“Hot,Impressive”

This sprawling complex is the crown jewel of Cambodia and because it was hidden by the jungle did not sustain as much damage as other temples when Pol Pot was in power. Do not try to do this in one day. i personally think the three day pass is the best because while i couldn't see everything, i s… Plus

This sprawling complex is the crown jewel of Cambodia and because it was hidden by the jungle did not sustain as much damage as other temples when Pol Pot was in power. Do not try to do this in one day. i personally think the three day pass is the best because while i couldn't see everything, i saw the main attractions. One, three and seven day passes are available. During season the grounds are crowded with tourists. i personally don't like the tour buses and found that taking the tuktuks from my hotel were really cheap. If you want, you can negotiate an all day price with the driver and he will lounge around while you sightsee and be ready to go when you are. The guide to Anghor Wat in Lonely Planets was very good and i felt explained everything i wanted to know. i also eavesdropped on some of the many english-speaking tours but didn't feel it worth investing. If you are really curious, most of the sites have tour guides hanging out waiting for hapless tourists and you can negotiate fees with them but i liked the freedom of taking the sights in on my own because i could get away from most of the crowds. Wear very cool cotton clothes and comfortable shoes because the heat is oppressive. Nothing too revealing because many of the sites are active places of worship i.e. keep shoulders and knees covered. Need hat and water bottle. i'm very glad i got to see this complex. It is incredible!

Moins

“One of the seven man made wonder of the world”

It is awe inspiring to be able to withstand the test of time...but I personally prefer Bayon. Do not miss Banteay Srey either. You need to see this for yourself to appreciate it. Interestingly you only see three towers from the front but five towers if you view from the back...

“The Glorious ruins of the Khmer Empire”

One of those very special places to visit before you die. The incredible temples of Angkor are a breathtaking experience and headlined by the massive Anghor Wat site. At first it is a bit overwhelming but once you start making your way around the various rooms, up and down steps, courtyards and cor… Plus

One of those very special places to visit before you die. The incredible temples of Angkor are a breathtaking experience and headlined by the massive Anghor Wat site. At first it is a bit overwhelming but once you start making your way around the various rooms, up and down steps, courtyards and corridors you feel immersed in ancient times. Although there is a feeling things are crumbling away it is amazing how you can walk around and experience this place. The main site actually makes the other temples oddly quite similar and as you walk about or hop between sites via van or Tuk Tuk you start to get Temple fatigue. But there is so much detail that varies from site to site; the stone wall carvings are regularly intact when you come across them and they are truly beautiful. The awe inspiring towers at various sites are imposing and are incredibly detailed with their unique stones faces. The view from the top of Wat looking back at the entrance is stunning and providing the sun is not in the wrong place and there is calm water in the lake you get one of those photos from the brochures you always see of this place. I noticed there is also one of those balloon platforms you can ride to get a full view of the main site. While walking about you encounter Buddhist Monks and elaborate ornamental displays. This almost gives a sense of a living breathing religious relic. Ultimately this and the other sites look in a state of decay though but that adds to the atmosphere. The Temples where Mother Nature has invaded in the form of dramatic tree trunk displays is a site to behold and make for great photos. I only did 3 of the main Temples but felt it was enough but you could spend days here. But one factor that gets in the way of the enjoyment is the heat and even starting at 6am I was regularly fatigued wandering around. Bring loads of water of course. The steep steps at Wat were daunting for me but a woman on crutches managed to get up and somehow - down! All in all a spectacle that if you are in this part of the world you need to see.

Moins

“Inner peace in the temple city of Siem Reap”

The hotel is very near to the Angkor Thom temple complex. The travel desk of the hotel arranged for the temple tour. I also got a trip arranged to the Shooting Range in the outskirts of the city. Situated in a calm place filled with trees giving it a somewhat foresty look.