Do you have to let it Linga?

With Cory only having a few weeks left in the country we decided to see Siam Reap together for one last time. We've both seen the main circuit of the most impressive and famous Angkorian temples a good few times so this time decided to explore a little further afield. We took a tuk tuk, Vuthang's brother Vutha, and travelled north of Siam Reap to Banteay Srei and Kbal Spean. It was great to drive away from the tourist masses visiting the old favourites and tuk tuk through gorgeous Cambodian countryside, passing a few minor temples hidden in the trees as well as rice farmers getting on with their work. Amazing to think all this 'normal' life was going on around and amongst these magnificently ancient ruins.

Banteay Srei (translates to mean citadel of women or citadel of beauty) was made of reddish sandstone and the timing of our visit in the morning meant that the lighting had it at its most beautiful. The stone looks almost pink and its a relatively small site compared to most of the temples making it really easy to get around. It really was beautiful. It has been great visiting the temples but I think I've appreciated it more because I've had the advantage of being able to visit over 2 years and not had to pack it all into 2 weeks or less like most tourists.



Kbal Spean (translates to Bridge Head) was another treat off the beaten track. It's an Angkorian era site also north of Siam Reap which consists of 1000 linga and yuni carvings in the stone riverbed, amongst other Hindu motifs. It was a good 45 minute trek up a hill, through dense jungle but was well worth the climb. Amazingly atmospheric.