Angkor Wat - It's Not the Only Thing to Do in Siem Reap, Cambodia
here is no doubt that tourists flock to Siem Reap, Cambodia for the plain reason that it houses one of the greatest temples on earth; Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire, it has caught the publics interest and it is wowing travelers from around the world.
It wasn't long ago that you could walk through these ruins without seeing another person for hours.
This majestic complex consists of hundreds of temples covering 500 acres of land. Where once it was abandoned and looted of precious pieces, it is now a thriving attraction receiving over a half a million visitors a year. With admission being $20 per day it is a real deal by western standards.
Mother nature has done her work well reclaiming the land once ruled by a great empire. The jungle had almost swallowed up the temples of Angkor, until great efforts were made in restoration. In recent years many temples have been restored to their original grandeur. The Main Temple of Angkor Wat is well preserved and a breathtaking sight. Its five main towers jut into the air as high as 66 meters (215 ft) from its 1.6 km (1 mile) long base.
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.
Angkor Wat isn't the only sight to see in Siem Reap, this town is quickly becoming the fastest growing city in Cambodia. One can check out beautifully restored Colonial Buildings in the Old French Quarter. Stop at a caf and enjoy a coffee and baguette and feel as though you are in an historical corner of France rather than South East Asia.
You will be quickly jolted back to reality once you pop into the Old Market; lines of stalls filled with everything you could possibly need, vie for your business. Live fish and fresh meat, fruit and herbs will ignite your senses. Tourists and locals mingle together and you can find all of the souvenirs that you need at a fraction the price of the other stores in town.
Cambodia is one of the most heavily land mined countries in the world and you can learn about the affects that decades of war have had on its people at the Cambodia Land Mine Museum. Located 12km out of town, it was founded by Aki Ra, a soldier who has been clearing mines since 1995. Starting out as a small display in his hut, this collection of decommissioned mines has grown over the years prompting the construction of a new building and a proper museum.
It is estimated that there are four to six million unexploded land mines in the country and it is sadly estimated that 40,000 people are living as amputees. The Land Mine Museum has become a must see destination for tourists and government officials alike.
Siem Reap has everything a tourist needs. A tropical destination, it can be enjoyed any way you want. Stay in world-class hotels and relax by the pool, eat in fine dining rooms and splurge on a massage. Others may choose to stay in small guest houses and munch on street meat while mingling with the local people. You can shop at craft stores and silk boutiques or barter in the local markets.
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.
Debra Corbeil is one half of Canada's Adventure Couple. Together with her husband Dave, she has traveled to over 35 countries on 5 continents. They have taken on extreme adventures from Cycling from Cairo, Egypt to Cape Town, South Africa and Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Every new adventure takes them to remote corners of the world where they paddle, hike, scuba dive and trek their way around the globe. http://www.theplanetd.com -http://www.picturetheplanet.com |
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