Magnificent Angkor
I planned a three-centre holiday in the Far East, of which four nights were spent in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The city has undergone some rapid development and you can find small traditional boutique hotels in the Old Town and modern ones on the outskirts of the city. It’s busy with traffic. Travelling around is easy on remork-Motor, their equivalent of the tuk tuk. There are lots of wonderful restaurants which was a great surprise to me. A night market and shops of all types selling tourist souvenirs to fashionable linen attire. The entertainment district was packed with bars and restaurants. Siem Reap is very much what I have come to expect of an Asian city, it’s just smaller in size.
But the magic happens a short distance outside of the city! The Temples of Angkor is the largest Hindu temple complex in the world and had become more accessible to tourists since UNESCO made them a World Heritage site. There are more than 1000 temples spread over 400 sq. kilometres. As it was our first visit we chose to visit the 4 most popular ones.
On day one we spent the day walking, climbing hundreds of steps and taking photos of three of the most visited temples. The guide told us the stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharat which were depicted on the walls, the bas relief drawings from the 11th century completely intact! As a Hindu this was an over-whelming and incredible experience. This tiring and enthralling day had me in bed and asleep at 6pm!
On day two we rose early to see the sunrise over the Angkor Wat temples from across the water. A peaceful and tranquil hour reflecting on what we had learnt and seen. We then continued to what became my favourite site – Ladies Temple. It was stunning. Intricate carvings on pink and green coloured walls and set in a beautiful location. A photographer’s paradise! Restoration of the temples at Angkor are ongoing and I was impressed at how well they have been preserved thanks to the great efforts of UNESCO. The remainder of the day was spent relaxing by the pool!
On our final day I had arranged for a private excursion to the Stilted Fishing Villages at Ton Le Sap Lake. It was great to see life driving through the countryside and then on the waterways. Our traditional long-tail boat took us to a Buddhist Temple, the village, alongside the homes on stilts and the floating village. The latter moves along the river according to the season and water levels. During the dry season they sit on the lake! This was a wonderfully relaxing day out.
So, another place ticked off my wish-list! I wish I had seen it sooner as it is getting busier and more developed. If it’s on your wish-list I recommend you visit soon!