Siem Reap, Cambodia Holiday (23rd Dec. to 26th Dec.2011)

My tour guide for Siem Reap, Sun Same who speaks good command of English. He is well versed with the history of Angkor Wat and all the other temples. Although we have a planned itinerary, he was flexible to suite our changes.
Pub Street on Christmas eve. This street is line with many restaurants and pubs and is just across Steung Hotel where we stayed.
Ta Prom with the many gigantic roots all around the temple. Angelina Jolie was here during the filming of Tomb Raider.

Beng Melea:My love ones seemed happy and so am I. Angelina Jolie was also happily here to film Tomb Raider.
Bakheng Hill:This is the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area. The walk up the hill takes about half an hour or you have a choice of taking an elephant ride and pay USD 15.00 going up and USD 10.00 coming down. The tourists flock here to admire the beauty of the sunset rather than the historical aspects of the temple. Oh yes, Angela Jolie was here too holding the binocular in the film Tomb Raider.
Inside the vast compound of Angkor Wat.
This is the main temple of Angkor Wat. We could not climb up as it was closed for cleaning during our visit
The awesome roots of Ta Prom.

Terrace of the Elephants: You can see the many stone sculptured elephant trunks. During major sporting events, the King would sit on the terrace to watch the events.
Admiring the beauty of Banteay Samre.
Banteay Srey (Citadel of Women): This is so called because the carvings are so intricate and beautiful, the locals believed that only the women could do it. One has to really admire the carvings to appreciate this temple site.
Bayon: This is the must see temple beside Angkor Wat if you are in Siem Reap. It is truly magnificent and is my all time favorite among all the temples.
This Buddha statue in Bayon has the biggest smile and we are all smiling too!