Day 6 - Angkor Temples

On our second day at the Angkor Temples we visited Angkor Thom, one of the largest complexes and Ta Prohm, made famous by the movie Tomb Raider.

The first stop was the south gate of Angkor Thom. There were originally five gates, North, South, West and two in the East but the South Gate is the best preserved. The South Gate and North gates were used by people to enter and exit, the West Gate was for criminals. Of the two East Gates one was for taking out the dead and the other was the King's Gate. An identical number of demons and gods guard the West Gate.

There is a lot if history here but I knew I wouldn't remember it so I bought a book. I'll read up on it and answer questions when I'm home but fir now I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Also, we met a local who seemed very comfortable with having his photo taken.

The second temple was Ta Prohm which is famous because it was used in Tomb Raider. The jungle has grown around and through Ta Prohm and though a lot has been cleared it would be difficult to remove some of the trees without bring the temple down as well.

It was very hot so after lunch at a good local restaurant we decided to return to the hotel instead of continuing on to the last two temples. Several others also opted to return.

Back at the hotel we had hoped for a swim and drinks by the pool but it's the rainy season and the weather didn't cooperate. It rained all afternoon and into the evening so we decided not to go out as we had planned. We had drinks and dinner in the hotel restaurant. Another couple joined is for a drink and it was pleasant and relaxing.