Poor Man's Angkor: Khmer Ruins in Isaan
Posted by Stuart at 08:11 PM on March 03, 2003Southern Isaan is a poor man's Angkor. What I mean is, if you don't want to spend US$300 on a plane ride from Bangkok to Siam Reap, Cambodia, then spend US$5 and get on a bus to Nakorn Ratchasima!
Today I rented a motorcycle and drove up to see a few Angkor-style temples. In fact, the temples I saw today actually pre-date the Khmer temples I vistited last year in Cambodia. They were a bit smaller as well, but they were still very impressive. First, I stopped by Prasat Hin Pranum Wan and then went to Prasat Hin Phimai. Phimai is the bigger of the two, but both were great. I had a lot of fun climbing all over and exploring the re-built ruins.
I also stopped by an archological site called Ban Prasat. There, archeologists have uncovered Bronze Age burial sites. A few of the sites have been left uncovered so that modern-day travelers can look down into the pits to see the skeletons and pottery that was buried with them. One site in particular had about 10 human remains visible about 15 feet down. Very cool.
I finished off the day swimming a few laps at a neighborhood pool I found. Again, everyone was so very friendly I couldn't help but have a great time. The cool water was definitely welcome to my hot, sweaty, moderately sunburned body.
Hmmm. "hot, sweaty" body :)
Sounds like you had an interesting trip. How long was the ride to the temples? You're a true "local" now. Was the traffic as crazy as Vietnam?
David
Beth: I don't WANT a tan. And I especially don't want sunburn tan-lines on my arms and neck! In other words, I don't want to leave this air-conditioned Internet Cafe that I am in right now! haha.
David: The ride from Khorat to Phi Mai was about 60 KM and took me about an hour when I went straight home. On the way there, however, I took my time and stopped at a few places on the way so it took me a lot longer.
I think I put about 200 KM on the bike that day. Definitely enough for a while, especially for someone who isn't all that used to riding a motorbike.
And no, the traffic is not as crazy as Vietnam. Driving around Khorat itself was... interesting and mildly scary at times. I kept thinking about my desire to ride up the Vietnam coast from Saigon to Hue and wondering if I am really up for a crazy trip like that!
You should do it! Even though I haven't heard anyone who ride their motocycle from Saigon to Hue. I think it'll be a lot of fun. I personally have never been to Hue but my parents told me that it's beautiful. Keep me posted if you decide to do this, I might join you. :)
David: Sounds like a real adventure huh? The thing I worry about the most is the crazy driving. (Theirs, not mine :) But I bet the ride up the coast is beautiful. I'm sure I'd learn a lot about Vietnam and its culture as well.
Of course you are always welcome to join me. ;)
Ohhh - gettin' all sassy with a tan, hunh?? hahahaha!!! I need to get some sun, myself --- maybe a little fakeness to begin with then summer, here I come!!!! YAY!!!
Love you!!