Pointing out a treasure at mysterious West Prasat Top
Exploring Angkor Park is best in the early hours of the day. The temperature is pleasant, and the light is playful and challenging.
This little temple is one of the hidden treasures near the beaten track. But atill several hundred meters off it, by bike or walk.
This morning the sun pointed out a spot to the northeast. I did not find gold, but the remain of an old guardian statue.
A good start for a peaceful visit and some reflections on this small spot in ancient times.
Small mystery
West Prasat Top is in the area where you find several larger temples like Ta Keo, Ta Nei and Ta Prohm. They are all on the east side of Siem Reap River, a couple of kilometres away from the Victory Gate and Angkor Thom. It is close to Don Mao, another small temple near one of the old East Baray docks.
But the current single tower is of post Bayon style. Meaning it was built sometimes after 1200. And the stones used to build this temple may have been reused from older structures.
This is a mysterious temple not only for confusions regarding its origin. Some of the information about this temple mixes it up with the West Top Temple in Angkor Thom.
West Prasat Top’s tower was built on a laterite platform. The pink-sandstone columns and lintels contain some decorations from the 1100s. There are visible remains of stairs leading up to the temple both to the east and west. Parts of an enclosing wall are still there, and more fragments of statues and other carvings.
The tower itself was overgrown when I visited, but recently excavations and renovations has cleared it and cleaned it, and West Prasat Top is pretty in pink today.
#angkor #AOTBT #offthebeatentrack #colours #green #buddhism #angkorthom #1200CE 🎶🎶 #bikingintheangwonderland 🎶🎶 #temple #Park #visitsiemreap #visitcambodia #kingdomofwonder #architecture #art #KhmerEmpire #imperial #greentourism #angkorwat #siemreap #southeastasia #worldculturalheritage
#worldculturalheritage
Just a morning moment by Srah Srang Baray
This is one of the spots in Siem Reap good for both sunrise and sunset moments. The sunrise spot here is the laterite docks in front of the Banteay Kdei temple. From the docks to the temple gate there is a short walk.
Prasat Banteay Kdei, translated as ‘A Citadel of Chambers', but also known as "Citadel of Monks' cells” was built around 1200 CE. It was built a Buddhist temple during the reign on Jayavarman VII, the great god King himself being a Buddhist.
It is quite similar in design as the nearby more famous Ta Prohm. But more compact and with a lower profile.
It is one of the temples in Angkor that has been more or less in constant use from its construction up until modern times.
Visit Banteay Kdei is a suitable activity after enjoying the sunrise, and maybe a snack, drink or even breakfast nearby.
Joy and love sunset
The sunset is both pretty and peaceful from the other side. This is a popular spot for locals to enjoy sunset. Very often young couples meet here.
Srah Srang and Banteay Kdei are in the T-crossing where the roads for the small circle and grand circle meets. These circles are the recommended first visitors’ routes for the core Angkor Temples. Along the reservoir and temple on its north and southwest side there are a lot of cafes, restaurants and street food stalls. Snacks and drinks are sold until past sunset.
Srah Srang Baray measures 700 by 350 meter. There is a platform in the centre of the Baray, meaning there might have been a larger temple there originally. Now there is a small tower with a spire showing that location.
Srah Srang was modified by Jayavarman VII around 1200 CE. Partly to make it able to compensate for the failing East Baray reservoir. And to support the design of Banteay Kdei.
#2019CE #ancient #angkor #angkorpark #architecture #art #biking #bluesky #buddhism #Cambodia #citylife #greentourism #khmer #banteaykdei #visitsiemreap #srahsrang #visitcambodia #worldculturalheritage
This is one of the spots in Siem Reap good for both sunrise and sunset moments. The sunrise spot here is the laterite docks in front of the Banteay Kdei temple. From the docks to the temple gate there is a short walk.
Prasat Banteay Kdei, translated as ‘A Citadel of Chambers', but also known as "Citadel of Monks' cells” was built around 1200 CE. It was built a Buddhist temple during the reign on Jayavarman VII, the great god King himself being a Buddhist.
