In order to make our journey out of order and memorable, we decided to leave home at 3 am. It sounds to us let’s do it. I personally was not quite sure to get out of bed at 3 am by the time we ended the party an left for home. I actually was knocked out in bed from lots of beers from the party, but of course I made and I was the last one got pick up by an air condition mini-van. Everyone laughed at me. And another one hand me a can of super freezing cold beer. It was surprised to me! Since everyone was drinking so why not? Imagine! Having beer at that early morning.
Within about 2 hours drive we did nothing but cheered up, bottom up and some beer cans flipped over because some part of the road had pot holes, bumpy. We felt adventure approaching the darkness of countryside and to see the village awake.
It was very interesting drive. We eventually reached the main gate at the first light of rising sun, colourful.
We began the visit at Prasat Thom, it is the main temple in the group. No other visitor just us. We should had gone to the smaller one first that way is more interesting than, but it was the very first visit of us so we did not quite understand the history as well as geography. Many friends climbed all the way to the highest level of prasat thom ( level 7th about 118 feet ) some were scare of high. There is a huge linga statue ( stoned phallic symbol ) situ in the middle of that shine. It must be the biggest statue ever seen in my life, both in Angkor complex and elsewhere. We did of course see all the temples some are hidden in deep forests. They are really amazing. Each one has its own charm and beauty, very atmospheric, lush green surroundings. There are not many standing statues left since French expedition missionary stole many of them. They are now displayed in a museum in Paris. But there are some lion and elephants statues remain at some smaller temples, they look attracted. It is the paradise of photographer when the morning sun shined thru the trees and hit on the temples.
It was a full day tour and we had lots fun. We received a lot. It completely came right, and even much more than what we expected.
I do recommend this to those who like to adventure and away from tourist crowds.