Empire. The first central location of the new capital was built on the nearby Phnom Bakheng.
This temple is 1,5 kilometre north of Angkor Wat. It is worth visiting to get an idea of the design of the first Angkor imperial capital and its temples.
#AncienT #1020CE #Angkor #PrasatBei #Angkorwat #architecture #archive #archivephoto #art #Asia #ប្រាសាទថ្មបាយក្អែក #bike #biking #bikingintheangkorwonderland #bluesky #Buddhism #Cambodia #capitalcity #citylife #classic #khmer #countryside #daytrip #Empire #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #Kampuchea #leaveonlyfootprints #offthebeatentrack #AOTBT #angkoroffthebeatentrack #2019CE #Pagoda #Prasat #BayKaek #EastPrasat #BayKaekEast #ប្រាសាទថ្មបាយក្អែក #pyramid #roadtrip #SâkKrâop #Temple #SâkKrâopTemple #Sculpture #SiemReab #SiemReap #southeastasia #takeonlyphotos #travel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #worldculturalheritage
Prasat Bei – ប្រាសាទបី – means three temples. On top of a small laterite platform of 10 x 24 meter there are these three towers, where the central one is fairly complete and in order. This temple tower rises 10 meter high.
The two flanking temple towers are not in that good condition, and the north one closest to the city moat around Angkor Thom was probably never properly finished. There are still some lintels with carvings left to see.
This is the largest in a quartet of temple sites on the west side of the Southern gate to Angkor Thom. Just to the east and west of this temple is the rather rudimentary remains of Sâk Krâop Temple I and II. Closer to the main road into Angkor Thom is Prasat Bay Kaek East – ប្រាសាទថ្មបាយក្អែក.
Among the earliest Angkor Thom temples
The temple was built for the Hindu god Shiva during the reign of Yasovarman I early in the 900s. This great King was the god king who moved the Khmer capital from Hariharalaya to Yaśodharapura, the area where we today find most of the most famous constructions and temples of Angkor Empire. The first central location of the new capital was built on the nearby Phnom Bakheng.
This temple is 1,5 kilometre north of Angkor Wat. It is worth visiting to get an idea of the design of the first Angkor imperial capital and its temples.
#AncienT #1020CE #Angkor #PrasatBei #Angkorwat #architecture #archive #archivephoto #art #Asia #ប្រាសាទថ្មបាយក្អែក #bike #biking #bikingintheangkorwonderland #bluesky #Buddhism #Cambodia #capitalcity #citylife #classic #khmer #countryside #daytrip #Empire #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #Kampuchea #leaveonlyfootprints #offthebeatentrack #AOTBT #angkoroffthebeatentrack #2019CE #Pagoda #Prasat #BayKaek #EastPrasat #BayKaekEast #ប្រាសាទថ្មបាយក្អែក #pyramid #roadtrip #SâkKrâop #Temple #SâkKrâopTemple #Sculpture #SiemReab #SiemReap #southeastasia #takeonlyphotos #travel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #worldculturalheritage
That time I came to a fork in the road, and someone else choose the track most travelled. I felt obliged to choose the other one.
The area in and around Angkor Park and Siem Reap are excellent for off road biking and exploration. It is a healthy and green way to enjoy the marvels of the Khmer Empire, its origin and its later development.
Finding things not seen
I was on my way to find a couple of more secretive temples and old sites. I was trying to do that by a direct route via Bayon and Angkor Thom and north out of the Grand circle. This trip took me into dirt tracks not travelled by many.
Among things I did find were stuff like a river not supposed to be there. Some bridge and road maintenance. And a bunch of locals tending to rice fields, surprised by the pink skin visitor. But politely and smiling returning greetings of hello and well wishes for a good day.
As Khmer so often do.
It is, as always, important to respect the local’s privacy and integrity. Acting as a respectful, polite and responsible good guest in their home area are of the outmost importance. And of course, be a sensible traveller leaving only bike tracks and footprints and take only photos. Including not biking or walking into any private area or destroying any crop.