It is quite similar in design as the nearby more famous Ta Prohm. But more compact and with a lower profile.
It is one of the temples in Angkor that has been more or less in constant use from its construction up until modern times.
Visit Banteay Kdei is a suitable activity after enjoying the sunrise, and maybe a snack, drink or even breakfast nearby.
Joy and love sunset
The sunset is both pretty and peaceful from the other side. This is a popular spot for locals to enjoy sunset. Very often young couples meet here.
Srah Srang and Banteay Kdei are in the T-crossing where the roads for the small circle and grand circle meets. These circles are the recommended first visitors’ routes for the core Angkor Temples. Along the reservoir and temple on its north and southwest side there are a lot of cafes, restaurants and street food stalls. Snacks and drinks are sold until past sunset.
Srah Srang Baray measures 700 by 350 meter. There is a platform in the centre of the Baray, meaning there might have been a larger temple there originally. Now there is a small tower with a spire showing that location.
Srah Srang was modified by Jayavarman VII around 1200 CE. Partly to make it able to compensate for the failing East Baray reservoir. And to support the design of Banteay Kdei.
#2019CE #ancient #angkor #angkorpark #architecture #art #biking #bluesky #buddhism #Cambodia #citylife #greentourism #khmer #banteaykdei #visitsiemreap #srahsrang #visitcambodia #worldculturalheritage
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 🎶🎶
The last Hindu temple built in the greatest Buddhist kings’ capital
That time a hidden temple revealed itself in green season livery. A misty morning at East Top Temple, Angkor Thom.
Prasat Top Khang Kaeut (Eastern Prasat Top), ប្រាសាទតុប ខាងកើត or Mangalartha temple is a small Hindu temple with several images of the God Vishnu. The temple is mostly unvisited and very peaceful.
Green temple
The vegetation has taken over most of the surroundings. That makes for some stunning photo opportunities. During or just after green season this gets extraordinary, with deep, green moss and fresh green all around this temple.
Top Khang Kaeut was built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, the great Buddhist god king, and was initiated in 1295CE. It was built in honour of Mangalartha, a son of a Hindu Brahmin priest/guru kept in high regard by the god king. That gives a glimpse into the religious tolerance and structures in the Khmer Empire.
Small temple, large importance
This is the last significant Hindu Temple built in the Khmer Empire before the major change to Buddhism as State religion. It was built during the era of the most powerful of the Buddhist kings of Angkor. It is the last temple built in the high Angkor time frame with a definitive known initiating date.
The “Hidden Temple”-name is because anyone who wants to explore this small temple and site needs to actively go looking for it. It is not on any of the ordinary visiting trips in Angkor Park. If not biking, the visitor needs to walk some hundred meters into the thick forest. Tuk Tuks or cars cannot drive there.
It is a nice 12 km ride from central Siem Reap.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2024/05/15/the-secret-temple-in-angkor-thom/
#angkor #greenseason #AOTBT #offthebeatentrack #KhangKaeut #Mangalartha #vishnu #green #hinduism #jayavarmanvii #angkorthom #1295CE #hindu #temple #Park #ricefield #visitsiemreap #visitcambodia #ancient #architecture #Cambodia #KhmerEmpire #southeastasia #worldculturalheritage
That time a hidden temple revealed itself in green season livery. A misty morning at East Top Temple, Angkor Thom.
Prasat Top Khang Kaeut (Eastern Prasat Top), ប្រាសាទតុប ខាងកើត or Mangalartha temple is a small Hindu temple with several images of the God Vishnu. The temple is mostly unvisited and very peaceful.
Green temple
The vegetation has taken over most of the surroundings. That makes for some stunning photo opportunities. During or just after green season this gets extraordinary, with deep, green moss and fresh green all around this temple.
