3 Days Traveling Siem Reap
Southeast Asia is a popular region for travelers. Tucked in the middle of lush rainforest is a Cambodian gateway to the well preserved ruins of ancient civilizations. Siem Reap offers a unique in the world experience with its historic temples, untouched nature, and hospitable culture. A short stay like mine offers plenty of time to explore the Angkor Archaeological Park and enjoy a day in the natural beauty of Phnom Kulen.
Angkor Archaeological Park
Nearly half of Cambodia tourism is centered on this incredible complex of temples, highlighted by the world famous Angkor Wat. It is the largest living religious monument in the world with a 650-foot wide moat, originally built by the Khmer Empire in the 12th century as a Hindu temple, and later converted to a Buddhist site.
Entry into Cambodia requires a kindly priced visa that can be purchased on arrival. I highly recommend fighting jet lag and attacking the first day early.
I woke up for a 5am bike ride and sunrise at Angkor Wat. Often hotels offer bike rentals. It’s a great way to take in the city only requiring a couple of miles to the complex.
The approach through the forest is captivating as an orchestra of cicadas welcome you at alarming volume, enough to shake your senses and set the scene.
As you make way through the complex it feels like making a movie. That’s because many have been filmed here, most notably Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
The intricate design of these maze-like temples has an other worldly aura about it…certainly something that can’t be felt without being present. Once cognitively engaged with ancient Cambodia, it’s not unusual to spend days contemplating civilizations of the past.
Many travelers aren’t aware there’s more to offer than Angkor Wat. The offering of temples is a nice surprise. My favorite was actually the temple of Bayon at Angkor Thom. Step inside this masterpiece where lizards welcome and guide visitors to admire the face towers which stare in every direction.
Close your eyes and embrace the feeling that can’t be recreated once you leave Cambodia. It’s powerful.
In the back of my mind I envied the local youth of Siem Reap that get to play hide and seek here in the evening…when all of the tourists leave. Can you imagine?
Culture of Cambodia
Differences of cultures are both important and inspiring. A walk through the complex may present unexpected sights of elephants and monkeys roaming free, or even a group of young boys ordinating as novice monks.
Peaceful and independent of secular influence, the monks are always very interesting to watch.
The temple complex offers a full range of fortresses. Spend a day or two. Bring water. Dress for the jungle heat.
Phnom Kulen
When you’ve had enough, head into the tropical forest lush with fauna and flora…AND a huge waterfall!
I hopped on a moped and drove for a good 45 minutes through some villages. From my view it felt like not much had changed in the last hundred years. It was refreshing.
The waterfall exceeded expectations. Water was clean. Families were together. Kids did flips on the rocks. What could be wrong?
The people are inspiring. Most don’t have material possessions yet they live quite content. There’s peace that keeps the mind pure. I’ll never forget watching a Cambodian guide of slightly greater means give his hard earned money to his fellow Cambodians in need. The gratitude was powerfully evident in their exchange.
What I saw at the waterfall was shocking…a monk taking a selfie! What! They’re human? Most travelers probably aren’t as fortunate enough to witness, but keep your eyes open! To his credit, the selfies were soon followed by solidarity in meditation.
I’ve always wondered what it would be like to follow a monk for a day…
Kompong Khleang
Another popular short excursion is to visit the floating village of Kompong Khleang. Unfortunately it was here the experience soured a bit for me. I’d advise doing some research on details of the tours offered. Your hotel is usually a good source of information, but it also helps to weigh against other opinions.
The boat ride to the village was far more expensive than I would’ve liked, because tour organizers wouldn’t allow me to hop on another boat with others. Therefore I paid for a huge boat, and was the only passenger. (Victim of no research.)
Along the ride my tour guide was quite energetic and we chatted a bit. It was evident there was a monetary motive involved, but sometimes those can be fun to entertain. (Be wary, not all Cambodians have pure intentions, but do remember you’ll never find a country free of hustlers.) Fun yet little annoying…Can’t knock the hustle.
In some cases the hustle may continue longer than desired. It’s common for tour guides to push donations to their “local orphanage”. Personally I declined. Not because I don’t have the heart for orphans, but more for the reason I thought I was being scammed. Be warned…they will take other currencies, so don’t make the mistake I did of using that defense.
Again, mostly good reasons to visit. There may be some bad, but few destinations offer a perfectly pleasant experience. So take the good with the bad in the midst of Siem Reap’s unparalleled offering of Cambodian history and nature.