#2019CE #ancient #Angkor #angkorwat #architecture #archive #archivephoto #art #Asia #backcountry #banteaythom #bike #biking #bikingintheangkorwonderland #AOTBT #bikingintheangwonderland #bluesky #Buddhism #Cambodia #citylife #classic #khmer #countryside #daytrip #dirttrack #Empire #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #Kampuchea #leaveonlyfootprints #offthebeatentrack #angkoroffthebeatentrack #Prasat #Komnap #rice #ricefield #roadtrip #Sculpture #Siem #Reab #SiemReap #southeastasia #takeonlyphotos #temple #travel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #worldculturalheritage
The area in and around Angkor Park and Siem Reap are excellent for off road biking and exploration. It is a healthy and green way to enjoy the marvels of the Khmer Empire, its origin and its later development.
Finding things not seen
I was on my way to find a couple of more secretive temples and old sites. I was trying to do that by a direct route via Bayon and Angkor Thom and north out of the Grand circle. This trip took me into dirt tracks not travelled by many.
Among things I did find were stuff like a river not supposed to be there. Some bridge and road maintenance. And a bunch of locals tending to rice fields, surprised by the pink skin visitor. But politely and smiling returning greetings of hello and well wishes for a good day.
As Khmer so often do.
It is, as always, important to respect the local’s privacy and integrity. Acting as a respectful, polite and responsible good guest in their home area are of the outmost importance. And of course, be a sensible traveller leaving only bike tracks and footprints and take only photos. Including not biking or walking into any private area or destroying any crop.
#2019CE #ancient #Angkor #angkorwat #architecture #archive #archivephoto #art #Asia #backcountry #banteaythom #bike #biking #bikingintheangkorwonderland #AOTBT #bikingintheangwonderland #bluesky #Buddhism #Cambodia #citylife #classic #khmer #countryside #daytrip #dirttrack #Empire #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #Kampuchea #leaveonlyfootprints #offthebeatentrack #angkoroffthebeatentrack #Prasat #Komnap #rice #ricefield #roadtrip #Sculpture #Siem #Reab #SiemReap #southeastasia #takeonlyphotos #temple #travel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #worldculturalheritage
Early morning enthusiasm in the forest
That time I had to share the bike track with two very enthusiastic youngsters in the Siem Reap countryside near Angkor Thom.
Culture and nature
Water buffaloes are still of some importance in agriculture in Cambodia. Traditionally used for ploughing the fields and carting heavy loads, those tasks are increasingly done by mechanised tractors and specialised machinery. But for milk, meat, fortune and for breeding they are popular and even exported.
These animals live well of ordinary grass and water plants. All easily accessible food with no need of industrialised special fodder. They return valuable quality fertiliser in return, and they are important in keeping and being a vital part of the cultural landscape.
Respect and distance
These buffaloes are domesticated livestock, and normally quite docile. But they are each still 2 pointy ends backed by 200 kilo+ of bones and muscles, so respectful distance is smart when encountering these animals unexpected.
Me, sitting on my bike in a crossroad in front of these two fellows, continued out of their track on my way after I had taken this shot. I saw these two rumbling on their way crossing the road behind me.
Hope they enjoyed this moment as much as me.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2023/04/10/physical-distancing-pre-covid-times/
#2022CE #Angkor #angkorwat #archive #Asia #backcountry #bike #biketrip #bikingintheangkorwonderland #bluesky #bubalisbubalus #bubalus #bubalis #calf #calves #Cambodia #citylife #citywalk #classic #Khmer #dirttrack #domesticated #forest #run #greentourism #Kampuchea #Keepnothingbutmemories #khmer #Killnothingbuttime #Leavenothingbutfootprints #livestock #Morning #offthebeatentrack #AOTBT #roadtrip #running #Siem #Reab #Siem #Reap #siemreap #countryside #southeastasia #sunrise #Takenothingbutpictures #travel #visitsiemreap #Water #buffalo #waterbuffalo #waterbuffaloes #youngfun
That time I had to share the bike track with two very enthusiastic youngsters in the Siem Reap countryside near Angkor Thom.
Culture and nature
Water buffaloes are still of some importance in agriculture in Cambodia. Traditionally used for ploughing the fields and carting heavy loads, those tasks are increasingly done by mechanised tractors and specialised machinery. But for milk, meat, fortune and for breeding they are popular and even exported.
These animals live well of ordinary grass and water plants. All easily accessible food with no need of industrialised special fodder. They return valuable quality fertiliser in return, and they are important in keeping and being a vital part of the cultural landscape.
Respect and distance
These buffaloes are domesticated livestock, and normally quite docile. But they are each still 2 pointy ends backed by 200 kilo+ of bones and muscles, so respectful distance is smart when encountering these animals unexpected.
