You’ve seen it in the movies and on television…and you are more than a bit curious…What is Angkor Wat?
The answer is simple, yet the destination is not, but well-worth the effort for the curious, intrepid traveler.
Angkor Wat is the famous Hindu temple to the god Vishnu built in the 12th century, located a few miles outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Siem Reap, once the center of the Khmer empire, is now a rather quiet city which seems to exist for tourists.
After you’ve checked into your comfortable, quiet hotel in Siem Reap you may wish to avail yourself of a soothing massage or warm shower, which is very welcome after traveling the long hours and many miles you’ve come for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. It may surprise you to learn that even though you are in an exotic area of the world, your hotel will probably have an in-house masseuse, swimming pool and the luxury amenities you would expect in a modern city.
The best time to visit the vast temple complex (containing many temples and monuments) is in the morning, before the heat of the day overwhelms you. Speaking of heat, always carry bottled water with you and purchase it ONLY at your hotel! It is recommended that you take a hat. If you don’t have one, there are plenty for sale in the temple area like the one in the photo.
A knowledgeable guide is preferred as the area spans 60 square miles, but a good guide book will assist you in making your way around this vast collection of architectural wonders! You’ll need a guide to interpret the mural-like carvings, which tell the stories of warriors, gods, goddesses, victories and slightly risqué encounters.
There are ladders to climb to heights with breathtaking views as well as cool, shady corroders whose stone walls are covered in magnificently preserved carvings. Wear good shoes, and walk with care because many areas are being restored. The Bakong Temple is an active monastery. There will be touring monks in saffron robes. Don’t be surprised if they take your picture, and feel free to ask them to pose with you for your camera. Many are mendicants and will politely accept charity, but will not confront or pester you.
The breathtaking site of Ta Prohm will dazzle you! This is the often photographed temple that has been left as it was found when this area was re-discovered. The jungle has invaded and vast trunks and branches inundate the buildings. You will be amazed how nature can reclaim vast areas of man’s endeavor. You may recognize it as the temple used in the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
There are a few places to eat around the temple, as well as several restaurants near the main entrance of Angkor Wat.
Ankor Wat is a highlight of many escorted tours of Cambodia and Thailand. Most packages allow 2 to 3 days in the area. One of the shortest escorted trips is an 11 day Monograms tour called Flavors of Vietnam and Cambodia where you spend 3 nights each in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Siem Reap allowing for 2 days in Angkor Wat.
Before you say farewell to Angkor Wat, you must await sunset at Angkor Wat: the golden hues of the magnificent towers glisten in the setting rays and the shadows elongate…the lake provides a mirror reflection of this amazing sight, and you will take a picture (in your camera or in your mind’s eye) that will be a momento of a fantastic adventure.
