Cambodia: The Kingdom of Wonders

One country that changed the way that I look at the world forever was Cambodia. 
Its like warping to ancient civilization, a city that offers insight into the life of time and how religion grew in their influence.



I learned about the countries hardships that have been following the Vietnam war and Khmer rouge rein over there own people. It was a great experience to learn the history, good and bad and learn facts that we would never learn in any world history book.


Here are the Places to visit in Siem Reap. 
The South gate of Angkor Thom.
First things first you need a ID Pass. Cost - $20.00. 

To get you started, here is a map of Angkor Thom:

We start of by taking the magnificent south gate of Angkor Thom where you can see statues beautiful carved aligned and faced wall towers. 

This is the top of one of the tunnels you drive through.

Traffic caused by slow elephants entering the gate

Amazing stone carving

After entering Ankor Thom you can ride an elephant for $15.00. It will take you around the the vicinity.

Feeding the elephants is more rewarding rather to ride on their backs.

Terrace of the Elephants

 is an impressive, long terrace wall adorned with carved elephants and garudas that spans the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon, Phimeanakas and the Royal Palace area.

Terrace of the Elephants

Bayon Temple - one of the most popular sites in Angkor complex. Over 200 large faces caved on the 54 towers, which at that time represents the 54 provinces in The Khmer Empire, give this temple its majestic character. 

Large faces caved almost in every tower.

           

Baphuon Temple 

This temple built by Udayadityarvarman II was the most poorly constructed of all the temples in Angkor

Phimean Akas Temple  -  Angkor, Cambodia, is a Hindu temple in the Khleang style, built at the end of the 10th century.

Terrace of Leper King
He was called the Leper King because discoloration and moss growing on the original statue was reminiscent of a person with leprosy, and also because it fit in with a Cambodian legend of an Angkorian king who had leprosy.  - Wikipedia

Ta Prohm Temple 
Trunks of trees twist amongst stone pillars, and spread their gigantic roots over, 

under and in between the stones, probing walls and terraces apart, make this temple 

even more extractive and a worth visit place during your stay. 


Tomb Raider was filmed in this temple.

and not to be missed... The Angkor Wat Temple - One of the seven wonders and the greatest temple in the world.

Behind the Angkor Wat

           

View from the top of the temple

Behind me you can see people climbing the temple.

Inisde the Angkor Wat

At this viewpoint you can watch the beautiful sunset 

Enjoy a balloon ride to have a birds eye view of the Temple

But be ready for a tour to Cambodia. Cambodia is a tropical and humid country. 


Tips before entering the Angkor Wat temple:

• Bring umbrella or a Hat as the sun can be very extreme.
• Sunglasses
• Water and hand towel - A must!
• Wear light clothing. Shorts and Dry fit t-shirts and bring extra pair (although entering the temples wearing shorts or sandals are prohibited, they are not very strict) I do not recommend you to wear Jeans, it will be very uncomfortable once you start sweating. Cambodia is very very Humid. 

Cambodian life:


1. Khmer Dance - Cultural Show 
A show of flexibility and grace through the act of dancing. Cambodian's cultural show also performs interpretive dance - Courtship, Rival ship and Religion.

2. Sepak Takraw
A past time of the locals. Its played like kick-volleyball. 


Watch how the locals play. Amazing skills.

3. Night Life - The Pub Street
Give some time for you to recreate with other foreigners. 


A whole street filled with bars and discos.

Night life in Siem Reap

The street is full of life

A saying we picked up "Whatever happens in Cambodia stays in Cambodia. " hmmm.. very familiar. 

Join us on our next tour to Cambodia, please visit our company’s website at www.tourorganizers.com or contact me at (632)5248867, darell_ordonez@yahoo.com.  Hope you can join me on my next adventure!

                      

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