Me, sitting on my bike in a crossroad in front of these two fellows, continued out of their track on my way after I had taken this shot. I saw these two rumbling on their way crossing the road behind me.
Hope they enjoyed this moment as much as me.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2023/04/10/physical-distancing-pre-covid-times/
#2022CE #Angkor #angkorwat #archive #Asia #backcountry #bike #biketrip #bikingintheangkorwonderland #bluesky #bubalisbubalus #bubalus #bubalis #calf #calves #Cambodia #citylife #citywalk #classic #Khmer #dirttrack #domesticated #forest #run #greentourism #Kampuchea #Keepnothingbutmemories #khmer #Killnothingbuttime #Leavenothingbutfootprints #livestock #Morning #offthebeatentrack #AOTBT #roadtrip #running #Siem #Reab #Siem #Reap #siemreap #countryside #southeastasia #sunrise #Takenothingbutpictures #travel #visitsiemreap #Water #buffalo #waterbuffalo #waterbuffaloes #youngfun
Greenlight the best time to visit Cambodia
Sometimes it is nice enjoying the rain cleaning up the air and colours in Angkor Thom. Sitting in a comfortable shelter with other visitors and staff is a sociable affair, too.
Green season in Cambodia starts in June/July and reaches its peak in September/October. Planning to visit during the summer in Europe, or when the Autumn is at its darkest and coldest in the northern hemisphere, those are the best time to enjoy Cambodia.
And to visit the architecture and art from the ancient Khmer empire.
The afternoon rainfalls are short, and they freshest the air and cools down the temperature. And they make everything grow healthy green. Including shrouding the ancient temples and imperial sites in green, softening the outline and enhancing the contrasts.
Making the photography conditions are excellent, the temperature is awesome, the crowds are small, and the cost of food, drinks and accommodation are as pleasant as ever.
For those who enjoys other senses as much, they can look forward to the fresh scent after a shower has cleaned the air, and the fragrance of green nature in it growing season. And the aroma of delicious food made from fresh vegetables and fruit. The sound of birds and insects wakening after a fresh spell is part of natural wonder. And the sound of different sort of monsoon is something to ponder.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/embracing-the-rain-visiting-angkor-park/
#greensseason #2019CE #ancient #Angkor #angkorpark #angkorthom #angkorwat #architecture #archive #art #bayon #bike #bikefriendly #bikingintheAngkorWonderland #Buddhism #Cambodia #citywalk #daytrip #Empire #forestgreen #moss #greentourism #imperial #J7 #JayavarmanVII #jvii #Kampuchea #khmer #roadtrip #Sculpture #Siem #Reap #siemreap #site #south #east #asia #southeastasia #statetemple #temple #travel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #wat #wet #worldculturalheritage
Sometimes it is nice enjoying the rain cleaning up the air and colours in Angkor Thom. Sitting in a comfortable shelter with other visitors and staff is a sociable affair, too.
Green season in Cambodia starts in June/July and reaches its peak in September/October. Planning to visit during the summer in Europe, or when the Autumn is at its darkest and coldest in the northern hemisphere, those are the best time to enjoy Cambodia.
And to visit the architecture and art from the ancient Khmer empire.
The afternoon rainfalls are short, and they freshest the air and cools down the temperature. And they make everything grow healthy green. Including shrouding the ancient temples and imperial sites in green, softening the outline and enhancing the contrasts.
Making the photography conditions are excellent, the temperature is awesome, the crowds are small, and the cost of food, drinks and accommodation are as pleasant as ever.
For those who enjoys other senses as much, they can look forward to the fresh scent after a shower has cleaned the air, and the fragrance of green nature in it growing season. And the aroma of delicious food made from fresh vegetables and fruit. The sound of birds and insects wakening after a fresh spell is part of natural wonder. And the sound of different sort of monsoon is something to ponder.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/embracing-the-rain-visiting-angkor-park/
#greensseason #2019CE #ancient #Angkor #angkorpark #angkorthom #angkorwat #architecture #archive #art #bayon #bike #bikefriendly #bikingintheAngkorWonderland #Buddhism #Cambodia #citywalk #daytrip #Empire #forestgreen #moss #greentourism #imperial #J7 #JayavarmanVII #jvii #Kampuchea #khmer #roadtrip #Sculpture #Siem #Reap #siemreap #site #south #east #asia #southeastasia #statetemple #temple #travel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #wat #wet #worldculturalheritage
Green season morning in Angkor Park
Prasat Top Khang Kaeut (Eastern Prasat Top) temple is a small Hindu temple with several images of the Hindu God Vishnu. The temple is mostly unvisited and very peaceful. The vegetation makes for some stunning photo opportunities during the green season.
