Wandering Fractal

The capital of Cambodia was a stop as important for me as Angkor Wat. I wanted to know more about the Khmer rouge and their terrible regime. I went to the prison S21, now a museum retelling the story of the thousands of people tortured and executed there. It was frightening to learn of the madness that spread among the members of the Khmer rouge. I really recommend this visit. After a few days in Phnom Penh, I got ready to cross the border to Vietnam. I first went to the Vietnamese embassy and filled the form for the visa. I payed to get my visa done the next day (it's a bit cheaper if you choose the 2 days option). Once I got my visa, I booked a bus with Mekong Express to Ho-Chi-Minh City. Crossing the border was done on foot and the bus would pick us up again at the other side.

The temple of Ta Prohm was left as it was found. Most of the other sites in Angkor have been restored, but it was decided to do as little modifications to those ruins as possible. Thus trees can be found growing atop the temple, giving a mystic atmosphere to the place.

Wall relief in Bayon. Bayon and Baphuon temples are found inside the fortifications of Angkor Thom. Bayon. Pig roaming freely in front of the Bayon temple. Monk in front of Baphuon temple. Baphuon. One of the gate of Angkor Thom.

Statue of Vishnu. When I got into the ancient city of Angkor, I was expecting to see an impressive temple, and I did. Angkor Wat (Wat means temple) is huge, full of sculptures and just by itself worth the trip. But I was not prepared for what came next. The ticket gives you access not only to Angkor Wat but to the whole city of Angkor. The ancient Khmer capital is gigantic and Angkor Wat looks small when you see it on the map of the city. The place is full of temples, moats, gates and other ruins scattered around a forested area. I bought a 3 days ticket. I payed 60 USD, but the price is going up regularly, so don't be surprised if it's more expensive. The first 2 days I rented a bicycle to go around Angkor. It was really hot so I went early in the morning and came back around noon. The last day I hired a tuck-tuck to go to places further. Even with 3 days you don't have time to see everything. There are even ruins of the Khmer kingdom that can be reached only by ...