Top Khang Kaeut was built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, the great Buddhist god king, and was initiated in 1295CE. It was built in honour of Mangalartha, a son of a Hindu Brahmin priest/guru kept in high regard by the god king. That gives a glimpse into the religious tolerance and structures in the Khmer Empire.
Small temple, large importance
This is the last significant Hindu Temple built in the Khmer Empire before the major change to Buddhism as State religion. It was built during the era of the most powerful of the Buddhist kings of Angkor. It is the last temple built in the high Angkor time frame with a definitive known initiating date.
The “Hidden Temple”-name is because anyone who wants to explore this small temple and site needs to actively go looking for it. It is not on any of the ordinary visiting trips in Angkor Park. If not biking, the visitor needs to walk some hundred meters into the thick forest. Tuk Tuks or cars cannot drive there.
It is a nice 12 km ride from central Siem Reap.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2024/05/15/the-secret-temple-in-angkor-thom/
#angkor #greenseason #AOTBT #offthebeatentrack #KhangKaeut #Mangalartha #vishnu #green #hinduism #jayavarmanvii #angkorthom #1295CE #hindu #temple #Park #ricefield #visitsiemreap #visitcambodia #ancient #architecture #Cambodia #KhmerEmpire #southeastasia #worldculturalheritage
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
At the root of the Chenla kingdom
The three distinct Sambor Prei Kouk temple sites is an important archaeological area. The complex is just north of today’s Kampong Thom city in central Cambodia. It shows the bridging development from the Funan Civilisation into the Angkor Khmer Empire.
These temples were state temples in the old capital Isanapura of the Chenla kingdom.
The Funan state was a loosely organized confederation of cities and lesser kingdoms with large population centres and advanced technology. It was established about 2000 years ago and lasted for about 500 years. Funan covered southern part of today’s Cambodia, Viet Nam, Thailand and northern part of Malaysia.
The Chenla kingdom marks the rapid development of architecture, culture and society building into a unified centralised kingdom and culture. The Chenla kings reach north into today’s Laos, Isaan and Burma.
Isanapura was the core city of this pre-Angkor kingdom for 250 years, between 550 and 800 CE. The first writings in Khmer are found here, marking a continuous writing culture lasting into modern times.
By the end of the Chenla Kingdom unrest and pressure from outside slowly weakened and destabilized the realm. In northwest the Angkor Khmer Empire was declared in 802 CE to finally replace the Khmer Chenla Kingdom.
The Isanapura area is beautiful, with its fauna and flora adding to the experience. In 2017 Sambor Prei Kouk was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
#Pagoda #Prasat #Sombo #Preykuh #preangkor #Prei #Prey #Kŭh #Sambor #Sâmbor #sun #village #villagelife #honest #labour #buddhism #Lord #buddha #Kampong #Thom #2016CE #ancient #archaeology #architecture #architecturelovers #archive #art #ប្រាសាទសំបូរព្រៃគុហ៏ #Cambodia #capital #Central #chenla #citylife #countryside #culture #daytrip #Hinduism #imperial #khmer #multicultural #myson #southeastasia #statetemple #templecomplex #tree #visitcambodia #worldculturalheritage #Funan #isanapura #roadtrip #southeastasia
The three distinct Sambor Prei Kouk temple sites is an important archaeological area. The complex is just north of today’s Kampong Thom city in central Cambodia. It shows the bridging development from the Funan Civilisation into the Angkor Khmer Empire.
These temples were state temples in the old capital Isanapura of the Chenla kingdom.
The Funan state was a loosely organized confederation of cities and lesser kingdoms with large population centres and advanced technology. It was established about 2000 years ago and lasted for about 500 years. Funan covered southern part of today’s Cambodia, Viet Nam, Thailand and northern part of Malaysia.
The Chenla kingdom marks the rapid development of architecture, culture and society building into a unified centralised kingdom and culture. The Chenla kings reach north into today’s Laos, Isaan and Burma.
Isanapura was the core city of this pre-Angkor kingdom for 250 years, between 550 and 800 CE. The first writings in Khmer are found here, marking a continuous writing culture lasting into modern times.
