Author: jmaurizi

The Leper King

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA North of the Royal Palace Area and directly on the road is the Terrace of the Leper King. The terrace is north and connected to Terrace of the Elephants. The Leper King terrace actually has two walls with a path way winding through. There are many carved Buddhas and Apsara throughout. On top is a seated Buddha statue, the Leper King. This is not the original. The original is in Phnom Penh. Take the time to walk through the two walls and observe the beautiful carvings.

There are several theories why this is called Terrace of the Leper King. I did research before my visit and could not find a story that was consistent. Some say it is because the figure had moss and was discolored when found. Some say it was named after Yasovarmin, an Angkor King. His name was found carved at the base and was said to have leprosy.

Author: jmaurizi

Preah Palilay Temple

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA While this is a small temple, I really enjoyed checking it out for several reasons. It is set back in the forest a bit and because of this gets less visitors. I’m all about seeing less visitors. The walk back is peaceful and shaded. I didn’t see anyone else around. There is a short stone walkway that approaches the temple. A modern temple has been erected with a Buddha and clear evidence there is ongoing worship at the site.

Up to this point I had not seen fully the effects of the jungle encroaching and growing on the ruins. Preah Palilay was the first I saw the trees growing on the temple. It is an impressive site. Something I’ve seen in books and heard of for years. There are more impressive views of this type of scene but usually there are many people. Here, no one was around to taint the experience.

Author: jmaurizi

Baphuon Temple

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Baphuon is situated just northwest of Bayon Temple. It was built in the 11th century and was initially a Hindu temple but by the 15th century it was converted into a Buddhist temple. Baphuon was built upon a sand base. Because of this, it suffered many collapses over the hundreds of years. A major restoration project started in 2005 by French Archeologist . The job was completed in 2011 with a ceremony that included the King of Cambodia and the Prime Minister of France.

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What I liked about Baphuon was it’s long walkway to the front of the structure. There is a social trail that circles the complex and you can also access the top by steep steps. At the top and around the back is an interesting partial exposed hallways that make for excellent photograph opportunities.

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There is also no shortage of beautifully carved bas-relief walls depicting life in Angkor. The carvings are excellent but to truly appreciate what you see, it is worth investing some time before you go to read a little about what life was like during the time period the temples were built.

Author: jmaurizi

North Gate

This happens to be a quieter gate to check out as opposed to the Victory Gate or the South Gate. Most people pass through the North Gate when doing the “Large” circle tour. Located at the north end of Angkor Thom and before you arrive at Preah Khan. Beside being quiet, this gate is in very good condition.

Author: jmaurizi

South Gate

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Typically this is the first gate you will pass through when entering Angkor Thom. The gate is approached from a road leading north from Angkor Wat. There is a moat before the gate. That road is lined with figures on each side. These figures appear to be pulling the body of a snake. One side is said to be Guardian Gods and the other side Demon Gods. The myth is that the guardians are pulling the snake and the demons are pushing in the opposite direction.

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There are three faces on each side of the gate. They are fairly well preserved. This is a popular place to take photos. You can wait a long time for your chance to get a photo without some other visitor standing in your shot.

The trick is to arrive about 7am. Most people are still at Angkor Wat and this gives you a chance to get some photos without many other people standing around. The gate is as impressive looking from the south as it is from the north side.