Cambodia

                                          Cambodia 

Image 1: Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

May, 2017

Siem Reap, Cambodia 

Another impromptu trip. Initially, it was suppose to be a trip for myself and my sisters but eventually everyone hopped on the bandwagon for a short retreat during labour's day weekend. Initiated by my sister who has a love for SouthEast Asia and all that is has to offer, she suggested Cambodia to visit one of the World's Ancient Wonders - Angkor Wat.

Greeted with a warm welcome as soon as we landed the airport, Siem Reap and its people are some of the friendliest and down-to-earth people you'll ever meet, not to mention very helpful and resourceful. Siem Reap is a popular resort town and a gateway to the Angkor region. Once a quaint village, Siem Reap has evolved to be the largest "it" town in Cambodia. 

Image 2: Our hotel room @ Pavilion Indochine Boutique Hotel, Siem Reap

Image 3: Pool view @ Pavilion Indochine Boutique Hotel, Siem Reap

If you're a huge fan of Bali, then you'll love Siem Reap just as much! (minus the amazing beaches that bali has to offer). Most of the resorts or hotels in Siem Reap have a very relaxing feel even if its just minutes away from the town. I immediately fell in love with the hotel we lodged at for our 4 days-3nights trip, with its wooden architecture and green landscape that at times I didn't even want to leave my room!

The hotel that we stayed at was the Pavilion Indochine Boutique Hotel, located about 2.5 kilometres away from the city centre. Highly recommended and suitable for lone-travelers looking for some peace and quiet or even group-travelers as the rooms provided are relatively spacious and comfortable.

The hotel also has a spa and swimming pool for those who want to stay in and even has very good tour packages (which we ended up booking from) for those who want to explore what Siem Reap has to offer. (all tour packages even comes with its own transport services right from the doors of the hotel itself for the ultimate convenience!)

Image 4: Angkor Wat Entrance, Siem Reap

Eager to visit Angkor Wat, we made our way to the famous temple on the first day itself. For those who haven't gone to the Angkor Wat, it is highly recommended for you to visit the temple either during sunrise or sunset for the best views of the temple (on our last day we came back to the temple for a sunrise shot and at this time you will be able to see a reflective view of the temple over the pond located in front of the main temple). 

Breathtaking indeed! However, for those who want to catch Angkor Wat during sunrise, its best to leave your hotel at about 4:45am as the doors to the temple open at 5:00am and the crowd can sometimes be a handful to handle if you arrive late. 

Angkor Wat was built in the first half of the 12th century (113-5BC). Built by King Suryavarman II, the estimated construction time of the temple was 30 years and is located about 6 kilometres north of Siem Reap. (Fun fact: No building in Siem Reap is allowed to be higher than Angkor Wat!) The best preserved monument of the Angkor group, its perfection in balance, proportions, composition and sculpture makes it one of the most finest monuments in the world!

Image 5: Angkor Wat, Siem Reap 

The height of Angkor Wat from the ground to the top of the central tower is greater than it might appear, standing at 213 meters (699 feet). The overall profile of the temple imitates a lotus bud and was designed in a way where a view of all 5 towers of the temple can only be visible from a certain angle. (very complex, for a building at the time)

In order to enter Angkor Wat, visitors (non-Cambodian) are required to buy an Angkor Pass which can only be purchased at the official ticket centre located about 4 kilometres away from the city centre. The ticket centre opens from 4:30am to 5:30pm daily. (Disclaimer: Tickets purchased from tour companies, hotels or third parties are not valid) We purchased the 1-day pass priced at  RM153.

For more information on tickets available or tour packages, refer to site below:

https://www.siemreap.net/visit/angkor/practical/hours-admission/

(Take note that the currency used in Cambodia is USD)

Image 6: Sunset @ Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

Image 7: Lunch @ Siem Reap Town

All the restaurants that we went to during our stay in Siem Reap was recommended and taken to by our tour guide. For dinner on our first night here, he recommended to us to try their signature dish which was the "Cambodian Morning Glory" - yes, morning glory you read it right. Grown locally, the Cambodian Morning Glory has hollow stems and long thin leaves that when cooks, sweats down (much like spinach). 

Cambodian Morning Glory Verdict: A unique flavour with an interesting style of cooking and distinctive ingredients. However, it was not really my cup of tea. (but still definitely a must-try if you're looking to explore the Cambodian delicacies) 

Image 8: Stalls @ Angkor Night Market, Siem Reap

Angkor Night Market is basically Siem Reap's main nightlife scene. Located off Sivatha Boulevard in Siem Reap, Angkor Night Market consist of over 200 bamboo huts selling a wide range of hand-made handicrafts and jewellery made by local communities and all kinds of clothing apparel. Founded in 2007, the Angkor Night Market acts as a hub to preserve traditional Khmer handicrafts and improve the lives of the Khmer people. 