The vegetation has taken over most of the surroundings. During green season it gets extraordinary for photos, with deep, green moss and fresh green all around the still very visible temple.
Religious tolerance in the Khmer Empire
Top Khang Kaeut was built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, the great Buddhist god king, and was initiated in 1295CE. It was dedicated in honour of Mangalartha, a son of a Hindu Brahmin priest/guru kept in high regard by the great king. That gives a glimpse into the religious tolerance and transformation of the Empire into Buddhism as the main religion.
This is the last significant Hindu Temple built in the Khmer Empire before the major change to Buddhism as state religion.
Pleasant green season
The Green season in Cambodia starts in June/July and reaches its peak in September/October. To visit during this time period are among the best time slots to enjoy modern Cambodia.
The afternoon rainfalls are short, and they freshen up the air and chills the temperature. And they make everything grow healthy green.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2024/05/15/the-secret-temple-in-angkor-thom/
#greensseason #2019CE #ancient #Angkor #angkorpark #angkorthom #angkorwat #architecture #archive #art #Asia #bayon #bike #bikefriendly #bikingintheAngkorWonderland #Buddhism #Cambodia #citywalk #countryside #daytrip #EasternPrasatTop #Empire #forestgreen #moss #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #J7 #JayavarmanVII #jvii #Kampuchea #khmer #Mangalartha #Pagoda #Prasat #roadtrip #Sculpture #Siem #Reap #siemreap #site #south #east #asia #southeastasia #statetemple #temple #travel #Vishnu #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #wat #greenseason #worldculturalheritage
Prasat Top Khang Kaeut (Eastern Prasat Top) temple is a small Hindu temple with several images of the Hindu God Vishnu. The temple is mostly unvisited and very peaceful. The vegetation makes for some stunning photo opportunities during the green season.
The vegetation has taken over most of the surroundings. During green season it gets extraordinary for photos, with deep, green moss and fresh green all around the still very visible temple.
Religious tolerance in the Khmer Empire
Top Khang Kaeut was built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, the great Buddhist god king, and was initiated in 1295CE. It was dedicated in honour of Mangalartha, a son of a Hindu Brahmin priest/guru kept in high regard by the great king. That gives a glimpse into the religious tolerance and transformation of the Empire into Buddhism as the main religion.
This is the last significant Hindu Temple built in the Khmer Empire before the major change to Buddhism as state religion.
Pleasant green season
The Green season in Cambodia starts in June/July and reaches its peak in September/October. To visit during this time period are among the best time slots to enjoy modern Cambodia.
The afternoon rainfalls are short, and they freshen up the air and chills the temperature. And they make everything grow healthy green.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2024/05/15/the-secret-temple-in-angkor-thom/
#greensseason #2019CE #ancient #Angkor #angkorpark #angkorthom #angkorwat #architecture #archive #art #Asia #bayon #bike #bikefriendly #bikingintheAngkorWonderland #Buddhism #Cambodia #citywalk #countryside #daytrip #EasternPrasatTop #Empire #forestgreen #moss #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #J7 #JayavarmanVII #jvii #Kampuchea #khmer #Mangalartha #Pagoda #Prasat #roadtrip #Sculpture #Siem #Reap #siemreap #site #south #east #asia #southeastasia #statetemple #temple #travel #Vishnu #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #wat #greenseason #worldculturalheritage
The triple hidden tower temple at the end of red road
Prasat Bat Chum is easily accessible via a red, new dirt road from the south near Prasat Kravan.
Known architect
One unique aspect of this temple is that the architect is known by name. Normally, the god kings are the ones who got their names connected to the temples built during their reign during the 630 years of the Khmer Empire.
Bat Chum was supervised by the architect, minister and guru Kavindrarimathana to the King Rajendravarman II approximately 952CE.
Kavindrarimathana is also accepted as the supervisor behind East Mebon Temple, Srah Srang and maybe the basic designer behind Pre Rup Temple. Meaning that he designed the main reservoirs and elements of most of the Southeast Grand circle Angkor Park.
