Cambodia Day-4 Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre Temple

On day 4, we decided to go to these two temples and enjoy traditional Cambodian lunch. 

First stop was at Banteay Srei. Unlike other temples in the region, this one is made of red sandstone, which gives it a warm, reddish glow, especially under the morning sun. What makes Banteay Srei even more special are the intricate carvings that cover almost every surface. These detailed designs tell stories from Hindu mythology, and it's amazing to think they were created over a thousand years ago.

Even though it’s smaller than the famous Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei stands out because of its fine details.  Every doorway, column, and wall has figures of gods, goddesses, and mythological scenes that look like they were made with a tiny chisel.

From there we went to Banteay Samre. Though not very big compared to other temples, this one had a charm of its own. What really stood out were the lush green grounds surrounding the temple. It felt like walking into a quiet, hidden sanctuary away from the crowds.

Banteay Samre is beautifully preserved, with tall towers, stone corridors, and courtyards that reflect the same classic Angkorian style.

Near the entrance, we saw a security personnel standing quietly, keeping an eye on the temple grounds. She had a calm and kind presence, blending in with the peaceful atmosphere of the place. I hesitated for a moment, but then decided to ask, “Would it be alright if I took a picture of you?”

To my surprise, this security personnel was most willing to pose for a picture when I asked. She smiled warmly and stood proudly in her uniform. It was such a simple gesture, but it made me feel even more connected to the place.

There were a few Khmer girls, some in traditional attire, taking pictures, probably for social media posts or maybe even for a special occasion. 

I politely asked if I could take a photo. They were willing to pose for me, smiling sweetly and standing gracefully among the ruins. 

We finished our day a little earlier than planned and decided to visit Angkor Wat one last time. Even though it was drizzling, we felt it was the perfect way to end our trip.

The temple looked even more magical in the soft rain. 

While we were walking around, we saw a mom and her daughter laughing and taking photos they were just enjoying the moment. It was a beautiful reminder to slow down and take it all in. 

Day-3 Pagoda, Palace and Floating village at Tonle Sap Lake,

Day 3 of our adventure took us off the beaten pathand into the heart of local life. We set out early in the morning with a plan to explore the villages nestled along the banks of a river/lake .As we wandered through these quiet riverside communities, we were welcomed with warm smiles and genuine hospitality. The rhythm of life here felt slower, more peaceful, and deeply connected to nature. One of the highlights of the day was visiting a bustling local market.  

What made the experience truly memorable, though, were the people. Everyone we met greeted us with kindness, and one curious child stood out, playfully trying to catch our attention . 

Nearby, a serene monastery stood with quiet grace a place of reflection and simplicity. We spent some time walking its grounds, soaking in the calm atmosphere and appreciating the beauty of its architecture.

Post lunch, we visited Siem Reap Palace and another Pagoda near-by.

After a hearty lunch under the Cambodian sun, our journey led us to one of the most captivating sights in Southeast Asia—the floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake. Often described as a natural wonder, Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and an essential lifeline for millions of Cambodians. But what makes it even more fascinating is how life adapts around it, especially in the floating villages.

As we approached the lake, the scenery began to change dramatically. Traditional houses on dry land slowly gave way to dwellings perched on tall stilts. With the sun dipping gently over the water’s surface, it almost felt like we were stepping into a surreal, water-bound world.

Tonlé Sap is no ordinary lake. It expands and contracts dramatically with the seasons. During the monsoon, water levels rise several meters, flooding the surrounding plains. Rather than flee, the locals have ingeniously adapted to this natural cycle. Houses here are built on raised platforms, towering wooden stilts that ensure the homes remain above water no matter how high it rises. In the heart of the rainy season, the entire village seems to float—a picturesque maze of wooden homes, boats, and gently bobbing rafts.

What’s truly humbling is how seamlessly the locals have woven their lifestyle into the rhythms of nature. Fishing is the main livelihood, with entire families depending on the lake’s bounty. Children navigate the waters in small boats as if they were bicycles, waving cheerfully as they pass by. Markets, schools, and even places of worship are built to rise and fall with the tides.

Despite being so close to bustling cities like Siem Reap, these villages offer a raw, authentic look at Cambodian culture. There's a sense of peace here, a quiet resilience in the face of ever-changing natural forces. The floating villages aren’t just about survival—they’re about living in harmony with nature, embracing its unpredictability, and thriving within it.

Visiting Tonlé Sap's floating villages is not just a sightseeing trip; it’s an experience that stays with you. It’s a reminder of human adaptability, community spirit, and the beauty that arises when people live with the land—and water—rather than against it.

The lake, already expansive, seemed to stretch endlessly under the golden hues of the setting sun. The water, calm and glassy, reflected the sky like a perfect mirror—fiery oranges, dusky pinks, and purples melting together in a breathtaking canvas.

Ankor Day-2 Bayon and Ta Prohm

From Ankor Wat, my guide took me to Bayon temple. The faces on this temple were distinct. I was told that the carvings were changed multiple times, with changing rulers, who were either Buddhist or Hindus.

From there, we went to Ta Prohm temple. This temple is more popular because of the film Tomb raider. The restoration work here is done with the help of our own Archeological Survey of India. 

 

It took a bit long to take below picture because almost every tourist wanted a pic from this spot. My guide insisted that I should also get one clicked from there, 😁