Angkor Night Market is also the perfect spot for you to enjoy local delicacies (for instance eating insects) - again, your read insects right. Yes, eating insects are common in Cambodia, in fact insects are known to be one of their popular street food that travellers are recommended to try (though I am adventurous when it comes to food, I really could not digest the idea of consuming any form of insects and I really did not want to get stomach problems during my trip) 

But, if you're daring enough, why not? So why do Cambodians like eating insects? There's no denying that being a third-world country where starvation is a common and serious problem, Cambodians opt for insects as a cheaper alternative meat. Hence, they consume edible insects to fill their stomachs - like grasshoppers, crickets, spiders, cockroaches. You can name any and I can assure to you that they consume it!

Image 10: Insects Stall @ Angkor Night Market, Siem Reap

Moving onto Day 2 - we decided to explore the other famous temples in Siem Reap. So, our tour guide took us to Angkor Thom. Known to be the "Great City," Angkor Thom is undeniably an expression of the highest genius. Why? Well, since the structure was built from wood which would probably mean that it would have perished by now - but its remaining stone monuments still stands, proving that it is truly the "Great City" as it implies to be. 

Founded by Jayavarman VII, one of the most important figures of the Khmer Empire who was a great believer in creating schools, public works and hospitals for his people, he created Angkor Thom which was served as a central hub for a population of around 1 million. Angkor Thom remained the Capital of the Khmer Empire until the 16th century where it was abandoned. Today Angkor Thom still remains a World Heritage site. 

Image 11: Angkor Thom, Siem Reap

Next, the Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm is known to be the temple that really put Cambodia on the map globally. Described as the "Tomb Raider" temple as it provided the mystical backdrop for 2001's Hollywood Hit "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" starring Angelina Jolie, Ta Prohm continues to capture the imaginations of tourists from all around the world!

The temple's status said to be an iconic tourist attraction has managed to lure millions of tourists across the globe into Cambodia, desperate to stand beneath "the tree" made iconic by Angelina Jolie herself in the movie after snapping the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Here, you will see many tourists taking wefies, selfies and countless photos of the iconic spot. (so, be prepared to fight the crowd) 

Image 12: The iconic "Tree" in Tomb Raider

Image 13: Ta Prohm, Siem Reap

If you're a fan of circuses, then you would really enjoy "Phare, The Cambodian Circus". Cambodia's version of Cirque du Soleil, Phare the Cambodian Circus is much more than just a conventional circus. It focuses on performance art with a subtle yet striking social message behind every production. Organised by Phare Ponlue Selpak back in 2013, "Phare, The Cambodian Circus" is a must-experience entertainment when you're in Siem Reap!

Image 14: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 

As for Day 3, we decided to visit the museums that Siem Reap has to offer. Starting with Angkor National Museum, which can be seen on the road to Angkor. Angkor National Museum represents the civilisation of the Khmer people and the majesty of Angkor. Its galleries are filled with themed displays according to era, religion and royalty. Definitely one to visit for a better insight on Cambodia's history. 

For more information on Angkor National Museum, visit the site below: 

http://www.angkornationalmuseum.com (Entrance fee per adult is RM50)

Image 15: Angkor National Museum, Siem Reap

Next, we made a stop to the War Museum Cambodia - the only war museum in the entire Cambodia! The unique part of this particular war museum that somewhat separates it from most war museums around the world is that its exhibits are not only old-war remnants for visitors to look at but also ones that visitors are allowed to handle and touch - making it a good place for a photo op! (though I'm not too sure if its really a sanitary option) 

For more information on War Museum Cambodia, visit the site below: 

http://www.warmuseumcambodia.com (Entrance fee is priced at RM20 per adult)

Image 16: War Museum, Siem Reap

As for our last museum for our museum-hopping day, we made our way to the MGC Asian Traditional Textiles Museum - a museum that showcases the best Asian textiles around the Mekong region such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, India and Thailand. Here, you will find several galleries displaying both traditional and contemporary weaving processes as well different regional costumes , both past and present. 

For more information on MGC Asian Traditional Textiles Museum, visit the site below: 

http://mgcattmuseum.com/m/ (Free entry, charges may apply to workshops that you take) 

Image 17: MGC Asian Traditional Textiles Museum, Siem Reap 

To end the day on our already eventful day, my sisters and I decided to attend a pottery-making workshop class at the Khmer Ceramic and Fine Arts Centre. The ceramic centre is dedicated to revive the Khmer tradition of pottery which is an intricate art during the time of Angkor. During our pottery class, we were each guided by our very own teacher who taught us the proper techniques for pottery. 

Also, all pottery teachers were those of the disabled as the centre was additionally a training centre for them. (you would be surprised at how skilful they are. Makes us all seem like amateurs!) On top of that, we were able to keep any piece of pottery that we made as a souvenir from Cambodia. For foreigners and travellers, you would get your hand-made pottery delivered specially to your home in about a month's time! (if you're worried about how to bring it onto the plane ride home, fret not) 

For more information on Khmer Ceramic and Fine Arts Centre, visit the site below: 

https://www.khmerceramics.com (Pottery Classes are priced at RM100 per head) 

Image 18: Pottery Classes @ Khmer Ceramics Fine Arts Centre, Siem Reap

So that basically sums up my Cambodia trip - a short but extremely informative and educational trip that turned out to be heaps better than my initial expectations. What made it more memorable was definitely the experience I had since my whole family made it for the trip. 10/10 would come back again for you, Siem Reap!