Posted at 09/01/2012
SIEM REAP, Cambodia – Everyone goes to Siem Reap for one reason – to see the world-famous Angkor temple complex.
Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor temple complex, wherein its
centuries-old architecture and art give meaning to Cambodia's tourism
campaign "Kingdom of Wonder." Walking the grounds of the temple ruins
amid the dense forests and fields will make you feel like Indiana Jones
or Lara Croft.
But there’s more to Siem Reap than just the temples.
Here are some of the essential Siem Reap experiences:
Sunrise at Angkor Wat
No trip to Siem Reap would be complete without seeing the ancient
stone city of Angkor. There are hundreds of temples, each with
impressive architecture and art. Some temples are better-restored than
others, but each has a unique charm.
The most famous of the temples is Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th
century, Angkor Wat was built as a temple for the Hindu god Vishnu.
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| A view of the world-famous Angkor Wat at sunrise / Photo by Cathy Rose A. Garcia, ABS-CBNnews.com |
Visit the Angkor Wat at sunrise. The majestic spires are bathed in
early morning glow making it a very memorable sight. Going in the early
morning is also a good idea to avoid the heavy crowds, especially during
the weekend.
For a unique experience, go on a balloon ride for an aerial view of the Angkor complex.
Other Angkor temples are no less impressive than the Angkor Wat.
In Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple stands in the center of the walled city.
It is known as a complex of "face towers," or towers with huge stone
faces of Buddha. Ta Prohm, a temple-monastery built in the late 12th to
13th century, is perhaps best known as the location for the "Tomb
Raider" movie. There are huge trees growing on top of the temple ruins,
giving it an eerie but romantic atmosphere.
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| Bayon Temple |
Banteay Srei, which means Citadel of Women, has a unique beauty that
lives up to its reputation as "Jewel of Khmer Art." The buildings, which
were built in the second half of the 10th century are made of red
sandstone and decorated with intricate wall carvings.
Your inner Indiana Jones will be unleashed when you go to Beng Melea,
located about an hour and a half's drive from downtown Siem Reap. Built
in the middle of the 12th century, Beng Melea is still largely
unrestored with collapsed towers and galleries. You might find yourself
crawling and climbing up large chunks of stone. It can be quite
exhausting, but worth the experience.
Going 'amok'
Cambodia's national dish, fish amok (fish curry), is a must try.
Usually it is served in banana leaf, but the version we tried was served
in a coconut. The curry is lightly spiced but flavorful, and perfect
with steamed rice.
Another must try dish is Khmer curry. The red curry might give the
impression it is spicy, but it is surprisingly not since the red chili
is tempered by the coconut cream.
Cambodian noodle dishes are also quite tasty. Mee ketang is a
Cantonese-style noodle dish with wide rice noodles, vegetables,
mushrooms in oyster sauce.
Lok lak, stir-fried marinated beef served with a fried egg on a bed
of lettuce and tomatoes, was a bit disappointing. The beef wasn't tender
and dipping it in a sauce of black pepper, salt and lime juice didn't
help. Depending on the restaurant, it can be served with French fries or
rice.
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| Cambodian dish Lok Lak |
The green mango salad, which has carrots, mango, onion and basil in
fish sauce, was a refreshing surprise. The fresh spring rolls, with its
raw vegetables, thicker rice paper and not-so-sweet peanut sauce, was
bland. Fried spring rolls, with cabbage, carrots and taro, are a much
better choice.
Freshly cooked sticky rice with a slice of jackfruit wrapped in
banana leaves may remind Filipinos of "suman", but it still has a unique
Cambodian flavor.
If you want to try the most Cambodian dishes in one sitting, head to
Koulen II restaurant which offers a buffet with Apsara traditional dance
show only for $10. If you want to learn how to make Khmer dishes, there
are cooking classes offered at Temple, along Pub Street.
Search for Cambodian souvenirs
Tourists can get a feel for a traditional Cambodian market at the
Phasar Chas (Old Market). But after a day at the temples, most tourists
head to the night market. There are several night markets in Siem Reap,
but don't worry about getting lost since there are big flashing signs of
"Night Market" everywhere.
The night market offers a wide range of souvenirs, such as T-shirts,
keychains, ref magnets, silk scarves, silver accessories and wood
carvings. Haggling is a must!
For high quality products, go to Artisans d' Angkor which showcases
silk fabrics, stone and wood carvings, silver plating and lacquer items.
A social business, Artisans Angkor has helped revive Khmer arts and
crafts, as it established workshops that educates and trains young,
disadvantaged Cambodians.
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| Workshop at Artisan d'Angkor |
Visit the Landmine Museum
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| Cambodia Landmine Museum |
The Cambodia Landmine Museum is a reminder of the horrors that
landmines have caused in the country. In fact, if you look closely,
some of the temples have signs that say the area has been cleared of
landmines.
Aki Ra, a former Khmer Rouge child soldier, is at the forefront of
de-mining efforts, having established the museum and the NGO Cambodian
Self-Help Demining. The museum, a 30-minute tuk tuk ride from downtown
Siem Reap, gives visitors a closer look of how landmines work, the
destruction it inflicted and what they can do to help rid the world of
landmines.
It's a sobering look at Cambodia's past, and gives visitors a sense
of just how much suffering Cambodians went through. Visitors can donate
to the Museum Relief Center, a shelter for some Cambodian children who
were injured or orphaned due to landmines.
Relaxing Khmer-style
After a long day of trekking at the temples and shopping, relax by
getting a Khmer massage. There are several places offering massage and
reflexology treatments along Pub Street and even in the night market.
There's also several "fish foot massage" stalls, where fish nibble at
the dead skin on your feet. It may feel ticklish at first, but you'd be
surprised at how clean your feet look after. A 30-minute fish foot
massage costs just $3 with a can of Angkor or Cambodia beer.
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