By far, the most famous sight in all of Cambodia is Angkor Wat. Dating back 900 years, it has survived the Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge Regime with little damage. Many tourists come to Cambodia for one reason and one reason only to see Angkor Wat and each year tourist numbers are increasing immensely.
Situated on 500 acres of land, it now attracts over a half a million tourists each year. A few short years ago it was completely abandoned and many people hadn’t even heard of this great ruin. Bandits were stealing statues and artifacts and the jungle was overtaking the complex. It has undergone massive restoration and it is open and ready for viewing at $20 per person.
What makes Angkor Wat unique is to see the many temples that have been overtaken by the jungle. Many temples have been restored, but some have been left to show the true strength of the earth. When you arrive, the first place that you will see is the main temple of Angkor Wat. A giant structure overlooking a moat spanning over a km long and rising high into the air. It is a breathtaking view.
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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.
The main town near Angkor Wat is Siem Reap. It is being restored nicely as tourist flock to the area and you can take a walk to see the French Influence left behind by their occupation. Colonial buildings and baguettes are just a few things that will remind you of a little piece of France.
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.
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 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.
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Deb Corbeil and Dave Bouskill are an Adventure Couple from Canada. Together they have visited over 35 countries on 5 continents. Each new adventure takes them to the farthest corners of the world where they paddle, hike and trek their way around the earth. Visit their website theplanetd.com for more tips and information on exciting locations around the world. For photos of their journeys visit picturetheplanet
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