Author: jmaurizi

Preah Khan – Beyond the obvious

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Of course the main attraction at Preah Khan is the temples and sanctuary’s. They are beautiful and so much to see. But looking at the complex from the “outside” so to speak, gives a great experience and different perspective of this great place.

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There is a well worn dirt path that encircles the complex from the outside of the surrounding wall. It is very peaceful and you are unlikely to see many people if any. Most people go right into the complex and don’t give this dirt path a second thought. There loss.

This is one of the first things I’d like to do again when I return. It is best to go in the early morning. The sounds of nature along with the solitude make it a very special time.

Author: jmaurizi

Ta Prohm Stegosaurus

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This little carving has become quite popular in recent years. Some think it is evidence that dinosaurs existing during human times. Being that Ta Prohm was constructed around the 12 century, they hardly had the technology to determine what a Stegosaurus looked like even if they unearthed some dinosaur bones. Others believe is is a Rhinoceros with leaves behind it. There is even another suggestion that it is a hoax put there as a joke.

I can tell you that I don’t believe this is a hoax in any way possible. Anyone that has been there can tell it is very obvious it is old and similar to the other carvings along that area and through Ta Prohm. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I think its great to let people make their own decision. To find the “Stegosaurus” walk to the far west of Ta Prohm. In the center of the second wall is a doorway (see photo with the woman in green). To the left on the outside in the corner, below the tower, is a vertical line of Bas-relief carvings. There you will find it.

Author: jmaurizi

Ta Nei Temple

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA This temple is really off the grid although very close to other temples in the complex. So few people visit this temple that not all tuk tuk drivers know exactly where it is. It does appear on Google maps and you can show your tuk tuk driver if he doesn’t know the way. Of all the temples I visited this one is in the most disrepair. A joint 10 year study was done by Cambodia and Japan on the cleaning and protective treatment of stone at this site. I could not find the results anywhere. For the size of this temple I was surprised there wasn’t more restoration. What I did see was two obvious pools, one on either side, now empty and over grown. I also notice the lack of ornate carvings that can be found at other temples. This may be why further restoration was not done. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Worth a visit if you have the time or you want to escape the crowds. Also good during midday because there is plenty of shade here.

Author: jmaurizi

Kbal Spean

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Kbal Spean is located about 50 Kilometers from Siem Reap and takes about 1 hour to get there by Tuk Tuk. This location is a series of carved Lingams in a river bed deep in the the jungle. Kbal Spean is known as “River of Thousand Lingams.” Lingams are a phallic representation sacred to Brahmanism as symbols of fertility. There are hundreds of these carved in the river bed in various areas along with carvings of gods and animals. I was here just at the end of the dry season and there was no water in the stream. There is a water fall here as well but with the lack of water, it was not flowing.

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From the parking area there is a 1500 meter walk to the river bed. The trail is easy to follow and well worn. There are some steep areas and there is a sign every 100 meters letting you know how far you have to go.

Most if not all Tuk Tuk drivers will know how to get here. expect to pay more money if in conjunction with a tour to Banteay Srei as Kbal Spean is 18 kilometers farther. Negotiate this into your day. Price can be between $18 and $35 USD as of May 2015

Author: jmaurizi

Banteay Samre Temple

This temple is not on the typical small or Grand circuit of Angkor temples. It is considered part of the complex and your Angkor Archeological Park ticket will work to gain access to the site. It is out of the way but worth the effort to get out there and visit. The temple is completely restored and very impressive.

The most unique feature about Banteay Samre is that it has an internal moat. You will notice the temples and sanctuary’s are built close together and all are raised off the ground with a wide ledge surrounding each building.

Even fewer people venture out this way. It is a nice stop if you made you way out to Banteay Srei.