The mini tour includes the temples Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphuon, Terrace of Elephants, Terrace of the Leper Kings, Phimeanakas, Takeo, and Ta Prohm.
The grand tour consists of the temples Pre Rup, East Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean, and Preah Khan.
Pre Rup
Pre Rup is a state temple established during the reign of King Rajendravarman. The name of this temple translates to "turn the body." The temple, like most in Cambodia, is dedicated to the Hindu god of Shiva.
Pre Rup
I took the time to wander around this temple and take in its history. There is something about ruins that makes me drawn to them. My friend and I met this German girl who was nice enough to pose. I played around with the camera and made sure that she's the only one in color while the background is black and white.
East Mebon
East Mebon is another temple included in the grand circuit. This temple was built in the 10th century by King Rajenravarman. This temple was dedicated to the Hindu god of Shiva and the King's parents. This temple follows the architectural design of Pre Rup.
East Mebon
East Mebon
Neak Pean
Neak Pean is also one of the temples included in the grand circuit. This Buddhist temple was built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII.
Preah Khan
Preah Khan was established during the rule of King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. The place is flat in design, has many galleries, and a bevy of Buddhist and Hindu carvings, bas reliefs, and other items.
Preah Khan
Preah Khan has a maze-like structure that, to some extent, is nice to get lost in. These corridors are just a few twists and turns inside this ruin.
Preah Khan
Preah Khan was built on the very same site of King Jayavarman's victory over the Chams in 1191.
Ta Som
Ta Som was built during King Jayavarman's reign in the 12th century. This temple was dedicated to the King's father, Dharanindavarman II. This temple is left unrestored that gives it its romantic feel.
Ta Som
Ta Som looks like Ta Prohm its just my opinion and observation because of its ruinous state and trees, roots, and branches growing everywhere.After going through the temples in the grand tour, the driver took me to Phnom Bakheng to view the sunset.
Phnom Bakheng
Phnom Bakheng
I didn't really see anything special about the sunset atop this temple. I've seen better sunsets elsewhere, but in any case I just enjoyed the view with dozens of other tourists that went to see it. It seems like Phnom Bakheng is a popular place for sunset viewing.The grand tour, Banteay Srei, and Banteay Samre tours were my last stops in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Overall, my trip to Cambodia was an enriching experience. This tour cost me $34 (I split the $28 with my friend and paid for the temple pass separately) including sunset and the temple pass.
