Last day in Siem Reap

Thursday 25th March

Met Chamnan Chhor, our driver for the day, at 8am. He speaks very good English and explained a lot as we drove northwards to Banteay Srei.

This was a jewel of a site, beautifully presented if overrun by Japanese tour groups. We could see many features we had learned in the museum yesterday.

Then onwards to Kbal Spean. This is unusual as it consists of carved boulders and riverbed bedrock carvings some one and a half kilometres up into the forest at the edge of the plain.We measured the temperature as 40 degrees C on the walk to the site.

Tired by the time we got back to the car, Chamnan drove us back to the air conditioned Angkor Cafe back at Angkor Wat where we cooled down with iced drinks, salad and ice cream ( Thanks Em!).

Now we went to complete the Grand Circuit, stopping first at Ta Keo to climb the temple mountain, being led down by a charming 6 year old girl!

Completing the circuit, the twin temples of Thomannon and Chau Say Tevoda, small flat temples but perfectly formed.

Finally, a second and last visit to the unbelievable Bayon Temple with its huge carved heads.

Then back to the hotel for a final swim and beer. Chamnan was a superb companion and very knowlegable.

With some regret, we leave for Bankok tomorrow.