Angkor Wat is arguably one of the top man-made architectural destinations in the world. Over 100 temples form the entire complex. The main temples are surrounded by an imposing square moat which completely encircles the complex. The primary entrance is raised above the moat - pictures from this entrance are of the classic Angkor Wat pagodas that grace the covers of guide books. Rich in Khmer history, it is worth some time reading about this … [Read more...]
Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Transportation
By Land Vehicle Through Poipet - If you are coming to Siem Reap from Thailand by bus you will most likely first pass through the Rong Klue market in the Aranyaphratet district of Thailand. This flea market sells an eclectic variety of items, many of them used or copies of name brand items - things like sunglasses, clothing, and cheap imitation jewelry and watches. Poipet is the very seedy border town that lies on the Cambodian side of the … [Read more...]
Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is known worldwide and is certainly the most famous attraction in Cambodia; it is located only 6km from the old market in Siem Reap - take Charles DeGaulle Blvd to reach the main Angkor Wat temples. Tourists used to be denied access to rent motor bikes for personal use (because of the danger of landmines) but now one can rent a bike for use around Siem Reap. You can either rent a taxi, tuk-tuk, regular bicycle, or go with someone on … [Read more...]
Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Land Mine Museum
Land Mines are still a huge problem in Cambodia. The main paved/dirt road from the Thai/Cambodia border town of Poipet is well marked with signs on both sides of the road indicating that it is very dangerous to walk off the road. Over 100 people each month in Cambodia are maimed or killed by stepping on unexploded land mines. The Land Mine Museum is well worth visiting - it is sobering, sad and educational at the same time. It is located not far … [Read more...]
Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Other Attractions
Angkor Zoo is located off a dirt road (on the way to Angkor its just past the ticket gates) off of Charles De Gaulle Blvd. Approximate time here to see all the animals is about 30 to 40 minutes. Its a fairly small zoo with a great variety of birds and reptiles - over 100 species of animals are represented. The highlight are the bears and the cheetahs. A small dirty swimming pool is available for use - although I only saw children using it. Price … [Read more...]
Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Lodging
There is a very wide range of lodging options in Siem Reap ranging from cheap bottom of the barrel accommodations, to guest homes, to fancy resorts which are of course priced much higher. A room with air conditioning will cost a few dollars more then one without. Despite the many guest homes and other lodging options, there are still many more being built. Most of the guesthouses will accept major credit cards, i.e. Visa, Mastercard. Many of … [Read more...]
Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Restaurants
Overall I found the Cambodian food in Siem Reap to be a little greasy and not very flavorful, and certainly not spicy like some Thai food. There are many many cheap places to eat in Siem Reap - a good number of them serving both Khmer food and western style food - you will find the Khmer food is usually cheaper than the Western food. Prices often range from $1/meal to several dollars. Many of the tourist restaurants are located around the old … [Read more...]
Angkor Wat, Cambodia – More Information
Banks - There are several banks in Siem Reap with International ATM's throughout town. How things have changed in a few years! All the banks are located near the center of town most around the Old Market. Guides - The small free magazine called The Angkor Guide is published once every 6 months and is a must have for tourists. It is more up to date than most guidebooks and tourist publications and it is available at many of the guest homes … [Read more...]