Cambodia is a less explored country in Asia. We visited Siem Reap, Cambodia in the summer of 2017 and it sure was hot! The whole place is full of history. Exploring the various ruins and temples of Cambodia is no less than being in an Indiana Jones movie! The overgrown trees on temple walls, various Shiva lingams scattered across the ruins, unpaved back roads through wild forests, magnificently carved apsaras on rock, are a sight to behold! Most of the temples here represent mount Meru, the home of Gods. The Angkot Wat temple is home to the largest Vishnu statue in the world. Even though Cambodia is predominantly a Buddhist country, the Hindu stories reflect in all the stories that the temples have to tell.

It is sad to see most of the historic temples turning into rubble because of lack of maintenance and from losses during the war. Unfortunately, the temples served as a place for refuge and were attacked during the civil war in Cambodia which went on till recent times. The food here is phenomenal and any Cambodian will tell you that they eat everything and anything! From insects to chicken, you name it! Most of the food habits are also a result of war times where people would eat whatever was available to survive. Cambodians are struggling to get back on their feet and rebuild the country and tourism contributes greatly to this effort, since it is one of their main source of income. I would highly recommend going to this country if you are interested in architecture and mythology, and are looking for a cheap travel destination.

Things to do:

Get a guide

I would highly recommend having a private guide to explore all the temples. We used Asean Angkor Guide and were very happy with their services. Our guide was knowledgeable, spoke good English and gave us plenty of time to explore the place. He also took us to local hot spots to experience the Cambodian culture first hand (something I personally like and try  to do at every place I visit)

See the temples/structures

Each structure is unique and has its own speciality. There is the temple of faces called The Bayon Temple, there is the Prasat Pram where some of the temples are completely overgrown with fig trees, there is the Terrace of Elephants which served as the king’s viewing area, there are the entrances marked with sculptures depicting the Samudra Manthan, there is the Linga Temples which holds huge Shiva Lingas, and of course, the famous Angkot Wat temple to name a few. I will list the names of places we visited below for your reference.

• • Angkor Wat
  • Ta Prohm Kel Temple
  • Angkor Thom
  • The Bayon Temple
  • Baphuon Temple
  • Terrace of the Elephants
  • Phimeanakas, Angkor
  • Victory Gate
  • Prasat Krachap
  • Kaoh Ker
  • Prasat Pram
  • Prasat Damrei
  • Linga Temples
  • Prasat Neang Khmau
  • Prasat Thom
  • Beng Mealea
  • Banteay Srei

Get a picture at the Tomb Raider site (Ta Prohm temple)

It might be one of the most touristy things to do, but, why not!

View the sunrise at Angkor Wat

If you love to take photographs, then the Angkor Wat sunrise is a must see to add to that collection. Make sure you get there early to get a spot because it does get very crowded!

Watch the Cambodian Circus

Phare, the Cambodian Circus is a must watch when in Siam Reap. Not only because the acrobats are exceptionally good, but because most of the performers see this circus as a means to get out of abusive situations and poor living conditions. A lot of these performers make it big on the international stage growing up.

Ride a tuk tuk

Explore the markets of Cambodia in a tuk tuk. It is great experience and a less expensive option as well!

Swing on a natural swing

I have to admit, I was very lucky to find one! These thick tree vines were used to pull rocks by elephants when the temples here were being built!

Spot a monk

Predominantly being a Buddhist country, Cambodia has a lot of monks. Spot one and take a picture (with permission, of course!)

Ride an elephant

There are many elephant rides in the mornings. I prefer to just take pictures!

Enjoy the beautiful apsara, naga and garuda statues

They are everywhere!

Must eats:

• The local cuisine is called Khmer cuisine. Anything cooked in khmer spices is absolutely mouth watering! A must have is the fish amok.

• Try the palm juice- It is not easy to find, but if you do find it, try it!