3/21/06: Siem Reap

Day 4. I also visited:
1. Ta Prohm - "The Brahma Ancestor". Where Indiana Jones and Lara Croft Tomb Raider were filmed. Chosen to demonstrate a temple in its "natural state" as one of the most imposing and best merged with the jungle. [Left (1) and Right (2)]





2. Ta Keo - "Ancestor Keo" or Prasat Keo, "Crystal Tower". Work ceased shortly after the start of ornamentation for unknown reasons. [Left (1) and Right (1)]

3. Thommanon - Built at the end of Saryavarman II's reign. Took advantage of the natural characteristics of sandstone, rather than imitating carvings of wood. [Right (1)]





4. Banteay Kdei - "Citadel of Chambers". Ruin is quite advanced. Demonstrates at least two styles of architecture.


5. Balloon Ride - Before visiting Angkor Wat, some people say it's better to view it from above. It only goes up and down and lasts about 10 minutes, but apparently one year all the people rushed to the Angkor Wat side and tipped the whole thing over, dumping everyone out. I'm told that no one died. [Left (1) and Bottom (4)]