Siem Reap is well known for its proximimity to Angkor Wat and indeed this is the main reason one should visit it. Although it is the second largest city in Cambodia, it is not really big. Nevertheless, it is a quite cosmopolitan and lively place. Astonishing temples, museums, traditional villages, and Tonle Sap lake have made Siem Reap one of the most enticing travel destinations. I spent three days exploring the temples and I visited Angkor Wat twice. As the city is not so big, if you go there mainly for Angkor Wat as I did, then it is not so important where exactly you will stay. Just choose the best place you can afford close to some restaurants. For maximum security and comfort book your transfer from the airport in advance.
What to visit in Siem Reap
1) Angkor National Museum
The Angkor National Museum was opened in 2007 to house various Khmer artifacts that help the visitor understand better the history of an important civilization in Southeast Asia. Maybe one should visit it before Angkor Wat so as to get a glimpse of Khmer life and learn the basics its culture. I liked the museum a lot, but taking photos was not allowed during my visit there.
2) Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is a Buddhist Temple and is deemed as the largest religious structure in the world. Initially, it was built as a Hindu temple, but later it became a religious Buddhist site. It was built in the 12th century and represents Mount Meru, home of the Devas which are devine beings in Hindu mythology. Its three levels correspond to the concepts of hell, earth, and heaven. This impressive bulding, which is surrounded by a huge moat, is the main reason I travelled to Siem Reap. I visited it twice on two different days to admire its construction and explore some little details that othewise I might have missed.
Although Angkor Wat is the most famous temple in the area, it is by no means the only one in Angkor, the capital city of the Khmer empire. The most interesting structures that I visited while I was there are the following:
2a) Bayon
Bayon is one of the most important temples in Angkor. The slightly smiling stone faces of Brahma distinguish this structure from the others in the area. I enjoyed my visit there a lot and I must admit that the impression which the temple makes on the sensitive visitor is quite strong.
2b)Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is one of the most famous temple of Angkor. Its popularity is due to trunks of trees growing out of the ruins and the cinema. Hit your chest in the chamber to produce a special sound! That’s a really amazing phenomenon for someone to experience.
2c) Phnom Bakheng
Phnom Bakheng was built earlier than Angkor Wat and at that time it was the main temple in Angkor. When I visited the place, I had the feeling that I was climbing on a mountain. Indeed, Phnom Bakheng symbolizes Mount Meru, the holy mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmologies. The view from the top is outstanding. It is certainly one of my favourite places in Angkor.
2d) Phimeanakas and the Royal Palace
Phimeanakas is an impressive pyramid-like temple inside the Royal Palace. It is older than Angkor Wat and is considered an important landmark of the area. A large pond and four sanctuaries can also be found in the Palace.
2e) Terrace of the Elephants
The terrace has taken its name from the carvings of elephants that skillfull craftsmen have created. The elephants are not the only forms depicted on the walls of the terrace, but they are the most important ones. The largest part of the terrace doesn’t exist anymore, because the materials used were not made to stand the test of time. Walk at a relaxed pace to admire the various forms. The surrounding nature is also beautiful.
2f) Terrace of the Leper King
The Terrace of the Leper King is a platform, on top of which stands a statue, that probably represents a king that had leprocy. Another theory is that the statue is Yama, the god of death. The carved walls of the terrace are very interesting.
2g) Preah Khan
Preah Khan is a fascinating, quite big temple built on one level. Take your time to explore the structure and the serene surrounding area. It is worth it.
2h) Pre Rup
Pre Rup is a temple that was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The structure, which is built on different levels, is older than Angkor Wat. I enjoyed my visit to this particular temple very much, since it is like climbing on a hill. There were few tourists and the view from the top was outstanding.
2i) Thomannon and Chau Say Tevoda
Thomannon and Chau Say Tevoda temples are similar to each other, but not absolutely identical. They are both dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Although the temples are not big, I found them to be mysteriously enchanting.
3) Kampong Phluk
If you feel that you have visited too many temples, then it is time for you to explore something completely different. Kampong Phluk is a collection of three floating villages close to Tonle Sap lake. The houses of these villages are built on high stilts and this feature makes them extremely fascinating. The villagers’ main occupation is fishing. The community protects the forest by discouraging logging. Recently, tourism has evolved into a growing part of the local economy. From the village local women paddle small boats to the flooded forest nearby. It is a magical and unique experience to visit this mangrove forest that lies under water for part of the year. My tour included sailing to the lake to watch the sunset, but unfortunately we didn’t manage to admire it, because the weather was cloudy and windy!
