Day 49 Koh Ker Temples








 A day off from touring but on our bikes to visit Koh Ker temples 6 miles away. The lovely tarmac road soon turned to red dust as we entered temple territory. This area was capital of the Kymer period from 928-944AD. There are loads of temples in the area but none have been restored so nature has reclaimed much of them. We were on and off the bikes exploring the ruins for quite a while until we came to the Prasat Thom Complex, built by Jayavarman IV in 928 when he became King of the Khmer Kings. He commissioned a step pyramid, 35m high which we were able to walk to the top of via some rickety wooden steps- the originals being in no fit state to climb. The view from the top was far and wide. On our way down from the pyramid- which was truly impressive we met a large delegation of what looked like important people. We stopped to let them by, their leader who looked breathless and needed some excuse to rest stopped and enjoyed us in conversation. He asked where we were from and I replied and asked him where he was from, this brought laughter and a look of some surprise. He then asked if we liked Cambodia and  then the ultimate crunch question, how old were we to which I replied 91, a look of horror passed their faces, though a few did smile. They were much more comforted when I told them my real age. I think teasing is lost in translation. Back on our bikes and heading home we were passed by a large cavalcade of large black cars travelling very quickly and a truck full of armed guards. We also passed a large poster for the Cambodian People’s Party and their glorious leaders- one of the characters looked vaguely familiar!!!!

Back at the 'resort', we lazed by the pool, swam, ate and chatted to the 3 Belgian cyclists who we met a couple of days previously. They left to cycle on towards Siem Reap at 2.30 at the heat of the day while we retired to our air-conditioned chalet for a rest. 

This place reminds us off 'I'm a Celeb get me out of here', as there is a long wooden bridge between the main restaurant and the pool side where you can also eat. The poor workers must do so many steps between the two areas taking orders, collecting food and delivering food. The pool area is open to the public so there were many locals enjoying their weekend. 

Back on the bikes tomorrow for a short ride to our next abode- Glamping. 

Comments

  1. CherylFebruary 25, 2024 at 1:13 AM

    Interesting programme about Cambodian temples on TV last night.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JennyFebruary 25, 2024 at 2:28 AM

      My mum saw that too Cheryl. We will be near Angkor Wat in 2 days time

      Delete

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