Angkor Wat (Siem Reap, Cambodia)

Giant Bayon faces dwarf a monk and a foreign tourist (Photo by Ko Ko Aung)

Mixed among the spread of paddy fields and plants Angkorian era temples and monuments - signs of architecture, arts, cultures, religions and civilization as well as inter state relationship of the bygone past - are ones of Cambodia's most visited tourist spots.

Influenced by various cultures and religions such as Indian, Khmer, Hindu and Buddhism these temple complexes were built roughly between 9th and 13th century AD. Most structures are in the state of ruins and under some kinds of restoration; and are one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

Temples and wats of Angkorian architecture are also found in southern Laos, eastern and nort-eastern Thailand, and as far as Kanchanaburi in western Thailand.


Travel information (2006)
There are land border check points linking Cambodia with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.

From Thai side two most crossed over points are Aranya Prathep in Sakaeo province to Poi Pet in Cambodia, and Had Lek in Trat province (Eastern tip of Thailand at Gulf of Thailand sea) to Cham Yeam in Koh Kong in Cambodia.

From southern Laos tourists can cross overland to Cambodia at Veum Kham in Lao's Champasak province to Dong Crorlor in Stung Treng in northern Cambodia. The check point is on the eastern bank of Mekong river at the border.

From Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh city is connected to Phnom Penh (Cambodian capital) by two roads. One is via Chau Doc (in Vietnam) by ferryboat on Song Hau river (Basak river in Cambodia). Car road acces maybe opened in the future. Another way is via Moc Vai in Vietnam.

International flights from Bangkok, Vientiane (Laos), Ho Chi Minh and Hani (Vietnam), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Singapore land at Siem Reap airport. An airline from Yangon (Myanamr) plans to start direct flight to Siem Reap in October 2007.

Domestic flights connect Khmer temple complex with Phnom Penh. Once inside Cambodia travel is by car, bus, flight or by boat.

Places to visit
Most visited temples are Angkor Wat, and Angkor Thom housing Bayon temples within several kilometers to the north of Siem Reap town. Most important temples are located to the north of the town. Since there are hundreds of ruins scattering to north, east and west, one needs to think about how many days to spend and purchase the entrance tickets accordingly. Some temples need separate entrance charge so please collect local town and temple guide books with maps once you arrive Siem Reap.

Angkor Wat temple (Google Earth image)

Siem Reap offers not just ancient Khmer and other temples, but also other experiences such as un-discovered monuments, village and farms, Tonle Sap lake and its fishing community, handicrafts and silk shops, traditional dance performances and much more.

Please to stay range from budget guesthouses and middle range hotels to first class international hotels and resorts.

Siem Reap town with hotels (Google Earth image)