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whatevergreen · 6 months

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"After decades of turmoil, in 1181 Jayavarman VII restored order to the Angkor Empire by embracing Buddhism and introducing an unprecedented public healthcare programme."

He suffered the illnesses of his subjects more than his own; because it is the pain of the public that is the pain of kings rather than their own pain.

So reads a 12th-century stele, marking the foundation of a hospital temple near the banks of the Mekong River. The same words were inscribed at multiple hospital temples across the vast Angkorian Empire, which, at its height in the 11th and 12th centuries, covered most of South-east Asia from its centre at Angkor, in present-day Cambodia. The inscription refers to Jayavarman VII, the first Buddhist king of Angkor."

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"Along with this central ‘hospital’ temple, inscriptions state that Jayavarman VII founded an additional 102 hospitals. These were probably open to all, although how such care was paid for is unknown. People may have had to make a donation, but it is possible that healthcare was offered without charge. Each hospital would have contained a shrine to Bhaisajyaguru, the Buddha of medicine and healing. Before entering Buddhahood, Bhaisajyaguru made a vow to help the physical and mental health of all living beings. The hospital edicts state that just hearing the name Bhaisajyaguru was enough to cure all ills."

In addition to ritual and spiritual healthcare, these hospitals also offered healing in a manner more akin to ‘modern’ medicine. The inscriptions give an inventory of staff and supplies. Each hospital was home to achar – priests – and a large team of medical workers, including two doctors, two apothecaries, eight nurses and six assistants. There were also guards, cooks, rice-makers and servants. The medical team offered diagnostic testing, most likely by reading the pulse." ...

"The hospitals also prescribed medicines, including honey, butter, oil and molasses. It is highly probable that medical alchemy formed a large part of the healthcare service at Angkor. An inscription at Ta Prohm temple lists royal donations of metals and apparatus that would have been used for alchemy, including mercury sulfide and a gold cauldron." ...

"Evidence of these medical practices are found in the diary of Zhou Daguan, a Chinese envoy who visited Angkor in the 13th century. In his vivid account of daily life at Angkor, he wrote that mercury and sulphur were imported from China. He also recorded that people cured disease by ‘plunging into water and repeatedly washing the head’, the kind of curative treatment perhaps offered at Neak Pean." ...

A more recent article:

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The world's first public health-care system was created in what is now Cambodia over 800 years ago. The USA still doesn't have one, and the UK's is being destroyed by its government. Many other countries lack any kind of reliable healthcare.

And the effectiveness of the Khmer healthcare isn't the point. They did the best they could with the knowledge they had at the time.

#khmer #cambodia #health #nhs #angkor wat

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une-touille-en-vadrouille · 2 years

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Tant d'émotions furent vécues en cette journée. Si vous devez vous en contenter d'une, choisissez celle ci : le bonheur orgasmique d'un gâteau au chocolat pour un Dr Rathatton en manque ...

Sinon, ce matin, on a refait des nouveaux temples, un peu plus rapidement qu'hier si l'on veut être honnête. C'est très joli, mais à la 12eme porte avec trois visages gravés dans la pierre, 165eme mètre de fresque antique, et 2823eme Aspara (danseuse des Dieux) gravée dans les murs, on y prête un peu moins attention. Ce qui ne nous a pas empêché de nous émerveiller sur ces raretés archéologiques !

A noter que sur nos billets, il était écrit que ce très joli temple ouvrait à 5h du matin (il n'y en a que 4 avec cette opportunité, les autres ouvrent à 7h30). Nous nous réveillons donc le sourire aux lèvres à 5h40 et partons la fleur au fusil assister à un lever de soleil tardif sur cette oeuvre d'art. Voici le résultat :

(bon, on a quand même eu des jolies couleurs depuis l'extérieur)

Dans les temples notables, le Neak Pean, construit au milieu d'un lac (créé par un roi d'ailleurs, ils ne faisaient rien à moitié à cette époque), et qui représente le lac sacré Anavatapta. C'est de ce lac que s'écoulent 4 cours d'eau (notamment le Gange), symbolisés par 4 bassins de rétention sur les côtés.

