Siem
Reap Travel information
Siem Reap
Siem Reap Province or better known as simply Angkor Wat is a must
see destination for those who are visiting Cambodia. We have a selection
of packages departing from the Kingdom's capital Phnom Penh or a
short duration visit from Bangkok, Thailand.
Siem Reap meaning "Siem as in Siam, the ancient word for Thailand
and "Reap" meaning defeat. The name Siem Reap is derived
from the event of when the Siamese defeated this province many centuries
ago. It is here where the famous Angkor Wat Temple is located.
Most people today understand that the main attraction of Angkor
is Angkor Wat whilst this is correct to a point the total area is
actually 200 square kilometres where there are now 40 accessible
sites to be visited. There are still many many sites to be discovered
which have either entered into a complete ruined state or have been
engulfed by the jungle. I personally feel that you should visit
Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Phnom Bakheng.
Siem Reap has a very good selection of quality hotels and we have
featured the main ones on our site that have been personally inspected
and contribute to a fabulous visit in Siem Reap. My advice is that
a maximum stay of 3 days is sufficient.
Angkor Wat is the World Heritage and is the largest monument in
the world, with a value of stone equaling that of the Cheops Pyramid
in Egypt. Angkor Wat was built by King Suryavarman 2, the 11th century
and was dedicated to Brahmanism.
It is 6km from Siem Reap city and covers an area of 200 hectares.
Angkor Temples
Angkor is the world's largest religious area, there are more than
100 stone temples build by Khmer Kings since 9th -13th Century.
Angkor is located in Siem Reap Province, 315km north west of Phnom
Penh. The majestic temples of Angkor belong to the classic period
of Khmer art and civilization. Today, a millennium after the Khmer
Kings built these temples, the temples still stand solitary and
alone in the jungle. The entrance fee into Angkor is USD$20 for
a full day pass or USD$40 for a 2 day pass. A three day pass is
also available for USD$40. Don't loose your pass as they are checked
at the entry to each temple site.
Angkor Wat
 Visually,
architecturally and artiscally breathtaking, simple as that. Angkor
Wat is a massive three tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive like
towers and took 37 years to construct. Angkor Wat is a temple mountain
constructed in the form of Mt Meru, the centre of the universe from
Hindu Mythology. Generally speaking it is quite easy to walk around
the temple but I suggest you wear comfortable walking shoes as some
of the steps are quite steep.
I found that the best way to view Angor what is from the left side.
As you enter the main gate having crossed the moat you can walk
along the causeway and you will pass two ancient buildings which
were the Kings libraries, there is one on either side, left and
right. About 100 metres futher you will see on the lft hand side
a small lake, turn here and walk along the lake. Now stop, gaze
into the lake and you will see the most incredible reflection of
Angkor Wat, it is truly amazing.
The best time to visit Angor Wat is about 3 pm in the afternoon
or very early in the morning as in sunrise. The main reason being
is the heat is so intense as the temples are all made from stone
and make it a very hot experience. Make sure you have a bottle of
water with you and if it is not enough there are many stands all
selling drinks and souveniers under the shade of very old ancient
trees. For some reason everything seemed to be $1!
Angkor Thom
 Angkor
Thom (Big Angkor) is a 3 Klm squared walled and moated royal city
and was the last capital of the Angkorian empire. After Jayavarman
VII recaptured the badly damaged Angkorian capital from the Cham
invaders in 1181, he constructed Angkor Thom as his new capital
city. He began with the existing structres such as Baphuon and Phimeanakas
and built a grand and enclosed city around them, adding the outer
wall and moat and some of Angkor's finest temples including his
very own state temple, Bayon which is set in the centre of the city.
There are actually five entrance gates to the city, one for each
cardinal point and the Victory Gate which leads to the Royal Palace
area. You will clearly see that each gate has massive carvings of
elephant heads and trunks on either side.
Phnom Bakheng
The construction of this mountain temple on Phnom Bakeng (Bakheng
Hill), the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area,
marked the move of the capital of the Khmer Empire from Rolous to
Angkor. It served as Yasovarman I's state temple at the center of
his new capital city Yasodharapura. The foundation of Bakheng is
carved from the rock edifice rather than the laterite and earthfill
of other temples.
Bakheng's hilltop location is an absolute must for sunset. The
climb to the top is quite strenuous and needs time and a pair of
good walking shoes. You may choose the Elephant ride to the top
but it is expensive at USD$15 per person going up and USD$10 per
person coming down. The view is just stunning as it is here you
will see glimpses of Tonle Sap Lake and a distant glimpse of Angkor
Wat in the Jungle.
Tonle Sap Lake
The Tonle Sap Lake is about a 30 minute drive, south of Siem reap
and is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, cyclically
swelling from 2500 klm squared to 12,000 Klm squared in the wet
season. Floating fishing villages dot the semi submerged forest
that lines the flood plane rim of the lake offering a tremendous
opportunity to view rural Cambodia and the unique ecosystem rich
with bird life and other wildlife.
I found that a two hour boat trip was sufficient time to see and
experience this natural wonder and bird sanctuary. It is a wothwhile
visit.
Dining out in Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a small town but the choices for eating out are endless
and the town is well served by local restaurants as well as hotel
restaurants. I would suggest that on your fist night in Siem Reap
you eat dinner at your hotel and view the cultural show. Most hotels
provide a dinner and show and it should not be missed.
Chao Pra Ya
A fabulous restaurant offering both Thai and European cuisines and
of course some local Khmer dishes. The choice is yours whether to
dine inside in air conditioned comfort or outside amongst all the
fairy lights which alone creates a fabulous atmospere. There is
a buffet available or you may select ala carte. I had ala carte
and found it expensive for what we had but the food was great as
was the atmosphere. Angkor Beer is the local brew and is very tastey
indeed, one is not enough.
Angkor Cafe
Brilliant location opposite Angkor Wat. The restaurant is combined
with an upscale souvenier shop, lending a stylish and polished atmosphere.
The restaurant is air conditioned and also has outside seating.
Breakfast and lunch are the main meals but they will also open for
dinner if there is a group of you. The perfect spot to break your
day of touring Angor Wat.
Ginga Japanese Restaurant
A great place if you enjoy good quality Japanese food. Located on
the raod to Angkor Wat and is open for lunch and dinner. They also
have a restaurant in Phnom Penh which is very popular. I would recommend
the Bento Boxes, these are value for money and well prepared.
Little India
If you enjoy an Indian meal then this is for you. Both inside and
curbside seating, located 50 metres from the old market. The food
is inexpensive and home made breads are a specialty. Special orders
are welcome and it is a very popular spot with the locals.
Sawasdee Thai Restaurant
Open air and a garden setting is available. The food is reasonably
priced and the service is excellent. The restaurant has MSG free
cooking and offers a good vegetarian menu. Take time out for a pre
dinner drink at the Volcano Bar. There is nightly live local traditional
music also which is pleasant.
|
