The Hidden City of Angkor Wat

Science Magazine ^ | 6-20-2013 | Richard Stone

[Cringing Negativism Network]

Yeah.

I also made the mistake of booking the Cambodia leg immediately following the Thailand flight.

So I was to continue on. A couple hours delay in BKK at the airport then on to Phnom Penh. I’m not out of shape (not badly anyway) but hadn’t even considered I should put a day or so in between the two flights.

I’m sure they’re fine. Just commenting is all.

Still considering another visit, to tell the truth.

:D

[Safetgiver]

I was there. It ain’t fun. (and no, not in Christmas of 1969.).

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Our couple are resting up at a Bangkok hotel before setting out to see the sights. We've received a couple of text photos w/ golden temple backgrounds...

[Cringing Negativism Network]

I’m sort of jealous.

I know it’s quite hot there now, but still am.

Thanks for the response!

[sauropod]

.

[Tuketu]

I’ll go with that. Wish I was back in college to jam that up a prof’s arse. LOL “CE” Cristian Era, love it.

[colorado tanker]

We finally made it to Angkor last year and it was worth the journey. It's one of the most incredible places on Earth. We hired a guide which I highly recommend. Not only because of the personal tour but also because Cambodia is very corrupt and he took care of the bribes and vigorish.

Unfortunately, only the sacred places were built in stone. The city, including the royal palace, were built of wood, long since gone. This article fits with the story we were told of a once vast city. You can still see some of the waterworks.

The current belief is Angkor was abandoned because it was too vulnerable to attack from the resurgent Thai kingdom based in Ayutthaya, so they retreated to Phnom Penh.

If you go, be sure to take in the "Tomb Raider" temple. The tree roots are so intertwined with the building that it is not being completely restored. It is something straight out of Indiana Jones. Parts of the Tomb Raider movie were filmed there.

I agree with the comments about not trying to do too much on arrival in Bangkok. Even a nonstop is a long flight. Take a recovery day. Even though Bangkok is congested and smoggy, there are fascinating sights in their own right like the old Royal Palace complex and Wat Po temple. Plus, there is great dining. Pick your price point. One of the best meals I've had in Thailand I got for under $2 in a street noodle joint in Chaing Mai.