The most beautiful carvings

Here comes the last one on Cambodia, and a long-overdue one.

A bit of history about Banteay Srei Temple first, just to refresh our memory. " 'Banteay Srei' (Citadel of Women) is the modern name of which was originally called "Tribhuvanamahesvara" (Great Lord of the Threefold World), an appellation of the god Siva. Consecrated in 967A.D., Banteay Srei was the only major temple at Angkor not built by a monarch; its construction is credited to a courtier named Yajnavaraha, who served as a counsellor to king Rajendravarman." (will offer $5 to whoever can pronounce all these names correctly)

Due to its relatively remote location, 25km north to the main group of Angkor temples, we made a separate trip to Banteay Srei. (no, it was not a typo, 25km in Cambodia is a long way to go)

We have long heard, during our stay in Siem Reap, that Banteay Srei is famous for its intricate, beautiful carvings, and it's definitely right. Amazing details!!!

Before we left the temple, I spotted this lovely girl sitting by the doorway. She looked so happy and contented playing with that plastic bottle, paying little attention to tourists passing by -- a reminder to us city dwellers: hapiness is to treasure what one has, often the simplest things in life.

Temple-in-Jungle

Being referred as the "big-tree-temple" by the local cab driver, Ta Prohm is famous for its jungle atmophere.



According to the guide book, Ta Prohm was intentionally left partially unrestored from jungle overgrowth, to provide a unique "temple-in-jungle" scenery.

Angkor Thom & Bayon

The highlight of the day is Bayon.

Constructed under King Jayavarman VII, during late 12th century, the giant stone faces of Bayon have become one of the representatives of the classic Khmer art and architecture.



Although early in the morning, Siem Reap was still brutally hot.

June is the rainy season in Siem Reap. We were very fortunate to have clear sky everyday, which definitely made the outlines of the temples more breathtaking.

Other temples/monument visited in Angkor Thom area: Terrance of the Elephants, Terrance of the Leper King, Phimeanakas.

Lao gong had a unique feeling while climbing up the sandstone pyramid of Phimeanakas. =P

Hotel de la Paix - Siem Reap

Can see the Angkor / Khmer art influences everywhere.



Real flowers, with a little creative touch.