Day 7 - Angkor Wat

Bloggers: Cameron, Patrick and Zach

We started our adventure today with an early rise. Leaving the hotel at 5 a.m.,  we made our way to Angkor Wat to watch the sun rise, but due to the weather, we where unable to see it. As the ancient temple of Angkor Wat emerged from the mist, we took some time to sit and reflect and take photos of the temple as a whole.

As we made our way round the temple assisted by our guides, we where shown the main points that made up the temple. We were shown different chambers within the temple and our tour guides explained each function. We were then shown the central point of the temple. We were also directed to see the many different and interesting carvings and drawings on the walls of the temples and were told about their significance.

We then left the temple, and took buses to our Cambodian style breakfast, which, along with our bikes, were prepared and waiting for us.  With a wide variety of food to choose from, there was something for everyone to eat and drink.

After our Cambodian styled breakfast, we then began the first leg of our day cycling. Our group consisted of people with different cycling backgrounds, some were experienced, while for others this was a first time cycling a great distance. We made our way to Angkor Thom, with a quick stop beforehand. Here, we were allowed to go into our own groups and explore the Bayon temple to our own desires. Some people even touched noses with Buddha.

After the temple, we were split into two groups for cycling. There was a fast group and a slower group at cycling. The slower group took a relatively flat road to the Ta Prohm temple. They were many vehicles on the road with this group, and for many, this was a first time experience, and a nervous one at that, but the group showed a great deal of composure in dealing with it. With the fast group we cycled at the higher pace and went of-road into the jungle to make our way to Ta Prohm the temple where Indiana Jones was filmed. It was interesting to see how the vegetation of the area had totally engulfed the temple and in some ways taking the form of the temple itself.  

As we made our way back to the hotel, some of us went to go to the Siem Reap “Old Market” where we were able to look round and look for some good gifts for home. After the “Old Market”, we made our way to a traditional Cambodian dinner where we were treated to many different fine Khmer dishes that ranged from, baked fish in banana leaf, Tom Yum soup and other delicious dishes.  Before bed, we had a briefing about tomorrow's itinerary which will include a cycling trip to a local village and kayaking to a floating village on Lake Tonle Sap.  Check in tomorrow to learn more!