My first day in Siem Reap was of course spent in one of the seven world wonders, the Angkor complex. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat, the Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. I decided to book the half-day-tour with a local agency called Hello Bird Tour, and paid for the minivan transport with a tour guide 13 USD. As an alternative you can ride your own bike or motorbike, or choose to take a tuk tuk for about 15 USD. In this case if you find more people to go with you (at least three more) then it gets cheaper. Some tuk tuk drivers are actually as good as the tour guides. At the entrance, you have the option of a 1-day (37 USD), 2-days (62 USD) or 3-days (72 USD) ticket with multiple admissions for the day you bought it. The ticket will have your photo imprinted so that no scams can happen, and you always have to show the ticket at the entrance of each temple. The morning tours start early, around 5.00 am, so that you don't miss the beautiful sunrise behind the Angkor Wat.
Attention to the "dress code", this is a temple area and therefore you have to dress decently. Nothing above the knees is allowed either for men or women, and women should avoid deep cleavages.
The Angkor War is a temple compound and prime attraction in Cambodia, and the largest religious monument in the world, on a site measuring 162.6 hectares. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, breaking the tradition of previous kings, and gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. The Khmer King Suryavarman wished for a site open to religion and built Angkor as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Inside you can observe many inscriptions and details telling you the history of the complex. Nowadays, many renovation works are taking place by the government and this is one of the reasons why the ticket value is always going up.
In the above level of the temple, close to the main Buddha statue, you can (if wished) change a donation for a prayer by the Buddhist monks there.
Angkor Thom, or also known as the Great City, is located in the same complex and was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. It covers an area of 9 km², within which are located several monuments from earlier eras as well as those established by Jayavarman and his successors. At the centre of the city is Jayavarman's state temple, the Bayon, with the other major sites clustered around the Victory Square immediately to the north. Along the bridge in direction to the South Gate, you'll notice two rows of figures on each side, one is dedicated to the gods (laughing statues) and the other to demons. The faces on the 23m towers at the city gates, which are later additions to the main structure, take after those of the Bayon and pose the same problems of interpretation. They may represent the king himself, the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, guardians of the empire's cardinal points, or some combination of these.
The Bayon is a well-known and richly decorated Khmer temple built in the early 13th-century as the official state temple of the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII. The temple stands at the centre of Jayavarman's capital, Angkor Thom, and its most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and smiling stone faces on the many towers, which stand out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak.
The 350m-long Terrace of the Elephants is also a part of the walled city of Angkor Thom and used to be used as a giant viewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king's Jayavarman VII grand audience hall. Most of the original structure was made of organic material and has long since disappeared. Most of what remains are the foundation platforms of the complex. The terrace is named for the carvings of elephants on its eastern face.
Ta Prohm Temple, also famous for its Tomb Raider movie association, is located about 1km east from Angkor Thom and was founded by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university. Unlike most temples in Angkor, Ta Prohm is in much the same condition in which it was found: the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of the most popular temples for visitors. UNESCO inscribed Ta Prohm on the World Heritage List in 1992.
After the visit to Angkor, I was so tired that I had to rest for a couple of hours before going back to the city. The city itself has also a nice vibe, with many relaxed restaurants, pub and shopping streets to please all visitors. Markets can be found in almost every corner, and if you're not in the mood for spending that much money in superfluous stuff, then simply enjoy a foot massage for 2 USD (well deserved after Angkor).
Enjoying a long walk next day along the Siem Reap River, we visited the the Old Bazaar, the Art Centre Night Market and many other Buddhist temples - like the Wat Damnak - on the way.
Enjoying a long walk next day along the Siem Reap River, we visited the the Old Bazaar, the Art Centre Night Market and many other Buddhist temples - like the Wat Damnak - on the way.
The Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm is a shrine located west of the Royal Residence, and is said to represent two Angkorian princesses. Locals come to pray for luck, especially newlyweds, and it is an atmospheric place to visit around dusk, as the incense smoke swirls around.
Tip: pay a visit to the Boxville, the new hit spot on the National Road 6A neighbour to the most popular Cambodian Cultural Village, consisting of many restaurants, pubs, cafes, park and playgrounds, and different shopping centrrs for both day and night.
Next Stop: Kampot, Cambodia
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