On retrouve quelques temples dévorés par la végétation (chapeau bas aux travaux de restauration d'ailleurs, c'est impressionnant)

Et une fois nos mirettes comblées, notre après midi sera consacré à... La sieste (c'est plus des valises sous les yeux, c'est des sacs de randonnée), la piscine, et les cartes postales !

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exclusivecambodiatravel · 7 days

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Today’s visit the Grand tour circuit! Preah Khan temple, Neak Pean temple, Ta Sam temple, Est Mebon temple & Pre Rup temple

One Day Tour, Siem Reap Private Taxi, Cambodia Taxi Drivers please kindly check our website www.siemreapprivatetaxi.com / chat WhatsApp +85569467474 / email [email protected]

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maxhunt0616 · 4 months

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Discover the Ancient Mysteries of Cambodia with Our Vietnam Tour Packages

Embark on a captivating journey through Cambodia's rich history and pristine landscapes with our Cambodia Tour Packages. Start in Siem Reap, exploring Wat Bo pagoda's stunning Ramayan paintings and learning traditional crafts at "Les Artisans d'Angkor – Chantiers Ecole." Shop at the bustling Psar Char market and take a wooden boat through the Chong Kneas Floating Village on Tonle Sap Lake. The highlight is the majestic Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its intricate temples like Bayon, Terrace of Elephants, Preak Khan, and Neak Pean. Pair this adventure with our Vietnam Tour Packages for an unforgettable Southeast Asian experience.

#travel destinations #travel agency #travel blog #travel guide #vietnam

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destinationsomeplace · 5 months

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Siem Reap Temples: The Ultimate Guide

Get ready for a magical mystery tour of the Siem Reap temples, where the ancient monuments of Angkor stand as monumental testaments to Cambodia's rich history and spiritual depth. In this guide with take a no-nonsense approach to getting the best from your visit to the enchanting world of the Siem Reap's templesThis post may contain affiliate links to things like hotels, tours or products. These help us earn a small commission at no additional charge to you and help keep the lights on at Destination Someplace.

Making The Most of Your Time at The Siem Reap Temples

Embarking on a journey to explore the Siem Reap temples is an adventure that deserves thoughtful planning to fully appreciate the diversity of this archaeological wonderland. The duration of your visit can significantly influence your experience, allowing for either a fleeting glimpse or an in-depth exploration of these historical marvels.

Ideal Visit Durations for a Great Experience

For a truly immersive experience, consider allocating different lengths of time based on your schedule and interests:Short Stay (1-2 days): Ideal for travellers with limited time, focusing primarily on the iconic Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. This duration offers a snapshot of the temples' grandeur but limits deeper exploration.Medium Stay (3-5 days): A more balanced option, allowing you to explore the key highlights and several lesser-known temples. This duration provides a richer understanding of the architectural and cultural nuances.Long Stay (6+ days): For the ardent explorers, a longer stay enables a deep dive into the history and artistry of numerous temples, including remote sites, and offers opportunities for repeat visits to favourite spots at different times of the day.

Me and Mrs A outside Ankgor Wat

Suggestions for Short, Medium, and Long Stays

Short Stay: Prioritize sunrise at Angkor Wat, the enigmatic faces of Bayon, and the tree-root enshrouded Ta Prohm. These iconic sites offer a condensed yet powerful experience of Siem Reap's temple heritage.Medium Stay: Expand your itinerary to include Banteay Srei, known for its intricate carvings, and the grand circuit temples like Preah Khan and Neak Pean. Consider an early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid crowds and experience the temples in different lighting.Long Stay: Delve into the outskirts to uncover gems like Beng Mealea and Koh Ker. Dedicate time to revisit your favourites, exploring them at a leisurely pace to appreciate their beauty and tranquillity fully.

Ankgor Wat

Tips on Prioritizing Temples Based on Interests and Time Constraints

Research Ahead: Familiarise yourself with the history and significance of each temple to align your itinerary with your interests, whether they are architectural, historical, or spiritual.Consult Local Experts: Guides and guided tours can provide insights into the best times to visit specific temples and suggest itineraries that maximize your experience based on current conditions and interests.Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your plans based on weather, crowds, or spontaneous discoveries. Sometimes, the most memorable experiences arise from unexpected detours or moments of quiet reflection in less visited corners of the temple complex.In optimizing your visit to Siem Reap's temples, balancing structured planning with the openness to discovery can lead to a truly enriching and memorable experience.