Mahayana Buddhism
The other unique aspect, Bat Chum was built as Mahayana Buddhist Temple when the Khmer Empire still had Hinduism as the main religion. Another interesting glimpse into religious pluralism early on in this powerful empire.
The three towers are in poor condition when I visited, undergoing a several yearlong restoration project. The three towers are dedicated to Buddha, Vajrapani and Prajnaparamita. Simplified one is for the Buddha, the second for the bodhisattva symbolizing Buddhas power and relentless determination in conquest of negativity, and the third perfection of Wisdom.
This temple is a 12,5 km bike ride from Siem Reap Old Market on mostly flat roads and bike tracks.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat_Chum
#2019CE #ancient #Angkor #angkorpark #apsara #architecture #archive #art #Asia #batchum #biking #bikingintheAngkorWonderland #bluesky #Mahayana #Buddhism #Cambodia #citylife #countryside #Khmer #Empire #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #offthebeatentrack #Pagoda #prasatbatchum #RajendravarmanII #ricefield #roadtrip #Sculpture #SiemReab #SiemReap #visitsiemreap #srahsrang #statetemple #takeonlyphotos #temple #travel #visitcambodia #worldculturalheritage
Prasat Bat Chum is easily accessible via a red, new dirt road from the south near Prasat Kravan.
Known architect
One unique aspect of this temple is that the architect is known by name. Normally, the god kings are the ones who got their names connected to the temples built during their reign during the 630 years of the Khmer Empire.
Bat Chum was supervised by the architect, minister and guru Kavindrarimathana to the King Rajendravarman II approximately 952CE.
Kavindrarimathana is also accepted as the supervisor behind East Mebon Temple, Srah Srang and maybe the basic designer behind Pre Rup Temple. Meaning that he designed the main reservoirs and elements of most of the Southeast Grand circle Angkor Park.
Mahayana Buddhism
The other unique aspect, Bat Chum was built as Mahayana Buddhist Temple when the Khmer Empire still had Hinduism as the main religion. Another interesting glimpse into religious pluralism early on in this powerful empire.
The three towers are in poor condition when I visited, undergoing a several yearlong restoration project. The three towers are dedicated to Buddha, Vajrapani and Prajnaparamita. Simplified one is for the Buddha, the second for the bodhisattva symbolizing Buddhas power and relentless determination in conquest of negativity, and the third perfection of Wisdom.
This temple is a 12,5 km bike ride from Siem Reap Old Market on mostly flat roads and bike tracks.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat_Chum
#2019CE #ancient #Angkor #angkorpark #apsara #architecture #archive #art #Asia #batchum #biking #bikingintheAngkorWonderland #bluesky #Mahayana #Buddhism #Cambodia #citylife #countryside #Khmer #Empire #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #offthebeatentrack #Pagoda #prasatbatchum #RajendravarmanII #ricefield #roadtrip #Sculpture #SiemReab #SiemReap #visitsiemreap #srahsrang #statetemple #takeonlyphotos #temple #travel #visitcambodia #worldculturalheritage
That morning trip to Prasat Bat Chum among rich rice fields
Bat Chum Temple – ប្រាសាទបាទជុំ – is one of these off the main track sites where the travel is as interesting as the target.
There are several reasons to take a small side trip to the small Prasat Bat Chum. The beautiful entrance track among rice fields and cultural landscape is an obvious one.
It is near Prasat Kravan and close to Srah Srang reservoir. It is easily accessible both as part of and end point of a Small and Grand circuit tour of Angkor Park.
Or by mountain bike.
This morning, I met this fellow sitting near a small river trying fishing. Or simply enjoy a nice morning in the rice fields.
Good ones, either choice.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2024/02/15/prasat-bat-chum-a-unique-temple-off-main-track/
#2019CE #ancient #Angkor #angkorpark #angkorwat #apsara #ApsaraAuthority #architecture #archive #art #Asia #batchum #biking #bikingintheAngkorWonderland #bluesky #Buddhism #Cambodia #capital #citylife #countryside #daytrip #Khmer #Empire #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #leaveonlyfootprints #Mahayana #offthebeatentrack #Pagoda #prasatbatchum #RajendravarmanII #ricefield #roadtrip #Sculpture #SiemReab #SiemReap #visitsiemreap #srahsrang #statetemple #takeonlyphotos #temple #travel #visitcambodia #worldculturalheritage
Bat Chum Temple – ប្រាសាទបាទជុំ – is one of these off the main track sites where the travel is as interesting as the target.
