Sunday, March 8, 2009

Climbing Phnom Bakheng, Siem Reap Cambodia

At the end of the bus ride we were swarmed by tuk tuk drivers as usual when we got off the bus. A driver named Jenna took us in hand and he and another driver (for our luggage) drove us to our hotel. They had cancelled our reservation. So Jenna drove us around and found another hotel nearby for the same price which was an excellent choice. After we checked in he came back for us and drove us to Phnom Bakheng, the hill near Angkor Wat for the sunset view. Here musicians are playing at the beginning of the steep climb. When we got to the top I found that we could have taken an elephant ride up. $20 up and $15 down. I tried to book rides for the three of us to take the elephant down but it turned out you had to buy the tickets at the bottom of the hill. That didn't make much sense.
The temple is built on a huge boulder with steep steps.


A statue at the foot of the temple.



Angkor Wat in the distance.







The parking lot at the bottom of the hill. This is a very popular climb and where were hundreds of people on the trail.

The steps are steep...one at a time.

Barbara waves near the top.
Unfortunately it was too misty for good sunset views.

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