Transportation Tips: Navigating Siem Reap and Angkor

Navigating the majestic landscapes of Siem Reap and the grand Angkor temple complex is an integral part of your adventure. Here's how you can make the most of your transportation options, ensuring a smooth and respectful journey through this sacred land. Variety of Transportation Options: Siem Reap offers a diverse array of transport modes tailored to every traveller’s preference and budget. From the Cambodian versions of tuk-tuks (or remork-moto - which is basically a large trailer hitched to a motorcycle) and bicycles to more modern options like taxis and e-bikes, you can choose your ideal way to explore the temples at your own pace. For those seeking a deeper connection with the environment, cycling offers an eco-friendly way to traverse the temple grounds, providing a serene and intimate experience. Meanwhile, tuk-tuks (or rather, remork-motos) remain a quintessential part of the Cambodian travel experience, offering a local and flexible mode of transport.Recommendations for Reliable and Convenient Transport: For convenience and reliability, consider arranging your transportation through reputable companies, a specialist tour or your accommodation provider. Booking in advance can often secure you a knowledgeable and trustworthy driver, who can not only navigate the complex with ease but also share insights into the temples and local culture. If opting for a tuk-tuk or taxi, ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and agree on the fare or rental rate in advance to avoid any misunderstandings.Safety Tips and Cultural Etiquette: When using local transportation, always prioritize safety and respect local customs. Wear helmets if cycling or riding motorbikes, and secure your belongings, especially in open vehicles like tuk-tuks. Be mindful of local etiquette, such as removing your shoes when entering certain temple areas and dressing modestly out of respect for the cultural and spiritual significance of the sites. Remember, your transportation choices not only affect your experience but also contribute to the local economy and environment, so choose wisely and respectfully.

Nuture takes over at Ta Prohm Temple

Ticket Essentials: Your Pass to Siem Reap's Wonders

Discovering the architectural magnificence of Siem Reap's temples starts with securing the right ticket. Understanding the available options ensures you make the most of your visit while respecting the heritage and preservation efforts of these ancient sites.Ticket Types and Benefits: Siem Reap offers several ticket types to cater to varying durations and interests. The most common are 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day passes, each allowing ample time to explore at your own pace. Longer tickets provide the flexibility to visit during different times of the day, capturing the temples in varying lights and avoiding peak crowds.Purchasing Process: Tickets can be purchased at the official Angkor ticket centre, located near the entrance to the temple complex. To avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist season, arrive early or consider purchasing later in the day for use the following day. Ensure you bring a valid ID (passport is ideal) as it may be required during purchase and at temple checkpoints, please note you will also have your photograph taken for your temple pass.Maximizing Value and Avoiding Pitfalls: To get the best value, plan your visit according to the ticket duration—don't rush through sites just to "get your money's worth." Respect the cultural and natural setting by following guidelines and disposing of waste properly. Be wary of unofficial ticket sellers and always verify the authenticity of your pass to prevent any inconveniences during your temple exploration.

Travel Guide: Reaching Siem Reap and Angkor Wat

Embarking on your journey to the majestic Siem Reap and its awe-inspiring temples involves navigating various travel options, each offering a unique perspective of the region's landscape and culture.Travel Options to Siem Reap: Visitors can reach Siem Reap by air, land, or water. The new Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport, which opened in 2023, welcomes flights from many major cities, providing a convenient entry point, but please note your transfer time from the airport to the Siem Reap itself will take about 50 mins by car. Overland routes include bus or car travel from neighbouring countries like Thailand and Vietnam, and offer scenic views along the way. Alternatively, more adventurous travellers might consider a boat trip along the Tonle Sap Lake, providing a serene approach to the city.International Access and Connections: Siem Reap's airport facilitates direct and connecting flights from across the globe, making it an accessible destination for international travellers. Key regional hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur offer frequent connections, easing the journey to this historic locale.Tips for Smooth Travel and Entry: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date and check visa requirements based on your nationality. E-visas can simplify the entry process and are recommended for their convenience. Upon arrival, be prepared to navigate customs and immigration, respecting all local regulations. To enhance your travel experience, consider learning a few basic Khmer phrases and familiarize yourself with Cambodian customs, demonstrating respect and appreciation for the local culture as you begin your exploration of Siem Reap's wonders.

