What a wonder! Wow! A truly remarkable stone structure all 400 square kms built long before anyone could remember. It sits majestically in a country long ravaged by civil war, land mines and genocide. The only reason tourist flock to Siem Reap (pronounced Sim Reep) is for Angkor Wat and nothing else.
A lil' historical snippet of Angkor Wat:
Angkor Wat simply means "City Temple." King Suryavarman II (circa 1100 CE ) the creator, must have been one great King to envision and build Angkor Wat to such a colossal stone marvel. He reigned over Angkor Wat, and over time and fate, lost it to the changing of "guards." Angkor Wat was left to ruins and unfinished until King Jayavarman VII was elected and took upon himself to finish it along with Angkor Thom and Bayon.
Welcome to Siem Reap, Cambodia the little town that boast and 'owns' Angkor Wat (now a world heritage site). Thumbs up for it is indeed a heritage.
I made a short trip to Siem Reap to feast myself over something I've always fascinated about - ancient stone temples and structured monoliths built during times engineering was an unheard science. Oh, by the way, Angkor Wat was built to dedicate Lord Vishnu (Hinduism).
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| Vishnu - resting on His snake |
Angkor Wat and its surrounding archaeological park encompasses a land mass better seen with a tour guide and with good transport (tip). Never do it alone. The area is huge and one may get misguided and loose valuable time. A tour guide will do you good if you're keen in knowing the history of the Kings and builders of the Angkors and to guide you on what one should see.
Tip : 1 USD = RM3.00. 1 USD = 4,000 Cambodian Riels.
You may use both currencies in Cambodia but USD is better preferred.
Hotels are aplenty in Siem Reap town especially along the main roads from Siem Reap International Airport. (mainly 3 to 5 stars). The low and medium budgets hotels are more found along Pub Street, the happening place in Siem Reap and near the Old and Night Markets. Most of these hotels are family owned. They are cheap and for a mere USD7 a day one can get a good bed and breakfast.
The Tuk Tuks are always waiting at the front entrances of the hotels and are ever willing to take you anywhere in Siem Reap.
Remember this: Cambodia had a bloody civil war and many Cambodians were casualties of the war. Some Tuk Tuk guys may be limbless but don't underestimate them. They are proud of their Cambodia and would go out of their way to make you feel right at home. That's bravery and patriotism for you.
Getting to Angkor Wat is one thing but choosing the right time to be there is another. I was told the sunrise over Angkor is worth waking up to and sunset worth waiting up for. The cliche' is true as the begining and ending of the day draws large crowds. I only got to see the red blob setting over Angkor. It was an orange Angkor Wat. I never did get to see the sunrise.
To see sunrise, you need to get to the Angkor before 0530 hrs.
Neeways, the early morning visit to Angkor may be a little damp and the stones would not truly reflect its natural "carvings" due to little morning light falling on them. When the midday sun God walks over Angkor, this is when the stones come alive showing off its amazing stone carvings and the lady Asparas. Take time to study them if you're a keen historian and I assure you, Angkor Wat will never fail your expectations. And do go snap snap with those cameras as well. It will make a good travelogue diary.
There are also elephant rides and other little Angkors, namely Bayon and Angkor Thom. Both are equally feastfull and intriguing. Ensure you have ample time on your hands when you visit these places.
Tip : The temple grounds are big, vast and require you to walk, climb, sit and so on. So do bring lots of liquid and food. If possible a rain-coat and mosquito repellent as well. Remember, this is Cambodia where mosquitoes are the size of beetles.
Wear proper clothing - loose and airy. The heat can get into you as you go about the Temple grounds. Ensure your feet is equipped with a good pair of Nike. {am not promoting}. I wear Nike neeways.
The higher grounds of the temple require proper clothing. So no sleeveless Tees or spaghetti blouses.
Some temples may require you to climb steep stairs.I mean REAL STEEP. Do keep your self fit and healthy before you even book your flight to Siem Reap.
Practise bargaining when purchasing souvenirs or anything that fancies you. The Cambodians welcome the bargains and will be glad to offer you what you ask for (but with haggling).
You may find land mine victims and children everywhere in Siem Reap looking for donations. They only target tourists. Helping them will do your soul good.
For more than 500 years Angkor Wat was left to ruin and rot. Now, it is being restored and I was told it may take another 20 years or so to get all the stones jigsawed together. Don't wait for that. Go now. See its wonder in its own time forgotten glory.
Pictures are aplenty but Angkor Wat is better feasted with eyes. No regrets I assure you
PICTURES HERE <-----
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