Surrounding the area of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom are many less popular, but really interesting temples. With so few visitors, these temples give you a quiet, peaceful place to admire the Khmer artistry.
We started our day with a visit to Phnom Bakheng, a temple on a hill that is visited by lots of people at sunset for the view of Angkor Wat from there. In the morning we were the only people there and the view was still great.
View from Phnom Bakheng.
Just outside the Victory Gate (East) of Angkor Thom are 2 small temples on either side of the road (Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon). Chau Say Tevoda is in the process of being restored. Thommanon is really well preserved and very pretty.
Carvings at Thommanon
A bit further down the road is the Ta Keo. The temple is unique in that the carvings were never finished. It is very simple but beautiful. The lack of carvings gives you a chance to just admire how huge the stones are and wonder how on earth they got some of those up to build the top towers and their roofs.
A tower at Ta Keo.
A bit further along is Ta Prohm, which has purposely been left to the jungle rather than being restored.
Ta Prohm.
Trees growing out of the walls are a testament to the power of the jungle to consume all that is in it's path.
Also near here is Banteay Kdei. This temple is like a disorganized maze because it was added to by various kings. Poor construction methods and materials have led to a relatively poor state of repair, but it's still fun to wander through.
Banteay Kdei.
There was a group of monks living here who were killed by the Khmer Rouge. Later the temple was taken over by very protective deer who attacked anyone who tried to enter. The deer are gone and it's fun to wander through the maze like interior. There are some really nice carvings here.