There are several reasons to take a small side trip to the small Prasat Bat Chum. The beautiful entrance track among rice fields and cultural landscape is an obvious one.
It is near Prasat Kravan and close to Srah Srang reservoir. It is easily accessible both as part of and end point of a Small and Grand circuit tour of Angkor Park.
Or by mountain bike.
This morning, I met this fellow sitting near a small river trying fishing. Or simply enjoy a nice morning in the rice fields.
Good ones, either choice.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2024/02/15/prasat-bat-chum-a-unique-temple-off-main-track/
#2019CE #ancient #Angkor #angkorpark #angkorwat #apsara #ApsaraAuthority #architecture #archive #art #Asia #batchum #biking #bikingintheAngkorWonderland #bluesky #Buddhism #Cambodia #capital #citylife #countryside #daytrip #Khmer #Empire #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #leaveonlyfootprints #Mahayana #offthebeatentrack #Pagoda #prasatbatchum #RajendravarmanII #ricefield #roadtrip #Sculpture #SiemReab #SiemReap #visitsiemreap #srahsrang #statetemple #takeonlyphotos #temple #travel #visitcambodia #worldculturalheritage
Morning with some warm sun rays at Prasat Kravan
This five-tower temple was built at the same time as the pyramid at Koh Ker. It gives a glimpse into the earliest city and capital sites of the Khmer Empire.
The red brick construction surrounded by a moat are stunning in its simplicity.
Inside the towers, there are large bas-reliefs of the Hindu god Vishnu and his partner Lakshmi. They are on the other hand grand examples of complex artwork.
Two of the towers still have a roof telling of an architectural style of early Angkor Empire. The side gates on all towers are sealed. But the east gates are open in all towers.
In front of the temple to the east there is a platform with some stairs. To the south there are a base structure for another building, presumably a library. Most of the area is green turf with some red brown gravel walk tracks.
The whole site is surrounded by a square moat. Parts of it still has water, but there are roads over land bridges east and west. Along the moat there are trees on the temple side, and forest on the other side on the east and south side.
Kravan is on both the main guided tours into Angkor Architectural Park. Having a roomy area in front of the moat on the west side, the temple is often used as a background for cultural performances and special events.
#Angkor #ancient #art #architecture #sculpture #worldculturalheritage #hinduism #vishnu #lakshmi #champainfluence #khmer #empire #angkorpark #prasat #kravan #10thcentury #921CE #visitcambodia #greentourism #biking #takeonlyphotos #2022CE #angkor #angkorpark #biking #bikingintheangkorwonderland #bluesky #Cambodia #ancientcapital #citylife #countryside #daytrip #Empire #greentourism #history #imperial #Kampuchea #khmer #khmerempire #prasatKravan #roadtrip #Sculpture #siemreap #southeastasia #southeast #asia #temple #travel #tip #visitsiemreap #ប្រាសាទក្រវាន.
This five-tower temple was built at the same time as the pyramid at Koh Ker. It gives a glimpse into the earliest city and capital sites of the Khmer Empire.
The red brick construction surrounded by a moat are stunning in its simplicity.
Inside the towers, there are large bas-reliefs of the Hindu god Vishnu and his partner Lakshmi. They are on the other hand grand examples of complex artwork.
Two of the towers still have a roof telling of an architectural style of early Angkor Empire. The side gates on all towers are sealed. But the east gates are open in all towers.
In front of the temple to the east there is a platform with some stairs. To the south there are a base structure for another building, presumably a library. Most of the area is green turf with some red brown gravel walk tracks.
The whole site is surrounded by a square moat. Parts of it still has water, but there are roads over land bridges east and west. Along the moat there are trees on the temple side, and forest on the other side on the east and south side.
Kravan is on both the main guided tours into Angkor Architectural Park. Having a roomy area in front of the moat on the west side, the temple is often used as a background for cultural performances and special events.
#Angkor #ancient #art #architecture #sculpture #worldculturalheritage #hinduism #vishnu #lakshmi #champainfluence #khmer #empire #angkorpark #prasat #kravan #10thcentury #921CE #visitcambodia #greentourism #biking #takeonlyphotos #2022CE #angkor #angkorpark #biking #bikingintheangkorwonderland #bluesky #Cambodia #ancientcapital #citylife #countryside #daytrip #Empire #greentourism #history #imperial #Kampuchea #khmer #khmerempire #prasatKravan #roadtrip #Sculpture #siemreap #southeastasia #southeast #asia #temple #travel #tip #visitsiemreap #ប្រាសាទក្រវាន.