By the end of the Chenla Kingdom unrest and pressure from outside slowly weakened and destabilized the realm. In northwest the Angkor Khmer Empire was declared in 802 CE to finally replace the Khmer Chenla Kingdom.
The Isanapura area is beautiful, with its fauna and flora adding to the experience. In 2017 Sambor Prei Kouk was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
#Pagoda #Prasat #Sombo #Preykuh #preangkor #Prei #Prey #Kŭh #Sambor #Sâmbor #sun #village #villagelife #honest #labour #buddhism #Lord #buddha #Kampong #Thom #2016CE #ancient #archaeology #architecture #architecturelovers #archive #art #ប្រាសាទសំបូរព្រៃគុហ៏ #Cambodia #capital #Central #chenla #citylife #countryside #culture #daytrip #Hinduism #imperial #khmer #multicultural #myson #southeastasia #statetemple #templecomplex #tree #visitcambodia #worldculturalheritage #Funan #isanapura #roadtrip #southeastasia
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/
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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
No free lunch.
But the view and surroundings are worth paying for.
Along the road to Tonlé Sap Lake, Cambodia, the rice fields, open farmland and wetland give a splendid outlook. It makes for a very relaxing area to have lunch. Several places along the road have these sheds with straw roofs. They offer cool shade, fresh air, Khmer food and drinks - and hammocks.
In the background to the left here is Phnom Krom, or Kraom/Krom hill. This sacred hill marks the normal highest water mark for the Tonlé Sap north towards Siem Reap at the end of green season.
The east side of the hilltop is a popular spot for younger Khmer and Khmer families for evening picnics. Along the road up to the hilltop, there are plenty of small places offering picnic mats and street food and drinks. The view from those places is partly sunset over Tonle Sap, and mostly peaceful sunset over the farmland and rice fields.
The hill tops temple trio
Phnom Krom is one of the spots near Siem Reap where both sunrise and sunsets can be enjoyed. It has a modern wat, temple and monastery, on the northwest top slope. That is on the right side of the hill in this photo. There are remains of a trio tower temple, Prasat Phnom Krom, in Mebon style at the west top point of the hill.
Prasat Phnom Krom is the southernmost of three hilltop temples built at the same time around year 900 CE. The two others are Phnom Bakheng and Phnom Bok. These three hills form a sacred triangle encapsulating core parts of Angkor Park and Siem Reap city.
It is a 30 minute bike ride out of Siem Reap.
#2016CE #ancient #Angkor #architecture #archive #art #ទន្លេសាប #biking #bluesky #Buddhism #Cambodia #capital #citylife #countryside #daytrip #Empire #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #Khmer #lake #tonle #sap #Lunch #Huts #view #ricefield #rice #paddock #Nikkor #Nikon #Pagoda #people #phnomkraom #pnohmkrom #roadtrip #Sculpture #siemreab #siemreap #village #villagelife #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #wat #worldculturalheritage
But the view and surroundings are worth paying for.
Along the road to Tonlé Sap Lake, Cambodia, the rice fields, open farmland and wetland give a splendid outlook. It makes for a very relaxing area to have lunch. Several places along the road have these sheds with straw roofs. They offer cool shade, fresh air, Khmer food and drinks - and hammocks.
In the background to the left here is Phnom Krom, or Kraom/Krom hill. This sacred hill marks the normal highest water mark for the Tonlé Sap north towards Siem Reap at the end of green season.
The east side of the hilltop is a popular spot for younger Khmer and Khmer families for evening picnics. Along the road up to the hilltop, there are plenty of small places offering picnic mats and street food and drinks. The view from those places is partly sunset over Tonle Sap, and mostly peaceful sunset over the farmland and rice fields.
The hill tops temple trio
Phnom Krom is one of the spots near Siem Reap where both sunrise and sunsets can be enjoyed. It has a modern wat, temple and monastery, on the northwest top slope. That is on the right side of the hill in this photo. There are remains of a trio tower temple, Prasat Phnom Krom, in Mebon style at the west top point of the hill.
