"Miniature Temples" Angkor Wat Things to Do Tip by NedHopkins

In the "work garden" of the now 69-year-old artist Dy Proeung are miniature replicas of several of the temples as well as other sculptings.

I asked Dy how long it took him to sculpt his remarkable miniatures. "One to two years," he said, "but four or more to plan them."

According to Lonely Planet, admission to Dy's garden costs US$1. The artist showed me around for nearly an hour without asking for any money. As I was about to leave I handed him US$10. He then dated, signed (in both roman and Cambodian letters), and gave me a small bas relief-type carving.

Picture 4 shows the artist with some of the architecturally precise drawings he made before beginning work onr his miniatures.

The wording on the sash, in the self-portrait -- picture 5 -- reads (in English): "King Sihanouk has praised the sculptor's work in the past ... 2000." The painting itself is signed and dated "24.3.1995."

According to Dy, Sihanouk himself presented him with the trophy Dy is shown holding in both pictures 4 and 5.

Directions: Across the Stung Siem Reap (river) from the main part of the town, on a small road northeast of National Highway 6. The concierge at my hotel, Le Meridien, had never heard of the miniatures. Shown a map, a taxi driver did.