Six days ago I posted our Day 1 and 2 itinerary at Siem Reap, Cambodia. If you haven't seen it yet, go check it out here. Below is the continuation of the trip.

Day 3 : Bantey Srei , Hike at the Khulem Mountain

What made Bantey Srei unique from all the other temples is that it's color pink. It is made out of red sandstone. This temple is the second oldest temple in Cambodia dating way back to the 10th century.



Unlike all the other temples, they prohibit anyone from entering - you can only go around it. It is said to best seen in the morning when its color is the pinkest.



The intricate designs and the colors set Bantey Srei apart from the rest.



If you look closely you can see how the carvings differ in depth. What impressive craftsmanship!



Before we exited the temple there was a Cambodian traditional band playing some music.



Khmer little girls who live around that area were not shy posing in front of my camera.



After almost 3 days of hopping from one temple to another, we decided we needed a break. So off we went for an hour and a half hike to the Khulen Mountains. This place is believed to be the source of the stones that built Angkor Wat.



When we reached the top, there was a river. The river beds were impressively carved with Lingas and Hindu gods.



It was believed that the water that runs through the 1000 lingas will go downstream and will make the land fertile, thus resulting in more crops and a bountiful harvest.



We chilled by the nearby waterfalls and watched the locals bathe and enjoy the coolness of the water.



Day 4 : Angkor Wat

Like they say, save the best for last. The majestic Angkor Wat, the grandest of them all, world's largest religious monument.



I thought Angkor Wat would be crowded, but I was wrong. Because it's so massive, the crowds are spread out. We even have a whole hall to ourselves.



Well, not totally to ourselves. The locals sniffed us out and provided us with a bit of company.



Angkor Wat was originally made as a Hindu temple, but by 12th century it was transformed into a Buddhist temple. There are a lot of monks in saffron robes who make the pilgrimage to Angkor.



Most of the walls were carved with Apsara (female spirits of cloud and water) and Devata (male and female gods).



Wall pillars where Sanskrit writings were engraved.



Our guide Rit, showing us the inside of the Wat.



And the ugly side of it. Irresponsible tourists who vandalized this very old architecture.



Thats ends our 4 days in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It was really an unforgettable place for us. We (@starthere and I) left Cambodia as an engaged couple.

We hope these photos give you a glimpse of what you can see in Siem Reap and will inspire you to come and visit.

I had fun sharing too!



<3 @suitcasemama