Prasat Phnom Krom is the southernmost of three hilltop temples built at the same time around year 900 CE. The two others are Phnom Bakheng and Phnom Bok. These three hills form a sacred triangle encapsulating core parts of Angkor Park and Siem Reap city.
It is a 30 minute bike ride out of Siem Reap.
#2016CE #ancient #Angkor #architecture #archive #art #ទន្លេសាប #biking #bluesky #Buddhism #Cambodia #capital #citylife #countryside #daytrip #Empire #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #Khmer #lake #tonle #sap #Lunch #Huts #view #ricefield #rice #paddock #Nikkor #Nikon #Pagoda #people #phnomkraom #pnohmkrom #roadtrip #Sculpture #siemreab #siemreap #village #villagelife #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #wat #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
The reclining lord Buddha
The temple complex Preah Ang Thom is worth a trip to Phnom Kulen/Kulen Mountains in itself. But a large experience within Ang Thom is the 8 meter long statue of a reclining Buddha.
It is the largest in Cambodia and among the 20 largest reclining Buddha-status in Asia. It rests on top of a sandstone formation, and the statue is carved out as part of that sandstone.
Meaning someone saw the Lord Buddha in the stone and carved until he was set free. The classics motivation in art works in any human civilisation.
A holy area
The surrounding Preah Ang Thom temple was built after the Buddha was carved. Getting to this site is easy by car from Siem Reap, and the area carries a lot of other excursion worthy sites.
This includes walking trails for the day trip trekker, a river with a thousand lingam carvings and holy waterfall. The conglomerate of holy sites on the Kulen Mountain was proposed as an official World Cultural Heritage site by Cambodia just when the pandemic started.
An approval of this request seems like a proper next step. This is the national mountains and cradle of Khmer imperial culture after all. Here the first god king of the Khmer Angkor Empire declared the establishment of the Empire in 802 CE, establishing an empire lasting for the next 630 years.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2021/04/07/somewhere-to-run-to-someone-is-eager-to-visit/
#Phnom #Kulen #Mountain #KulenMountain #Khmer #ភ្នំគូលែន #Phnum #Kulên #Lychee #Mountain #Preah #AngThom #Reclining #Buddha #classickhmer #angkor #siemreap #visitsiemreap #cambodia #dirttrack #backcountry #Apsara #ApsaraAuthority #siemreab #reclining #buddhism #stairs #statue #hinduism #cambodia #nationalpark #worldheritage #cultural #architecture #2018CE #classic #Phnom #Kulen #recliningBuddha #cultural #craddle #Kambuja #khmerempire #Ancient #art #ភ្នំគូលែន #Bluesky #Countryside #daytrip #mountainPagoda #roadtrip #Sculpture #southeastasia #visitcambodia #worldculturalheritage
The temple complex Preah Ang Thom is worth a trip to Phnom Kulen/Kulen Mountains in itself. But a large experience within Ang Thom is the 8 meter long statue of a reclining Buddha.
It is the largest in Cambodia and among the 20 largest reclining Buddha-status in Asia. It rests on top of a sandstone formation, and the statue is carved out as part of that sandstone.
Meaning someone saw the Lord Buddha in the stone and carved until he was set free. The classics motivation in art works in any human civilisation.
A holy area
The surrounding Preah Ang Thom temple was built after the Buddha was carved. Getting to this site is easy by car from Siem Reap, and the area carries a lot of other excursion worthy sites.
This includes walking trails for the day trip trekker, a river with a thousand lingam carvings and holy waterfall. The conglomerate of holy sites on the Kulen Mountain was proposed as an official World Cultural Heritage site by Cambodia just when the pandemic started.
