Kh 5 - Phnom Bakheng

"When Sri Yasovardhana became king under the name of Yasovarman, the able Vamasiva continued as his guru. By the king's order, he set up a linga on Sri Yasodharagiri, a mountain equal in beauty to the king of mountains." - inscription from Sdok Kak Thom temple, Thailand; 1052 AD

Infront Phnom Bakheng

"OK Muhammad, I'll stop you here and later, I'll be waiting for you just after the ticket booth. All tourist need to obtain the Angkor pass before entering the Heritage site." Dara told me before dropped me in front the ticket counter. We decided to go to see sunset on one of the famous temple in Angkorian - Phnom Bakheng.

From left : ticket booth - each booth equipped with camera to take your picture so that you no need to bring one, Phnom Bakheng entrance.

Tips : If you guys want extra day for the pass, make sure you buy the pass around 4.30 pm and above as it will be not counted as that day. So, you can view sunset at the Angkor. The pass priced - USD 20 (1 day), USD 40 (3 days) and USD 60 for 7 days.- at the time written.

From left : a group of musician playing traditional song at the foot of the temple - they all were landmine victims (war casualties) that depend on donation to buy ortostatic leg, Phnom Bakheng - at the down of sunset.

From left : steps up to the temple's centre - noted the steps are too narrow as they believe while ascending to meet god they need to bow themselves beforehand, sunset of Phnom Bakheng.

"This temple - name Phnom Bakheng was built in between 889 - 910 AD during the reign of King Yasovarman; dedicated for Shiva - one of 3 main gods of Hindu. The temple was built as a symbolic representation of Mount Meru - home of the Hindu idols" explained Dara to me. "And its one of the best place to see sunset in the Angkor area due to fact that it was built on a hill. So, do expect many tourist during this time as many will take these opportunities to observe the sunset" add him. Well - his right! Gosh, a lot of people around this time - some with visual equipment and others just simply sit and experience the nice scene of sunset. Oh, another thing - as he had difficulty to pronounce my name (after few correction - the best he can call me "Suaz"); I just told him to call me Muhammad as my first name!

From left : Apsara drawings on one of its wall, towers from the central sanctuary.