{"id":3358,"date":"2018-01-29T02:50:30","date_gmt":"2018-01-29T02:50:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bluelotusadventures.com\/?p=3358"},"modified":"2018-03-07T13:15:22","modified_gmt":"2018-03-07T13:15:22","slug":"exploring-angkor-archaeological-park-part-1-the-small-circuit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bluelotusadventures.com\/index.php\/2018\/01\/29\/exploring-angkor-archaeological-park-part-1-the-small-circuit\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Angkor Archaeological Park – Part 1: The Small Circuit"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A look into my experiences over three visits to this popular UNESCO site, including Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom to the less visited sites and adventures like hiking the Angkor Thom Wall. The park is a look back in time of the Khmer people and the structures the Kings built. But a closer look will reveal much more of their religion, daily life and life and death of the wars they fought to survive.<\/p>\n

Exploring Angkor has always been a dream of mine.\u00a0 My first visit did not disappoint to the extent that I returned another two times and I’m sure I will return again.\u00a0 There is so much to see and learn about this fascinating culture.\u00a0 Their history is documented in the many bas-reliefs found at Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple, it is truly worthwhile to take some time to examine.<\/p>\n

Arriving to Siem Reap, your base for this adventure is quite easy.\u00a0 For U.S. Citizens, you can obtain a “visa upon arrival” which costs about $35.\u00a0 Every year there seems to be an increase. Cambodia immigration requires you to present a passport photo for their records however, for $2.00 they will take your photo.\u00a0 This is a source of much anxiety when arriving but the Cambodian immigration officials have a good sense of humor.\u00a0 I recall during my first visit, while waiting in line, an official announced loudly to the lines, “if you have no photo we will throw you in jail” followed by the official letting out a loud laugh.\u00a0 This did not stop the blood from rushing out of many faces to the thought of spending vacation in a Cambodian jail.<\/p>\n

Some important information, nearly everyone in Siem Reap speaks English.\u00a0 Also, no need to change any money.\u00a0 The locals prefer U.S. dollars.\u00a0 Once out of the airport, it is easy to get transportation to Siem Reap.\u00a0 I recommend a Tuk Tuk driver which will cost about $7 – $10 usd. Negotiation is key when dealing with any Tuk Tuk driver.<\/p>\n

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(Tuk Tuk) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

After checking into the hotel, the next step is to hire a Tuk Tuk driver to take you around the park. You can arrange one through the hotel or you could have negotiated a deal with the driver that took you from the airport.\u00a0 I’ve done both and the best experience is hiring a driver through the hotel.\u00a0 This usually cost about $20 per day.\u00a0 A great deal considering the driver is with you the entire day.<\/p>\n

Now for the tours.\u00a0 Do not try and purchase the entry ticket to Angkor in the early morning in an effort to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat.\u00a0 Although the ticket windows open at 5:00am, by the time you get to Angkor Wat, there are hoards of people set up with tripods in front of the reflecting pool.\u00a0 You can purchase the ticket the day before if you want to see sunrise at Angkor Wat first.\u00a0 Keep in mind that purchasing the ticket the day before still counts as a day from you ticket.\u00a0 Options are 1 day ticket – $37 usd, 3 day ticket – $62.00 usd and 7 day ticket – $72.00 usd.\u00a0 When I purchase my ticket early morning I choose to go to Bayon in Angkor Thom, only a few minutes from Angkor Wat.\u00a0 The sunrise here is unique.<\/p>\n

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(Bayon at sunrise) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

Some changes have been enacted as to the time and locations for sunrise.\u00a0 Effective in 2017, only Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng and Pre Rup can be accessed at 5:00am.\u00a0 All the other temple sites are accessible at 7:30am.\u00a0 They are very serious about this and every site has security.\u00a0 You can view Bayon from the parking area and watch the sun slowly light up the Buddha faces of Bayon.<\/p>\n

The Small Circuit<\/h2>\n

After sunrise, the Tuk Tuk driver will take you on your choice of unofficial tours known as the Small Circuit and the Grand Circuit.\u00a0 The first day, I always go with the Small Circuit.\u00a0 The first temple on the Small Circuit is Angkor Wat however, pass on by for now (best to explore in the late afternoon). The next group of temples are rather small but worth a stop.\u00a0 Your Tuk Tuk driver will wait while you walk in and check out Baksei Chamkrong.\u00a0 Follow a short path to the right to see Prasat Bei.<\/p>\n

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(Baksei Chamkrong) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

This small group of temples is just before crossing over the Angkor Thom Moat and passing through the South Gate.\u00a0 This is an impressive gate that offers great photo opportunities early in the morning.<\/p>\n

