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Cambodia

Catching the Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Cambodia

28/04/2018 No Comments

Angkor Wat?

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and one of Cambodia’s biggest attractions, surrounded by a lush jungle. If you only have a short time in Cambodia then a visit here is a must. Built during the Khmer empire around the 12th century, Angkor Wat is estimated to have taken 30 years to build. The sheer size and intricate architecture is breathtaking and a trip here will be sure not to disappoint.

Catching the Sunrise

Is Angkor Wat worth the 4am wake up call? Ermmmm… absolutely YES! You want to be on time for this one to get a good spot amongst the photographers. Watching the sun slowly rise behind the temple results in a beautiful silhouette that’s mirrored in the pond below. A photographers dream!

Sunrise Angkor Wat, reflection on the water — Arrive for sunrise for those reflection pics.

The temple gradually begins to glow a golden, illuminate orange as the sun rises higher in the sky. Walking around the huge complex I can appreciate the incredible detail of the carvings on every single wall and pillar. It feels like as step back in time and amazing to think this was built so many years ago. Photography spots are at every opportunity. Tip: At 5am it’s already heating up so be prepared with water and snacks.

Angkor Wat Sunrise — THE sunrise picture

Angkor Wat walls, siem reap — Surrounding Walls

Time and cost to visit Angkor Wat?

It can take the whole day or longer to explore everything in Angkor Wat but 3 hours is a good if you’re on a short time frame. I did Angkor Wat for sunrise then headed back out in the afternoon to visit the surrounding temples. You can hire a tuk tuk for the day (around $30). Ticket prices (as of 2018) in USD are $37 for a 1 day pass, $62 for 3 day pass and $72 for a week pass. I did the 1 day pass but would have loved more time to explore more temples as there are so many, so maybe the 3 day would be preferable.

Tour Group at Angkor Wat — Group at Angkor Wat

Best time to go to Angkor Wat?

I went during July which is wet season but still had great weather in the morning and there were probably fewer crowds. The rains tend to come in the afternoon so it’s still possible for a great sunrise during monsoon season. The best time weather wise is late November to March (December & January busiest months). April and May will be very hot and humid. I would recommend the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds but still with the possibility of good weather.

Photographers lined up, Angkor Wat — Photographers lined up for sunrise

For anyone visiting Cambodia, whatever time of the year, Angkor Wat, although crowded, is an absolute must. There is a reason why Angkor Wat is so popular, simply put- it’s just stunning. You don’t need to be a history buff or even particularly cultural to enjoy this beautiful monument. If there is one thing to do in Cambodia then this is up there. A really great insight into ancient Cambodia culture with stunning photo opportunities to match. For pictures of more beautiful sunsets check out Sunrise or Sunset? The Best I’ve Seen.

Cambodia

Angkor Wat’s Surrounding Temples: Tomb Raider Style

28/04/2018 No Comments

Time to explore the temples of Angkor Wat…

Although Angkor Wat is the main attraction, the archaeological park houses numerous more temples to explore in this huge and exciting complex. You could get lost for days here exploring all the temples. I only had 1 day so did Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple in the morning and then Ta Prohm and Ta Keo in the afternoon. If you have enough time I would recommend at least 2 full days exploring this fascinating area.

Ta Prohm Cambodia — Ta Prohm Temple, Cambodia

Ta Prohm: Have You Seen the Bum Tree?

Better known as the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ as this is where Angelina Jolie filmed Lara Croft: Tomb Raider back in 2001. This of course has made Ta Prohm temple very popular but it’s still definitely worth a visit regardless of the crowds. The old temple ruins have been surrounded by roots from the trees, as the jungle makes an effort to reclaim its former wild status, capturing the crumbling rocks in its grasp.

My visit was during wet season and the afternoon rains had already started. It actually made this place even more atmospheric and I kinda felt (in a really geeky way) like I was on the movie set of Tomb Raider, exploring this remarkable temple barefooted on the slippery jungle floor. Our tour guide points out what he calls ‘the bum tree’, a tree that’s naturally formed into what looks like a naked bum, making us all giggle like primary school children. When I watched Tomb Raider back after seeing this, Angelina Jolie actually walks past with the bum tree in the background- look out for it!

