Going to Siem Reap, Cambodia and visiting Angkor Wat is one of my bucket lists. And the four days that we spent was not enough to visit all the must go places and do every must dos.
Visiting the temples of Siem Reap is always on the top list of things to do and since I like going places, I’ve enjoyed our three days temple hopping. All temples have unique or iconic architecture that gives a good photo opportunity. All temples have Hindu carvings on the walls and columns.
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| temple entrance with carvings |
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| Angkor Wat during sunrise |
Going to Siem Reap would not be complete, unless you watched the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Tourists flocked at the temple as early as five in the morning to get a good spot to watch the sunrise. Unfortunately when we went at Angkor Wat to watch the sunrise, there were dark clouds in the sky and a light drizzle. But it did not stop the tourists who flock there to watch the sunrise. It was not as magnificent as it would be on a clear sky, but you will still see the sky turns pink as the sun peeks at the dark clouds.
Another experience, that I cannot also forget is riding an elephant. The elephant ride starts at eight in the morning and it will take you around Bayon temple. The elephant driver would stop at certain point for you to take pictures of the Bayon temple.
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| an elephant ride |
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| view of Bayon temple during the elephant ride |
Riding the tuktuk is another must do in Cambodia. This was our go to transportation when we are in Siem Reap. Our hotel assigned us a tuktuk that take us to the temples and whenever we need to go to town. Riding the tuktuk gives you a good view of the places in Siem Reap unlike looking them behind the window of your car.
One of the things that I loved about Cambodia is the beer and alcoholic beverages. The country offers their local beer – Cambodia and Angkor, plus other beers that I don’t usually see in my country. Aside from the variety of beer, you would also fell in love with the prices of the beer. With less than a dollar you can already enjoy a can of cold beer and 3US dollar can get you a nice tasting cocktail. Angkor What? Bar is a great destination if you to get drunk or just to enjoy a bottle of beer.
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| the local beers |
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| bottle of beers at Angkor What? |
On our last day in Siem Reap, we decided not to take any temple tour, but instead we went on a tour at Tonle Sap Lake. The Tonle Sap Lake is an important part of the ecosystem of Cambodia, as it provides food and livelihood to Cambodia. The first part of the tour is going through the stilt houses of the neighborhood along the lake. After the houses is the flooded forest. After passing the flooded forest you will be welcomed by the vast water of Tonle Sap Lake.
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| the cruise at Tonle Sap Lake |
Before your trip ends, don’t missed going at Pub Street and the night market beside it. If you want souvenirs and any Cambodian products the night market is the right place for you. Vendors are nice and would even give you a free refrigerator magnet if you buy a lot of items. The Pub Street on the other hand is the tourist spot during the night. Lined up with different restaurants catering Asian, American, Italian and I think every gastronomical find; this place is the go to place for a dinner.
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| Pub Street |
I think the best thing about our experience in Siem Reap is the genuine hospitability of its people. Everybody is nice and would try very much to converse with you and make sure that you are enjoying your trip.