Need Flights?

Elephant Terrace

Where to Stay in Siem Reap

Finding the perfect place to stay in Siem Reap can significantly enhance your temple exploration experience, offering comfort and convenience after a day of adventure.Accommodation Recommendations: Siem Reap boasts a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and preference. Luxury seekers can find opulent hotels with spa services and fine dining, while budget travellers have numerous guesthouses and hostels offering clean, affordable rooms. For convenience, choose a stay near the Angkor complex or the vibrant city centre. Consider amenities like free Wi-Fi, pool access, and on-site dining when making your selection. On our recent visit, we stayed at the serene Amber Ankgor Villa and Spa, just a short distance from the centre of Siem Reap and with a very relaxing pool area, ideal for cooling off with a beer or a cocktail after a hard day's temple hunting.Unique Lodging Experiences: Enhance your temple visit with accommodations that offer a touch of Cambodian culture or unique experiences. Boutique hotels often feature traditional Khmer architecture and art, providing an immersive cultural experience. Eco-lodges and farm stays offer insight into local life and sustainable tourism practices.Booking Tips and Peak Season Advice: To secure your ideal accommodation, book well in advance, especially during peak season (November to February). Compare prices and read reviews on trusted travel sites. Consider the timing of your visit; while the dry season offers comfortable temple exploration, the wet season can provide lush landscapes and fewer tourists. Remember to check for flexible cancellation policies and confirm your booking closer to your travel date to avoid any issues.

Evening, the pool at Amber Ankgor Villa and Spa

Wall carving Siem Reap Temples

Top Tips for Exploring Siem Reap Temples

Delving into the spiritual and architectural grandeur of Siem Reap's temples is a profound experience that demands thoughtful preparation and respect for the ancient heritage.Best Times to Visit: To avoid the crowds and experience the temples in relative solitude, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon. Specific temples, like Angkor Wat, are renowned for their sunrise views, so plan to arrive early to secure a good spot. Conversely, temples like Ta Prohm or Banteay Srei offer serene beauty during the late afternoon when the light accentuates their intricate carvings.Respectful Behaviour and Attire: Demonstrating respect at these sacred sites is paramount. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and remove hats and sunglasses when entering temple sanctuaries. Speak softly, and avoid disruptive behaviour. Remember that these are places of worship and cultural significance for many Cambodians.Enhancing the Experience: To truly connect with the history and spirituality of the temples, consider hiring a knowledgeable local guide or join a tour that can provide insights into the site's history, architecture, and religious significance. Take time to pause and absorb the atmosphere, perhaps meditating or simply sitting in quiet contemplation. Respect the sites by not touching the carvings or climbing on fragile structures, and always carry water and sun protection to ensure a comfortable and enriching exploration.Look After Yourself: Ensure you take, or your tour/tour guide provides water for your exploration of the temples, don’t underestimate how quickly you can de-hydrate. Also ensure that you lather on the sunscreen to protect against sunburn and UV damage, absolutely essential in this part of the world, also pack a hat for shade and protection, especially if your hair is a distant memory – like mine! Finally, don’t forget mosquito repellent, the little beasties will be most active in the mornings and the evenings, so make sure you spray before catching those epic sunrises and sunsets.Be aware that the ground around these ancient temples can be uneven and unpredictable, and especially at Ankgor Wat there are some very steep stairs to ascend to the top of the temple, therefore flip-flops are not advised, instead wear something more robust such as trainers when exploring the ruins.

