Siem Reap Temples

The trip to Siem Reap was 6 hours from Phnom Penh. Starting off at 8.30 in the morning, we were at Siem Reap at 2pm, to be exact at the hotel called Siem Reap Temple Villa. The hotel was quite new and some of the lighting fixtures were not even installed yet but it was nice considering that I only stay there to sleep and take shower because most of the time I was out. I just stayed though in the hotel the rest of our travel day, contacting ‘tuk-tuk’ that would take us around and bargaining on which are the best places to see. The rate per person was $10 regardless of the number of sights to see as long as it is 8 hours.

I was impressed by how tourism was organized in Siem Reap. The tuk-tuk drivers take you first to the ticketing office to buy a pass to all the temples. One day tour costs $20 per person while if you are visiting the temples for two days, it’s better to buy the $40 ticket because the 3rd day is free, meaning the $40 ticket is good for 3 days. After buying our tickets, off we went to visiting the temples. Our first stop was Bayon Temples, which was part of Angkor Thom. A place which was less known as a banner destination in Siem Reap yet it was the one which really impressed me. I was particularly impressed by the carved stone faces. For more information of the history of Bayon temples, click on this link: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/cambodia/angkor-thom-bayon-temple. The visit to Angkor Thom was followed by Ta Keo. Ta Keo Temple was small but I would say it was the most challenging as I have to climb a very steep and narrow stones stairs. Before climbing up, I have to condition myself that I can manage the climb. After resting for a while and looking up the flight of stairs, I decided to conquer my fear and climbed up the narrow and steep stone stairs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ta_Keo). Then we proceeded to Ta Phrom, the unique features of Ta Phrom which was an evidence of its being century-old were the roots and vines of massive trees covering some of the temples (http://www.cambodia-travel.com/angkor/taphrom.htm). We also visited small temples like Pra Khan and Sras Srang which are parallel to each other (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srah_Srang).

Angkor Wat was scheduled as the last destination of the day because of sunset. Cambodia is known for Angkor Wat. But little did I know that you’ll find so many temples in Siem Reap. What was impressive with Angkor Wat was its unique location. Built around and surrounded by lake. Its huge compound also makes it unique among other temples in Siem Reap. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angkor_Wat).

The second day was again another visit to two temples begging the tuktuk driver not to take us to more temples anymore. It took us only half day to Bantay Srei (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/cambodia/angkor-banteay-srei) and Preah Khan. Like what my traveller-friend told me, never visit more than 3 temples a day, otherwise you’ll get temple-fatigue. True enough, because I got tired from having to see many temples.

Lunch was in a Khmer Restaurant wherein I tried another Cambodian Dish called ‘majoo kroeung’, a sour soup with curry, morning glory and choice of chicken, fish or pork. It was worth-trying and I am even planning to try cooking it when I go home because there is enough supply of coconut milk in the Philippines. Afterwards, I tried the central market to check some souvenirs. I planned not to buy anything except to add to my collection of plates with the Angkor Wat picture. I also bought throw pillow cases for my house in the Philippines. The day was capped by a Khmer massage, something which I needed to pamper myself of.

Generally, it was a good and relaxed trip. Although I never expected that Angkor Wat would have so many tourists, indeed many because they all came in organized tours by buses.