The Long Way Round Asia 20194 views
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Step 15/60: Cambodia - Phumi Spean Ang...

Phumi Spean Angkor photo by Jantine De jong

About Phumi Spean Angkor

I bought the 7-day pass for $60 to see all the Temples of Angkor. I wanted to take it slow....right. The 1st day I went to the Roluos group, 20 kilometers East of Siem Reap. They told me renting a motobike was not allowed in Siem Reap. So I had to pay $6 for a motobike with driver. Unfortunately, after coming back from the Roluos Group I 'had used up' my $6...Rip-off. The 2nd day I cycled the grand route, 60 kilometers in total (starting from Earthwalkers). On the 3rd day I did the shorter route, but still 30 kilometers. The 4th and 5th day I had to relax of course and change hostels. 6th Day just Angkor Wat and on the last day I watched the sunrise over Angkor Wat. If you don't want to cycle everything, you can rent a cyclo plus guide.
Bicycle icon
How I got here ?

Price: 2 $

Traveling time: 1 hours

Price: for 2 days (at my 2nd hostel it was free to use the bike). Time: from Earthwalkers it's about 45 minutes, from Siem Reap Hostel it's around 30 minutes to the first temple.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you want to see everything, get a 7-day pass for $60. 1 Day: $20, 3-day: $40.
  • You'll need about 3 liters of water to cope with the heat while cycling all day.

Things to see

Banteay Kdei (day 2) 8 /10
- €
Banteay Kdei (day 2) photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
Dating from the 12th to 13th century during the reign of Jayavarman VII. It is also known as 'Citadel of Monks'. It looks similar to Ta Promh, but it is smaller. Nature is still running it's course in this one.
Srah Srang (day 2) 6 /10
- €
Srah Srang (day 2) photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
Across from Banteay Kdei lies this big pool. It was the Royal bathing pool and is 300 meters wide and 700 meters long. It was dug out in the 10th century, under the reign of Rajendraverman. Jayavarman VII made it more beautiful with stone steps. Besides Angkor Wat this is a nice place to watch the sunset.
Banteay Samre (day 2) 9 /10
- €
Banteay Samre (day 2) photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
One of my favorites. This one is located 4 km outside the Grand Tour, so not many people go here. It was build in the early 12th century under the reigns of Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II. It is build in the same style as Angkor Wat. By the looks of it, I think this used to be surrounded by water. Imagining it in my head made this temple even more beautiful.
Preah Khan (day 2) 8 /10
- €
Preah Khan (day 2) photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
Build in the 12th century for Jayavarman VII. It's said this was the centre of a huge organization with over 100.000 officials and servants. This one looks very similar to the famous Ta Prohm temple. They haven't restored it yet after nature took its course with this one.
Ta Keo (day 3) 7 /10
- €
Ta Keo (day 3) photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
steep stairs. don't be afraid of heights.
Ta Prohm (day 3) 8 /10
- €
Ta Prohm (day 3) photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
One of the most famous temples. Both 'Tomb Raider' and 'Indiana Jones' were filmed here, as well as the movie 'Two Brothers'. Because of that this is one of the most touristic ones as well. They are restoring it, re-enforcing it to deal with the flood of people, and the famous trees overgrowing the temple are fenced off with ropes.
Baphuon (day 3) 5 /10
- €
Baphuon (day 3) photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
This one just looks like a pile of rocks, pieces scattered all over the place. They took it apart, but lost the logbook and were unable to put it back together again. They're still trying. There is somewhat of a temple. On the back you can see a face, if you look closely. This used to be a really big lying buddha.
Bayon (day 3) 9 /10
- €
Bayon (day 3) photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
Another one of my favorites. Bayon is the center of the walled city of Angkor Thom. Jayavarman II build it. It has 216 faces.
Angkor Wat (day 6) 8 /10
- €
Angkor Wat (day 6) photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
Somewhat disappointing, because this is the one you always hear about. When I was there they were renovating. Half of it had scaffolding, the inner sanctuary was closed and the famous bas-relief 'Churning of the Sea of Milk' was off-limits as well. That said, it is still very impressive! Suryavarman II
Angkor Wat (day 7) 7 /10
- €
Angkor Wat (day 7) photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
The sunrise over Angkor Wat is supposedly very nice. I've seen pictures made by backpackers with dramatic purples, pinks and bright oranges and reds. Unfortunately for me the sun decided to just pop up without any wild colors the day I sat there early in the morning. It was still pretty nice, so I do recommend it. You never know what you'll get! Beware of the many, many mosquitos! So bring a repellent.
Cycle everything! 8 /10
- €
Cycle everything! photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
It's cheap (most of the time even for free!), it is good to get some exercise, the roads are very good and yes, it's also very, very hot! But if you want to be cheap, this is the best option. I really enjoyed it! Take a lot of water with you! The Grand Tour is 26 km long and the little one around 13. Don't forget; the temples are located about 6 km outside of town... You'll easily cycle 40 km a day.

Practical