Siem Reap and Angkor

Although rightfully claiming most of the plaudits, Angkor Wat is by no means the only reason for visiting Angkor. Constructed slightly later than Angkor Wat by King Jayavarman VII, Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Angkor Empire. At the centre lies the temple of Bayon, with its enigmatic faces that have become the quintessential image of Khmer art.

The third must on most people’s temple-hopping tour of Angkor is Ta Prohm. Also built by Jayavarman VII, this temple literally lives in the jungle. Trees and rocks intertwine making Ta Prohm possibly the most atmospheric of all the temples of Angkor. Especially if you want to avoid the hordes of fellow tourist who flock to the official sunset spot overlooking Angkor Wat, this temple is probably best visited in late afternoon when the fading light plays wonderful ricks on the stonework, and the birds are in full song.

In addition to the big three, the Angkor Archaeological Site has dozens of temples waiting for you to explore with varying degrees of child hawkers and fellow tourists lying in wait. Best explored by tuktuk or bicycle, there is always some quiet temple for you to find your personal karma. However, if the crowds prove to maddening for you, there’s always the air. Either hot air balloons or, for those with a more lavish budget, helicopters provide a great way to take in the sheer scale of the temple complex.

Away from Angkor, the temple of PreahVihear has recently joined Angkor as a UNESCO world heritage site. Perched on a mountaintop, the site and accompanying views are quite spectacular. Usually taken as a two-day excursion from Siem Reap, this really is only an option for those with time to spare. You should also check the current situation in the border dispute with Thailand before booking your trip.

For those looking for something to do away from the temples, the Tonle Sap Lake offers a good alternative. The bird sanctuary at PrekToal covers some 31,282 hectares at the northwest tip of the lake. Rated as one of the most important breeding grounds for waterbirds in Southeast Asia, this is a birdwatchers delight with many endangered species.

Siem Reap has largely rested on its Angkorean laurels. Now, things are changing with the advent of two international golf courses within easy reach and a national museum. The art scene has also taken off with the opening of two John McDermott galleries, and other galleries in the Hotel de la Paix and Alliance Restaurant among other places. However, still one of the best options is to have a relaxing massage in one of the boutique spas, such as Bodhia, Body Tune and Frangipani,following a hard days scrambling around the ruins.

After the sun has set, Siem Reap has a plethora of bars and restaurants largely catering for the backpacker market along Pub Street. For those looking for something more up-market there are many fine restaurants in the five-star hotels. Some, such as the Raffles Grand Hotel, offer Apsara dance displays while you eat. For those looking for dining options away from the hotels, Abacus, AHA and L’OaisiItaliano are probably the finest restaurants in town.

For more information, contact

CAT VIET TRAVEL

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