Exploring the Siem Reap Temples complex

Top Ten Temples in Siem Reap

The temple complex of Siem Reap is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, each temple offering a unique window into the past. While Angkor Wat steals the spotlight, numerous other temples in the area promise equally fascinating experiences with their distinctive histories and architectural features.Angkor Wat: The crown jewel of Angkor, known for its grand scale and intricate bas-reliefs, represents the epitome of Khmer architecture.Bayon: Famous for its serene stone faces gazing across the land, Bayon stands at the heart of Angkor Thom, offering a mysterious and captivating allure.Ta Read the full article

#Angkor #Cambodia

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visalgallery · 6 months

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youtube

ប្រាសាទនាគពន្ធ័ | Neak Pean Temple | Neak Pean Temple Cambodia

#Youtube

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sab-monblog · 9 months

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La visite se poursuit a Pre Rup, immense pyramide de brique qui permet de dominer le site.

Vient ensuite To Som avec tour d’entrée aux 4 visages.

Puis le bucolique temple de Neak Pean au milieu des bassins.

Et pour finir, Preah Khan, immense, où trône le temple de l’épée sacrée.

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utrips2cambodia · 11 months

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Angkor archaeological site. Roluos Group Temples: Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei.Victory Gate of Angkor Thom Bayon. Baphuon, Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, and Elephant Terrace and Leper King Terrace. Preah Khan temple, Neak Pean Temple, Mebon and Pre Rup temple

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angor123 · 2 years

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Preah KO temple

Welcome to Siem Reap Cambodia following bye Polin TukTuk Drivers Tours:

1: pick up you from hotel at 8:00am to visit Small Tours: Angkor wat,Prasat Kravan temple Banteay kdey srasrong and lunch time at local restaurant.

Ta Prom thomrider temple Takeo Thommanon Chaosay Tevada victory gate Angkor Thom Bayon temple Baphoun temple and sunset Angkor wat,or the hill

2: Pick up you from hotel at 4:50am to visit sunrise at Angkor wat, and Big Tours:Preah khan Neak pean Tasom East Mebon Tasom Prea Rup lunch time local restaurant

Banteay srie , Banteay samre

3: Kompong plouk floating forest tonle sap lake and the Rolouse group Bakong Preah KO,lolei

Feel free time contact me: WhatsApp:+85512522431 line, Telegram

Email [email protected]

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travelaroundcambodia · 2 years

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Neak Pean (the entwined serpents) is an artificial island with a Buddhist temple on a circular island in Jayatataka Baray, which was associated with Preah Khan temple, built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. It is the "Mebon" of the Preah Khan baray (the "Jayatataka" of the inscription).

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#Youtube

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mariolandavid · 2 years

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Siem Reap

I want to preface this post by saying that I am typing it from a laundromat in Cebu, The Philippines. Probably over a month later, and 3 countries after the events... oops. We've been busy living, I guess!

The bus ride to Siem Riep was surprisingly pleasant, and it included two stops in the obligatory tourist spots with quirky wooden figures and a plethora of weird snacks. And a beautiful terrace looking out into rice fields, which after the bleakness of Phnom Penh feels lovely. Just to see some countryside again, something a bit more clean, makes us excited to get to Siem Riep.

Most people, when visiting this part of the country, take a quick plane from Ho Chi Minh and spend a total of 36 hours in this historical place. They arrive, get picked up at 4am the next morning to go to the temples, then fly back to Vietnam straight away or early the next day. We wanted to do something different, so we scheduled a 5 day stay in Siem Riep. Thanks to my powers of persuasion, those 5 days were split as follows:

- 3 nights in Mad Monkey, a hostel chain we've grown to appreciate with helpful staff and clean facilities. The room was a definite upgrade from the one in the Big Easy, with two huge beds and a direct access to the pool.

- 2 nights in a beautiful (almost empty) 4 star resort, called Navutu, with breakfast inclusive and 3 pools.

Our plan was mainly to soak in culture for 3 days, and then have a relax and a tan.

As we arrived in the hostel, after walking with our backpacks for 20 minutes due to our refusal to be ripped off by tuktuks, we knew it was going to be a chill afternoon. You need those sometimes, a time to lay down on the hostel sofas and scroll for a few hours. Or a couple hours of sorting and re-packing your backpack. That was our first night in Siem Riep: we did our laundry, met some couple from New Zealand who told us their favourite things were hiking and getting drunk, had some beers and shots (standard welcome drink fare) and went for dinner close to the Mad Monkey to a Khmer Restaurant.

