Siem Reap
Why go?
Siem Reap is one of Cambodia's most popular destinations, thanks to
its proximity to the Angkor temples - a wonder of the world
so studded with superlatives that it's hard to overstate their
magnificence. Siem itself was a small sleepy town until a few years
ago, but following the surge of tourism after the borders opened,
it's become far more lively. New hotels, guesthouses and
restaurants are springing up every day, causing its boundaries to
spread out into the countryside, yet it still retains its charming
rural atmosphere. It's easy to walk or cycle around the tree-lined
streets and a very friendly place to spend a few ways.
THE ANGKOR TEMPLES
The Angkor ruins are 5km north of Siem Reap. They fill an
area 85km by 50km, though much is still in the grip of impenetrable
jungle, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 500 temples date
back between 600-900 years, and mark the crowning glory of the
Khmer kingdom. For the western traveller this epic landscape offers
an interesting contrast to European architecture of roughly the
same period (the Tower of London, Notre-Dame, The Alhambra).
Highlights include:
Angkor Wat
The best preserved Angkor temple and the oldest religious building
in the world, this was believed to have been a tomb for King
Suryavarman II. It is surrounded by a vast moat and famed for its
Apsaras (nymphs), of which there are 3000 carved into the
walls of the temple, each unique.
Angkor Thom
This fortified city, 10 sq.km, was built by King Jayavarman and has
five massive entrance gates, each 20m high. Giant faces are carved
into the gates, and in front of each stands 54 gods (on the left)
and 54 demons (on the right). The south gate is the best restored,
but also the busiest. Inside are the city's important monuments,
including the Terrace of Elephants and the Bayon.
Bayon
This famous building features 54 gothic towers, with 216 vast faces
that stare at you from every direction. It's slightly eerie but
utterly compelling. The faces are thought to have symbolised the
all-seeing eye of the king, to keep his subjects in awe of
him.
Ta Prohm
Wonderfully atmospheric, this Buddhist temple is a maze of
corridors, courtyards and towers, and looks as if it's being
reclaimed by the jungle that surrounds it. Vast Banyan trees have
grown into, around and over the crumbling ruins and moss and
creepers climb everywhere.