Many people travel to Cambodia each year to visit the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat. This is one of the most impressive temples on the planet dating back to the 12th century. The Khmer Empire built it over decades and since the country has opened up in the 1990′s people from all over the world have been visiting temples in increasing numbers each year.
Hundreds of Temples are scattered throughout hundreds of acres and while once you could view the ruins in total privacy, it now attracts over a half a million people each year. For only $20 you can enter the complex and explore the grounds by tuk tuk, elephant, bicycle or on foot.
It is an awesome sight to see the temples swallowed up by vines and trees. Almost reclaimed by the jungle, Angkor Wat was saved in the nick of time. The main temple of Angkor Wat is one of the best preserved temple and the most famous image of the temples. It is a massive structure spanning 1.6 km and reaching 66 meters into the sky.
You can witness the strength of nature by visiting the temple of Ta Prom. Left in its original state, vines and roots twist through the complex breaking apart solid rock as trees rise through its roof far into the air. Not to be missed is Angkor Tom. Imposing statues of 54 Gods and 54 Demons line the causeway leading up to the temple.
One can spend days exploring the temples of Angkor. Whether you walk up to the top of the main temple of Angkor Wat, take a hot air balloon ride over the ruins, examine the intricate carvings on its walls, or sit high on Bakheng Hill to watch sunset over the complex, you will be mesmerized by its scope and beauty.
Don’t spend all of your time at Angkor Wat however, there is a lot to see around the town nearby. Siem Reap is a popular stepping off point for tours. The French influence is alive and well and you will see the leftover colonial buildings in the quarter. Surprisingly, you will have a taste of France in the food as well. Coffee and baguettes are a popular choice for everyone.
For a different view, check out the old market. It will give you a real sense of life in Cambodia as vendors line the aisles with everything from live fish that they will clean before your very eyes, to fresh fruit. It is recommended to look for trinkets and souvenirs here instead of at the more expensive tourist stores.
If you have the time, a trip the the house of Aki Ra is a must. This man has been helping to clear the millions of landmines in Cambodia for over a decade. At his hut he has some of his decommissioned land mines on display that he gathered himself. It is a testimony to the work that he and so many others have done for this struggling country.
It is unbelievable to think that there are four to six million live landmines scattered throughout the country. People die by the thousands and it is common to see victims all over the country living as amputees. Aki Ra’s hard work is paying off however as government officials and civilians alike are taking notice.
If you can only visit one area in Cambodia, Siem Reap is the place to go. It is building up to the point where you can find world class hotels or stay in a small guest house. You can eat street food at the market or enjoy an elegant meal at a fine restaurant.
Take a tuk tuk out to see the beautiful countryside and you will witness time standing still. Farmers wearing traditional conical hats walk with their oxen down the street, women work in the rice paddy fields and children fish in the river. Take a tour of a nearby silk farm or watch exotic birds thrive on Ton Le Sap Lake. South East Asia’s largest fresh water lake, it is home to an important bio reserve for threatened large water birds.
Whatever you desire, this exotic destination will excite and move you and leave you with fond memories for years to come
Deb Corbeil and Dave Bouskill are an Adventure Couple from Canada. Together they have traveled to over 35 countries on 5 continents. Every new adventure takes them to remote corners of the world where they paddle, hike and trek their way around the globe. Visit their website theplanetd.com for more tips and information on exotic destinations around the world. For photos of their journeys click on picturetheplanet
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