The main draw to tourism in Cambodia is the grand Angkor Wat Temple Complex. Thousands of tourists descend upon Siem Reap to witness, explore and understand the ancient history upon which these magnificent temples tell us stories. Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious structure and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
Cambodia was a French Colony and it gained its independence from France in 1953. But Cambodia’s history is marked with peace and great calamity. After 1953, Cambodia saw some peace until the late 1960’s, it was drawn into the Vietnam War. In 1975, Communist forces called Khmer Rouge came into power which was one of the darkest period in Cambodian history. As told to us by our guide, millions of Cambodian people died of poverty, malnutrition, torture at work and executions. No skilled work was allowed. After all that they have witnessed, the always smiling Cambodians have shown some amazing resilience in the hope that things will turn around for a better future.
Top 5 Things To Do In Siem Reap and Angkor Wat in 3 days
We opted to stay at the Sabara Angkor Resort and Spa, a quaint boutique hotel. The rooms were very large in size and super comfortable. The hotel is equipped with a pool and a poolside bar to unwind, which is a relief after a long day of sight seeing in scorching heat.
We booked a guide from the hotel which is highly recommended. After checking in, we headed to the Tourism office by Tuk Tuk. It is the most comfortable way to travel in and around Siem Reap.
To visit the Angkor Wat complex, you require a Pass. Passes can be purchased at the Tourism Office in Siem Reap. They have options of one day, two day and three day pass. It is better to purchase the pass the previous day so that you can reach the temple complex early the next day as it gets super hot by 10 am. We got lucky as there was a promotion in October 2022 wherein a one day pass could be used for two days.
As per our guide Chievibol’s recommendation, we went to the main Angkor Wat complex early morning at 5:00 am to capture Instagram worthy clicks. I must admit it is a tough thing to do when on a holiday. It is said that the light of the rising sun creates mesmerising effects on Angkor Wat on a cloudless clear day. We walked in the dark on a floating bridge to get to the temple complex and took our spot. Hundreds of tourists were already waiting to experience the effects of the rising sun. It was totally worth it.
P.S. : Would highly recommend Chievibol as the guide you can connect with if you are touring Angkor Wat. (+85570710247)
1. The Main Temple of Angkor
The word temple which is called a ‘Wat’ was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II. The main temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The sculptures show Suryavarman II portraying as Vishnu and overseeing various functions. The five central towers symbolises the peaks of Mount Meru which as per Hindu Mythology is the dwelling place of the gods. The complex is surrounded by a wide moat.
The sprawling complex is stunning with carved structures depicting stories with immense detail. Each room within the temple holds an important element or part in Khmer history. This ranges from detailed references from Hinduism, Buddhism and ancient astronomy. The towering heights of the central temple offer an awesome view of the golden landscape stretching out in the distance.
It was an incredible revelation for us to stumble upon corridors within the main temple that vividly depicted the timeless tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Stretching along a 100-meter wall, these intricately carved scenes brought to life the epic narratives of Devas, Asuras and Apsaras with astonishing detail.
As we traced the contours of each carving, we were transported back in time, reliving the heroic deeds and legendary battles that have resonated through generations of Indian households for centuries. The mastery with which these stories were depicted left us in awe, serving as a testament to the enduring cultural influence of India.
Amidst the ancient ruins and mesmerising sculptures, we could feel the cultural vibrations pulsating through the air, connecting us to a shared heritage that transcends time and space. To those who doubt the existence of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, we urge you to come and witness these magnificent carvings for yourselves. Here, amidst the echoes of ancient epics, you will find an undeniable proof of their enduring legacy.
2. Ta Prohm
On the second day we started our temple tour in the Angkor complex with Ta Prohm. Approaching this temple, we came across a board that spoke about the Indian Government assisting or sponsoring the reconstruction of this temple as it is in absolute ruins. As per our guide Chievibol the work has been stalled due to some challenges.
Ta Prohm also known as Banteay Kdei is constructed out of sandstone blocks and laterite. The temple is famous for its giant tree roots which have grown out of the walls of the main temple structure. It seemed that nature itself has reclaimed the ruins, weaving its roots into the very fabric of the temple’s existence.
Made famous by its appearance in the movie “Tomb Raider,” Ta Prohm has captured the imagination of countless adventurers and explorers. Among its many enchanting features, the Gopura, aptly named the crocodile tree, stands out with its mesmerising root formations resembling the jaws of a mighty reptile.