Ta Prohm Temple, Cambodia — The bum tree

Angkor Thom and Bayon

Angkor Thom, meaning ‘great city’ was the last capital of the Khmer Empire and houses the Bayon temple. It’s surrounded by a moat just like Angkor Wat. The entrance is fascinating enough, walking in via the south gate, each side is carved with stone figures that line the length of the path.

Bayon temple Entrance

I make my way through the gate and onto the Bayon temple known as the ‘temple of faces’. This impressive complex has many faces carved into the walls at all angles, the eyes and glare of the statues following and holding your gaze. The more you look, the more faces you will see. This was a fun temple to explore.

Ta Keo Temple

One of Angkor’s oldest temples, Ta Keo has five levels and reaches over 70 feet in height. It doesn’t have much decoration or carvings, suggesting it may actually be unfinished. It’s known for it’s steep steps which allows tourists to climb.

I did prefer the other 2 temples but this was still worth a visit and interesting to climb to the top and see views of the surrounding areas -note- it WILL be slippery in rainy season! This large temple is noticeably different with the lack of intricate architecture like the other tempels, which gives a more ‘stripped back’ view of the Angkor structures.

Ta Keo, the unfinished temple.

View from the top of Ta Keo

What ever temple you choose to visit I can guarantee you will so much fun exploring these ancient ruins. Have you been to the Khmer temples? Which one was your favourite? Let me know below.

More Reading: Have You Been to Cambodia’s Rabbit Island?

Cambodia

Siem Reap: Gateway to Angkor

26/04/2018 No Comments

Siem Reap is a small but busy town and the base for most tourists visiting Angkor Wat. This was one of my favourite towns, with lots of activities, shopping, nightlife and friendly locals. It’s a great town for backpackers but also catering to all budgets. There is a lot of nightlife with cheap drinks and western style bars/ clubs where you can dance the night away after a long day of temple trekking.

Heading into Siem Reap…

My tour group enjoys a local meal cooked by members of the local community at ‘The New Hope Vocational Training Restaurant’ which was started by tour operator GAdventures. They also fund the health centre and community school next door, where international volunteers can teach English. We enjoy a local cuisine sat on the floor and try other more ‘interesting’ options such as crickets (mmmm yummy). Everyone gets an early night in preparation for visiting Angkor Wat the following morning. Siem Reap is only a 15 minute drive away so the perfect base for temple exploring.

After a long morning of walking around temples, I get a massage by the blind. This was quite a humorous experience to say the least. We walk into a local woman’s house where there are 3 massage tables, and children running around in the next room. They are completely blind so instruct us to get on the bed, using hand gestures. She feels with her hands, patting along my body, I guess to figure out which way my head and feet are situated. Then her phone rings and she answers whilst still resting her hand on my bum, bit strange!

As my massage starts one of the kids climbs up onto my bed by my feet before she hurries him off. Not off to the most relaxing of starts! Actually throughout the massage they probe and pull and click various parts of my body. I’m either in pain or giggling as it’s so tickly. However, after my ‘ordeal’ I do actually walk out feeling pretty good! We had to place the money in their hands which I thought was very trusting and quite wonderful as they can’t see the note your giving them. Definitely an experience worth having I reckon.

Siem Reap, local restaurant cambodia — New Hope Vocational Training Restaurant

I head into town, where I do a bit of shopping, bargaining my way through the various stalls and getting the best price for my hippy backpacker trousers. I enjoy the walk around town, the locals all very friendly and smiling back. My groups heads for a ‘fish pedicure’ which there are several lined along the main street. Essentially you stick your feet in a tank of fish, while they nibble you. It’s a fun little thing to do though and very cheap. In the evening we head to a restaurant for dinner and then onto one of the backpacker bars. Managed a dancing spot right by the big fan so I was set for the night!

One thing I wished I had visited is the Tonle Sap floating markets, along the river. Unfortunately was on a tight schedule but that’s one thing that seems worth doing. Siem Reap is a destination in itself, apart from just being the base for Angkor Wat. It’s got a certain charm about it and whilst being touristy is still a quaint town worth visiting.

Here’s more information on nearby temples in Siem Reap.

Bar in Siem Reap main street

More Reading! Have You Been to Cambodia’s Rabbit Island?

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