Escape to Siem Reap

It was 2 short flights from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and then to Siem Reap to its new swishy airport. It’s an hour out of town.

We found a hotel 10 minutes from the centre with a pool and the friendliest staff ever.

Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat the largest and most impressive religious complex in the world, covering 400 acres. It was built in the 12th century and took 37 years. It used 300,000 labourers, 6,000 elephants and 5 million tons of sandstone. It was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, but later converted to a Buddhist temple at the end of the 13th century and is still a place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists. It bears the transformation of 2 major religions in Cambodian history.

Our first trip out was to the National museum of Angkor housed in a splendid building near the Royal park and residence.

Just outside the park in the trees were thousands of flying foxes which roost noisily all day and fly off at 6.45 every evening returning in the early morning. We are going to go and watch one evening.

Entrance to the museum is $12. The museum houses thousands of statues retrieved from the many temples surrounding Angkor some from the 6th century along with many other artefacts.

It’s stunning in its layout and clever how it takes you through the history of the Khmer people, how Hinduism influenced the building of Angkor Wat and its religious progression to Buddhism.

It’s a 10 minute walk into the centre of town passing many restaurants and bars. The centre has an area called Pub Street which is very busy.

We prefer the little side streets

There is a day and a night market next to the river

There are only a couple of Cambodian dishes Amok and Lok Lak but endless choices of food from Thailand, China, India and lots of western food. It’s hard to choose…..

Next stop is Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and the Bayon with a guide, can’t wait.