All "Templed Out"

Angkor Thom

"Templed out" is a phrase commonly uttered with exasperation in Southeast Asia. Our use of the phrase started a mere two weeks into our trip after we visited Bali, Indonesia, a country that has more temples per capita than any other place in the world. Our eyes now glaze over with boredom when fellow travelers talk about the temples they visit on their day trips.

Angkor Wat

However, we knew we couldn't visit Siem Reap, Cambodia without spending a day touring the temples around Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat itself was large and underwhelming. We were both disappointed in this temple as it was only impressive from afar. Inside it lacked the character that is found in other less famous temples in the area.

Ta Prohm

Our favorite temple was Ta Prohm, which most people know from the movie Tomb Raiders. There are twisted trees growing out of the walls of the temple. While walking within the ancient tumbling walls, we felt like we were in another world that hadn't been disturbed for thousands of years.

Proah Khan

We also visited Proah Khan, which used to be a city housing thousands of people in ancient days. The sprawling buildings and crumbling unrestored blocks made for great photos. Overall we preferred exploring unrestored parts of all the temples because they seemed more authentic than many of the restored parts that weren't "aged" to blend in.

Proah Khan

At the end if the day we made a vow to each other - no more temples unless we both agree it's one that cannot be missed.

Yemi, templed out and reading outside of Angkor Thom