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(South Gate to Angkor Thom) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

After passing through the South Gate, in a few minutes you will reach Bayon Temple.\u00a0 Known for the “200 Faces of Buddha” it can take some time to explore.\u00a0 I like to visit and explore in the morning and return late afternoon.\u00a0 Most of the tourist are gone late afternoon and it’s easier to take photos without someone bombing your shot.<\/p>\n

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(A few of the “200 Faces of Bayon”) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

The next stop after Bayon Temple is the Palace area of Angkor Thom.\u00a0 This area takes time to explore as well.\u00a0 You can see the main attractions by having your Tuk Tuk driver leave you at the entrance to Baphuon Temple.\u00a0 Walk back to Baphuon along a causeway then back out to the road.\u00a0 This causeway is connected to the Elephant Terrace (be sure to check out the front of the terrace!) which you can walk on north towards the Terrace of the Leper King.<\/p>\n

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(Elephant Terrace) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

You can have your Tuk Tuk driver wait for you at the north end where you can exit the Terrace of the Leper King.\u00a0 Be sure to walk through the recessed Leper King Terrace.<\/p>\n

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(The Leper King) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

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(Terrace of the Leper King) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

Across from the Leper King Terrace is a souvenir and food stall area.\u00a0 It’s a good place to get a bite to eat before continuing with the Small Circuit.\u00a0 The Small Circuit leaves Angkor Thom through the Victory Gate.\u00a0 Another impressive Gate, this gate is where returning Khmer armies would return from battle.<\/p>\n

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(Victory Gate leaving Angkor Thom) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

After passing through the Victory Gate and over the moat, there are two small temples worth a visit.\u00a0 To the left is Thommanon Temple and directly across the road on the right is Chau Say Tevoda Temple.<\/p>\n

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(Thommanon Temple) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

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(Chau Say Tevoda Temple) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

Next on the Small Circuit is Ta Prohm.\u00a0 I’ve always been drawn to Ta Prohm for several reasons.\u00a0 It’s larger than some of the other temples and in more of a jungle setting. But most importantly, Ta Prohm is where you get the first full experience of how the jungle over took the temples of Angkor.\u00a0 While much of the jungle has been cleared back and most of the structures reconstructed, some of the jungle is simply embedded into the stone walls and fixtures.\u00a0 The best way to explore Ta Prohm is to have the Tuk Tuk drive drop you off at the west entrance of the temple and have the driver wait at the east entrance.\u00a0 For an added adventure, there is a trail that weaves in and out of the outer wall surrounding the temple.\u00a0 Hike around the temple and follow the trail back to the west and then explore the interior.\u00a0 Ta Prohm is excellent in the early morning (7:30am opening).\u00a0 Worth an early morning return on another day.<\/p>\n

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(Jungle over taking Ta Prohm) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

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(Trail around Ta Prohm) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

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(Jungle over taking Ta Prohm) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

Just across the road and to the east of Ta Prohm is another excellent temple to explore on the Circuit, Bantaey Kdei. Again, you can enter from the west and exit at the east end where the Tuk Tuk driver can wait for you.<\/p>\n

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(Bantaey Kdei) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

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(Entrance to Bantaey Kdei) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

Last stop on the Small Circuit is a small temple with three towers called Prasat Kraven.<\/p>\n

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(Prasat Kraven) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

While this is the end of the Small Circuit, there should be plenty of time to go to Angkor Wat and explore a bit.\u00a0 Angkor Wat is usually very crowded most of the day however, very late in the day is an ideal time to explore.\u00a0 Sunsets at Angkor Wat is just as impressive as sunrise, just different.<\/p>\n

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(Angkor Wat from the inner reflecting pool at sunset) Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n

Angkor Wat closes at 5:30pm.\u00a0 You will easily know the time as security walks throughout the temple blowing a whistle and telling everyone to leave.<\/p>\n

So it’s back to Siem Reap. For me, my first stop is always to The Sun for a cold bottle of Cambodia Lager Beer and reflect on the days’ adventure.<\/p>\n

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Photo by: John Maurizi<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A look into my experiences over three visits to this popular UNESCO site, including Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom to the less visited sites and adventures like hiking the Angkor Thom Wall. The park is a look back in time of the Khmer people and the structures the Kings built. But a closer look will […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3358","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-asia"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bluelotusadventures.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3358","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bluelotusadventures.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bluelotusadventures.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bluelotusadventures.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bluelotusadventures.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3358"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/bluelotusadventures.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3358\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3458,"href":"https:\/\/bluelotusadventures.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3358\/revisions\/3458"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bluelotusadventures.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3358"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bluelotusadventures.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3358"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bluelotusadventures.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3358"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}