In the afternoon, we visited some of the minor temples in the Angkor Thom
complex. We started with the Khleangs, a total of twelve towers across the
road from the terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. We
were the only visitors in this area of many temples. A couple of the towers
are being restored. This was the first place – the only place – where we
saw garbage dumped among the ruins. Very sad.

Behind these were two Buddhist temples, Tep Pranam and Preah Pithu. There is
little left of Tep Pranam, but a Buddhist shrine occupies part of the temple
platform.

Preah Pithu was more interesting. Two small boys acted as our guides. It’s a
lovely little temple with 40 to 60 (the boys couldn’t agree on this) Buddhas
carved inside the main tower. One thing our two guides did agree upon was
how much damage the Khmer Rouge had caused. One of the boys graphically
described the Khmer Rouge hacking off the heads of Buddha statues. As we
were leaving the temple, I photographed a stone carved with a figure holding
a sword. To me, this symbolized the triumph of the temples over the
desecration of the Khmer Rouge. It may be my favorite photo of this trip.
-Kathie

The Khleangs

End of 10th century to beginning of 11th century

King: Jayavarman V   Religion: Hindu

Home • Angkor Wat • Angkor Thom • Terrace of the Elephants/Terrace of the Leper King • Bayon • Preah Khan • Neak Pean • Krol Ko • Ta Som • Roluos: Preah Ko/Bakong/Lolei • Prasat Kravan • Srah Srang • Banteay Kdei • Preah Rup • East Mebon • Ta Prohm • Ta Keo • Chau Say Tevoda • Thommanon • Baksei Chamkrong • Phnom Bakeng • Banteay Srei • Tonle Sap • Phnom Krom • Preah Pithu • The Khleangs • Siem Reap