110th Country for my 30th: In Cambodia

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 110^th country for my 30^th 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 12^th 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.

 Pub Street

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 30^th 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!