Day 233, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Sunrise over Angkor Wat

We had a very early start this morning, up at 4.30 to get to Angkor Wat to watch the sunrise over the temple. This is obviously a must do, as the amount of other tourists there was staggering. So many people just wanting to get the perfect shot, bit of a shame as so many seem to be so concerned with achieving this that they barely actually look at the sunrise, only through the lens. Some of us just sat by the lake on the other side, where it was calm and quiet and still beautiful. I snap a couple of shots with the iPad (yes. The nerd holding up the old iPad) but interesting that some of the guys with the fanciest camera on the tour are impressed with the quality of my photos, haha!

The famous overgrown door 

Next was the Ta Prohm, built in the late 12th and early 13th century, these ruins have been left as found, and the jungle has tried to reclaim this, so there are huge trees everywhere, with roots trailing over the ruins. Some restoration has been done, but very low key, and the site was quiet with few visitors when we first arrived. It was so peaceful, the birds singing, the light dappled, very pretty. I love how this has been left to be overgrown by the trees and roots, and my favourite temple so far. 

Trees growing everywhere 

This is the place where Tomb Raider was filmed and you can see why, so atmospheric and most of the set is ready. 

Back in town the four of us ladies, Joanne, Antonia, Lydia and I went for breakfast. Oh my, the choice was just too much. We got a little carried away and ordered numerous dishes, nothing Cambodia or Vietnamese; all of us have been traveling a while so felt like something 'European', like eggs benedict, wholemeal toast with avocado and tomato and banana bread, plus lattes. Oh the indulgence. 

Tuk tuk ride ready to go

We had the rest of the day free and I will admit we were all templed  out, so we spent the afternoon by the swimming pool, followed by dinner out with the four of us, sometimes nice to have a wee break from the whole group.