However, it’s the iconic tomb raider tree that steals the show, where Angelina Jolie’s iconic character, Lara Croft, plucked a jasmine flower before descending into the depths of earth. This spot has become popular site for travellers seeking to capture the magic of cinematic history and marvel at the mesmerising fusion of nature and architecture that defines Ta Prohm.
3. The Bayon Temple
It was around four in the evening and we were grabbing a bite after a long day’s sight seeing. It was so hot in Siem Reap that we were tired souls. Temple hopping in Angkor is overwhelming because of some of the mind-boggling stories and architecture. Bayon was the last temple on our itinerary and we thought let’s just see it so that we don’t regret it later. And with that mindset we forced our tired bodies to move on.
Five minutes later we arrived by tuk tuk (which we had booked for the entire day) to the Bayon temple and our eyes popped! Oh my God, we could not believe the grandeur of the entrance and the ride around this temple was breathtaking. We found an abundance of energy to go inside and explore this magnificent piece of architecture.
Bayon was built in the 12th century AD by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII. The temple holds great cultural and political significance. At the entrance, the visitors are greeted with faces that stare outwards in all four directions. The temple contains more than 200 of these unique stone faces.
The temple comprises of numerous chambers featuring its own style of carved structures and deities. It also contains exquisite mythical beasts and Apsaras. The largest tower which lies in the heart of the complex contains a large collection of carvings depicting various gods and goddesses from traditional Hindu mythology and literature. One of the most unique feature we witnessed was Buddhist and Hindu deities side by side which speaks about the amalgamation of two great ancient religions.
We were so fascinated by this majestic temple that we went for an early morning cycle ride to explore the Bayon temple and the entire Angkor Wat township. It is a scene straight out of a dream! As we ventured beyond the main temples, we discovered a hidden world waiting to be explored. The roads were as smooth as silk, flanked by towering trees that seemed to whisper tales of ancient secrets. And let me tell you, the fun didn’t stop there! We stumbled upon countless small temple sites scattered throughout the area, each one a tiny treasure trove of history and mystique. It became clear that if you really want to uncover the magic of Angkor Wat, cycling is the way to go. So hop on a bike, soak the sights, and get ready for an adventure unlike any other!
4. Pub Street
Pub street in Siem Reap is not just a street; it is an experience like no other. As the sun sets on the ancient moments, the energy of the city shifts to this vibrant hub of dining, drinking and socialising. Lined with an array of restaurants and pubs on both sides, Pub street pulsates with the chatter and laughter of tourists from around the globe.
Here, we found a melting pot of flavours from every corner of the world though options were limited for vegetarians. From local cuisine to international dishes, the options otherwise were endless.
But Pub street is more than just a culinary adventure-It’s a place to see and be seen, to mingle with fellow travellers and locals alike. With its lively atmosphere and eclectic mix of bars and clubs, the night is young and the party never stops. So whether you are craving a meal, a drink or simply a night of revelry, join the throngs of visitors and make memories in the pulsating heart of Siem Reap.
5. Visit Quaint Cafes
When it comes to charming cafes near Siem Reap’s old market, there is no shortage of options to tantalise your taste buds. But if you are looking for something truly special, let me introduce you to a hidden gem : Wild. Tucked away in a traditional Khmer house adorned with a lush garden, this cafe is a feast for the senses.
What sets Wild apart is its creative concept and lovely offerings. We were amazed by their extensive selection of spring rolls, each more delightful than the last. From classic combinations to inventive twists, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
And let’s not forget about their cocktails-oh, the cocktails! Crafted with care and bursting with flavour, they are a true delight to the palate. Whether you are sipping on a refreshing mojito or indulging in a tropical concoction, every sip was a journey to paradise.
Cambodia, a country scarred by devastation and conflict, has emerged as a beacon of resilience and kindness that continues to inspire. Despite enduring the ravages of war and hardship, the people of Cambodia possess an unwavering spirit, marked by their genuine warmth and hospitality.
Throughout my journey, I’ve been deeply moved by the smiles and kindness of the Cambodian people, who greet visitors with open arms and hearts. Their generosity knows no bounds, and their genuine warmth creates an atmosphere of welcome and camaraderie wherever you go.
While my trip offered only a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Cambodia’s history and culture, I’m eager to delve deeper into its storied past. Phnom Penh, with its wealth of historical sites beckons as a destination for future exploration.
As I reflect my time in Cambodia, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to witness the resilience and kindness of its people. I eagerly anticipate the day when I can return to uncover more of its hidden treasures and embrace the warmth of its people once again.
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