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Bayon Temple and the “Tomb Raider” temple near Angor Wat

Angkor Wat and surrounding temples Cambodia

There are so many other temples around Angkor Wat, that it would be too much to describe them all individually.

And, let’s be honest, I don’t remember all of their names.

Here’s Bayon.
Angkor Wat and surrounding temples Cambodia

To get to Bayon temples, you first have to cross this bridge.
Angkor Wat and surrounding temples Cambodia

On the right side of the bridge are 54 demons. They’re all holding a naga. (Nagas are big serpent-like creatures that represent water.)
Angkor Wat and surrounding temples Cambodia

On the left side of the bridge there are 54 gods holding a naga.
Angkor Wat and surrounding temples Cambodia

How do you know which is which?

It’s simple.

The gods are smiling.
Angkor Wat and surrounding temples Cambodia

The demons are frowning.
Angkor Wat and surrounding temples Cambodia
You’d frown too if you were a demon. Especially one who’s stuck holding a big snake for all eternity.

The best part about Bayon is the faces in the rocks. It’s one of those that you don’t see immediately, but when you do, you wonder how you missed it in the first place.
Angkor Wat and surrounding temples Cambodia

From there we went to what is now referred to as the “Tomb Raider” Temple, because it’s where the movie was filmed. Neither Jonathan nor myself has seen the movie. But, the temple is amazing.

The temple literally has a jungle growing out of it.

But, before we could get there, we had to stop at another temple so that Jonathan could climb the stone ladder to the top.
Angkor Wat and surrounding temples Cambodia
Angkor Wat and surrounding temples Cambodia

I’m proud of him. He does good climbing work. I was too lazy tired. And besides, someone had to stay and take pictures of his triumph.

Then we finally get to the tomb raider temple, which is stunning in its Indian Jones style.
Angkor Wat and surrounding temples Cambodia
Angkor Wat and surrounding temples Cambodia
Angkor Wat and surrounding temples Cambodia

From there it was 2:30pm, we were both exhausted, and ready to head back to the hotel for a good nap. (Our nap was good. It lasted from 3:30pm until 8:00am the next morning. I guess you could say we needed it.)

3 thoughts on “Bayon Temple and the “Tomb Raider” temple near Angor Wat

  1. Pingback: Siam Reap, Cambodia has ancient temples near Angkot Wat including Banteay Srei. | Travel the world with Carrie and Jonathan!

  2. Anu

    Amazing pictures and an amazing country. I had never thought of Cambodia to be like this. You just enlightened me. I am writing Cambodia on my travel list.

    1. strive4impact

      We really only knew about Angkor Wat as well… but it’s fascinating the HUGE civilization that lived here. Really amazing – especially when scientists are still trying to figure out some of the construction methodologies… like bricks that don’t break down and don’t grow moss…

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