| Visit Siem Reap Cambodia |
| Written by Dave Bouskill |
| Tuesday, 01 September 2009 16:31 |
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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.
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. Mother nature has done her work well reclaiming the land once ruled by a great empire. The jungle had almost swallowed up the temples of Angkor, until great efforts were made in restoration. In recent years many temples have been restored to their original grandeur. The Main Temple of Angkor Wat is well preserved and a breathtaking sight. Its five main towers jut into the air as high as 66 meters (215 ft) from its 1.6 km (1 mile) long base. There are two must see temples at Angkor Wat. Ta Prom and Angkor Tom. Each is unique in different way. Ta Prom is a great display on how much the jungle really overtook the complex with trees and vines growing all over it. Angkor Tom is impressive to see the dozens of demons and gods lining the path leading up to the temple. Take your time to visit the temples, there is a lot to see. Study the intricate etchings in the walls, walk to the many ruins or take a look at the complex from above. You can climb to the top of Bakhen Hill for free at sunset or you can hire a hot air balloon to fly you over the jungle for a breathtaking view. 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. Cambodian tradition is alive and well however and nowhere will you see it more than in the Old Market. It is crowded and hot, but you will find a real bargain here and get a sense of the true Cambodia here. See live fish on display for this evenings dinner. Everything you could possible want is available, fresh fruit, clothing, souvenirs and household items. It is all there at the market. 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. In actual fact there are an estimated 6 million landmines posing a danger to the people of Cambodia. Already there are tens of thousands of victims ranging from amputees to deaths. This museum is a place that has helped to bring awareness to the plight of the country's people. 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 About the Author: Deb Corbeil and Dave Bouskill are an Adventure Couple from Canada. Together they have visited over 35 countries on 5 continents. Every new adventure takes them to remote corners of the planet where they paddle, hike and trek their way around the earth. Visit their website theplanetd.com for more tips and information on exotic locations around the planet. For photos of their travels click on picturetheplanet |