Author: jmaurizi

East Mebon

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

East Mebon is a temple that was built in the 10th century. The unique thing about East Mebon is that it is actually built on an island. The surrounding area is a now dry man made reservoir called East Baray. When standing on top you have to imagine this entire temple was surrounded by water.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The temple has three tiers and five towers on top. Fairly well preserved for one of the older temples at Angkor. The temple marks the center of East Baray.

Directions: South of Ta Som on the Grand Circuit road.

Author: jmaurizi

Ta Som Temple

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Another temple along the Grand Circuit road, Ta Som was built in the late 12 century. The interesting thing with Ta Som is that none of it has been restored. Also the there is a gate tower at the entrance with four faces of Buddha, very similar to the gates at the entrance/exit to Angkor Thom.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Through this entrance gate there are three walls to go through. One of the main attractions at Ta Som is the final gate at the east entrance. From the west it looks like an ordinary gate entrance but walk through the gate and turn around to see the gate completely engulfed by the roots of a tree growing on top. Very impressive to see. There were few people when I was here and it was quite enjoyable.

Author: jmaurizi

An ancient healing center

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Neak Pean is not a temple. It sits in the the Baray of Preah Khan. It was constructed as a place of healing. It was believed that soaking in the waters at Neak Pean would balance the individual and therefore cure their illnesses. The center tower is round but the water is divided into 4 quadrants representing Earth, Wind, Fire and Water.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Access is limited at the time I was there. You can only walk about a quarter way around to the right or to the left. Many people ignore the signage and roped off area, walking where they like.

Author: jmaurizi

Preah Khan Temple

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Preah Khan is a larger temple complex. It has four entrances by definition, one for each direction. However the main entrance for visitors now would be from the east or from the west The west entrance is closest to the road on the Grand circuit. The east entrance has a longer walk from a side road. My tuk tuk driver dropped me off at the west entrance and waited for me at the east entrance.

There is much to explore here. There are 4 walls encompassing the center. The jungle has made its mark at certain areas and are well photographed. It seems the deeper you get into the Grand circuit the less people you see. Plan at least 1.5 to 2 hours to truly explore Preah Khan.

Author: jmaurizi

Preah Khan – light of the Stupa

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

As you walk through the center of Preah Khan you enter and exit several chambers. One chamber has a stupa in the center with a small alter. If you walk around the stupa and look at the wall/ceiling across the stupa, there is a crack in the wall that shines a through. Positioned just right, it looks like there is a light or flame coming from the top. Looks like a candle as you can see from the photos. A nice little photo opportunity. You may also notice deliberate holes lined along the walls here. The theory behind these holes is that at the height of Angkor’s civilization, jewel inserts were placed in these holes.