Angkor Wat, A Photo Journal
A Photo Journey of My Personal Angkor Wat Tour by Tuk-Tuk, January 2017. Some photos were taken with my camera, Canon Rebel T6 DSLR, others with my iPhone 6s with really worn out Lifeproof case.
Wake-up at 4:30AM, chug canned coffee, put on clothes laid out the night before. I know myself and know that I am not a morning person so had everything ready. Meet Tuk-tuk driver in lobby of hostel. Realize it’s JUST ME on this tour.
[NO PHOTO IN LOBBY. TOO EARLY]
Chilly tuk-tuk ride to Angkor Archeological Park Ticket Office.
Buy single-day ticket for the park. $37 for one day, $62 for three. Get photo taken for ON ticket. Unfortunately, I didn’t take a photo of my AMAZING 5AM ticket with photo. Probably 100 tourists at the time I was there with a lot still coming in as I was leaving.
Get back in tuk-tuk drive to Angkor Wat Archeological Park near entrance of the Angkor Wat temple. Buy overpriced croissant and begin the walk to the temple in pitch black glad to have a flashlight on my cell and people to follow. The darkness actually made it an exciting adventure.
Walk as close to temple as we were allowed to at that time and watch as the sun rises allowed on temple and wait for sun to rise.
While I stood in the spot pictured above with a few others just in front of the war (temple), most others, must have been hundreds, sat by the lakes to observe sunset from there.
Enter the temple once allowed and begin exploring. Because I had sat in front of the temple instead of the lake, I was one of the first ten people in and it allowed me to be just ahead of the masses and really enjoy the serenity. I was almost giddy with how incredible it was.
Take two of my favorite photos of the trip. Love the juxtaposition of a young monk and friends playing on a cell phone.
Check out all the tourists as I’m leaving Angkor Wat and say a mental thanks universe that I beat most of them in!
Eat breakfast at tuk-tuk driver’s family’s stand.
Explore 5 or 6 more temples over the next 4 hours or so! Didn’t get bored at all (did get tired and hot towards the end) They were each so unique and the drives between them were scenic and a sight to be seen in themselves.
