Dalai Lama’s instruction in life:
Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before…. And that’s what I did – it’s
my 110th country for my 30th birthday… in Cambodia.
Travelling to Cambodia is not
difficult, but you should plan in advance what to do and what to bring. Make
sure to book in advance to get cheaper hotel rates and tour discounts and pack
your bags with light clothing to make it comfortable for you walking around
this warm-weather country.
No one knows for certain how long
people have lived in what is now Cambodia, as studies of its prehistory are
underdeveloped. But let me show you around Siem Reap where we spent 4 days
exploring. Siem Reap is the major tourist hub in Cambodia with a few
facilities, minor surface roads and a little bit of nightlife.
The sensational ruins of Angkor
may be the main attraction, Siem Reap’s exquisite temples, secluded beaches,
charming villages and magical markets deserve lots of attention too. With
genuine locals ready to share a sincere smile, Cambodia will steal your heart
to enrich your spirit.
Places to visit in Siem Reap and
a little of its history:
Angkor Wat
Despite the so many things to do in Siem Reap,
the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkow Wat is still the primary draw for
tourists. Constructed in the 12th century by the Khmer people some
of the temples were restored and some still overgrown with jungle vines. The
scale of Angkor Wat is overwhelming (so much to see) and you can choose from a
3-day, 2-day and a day pass that will only cost you $20. Guides can also be
hired for $20 a day and can spaeak most major languages too.
The complex was built between
1130 and 1150 AD by King Suryavarman II and was intended to symbolize the
universe as the Hindu Khmer understood it: the moat stands for the oceans
around the earth; the concentric galleries represents the mountain ranges
surrounding the divine Mount Meru, the Hindu home of the Gods which is itself
embodied by the five central towers. The walls are covered with carvings
depicting the God Vishnu (to whom Angkor was principally dedicated), as well as
other scenes from the Hindu mythology.
Banteay Srei
Found inside Angkor Wat, the temple
that translates to “Temple of the Women”. It illustrate scenes from the Hindu
epics Ramayana and Mahabharata and is Angkor’s most beautiful temple.
Ta Phrom
It is the most popular of Angkor’s
temple where the first movie of Tomb Raider was filmed. Ta Phrom became an
active Buddhist monastery and university.
Angkor Thom
The Bayon and Baphuon temples form
only part of what was formerly the giant city of Angkor Thom, once thought to
hold a population of 1 million. You can see there th Elephant Terrace, Terrace
of the Leper King, Phom Bakheng and the five entrance gates.
There's a Little Circuit where you
can see Ta Phrom, Ta Keo, Banteay Kdei, Sras Srang, and Prasat Kravan.
The Big Circuit is for the Preah
Khan, Neak Pean,, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup.
Meanwhile, the Rolous Group you
can find the Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko.
Lastly the Outlying Temples where
Banteay Srey, Kbal Spean, Beng Melea and Phom Krom are located.
You may also try the balloon ride
in Angkor Wat, an exciting way to see the massive temple complex that will cost
you about $35.
Tonle Sap Lake & The Floating
Village
It is the largest freshwater lake
in Southeast Asia and is an ecological hot spot that was designated as a UNESCO
biosphere in 1997.
Angkor National Museum
It houses thousands of artifacts
recovered from Angkor Wat and the surrounding areas in an impressive building.
Art, statues and a well-planned video presentations make this museum well worth
the $12 entrance.
Smile of Angkor
Discover the wonder of the
temples of Angkor in this grand epic show that celebrates the Angkor dynasty
and is promoted by Cambodia Tourism Ministry. It is an interesting spectacle
that explains the dynasty’s history from foundation to prosperity through tales
to folk customs with the highest technology. The show is directed by experts in
Cambodian Culture and the Fine Arts Ministry as well as the team responsible
for the closing ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games. For only $38 we were able
to see the show with dinner buffet.
Nightlife is right here where most
of the foreigners would dine and party afterwards.
Probably, you can also try the
fish spa…
Didn’t get a chance to see Phnom
Penh but we were glad to visit the historical spots in Cambodia.
For my 30th birthday,
it was nothing grand just something I love to do the most – travel! It’s on my
blood…..and for my next stop next month, Hello China!