Keen to see as much as possible in the Angkor Wat complex, which actually contains 3000 temples (possibly more, but they cannot be excavated due to landmines - 30% of the country is covered in them-) and extends 1.62 square kilometres, we'd booked a 2 day tour that included the following temples:

Angkor Wat

Angkor Thom

Ta Prohm

Preah Khan

Neak Pean

Banteay Srei

Pre Rup

We learnt that at the time of its 'discovery' by a Chinese scholar, it was estimated that up to 1 million people had lived in the Angkor Wat complex. The Khmer empire, which extended to Thailand and Laos, was bigger than the Byzantine empire.

Our guide for these tours was called Sak, and he was glad to be back in a job now that tourism had returned. Originally from Siem Riep, he'd had to move to the countryside to work with his father on their farm during the pandemic, and despite being excited to be back in his hometown, he also remarked how different, how much more western, Siem Riep had become. And it was true, really, there were foreign bars and restaurants everywhere, non stop clubs, and foreigner focused markets all over. It was easier to get around than Phnom Penh, that was for sure...

The next morning we were picked up bright and early, with our first stop being Banteay Sreay, or the pink temple due to the fact that it was built with a different stone from the rest of the temple complex. Not only that, but because of its location deep in the forest, it was extremely well preserved and the beautifully delicate stone carvings could still be observed to this day. It was a strong start, made even better by the realisation that compared to pre-Covid times, the temple complex was relatively empty. There were no huge queues, no large groups of tourists to navigate, no weaving around selfie sticks to get a good shot. David had visited the temples in 2005, and he was shocked by how few visitors there were on the day. We practically had this temple, and the subsequent ones, almost to ourselves, as groups of visitors spread out and enjoyed a slower tour pace.

In the first day of tour, we shared a bus with a Polish man who lived in Bangkok and was visiting for the weekend, a Londoner who was actually volunteering in a school and would soon move to Vauxhall (neighbours!) , and a Brazilian/Spanish family who could speak 4 languages each. There was also an older Indian man, a farmer, who spoke fervently in favour of Rishi Sunak (despite not living in the UK), and a couple from Berlin.

That first day we also visited Pre Rup, a funeral temple that was also a mausoleum, and Preah Khan, an impressive large temple which was used for Buddhist teachings. We got to know more about the 'flipflops' from Hindu to Buddism in the Angkor culture, and the effect these changes had on how the temples were built and eventually used. There was also much climbing of stairs, which, coupled with the heat, means you do end up the day exhausted - but you better be ready to do it all again the next day!

When we arrived in Mad Monkey, exhausted and dusty, folks were sinking shots, a DJ was spinning, and they were getting the crowd ready for a big pub crawl. With only one sentence, "Sorry we're doing the sunrise tour tomorrow", the crowds parted and let us slink back into our room, as we would be getting picked up at 4am. Funnily enough, when we were waiting for our pick up that next day (in the middle of a city wide blackout, cute), a number of hostel guests were rolling back in from the Siem Riep clubs, and wished us a great day.

We'd panic-bought all our tickets and passes the first day we arrived, so as to not delay the bus tour on the way to the Angkor Wat sunrise. Nevermind, most of the new people sharing our bus (a group of 4 spaniards, a guy from Malaysia, and a british couple), had not, so we still had to wait in the van whilst munching on our 7/11 breakfast. A few of the people from the day before were also on the van, so we could continue catching up and sharing travel stories.

I expected the sunrise at Angkor Wat, the biggest and most iconic of Khmer temples, to be absolutely mobbed. After all, the temple is on the Cambodian flag, currency, is photographed incessantly, and if I remember correctly, even used to celebrate the new year. It's an absolute marvel. As you explore it, it grows in size, and it's beauty becomes even more pronounced when you stop and consider how on earth they built it in the 12th Century. There were no lifts to construct these towers, there was no machinery to pull these rocks. No, this absolute unit of a temple (honouring death, apparently!), was built by sheer human labour in the space of 3 months. Reportedly 300,000+ people, and more than a few elephants were involved in its construction.