An approval of this request seems like a proper next step. This is the national mountains and cradle of Khmer imperial culture after all. Here the first god king of the Khmer Angkor Empire declared the establishment of the Empire in 802 CE, establishing an empire lasting for the next 630 years.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2021/04/07/somewhere-to-run-to-someone-is-eager-to-visit/
#Phnom #Kulen #Mountain #KulenMountain #Khmer #ភ្នំគូលែន #Phnum #Kulên #Lychee #Mountain #Preah #AngThom #Reclining #Buddha #classickhmer #angkor #siemreap #visitsiemreap #cambodia #dirttrack #backcountry #Apsara #ApsaraAuthority #siemreab #reclining #buddhism #stairs #statue #hinduism #cambodia #nationalpark #worldheritage #cultural #architecture #2018CE #classic #Phnom #Kulen #recliningBuddha #cultural #craddle #Kambuja #khmerempire #Ancient #art #ភ្នំគូលែន #Bluesky #Countryside #daytrip #mountainPagoda #roadtrip #Sculpture #southeastasia #visitcambodia #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
Just a nap in a restful and truly colourful place
The mountain of Phnom Sampov/Sampeau, “Ship Mountain”, outside Battambang is a collection of beautiful temples and monasteries in several variations. Located in several places in the mountains.
Add the many large caves, and Phnom Sampov represents a lot of Cambodian history, culture and nature. From the mythical parts to the more modern demanding.
In the east area of the mountain, a pagoda and stupa complex are surrounding the monastery at Wat Sampeou. From there it is several outlooks with a fantastic view to the surrounding Cambodian countryside.
And as the day even here gets hot, the smart one gets some rest. Surrounded by the paintings of the cultural heritage Cambodia is known for.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2021/04/21/top-gold-2/
#khmer #wat #phnomsampeau #temples #pagoda #wallpainting #global #culturalheritage #2016CE #Phnom #Sampou #ancient #Angkor #architecture #archive #art #Battambang #bluesky #Buddhism #life #countryside #culturalheritage #daytrip #Empire #global #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #Kampuchea #khmer #Nikkor #Nikon #Pagoda #Phnom #Sampov #phnomsampeau #roadtrip #south #east #asia #southeastasia #temple #templesvisit #Cambodia #Wallpainting #wat #worldculturalheritage
The mountain of Phnom Sampov/Sampeau, “Ship Mountain”, outside Battambang is a collection of beautiful temples and monasteries in several variations. Located in several places in the mountains.
Add the many large caves, and Phnom Sampov represents a lot of Cambodian history, culture and nature. From the mythical parts to the more modern demanding.
In the east area of the mountain, a pagoda and stupa complex are surrounding the monastery at Wat Sampeou. From there it is several outlooks with a fantastic view to the surrounding Cambodian countryside.
And as the day even here gets hot, the smart one gets some rest. Surrounded by the paintings of the cultural heritage Cambodia is known for.
https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2021/04/21/top-gold-2/
#khmer #wat #phnomsampeau #temples #pagoda #wallpainting #global #culturalheritage #2016CE #Phnom #Sampou #ancient #Angkor #architecture #archive #art #Battambang #bluesky #Buddhism #life #countryside #culturalheritage #daytrip #Empire #global #greentourism #Hinduism #history #imperial #Kampuchea #khmer #Nikkor #Nikon #Pagoda #Phnom #Sampov #phnomsampeau #roadtrip #south #east #asia #southeastasia #temple #templesvisit #Cambodia #Wallpainting #wat #worldculturalheritage
The mini citadel temple in Banteay Meanchey
The temple complex of Prasat Banteay Chhmar is one of the largest from the Khmer Empire outside Angkor Thom.
Photo shows a cleared covered walkway from the west entrance.
Banteay Chhmar can be translated to “Mini/small fortress”. This temple is along the old Imperial Angkor Khmer Highway.
Prasat Banteay Chhmar is 3 hr drive out of Siem Reap. Suitable for a daytrip, and lodgings nearby.
The Compassionate symbolism of the Cat Temple
The name Prasat Banteay Chhmar original meaning was mini citadel temple. In modern Khmer its name can be translated Temple of cats, as Chhmar means cat.
