Siem Reap Cambodia

Siem Reap, base for Angkor Wat and the many other Wats making up this large archaeological site, is a must see destination for anyone travelling in this part of the world.  I dare say the reason most people come to Cambodia is to see Angkor Wat.  Us included. 

The first impression of Siem Reap is it's a clean city and proudly proclaims winning the clean city award for 2015.  It is striking as the amount of garbage and litter throughout the country is really distressing.  The people in this region have many serious life challenges and hopefully soon will realize they also have to take care of planet earth.  It can't just be a first world concern but maybe someone in the first world can come up with ways to change their attitudes towards garbage.  The sight of plastic bags clogging ditches, rivers, fields and hanging in trees exceeds anything I've seen in other developing countries. 

Angkor Wat

Amazing.  Be prepared for many temple shots - disclaimer - my point and shoot camera really doesn't do justice to these impressive sites.   

There was a lovely natural breeze blowing through this long corridor and I'm sure the inhabitants over the many centuries appreciated it as much as we did.  Kudos to the architect for creating natural aircon. 

The corridors form a large quadrangle and stories from Khmer legend and history decorate every inch.

Detail of the corridor. 

 

Angkor Wat, built between 1131-52, by Suryavarman II who was a devout Hindu and consecrated the site to Vishnu.  Over the change of rulers it has been a Hindu and Buddhist place of worship in addition to being the capitol of the Khmer Kingdom.  I hadn't expected to find such a mix of religions at these sites or indeed throughout Cambodia.  That's why we travel - to learn these things first hand. 

Entrance to Angkor Wat 

Sunset on the causeway to Angkor Wat

Bayon Temple - made up of towers featuring over 200 faces.  

These temples are still actively used for worship by the locales.  The scent of burning incense or fragant flowers is always about.  Lovely. 

Stone doors seal up sanctuaries - at first glance they seem like wood. 

Terrace of the Elephants - 350 meters long. Was the viewing stand for Khmer royalty for any number of ceremonies.  Can easily imagine the great pomp and circumstance that took place here over the centuries. 

Banteay Srei - a long 25 km bumpy tuk tuk ride from Siem Reap but well worth it. Known for its small scale and delicate carvings.  Considered a jewel box by temple experts. 

Traditional music played by survivors of landmine accidents echo through some of the smaller Wat sites. 

Phare Circus based in Siem Reap - made up of disadvantaged youth whose families were encouraged to let them attend art school at no cost. More than just a circus, the performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell Cambodian stories.  

Siem Reap at night

And the weather - hot and extremely humid - didn't know I could sweat so much! After a morning or afternoon of temple exploration we took to ordering beer this way .  The first mug went down in a few gulps and was absolutely refreshing and delicious!   

Next stop - Luang Prabang Laos.