Where am I – Siem Reap, gateway to the ruins of Angkor
Duration – Three days
Suitable for – all kinds of intrepid travellers. The small city is easily accessible on foot and home to a wide variety of accommodation, lovely restaurants and a vibrant night market / bar scene.
Highlights(s) – the Temples! It goes without saying. The major drawcard of the region are the incredible temple ruins of the ancient Khmer Kingdom which date from the 9th–15th centuries.
Angkor Wat of course is the main event, being the largest religious structure in the world it can’t fail to impress.
Best viewed at sunrise when the colour of the rising sun casts a special glow over the stone facade and the surrounding jungle comes to life with birdsong and crickets. Don’t be put off by the hordes of people joining you down by the lakefront to snap the perfect shot of the temple reflection - as soon as the sunrise is over there’s plenty of room across the vast temple complex to get away from the crowd and really take your time contemplating the incredible statuary and carvings.
Equally impressive were the nearby ruins of Ta Prohm - made recently famous by Angelina Jolie and the Tomb Raider film shot here. The jungle is steadily reclaiming the temple, piece by piece. Quite incredible and also when I was here, virtually deserted, so I had plenty of time to appreciate it’s beauty and tranquil setting…without feeling rushed along.
The Bayon Temple - situated nearby, is visually striking for the giant faces carved on each of it’s four sides. Look closer and you’ll see (much smaller, intricately carved) bas-reliefs that depict important events like battles and pictures of everyday life, giving an idea of life in Cambodia during the 12th and 13th centuries.
I didn’t make time on this visit, but would thoroughly recommend checking out the Angkor National Museum before visiting the temples. Will give you invaluable background and insight to the life of ancient Camodia.
Where to stay – Shinta Mani! This has been our ‘go to’ boutique property for many years and many happy clients, so it was fabulous to finally experience it myself. Situated just 10mins on foot from the bustling Pub Street and Old Market - but a world away!
Designed by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, with super friendly and attentive staff.
The resort itself is spread across 3 unique sites; the Bayon wing is centred around a large central pool and has the main all day dining option Baitong. Next to this is the private pool villa complex. And across the road is the Angkor wing that has a smaller pool, day spa and a more contemporary art deco vibe.
Recommendation (fav meal / drink) – without a doubt Kroya by Chef Chanrith; traditional Khmer cuisine with a modern twist. Completely unmissable!!
**I also stumbled across a Welsh Pub, the Welsh Consulate, on a side alley near Pub Street - which of course I had to visit.
Recommendation (day spa) - after a long hot day of temple visits and culture, what could be better than a 90min traditional Khmer massage, I popped in to Sokkhak Spa - Riverside (conveniently just down the road from Shinta Mani.) Perfection!