A figure frequent in carvings and bas-reliefs here is the Lokeshvara, the compassionate Bodhisattva. In Mahayana Buddhism Lokeshvara is the ideal of compassion, as he elected not to reach perfect enlightenment as Buddha. Instead, he decided to help others struggling or suffering on their way to Buddhahood.
Lokeshvara was given eleven heads to better hear the suffering of humans, and a thousand arms so he could reach out and help all of them. He is often depicted with a lotus in one of his left hands.
The great god king Jayavarman VII was Mahayana Buddhist emperor, and the worship of Lokeshvara reached a peak during his reign. Several of the buildings built during his reign uses the Lokeshvara frequently.
Prasat Banteay Chhmar is one of the largest temples built in JVIIs time off the main imperial capital city Angkor Thom. It is famous for having many of the most exquisite versions of Lokeshvara depictions. This Lokeshvara in the photo is one of four depictions on the west side.
This temple is situated far west in today’s Cambodia, along the Angkor Khmer Highway, the main road connecting the main cities in the Khmer Angkor Empire.
Prasat Banteay Chhmar is 3 hours’ drive out of Siem Reap. Suitable for a daytrip, but there are lodgings nearby. Sisophon town is 63 km away. This temple is approximately 20 km east of the Thai border.
https://lucasvarro.com/blogs/angkorpedia/lokeshvara
#Prasat #Banteay #Chhmar #BanteayChhmar #Temple #JayavarmanVII #JVII #J7 #AngkorThom #Bayon #TaProhm #BanteayMeanchey #2018CE #ancient #art #architecture #sculpture #archive #worldculturalheritage #Lokeshvara #compassionate #Bodhisattva #Mahayana #khmer #empire #Buddhism #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #Cambodia #countryside #daytrip #history #imperial #ប្រាសាទបន្ទាយឆ្មារ
The name Prasat Banteay Chhmar original meaning was mini citadel temple. In modern Khmer its name can be translated Temple of cats, as Chhmar means cat.
A figure frequent in carvings and bas-reliefs here is the Lokeshvara, the compassionate Bodhisattva. In Mahayana Buddhism Lokeshvara is the ideal of compassion, as he elected not to reach perfect enlightenment as Buddha. Instead, he decided to help others struggling or suffering on their way to Buddhahood.
Lokeshvara was given eleven heads to better hear the suffering of humans, and a thousand arms so he could reach out and help all of them. He is often depicted with a lotus in one of his left hands.
The great god king Jayavarman VII was Mahayana Buddhist emperor, and the worship of Lokeshvara reached a peak during his reign. Several of the buildings built during his reign uses the Lokeshvara frequently.
Prasat Banteay Chhmar is one of the largest temples built in JVIIs time off the main imperial capital city Angkor Thom. It is famous for having many of the most exquisite versions of Lokeshvara depictions. This Lokeshvara in the photo is one of four depictions on the west side.
This temple is situated far west in today’s Cambodia, along the Angkor Khmer Highway, the main road connecting the main cities in the Khmer Angkor Empire.
Prasat Banteay Chhmar is 3 hours’ drive out of Siem Reap. Suitable for a daytrip, but there are lodgings nearby. Sisophon town is 63 km away. This temple is approximately 20 km east of the Thai border.
https://lucasvarro.com/blogs/angkorpedia/lokeshvara
#Prasat #Banteay #Chhmar #BanteayChhmar #Temple #JayavarmanVII #JVII #J7 #AngkorThom #Bayon #TaProhm #BanteayMeanchey #2018CE #ancient #art #architecture #sculpture #archive #worldculturalheritage #Lokeshvara #compassionate #Bodhisattva #Mahayana #khmer #empire #Buddhism #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #Cambodia #countryside #daytrip #history #imperial #ប្រាសាទបន្ទាយឆ្មារ
The mini citadel temple in Banteay Meanchey
Despite the name, the temple complex of Prasat Banteay Chhmar is one of the largest building works from the time of Jayavarman VII. This newly cleared covered walkway between the entrance building and the first temple to the west of the temple is an example of the building style of the era.
