Ok so I finally get to the reason most people make an obligatory trip to Cambodia - sometimes its just Bangkok to Siam Riep and back for 2 days - for the Temples of Angkor, of which there are many, the grandaddy, though no the oldest, being Angkor Wat. All built between 800AD and 1200AD or thereabouts. Giant walled cities, crocodile infested moats 150m across, monolithic stone walls propped against each other, and shackled by the slow but savage roots of giant trees.
We did 3 days - one with a guide and tuk tuk, one by ourselves on bikes (the best day) and one on a tuk tuk without a guide. We saw it all without even getting sick of it. The most valuable moments are those spent away from the crowds. Avoid them at all costs, you will learn how. Though you will never escape the crowds trying to sell you jewelery, crafts, scarves and books. The best way to combat frustration with these guys is to strike a conversation about themselves or behave like a clown. Once they laugh they soften up!
The Angkor Wat. Thats the moat. It goes right around. I liked the moat the best.
Deserted areas treated to dusky yellow light - and completly deserted as everyone else goes up a mountain to see it all at once. Dont be greedy, take a little slice somewhere and you will be rewarded.
The moat around the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Used to be the main city of SE Asia, 1million people when London had 50,000.
All the temples began as Hindu, so feature all the same gods and mythology as Indian temples. When the Buddhists came to power they happily adopted it all, without defacing it. Quite inspiringly tolerant really.
Tombraider and others were filmed in this one. Very atmospheric, and happily not restored, but left in ruinous beauty.
We did 3 days - one with a guide and tuk tuk, one by ourselves on bikes (the best day) and one on a tuk tuk without a guide. We saw it all without even getting sick of it. The most valuable moments are those spent away from the crowds. Avoid them at all costs, you will learn how. Though you will never escape the crowds trying to sell you jewelery, crafts, scarves and books. The best way to combat frustration with these guys is to strike a conversation about themselves or behave like a clown. Once they laugh they soften up!
The Angkor Wat. Thats the moat. It goes right around. I liked the moat the best.
Deserted areas treated to dusky yellow light - and completly deserted as everyone else goes up a mountain to see it all at once. Dont be greedy, take a little slice somewhere and you will be rewarded.
The moat around the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Used to be the main city of SE Asia, 1million people when London had 50,000.
All the temples began as Hindu, so feature all the same gods and mythology as Indian temples. When the Buddhists came to power they happily adopted it all, without defacing it. Quite inspiringly tolerant really.
Tombraider and others were filmed in this one. Very atmospheric, and happily not restored, but left in ruinous beauty.
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