Tomb raider scenes in Ta Prohm and beyond 

Exploring the rest of Angkor Wat complex

This is a part two of my exploration in the Angkor Wat Complex, Cambodia. If you haven't read about the part one, check out the Angkor Wat write up here. I haven't been writing in quite some time, so I'm glad to be back in the blogsphere. All of these temple is included in the temple tour I booked that includes the car that drives us around and a tour guide. There is lunch break in between exploring all of these temples. 

Ta Prohm temple

Featuring its classic temple ‘overtaken by nature’ character and beautiful trees, it’s a must-visit. It is popularly known as the “Tomb Raider Temple”. Ta Prohm temple is located 3 km northeast of Angkor Wat. It is an ancient Buddhist monastic complex that was constructed in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII. The temple was dedicated to his mother Jayarajachudamani, and his guru, Jayamangalartha. Ta Prohm itself means "Ancestor Brahma" and it was originally known as the citadel of Rajavihara. It is located in the middle of the forest hence the gigantic trees and the layout is more like a labyrinth.The temple was highly decorated and extremely ornate, like the wall reliefs and lintels on the doorway.

Also Read: Chasing Sunrise in Angkor Wat

Bayon temple 

Originally named the Jayagiri, the temple is built in the late 12th or early 13th century as the state temple of the King Jayavarman VII, The Bayon stands at the centre of Jayavarman's capital, Angkor Thom. It has 54 towers with four faced smiling buddha carved on each side of the towers. Some say that the Khmer empire was divided into 54 provinces at the time of Bayon’s construction, hence the 54 towers. The outer wall of the first level depict vivid scenes of everyday life in 12th-century Cambodia. Including the below bas-relief of dancers.

Banteay Kdei temple

Built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries during the reign of king Jayavarman VII in the Bayon architectural style. Banteay Kdei means "A Citadel of Chambers". Similar to Ta Prohm, it has a flat layout with three outer enclosures and inner enclosure.

So that is the journey that I spent in Cambodia. Which part is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below.

tags:cambodia,travel