September 28, 2026

I rallied for our last temple of the morning, because I heard this one was unique and I think it was my favorite. Ta Prohm was built starting in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university dedicated to the king's mother. It was left mostly un-restored so that huge banyan and silk cotton trees grow directly over and through the walls. In 2001, the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie was filmed here.

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The King commissioned a statue of Buddhist goddess of transcendent wisdom, Prajnaparamita to be carved in the exact likeness of this royal mother. The statue was enshrined inside the central sanctuary shown below. The walls were blindingly opulent with 35 diamonds, 40,620 pearls and 4540 precious stones, all placed in specially drilled holes and there were thick sheets of beaten gold and silk veils that completely covered the dark stone interior. When the Khmer Empire declined, raiders pried every single jewel and golden leaf out to the masonry and took the statue. All that remains are the holes and the base from the statue.

I think the moss gave this temple a really nice look and feel. Also it was a series of smaller buildings and then this amazing tree roots!

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A fun finale to a busy and memorable morning!

ANGKOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK, CAMBODIA

By Pat Patrick • September 28, 2026
Angkor , a UNESCO World Heritage Centre , is one of the most important archaelogical sites in SE Asia . It extends over 400 square km (250 miles). It contains hundreds of distinct structural remains and major temple sites (with around 72 recognized major structures). Below are a few other temple sites we saw. The first two were from a distance, on our sunset hike, the first night.

ANGKOR WAT, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

By Pat Patrick • September 28, 2026
Angkor Wat is the largest temple and the Capital of Angkor World Heritage . We hired a separate English speaking guide and tuktuk driver for the morning to escort us though this massive complex. We entered Angkor temple thru the west entry, the same one King Suryavarman would have entered via elephant, back in 1150, when it was built as a Hindu temple, dedicated to Vishnu . It took roughly 38 years to build, starting in 1113 and was done with lots of elephants, thousands of men and a bamboo pulley system, maneuvering the giant blocks of lava stone for the base and sandstone, for the structure, all quarried from the surrounding area.

SUNSET/ SUNRISE @ANGKOR WAT, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

By Pat Patrick • September 27, 2026
I am doing this getaway with my good buddy Basia, from the Ship. It has worked out beautifully, for a totally last minute throw together. We thought we would be dealing with rain the whole time, but we have been so blessed! Sunset this morning was stunning! Well worth getting up at 4 a.m.!