NEW SECTION
By Mitasha Chatterjee
Why visit and stay in Siem Reap:
Angkor Wat temple complex, situated in the Siem Reap region of Cambodia, is an architectural wonder, built by the kings of the powerful Khmer dynasty between the ninth and to fifteenth centuries. There are almost one thousand temples inside this Angkor Wat archaeological park, seventy-two of them being considered as major temples. It takes two to three days just to see some of the significant ones.
There is, however, more to explore in Siem Reap beyond the Angkor Wat temples. In ancient times, the region around the current modern Siem Reap was the capital of the Khmer dynasty during the Angkorian period, the city of Angkor. Siem Reap also offers the remnants of the powerful Khmer culture, traditional apsara dance theatre, magnificent Tonle Sap lake with its floating villages, colourful night markets and the modern thriving pub street with live local music and traditional food.
How to reach there:
There is an international airport in Siem Reap that is connected to several Indian cities through direct and indirect flights. Siem Reap airport is almost 50 km from the main city. There is shuttle buses from the airport to city whose time table is available online.
You can also fly to Phnom Penh, the Capital city of Cambodia and take a bus to Siem Reap that takes around 5 hours.
Some of the major cities of Thailand and Vietnam are also connected to Siem Reap by bus but in these cases it is very important to check the road border visa permission requirements for Indian passport holders.
Visa:
Right now, Cambodia has visa on arrival facility for Indian passport holders. It is also possible to get e-visa beforehand.
E-visa is recommended to avoid queues at the immigration and also to avoid filling up number of forms in a hurry.
When to go:
November to March is the tourist season, December to February is the peak season and in case you want to avoid the crowd yet wish to get a bit cheaper rates and are okay
with some rain and a bit of humid mornings and pleasant evenings then probably last two weeks of October is a great idea.
Going around in Siem Reap:
Tuktuks are most common mode of public transport and they are abundant in number and easily available, but it may not be a good idea to go too far like more than 30km with tuktuk as it will take considerable amount of extra time than a car or bike. It’s also very much possible to rent a bike or a bicycle.
Visiting Angkor Wat:
There is Angkor pass that is available for one day, three day or for seven days. It covers almost 50 temples including almost all the main attractions and some not so popular temples. It can be bought online in advance or on the spot. Recommended: get a 3 day Angkor pass. Some of the stunning attractions are 30 to 60 km away from Siem Reap and covered by this pass.
Angkor Wat main temple complex is around 6-7 km from the main city and you also need a vehicle to travel inside this main temple complex to go from one temple to another.
Sometimes the distances between the temples are 2 to 3 km. Each temple will consume significant amount of time and needs bit of walking and climbing stairs including the main Angkor Wat temple.
If you are dependent on tuktuk like me then make a list of temples you want to go. There is a lucid concept of small circuit, big/large circuit and grand circuit but as I mentioned, its lucid and keeps changing according to the tuktuk drivers, so make your list and talk to tuktuk driver accordingly.
Main Temples:
Angkor Wat: a massive temple complex with intricate carvings and a stunning Instagram worthy sunrise.
Bayon Temple: Famous for its massive stone faces.
Ta Prohm Temple: A jungle-covered temple with ancient trees and ruins, famous for being the shooting location of Hollywood film Tomb raider.
Other Notable Temples and Attractions Nearby:
Angkor Thom, Preah Khan, terrace of elephants, terrace of leper king, Baphuon temple, Ta Keo and Phnom Bakheng. Phonm Bakheng is a hilltop temple offering stunning views of Angkor Wat and is a popular sunset point.
Little far away temples and attractions:
These places need renting a car or bike or a group trip with some tour agency.
Benteay Srei temple: A 10th century Shiva Parvati temple with elaborate carvings which is still observable.
Kbal Spean: the valley of 1000 lingas and a stunning waterfall, a small but moderately difficult hike will lead you to this astonishing site.
Beng Mealea: another 10th century huge temple ruins, reminds you of the movie set of any apocalyptic film.
Kulen mountain and reclining Buddha: this place has a separate entry ticket can be reached by car and stairs, famous for a huge water falls and a Buddha statue on the top of the mountain.
Tonle Sap lake and floating villages: around 40 km from the main city, these floating villages offer experience of a unique lifestyle and has stunning sunset view.
Some important Tips :
The temples are not wheelchair friendly so plan accordingly.
These temples were hindu temples before the khemr Empire jayavarman vii converted to Buddhism. Most of the carvings are depicting the story of Hindu mythology, so as an Indian you may or may not need guide to explain the carving and the temples.
Fish Amuk is one of the must try food but rest of the khemr food is a bit sweet for Indian palate including staples like noodles or fried rice.
US Doller is accepted almost everywhere including small shops but they may give the change back in Cambodia Riel.
And like most of the places the shopping in night market and old market would need a bit of bargaining.