Including the great god kings face covering some of the towers in the central parts. Like what is done in Bayon State Temple in the centre of Angkor Thom.
Banteay Chhmar can be directly translated to “Mini/small fortress”. It is situated in Banteay Meanchey province, meaning The Fortress of Victory. This temple is situated far west in today’s Cambodia, but it is situated along the Angkor Khmer Highway, the main road connecting the main cities in the Khmer Angkor Empire together. This temple was directly connected to Angkor Thom via this highway.
Banteay Chhmar, along with its many satellite shrines and dried out reservoir (Baray), comprises one of the most important and least understood archaeological complexes from Cambodia's Angkor period.
It has been under careful and extensive restoration for the last ten years. This has uncovered buildings in the style of the great kings other buildings. There are some detailed decorated friezes and pilasters, and outer walls with extensive bas-reliefs.
Prasat Banteay Chhmar is 3 hours’ drive out of Siem Reap. Suitable for a daytrip, but there are lodgings nearby. Sisophon town is under one hour away with more lodging’s alternatives and small city offerings of food, drinks and shopping.
#Prasat #Banteay #Chhmar #BanteayChhmar #Temple #JayavarmanVII #JVII #J7 #AngkorThom #Bayon #TaProhm #BanteayMeanchey #2018CE #ancient #art #architecture #sculpture #archive #worldculturalheritage #khmer #empire #Buddhism #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #takeonlyphotos #leaveonlyfootprints #Cambodia #countryside #daytrip #history #imperial #Pagoda #site #ប្រាសាទបន្ទាយឆ្មារ,
Despite the name, the temple complex of Prasat Banteay Chhmar is one of the largest building works from the time of Jayavarman VII. This newly cleared covered walkway between the entrance building and the first temple to the west of the temple is an example of the building style of the era.
Including the great god kings face covering some of the towers in the central parts. Like what is done in Bayon State Temple in the centre of Angkor Thom.
Banteay Chhmar can be directly translated to “Mini/small fortress”. It is situated in Banteay Meanchey province, meaning The Fortress of Victory. This temple is situated far west in today’s Cambodia, but it is situated along the Angkor Khmer Highway, the main road connecting the main cities in the Khmer Angkor Empire together. This temple was directly connected to Angkor Thom via this highway.
Banteay Chhmar, along with its many satellite shrines and dried out reservoir (Baray), comprises one of the most important and least understood archaeological complexes from Cambodia's Angkor period.
It has been under careful and extensive restoration for the last ten years. This has uncovered buildings in the style of the great kings other buildings. There are some detailed decorated friezes and pilasters, and outer walls with extensive bas-reliefs.
Prasat Banteay Chhmar is 3 hours’ drive out of Siem Reap. Suitable for a daytrip, but there are lodgings nearby. Sisophon town is under one hour away with more lodging’s alternatives and small city offerings of food, drinks and shopping.
#Prasat #Banteay #Chhmar #BanteayChhmar #Temple #JayavarmanVII #JVII #J7 #AngkorThom #Bayon #TaProhm #BanteayMeanchey #2018CE #ancient #art #architecture #sculpture #archive #worldculturalheritage #khmer #empire #Buddhism #visitcambodia #visitsiemreap #takeonlyphotos #leaveonlyfootprints #Cambodia #countryside #daytrip #history #imperial #Pagoda #site #ប្រាសាទបន្ទាយឆ្មារ,
Old steps at Preah Vihear
There is a steep stair to enter the first Gopura of the Khmer mountain temple.
The main steps are large and old stone fitted together for a thousand years. For every 3rd step, there is a sidestep.
This tall entrance is only for the first temple building. The rest of the temple and support libraries are on level ground. Stretching south to the high cliff, with a fantastic view to the north of Cambodia.
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