Angkor Wat, we learned, is still the largest religious site in the world. The Khmers chose this location, surrounded by water, as the pressure of the underground rivers and lagoons would stabilise and hold up its incredible height.

For sunrise, all visitors line up just before a small lagoon, and we jostle for camera angles to catch the reflection on the water. Given we didn't choose the best time to visit Cambodia (we'd really centered the whole trip around Australia and New Zealand at first... the 3 months in South East Asia were a small extra that kept growing and growing...), the sunrise wasn't perfectly clear, but it was still an incredible sight. The red light that is so famous, that appears behind the three towering towers, is actually exceedingly rare to witness, so we were happy with our blue and purple view.

We then spent a couple hours in the temple, learning and following the stone carvings in the hallways that talk about the various battles, and depict the ruler King Suryvarman II , which they believe asked for this massive temple to be built as his mausoleum.

After Angkor Wat we visited Ta Prohm, the jungle temple (which appeared in Tomb Raider!), an old Hindu site which has almost been taken over by nature. The trees have sunk its deep roots on the stone, so deep that scientists have injected it with chemicals to stop it growing and destroying the structure of the building. You definitely have to step carefully to avoid tripping over a loose rock or a tree branch.

Ta Prohm is a beautiful sight, and it's no surprise that it's become incredibly famous. It's a real, living reminder, that humans have been trying to fight back nature for centuries, and the realisation that most of the time, nature ends up winning.

We ended the tour with Angkor Thom, a huge flat building with endless hallways that was still in good shape and still had an active Buddhist 'shrine', and the Bayon temple, which had been David's favourite all those years ago. Bayon's magnificence are these hundreds (thousands?) of smiling buddha faces at the top of every tower and column. These stones, huge in size, are everywhere you look in this dizzying maze-like building, and their expressions aren't always very friendly... we got lost trying to recreate a photo David had taken 17 years ago, and actually had to call up our guide to help us get out. Photos don't capture how absolutely massive and labyrinthine these places are.

This second day was absolutely exhausting. With the early wake up and the constant walking, listening, and exploring, it's no surprise we crashed at the hostel when we arrived. After a nap, we explored 'Pub street', Siem Reap's strip of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to all tourists (and not just English ones as the name would suggest!). Holding onto our desire to eat Cambodian food in Cambodia, we went to the Khmer Kitchen and had Prahok Ling and Lok Lake, and then I somehow convinced David to have a massage in one of the dozens of massage parlours that line the streets. It was glorious (And hilarious).

The next couple of days in Siem Reap were pure relaxation bliss. We stayed in Navutu Dreams resort, in a huge room with our own terrace, double sinks, and massive shower. There were not a lot of people in the resort when we went, so most of the time we had an entire pool to ourselves, and spent quite a lot of time on the Balinese beds eating spring rolls and drinking delicious fresh fruit juices.

For activities, we attended a surprisingly difficult Yoga class, and booked to attend Kanell, a dinner with a traditional dance performance for our last night in Cambodia. The food was prepared by the Kimsan twins, who run the Embassy kitchen a famous restaurant with Michelin-grade food, and the stand out dish was a roasted chicken with red ant sauce. The dishes were served in between the different dances, and unless you wolfed down your food at a professional speed, at some point you had to choose between watching what you were eating, or watching the dancing. It was a fun experience, and would recommend attending if you're planning on visiting Siem Riep.

As a whole, I'd say Siem Riep deserves more than the 1 day Angkor Wat flying visit that some people seem to do. There's a landmine museum, many more temples than you can take in, and even a well-rated circus! Its liveliness, markets, and easy walkability was a contrast to Phnom Penh's slight seediness, but it's also very obviously a 'tourist town', which isn't very authentic.

It's hard to advocate for yourself when you're between Vietnam and Thailand, but we left Cambodia wishing we'd spent some more time visiting its countryside and beaches, and giving it more of a chance instead of being a 'genocide and temples' place. Maybe next time. For now, Thailand awaits....

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