Sunset at Preah Enkosei Temple
ប្រាសាទព្រះឥន្រ្ទកោសីយ៍, Siem Reap.
It is regarded as the ancient Khmer temple closest to modern Siem Reap city centre. Preah Enkosei is between the modern Wat Enkosei and the necropolis of this pagoda and monastery area.
Preah Enkosei was built as a three tower Hindu temple appx 950CE. The entrance Gopura is flanked by small lion guardian statues. The Gopura have an anteroom with a lingam and is placed on the remains of a laterite wall running partly around the perimeter. There are two "library"-building remains flanking the gate on the inside.
The southern tower is marked by a platform only. There are discussions going on if it was ever built, never finished or for other reasons demolished before modern excavations started.
This temple is close to Siem Reap River, and it is an excellent target for an easy afternoon stroll along the river. It should take appx 30-35 minutes’ walk from Siem Reap city centre.
Or 10 minutes by bike.
Visitors do not need Angkor Pass, but this is still a functioning wat and pagoda area. Please act respectful entering this holy place of worship.
#Preah #Enkosai #Temple #PreahEnkosai #2022CE #ancient #angkor #Archeological #Park #angkortemples #Apsara #Authority #architecture #Asia #ប្រាសាទចាន់តាអួន #biking #bikingintheangkorwonderland #bluesky #buddhism #Cambodia #citylife #daytrip #Empire #greentourism #hinduism #history #imperial #J7 #JayavarmanVII #Kampuchea #khmerempire #kingdomofwonder #Temple #roadtrip #lionsculpture #SiemReab #SiemReap #southeastasia #ravel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #worldculturalheritage
ប្រាសាទព្រះឥន្រ្ទកោសីយ៍, Siem Reap.
It is regarded as the ancient Khmer temple closest to modern Siem Reap city centre. Preah Enkosei is between the modern Wat Enkosei and the necropolis of this pagoda and monastery area.
Preah Enkosei was built as a three tower Hindu temple appx 950CE. The entrance Gopura is flanked by small lion guardian statues. The Gopura have an anteroom with a lingam and is placed on the remains of a laterite wall running partly around the perimeter. There are two "library"-building remains flanking the gate on the inside.
The southern tower is marked by a platform only. There are discussions going on if it was ever built, never finished or for other reasons demolished before modern excavations started.
This temple is close to Siem Reap River, and it is an excellent target for an easy afternoon stroll along the river. It should take appx 30-35 minutes’ walk from Siem Reap city centre.
Or 10 minutes by bike.
Visitors do not need Angkor Pass, but this is still a functioning wat and pagoda area. Please act respectful entering this holy place of worship.
#Preah #Enkosai #Temple #PreahEnkosai #2022CE #ancient #angkor #Archeological #Park #angkortemples #Apsara #Authority #architecture #Asia #ប្រាសាទចាន់តាអួន #biking #bikingintheangkorwonderland #bluesky #buddhism #Cambodia #citylife #daytrip #Empire #greentourism #hinduism #history #imperial #J7 #JayavarmanVII #Kampuchea #khmerempire #kingdomofwonder #Temple #roadtrip #lionsculpture #SiemReab #SiemReap #southeastasia #ravel #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #worldculturalheritage
Early morning bike to West Baray and Prasat Ak Yum.
Prasat Ak Yum, Khmer: អកយំ, is a very ancient temple in the larger Angkor Archeological area. It is situated on the south bank of West Baray.
The temple is considered the oldest surviving temple mountain in Southeast Asia. It was in active use until it was partly buried in the late 11th century by the West Baray construction.
#Angkor #ancient #architecture #archive #worldculturalheritage #visitsiemreap
🎶🎶 #bikingintheangkorwonderland 🎶🎶
That early morning at Wat Chedei.
Wat Chedei is an old hindu stupa temple konverted into a buddhist temple, and is now part of a buddhist monastery with two newer pagodas beside the old temple.
Chedei, meaning "Stupa", was built in the 900s, probably as part of the relocation of the Khmer imperial capital from Hariharalaya to Angkor as it is known today.
#siemreap #angkor #khmer #empire #hinduism #buddhism #watchedei #architecture #art #cultural #heritage 🎶🎶 #bikingintheangkorwonderland 🎶🎶
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