Off on a tuk-tuk safari

Today we decided to venture further afield.  The places we wanted to visit were “off the map” and our tuk-tuk driver tried to explain that this was going to be a bit of a cross-country safari – and so it was!  

Puttering along in a tuk-tuk is a great way to see the countryside.  Instead of whizzing by at great speed I enjoyed pottering along, being able to watch the locals going about their daily lives at the side of the road and feeling the wind in my mane.  

The first stop was at Beng Mealea.  

Being more remote this is the ultimate “lost-temple” experience.  

Climbing over tumbled stone structures was quite a challenge for a little guy like me but the climbs were always worth the effort. In amongst the toppled ruins  and foliage are some great carvings. 
  

Our tuk-tuk driver, Mr Hong Meng Cheang, had assured us that he was a good mechanic and that his vehicle was sturdy so we left the tarred road and set off on a bouncy but exhilarating short cut, getting a real glimpse of rural life.  



 
Visiting Banteay Srei is like walking through an ancient Hindu doll’s house.  What it lacks in size it makes up for in design.  It is a collection of  small buildings, each with elaborate and complex carvings that have somehow stood the test of time.