Do not forget: If it’s your first time to visit Angkor Wat, do not approach it from behind. To avoid the crowds, our well-intentioned guide led us in through the back, but on hindsight, it was a crime. Your first sight of the temple towers should be from the edge of the long paved road leading to it, which is guaranteed to take your breath away. That is the primary reason why thousands of tourists come to see this thousand -year-old cluster of stone temple mountains, and is the trip’s most unique experience.
It has been a little over a century since the famed Khmer structures first captured the attention of the world. In 1860, French explorer Henri Mouhot published a book with vivid descriptions and detailed pen and ink drawings of the lost temple city, and that started a steady, if at first trickling pilgrimage of tourists, eager to pay homage to one of the ancient architectural wonders of the world. If you haven’t had the chance, do it now. Like most tourist attractions in the Third World, the Angkor runs the risk of commercialization, as well as exploitation by political powers. But right now, although the threat of these dangers can be freely felt, the magic of the ancient walled temples and rustic life of Siem reap, the Cambodian city it is located in, are still safe and ready to be experienced.
Access to this ancient Khmer capital, formerly overrun by the jungle, is now made easy through air routes. My group of modern pilgrims from Manila and Cebu met up in Singapore for a Silk Air flight to Siem Reap, then completed our three country journey with a stop at Vietnam’s third largest city, Da Nang. The trip from Singapore to Siem reap, takes a little more than two hours, and our arrival at the Sofitel Royal Angkor Resort & Spa was a perfect prelude to the glory of the Angkor monuments we would witness the next day. Set in a sprawling landscaped complex, the French and Khmer architecture merge to form 238 rooms and suites with five-star views and amenities. It is a good base to come home to after a trip around the city, which is still very rustic, and in many places, poverty -stricken.
We only spent a day at the famed Angkor temples, but I find it strange that the ancient stones have left an imprint in my memory, becoming more distinct with time. The Angkorian period, in which the temple complex was built and the Khmer empire was consolidated as a major power in Southeast Asia, encompasses more than 600 years. Between 802 AD and 1432, various kings led the Khmer through alternating periods of war and peace, and glory and decline, all the while each building his own architectural tribute to his reign. The first of the rulers who called himself a god king was Jayavarman II (802 to 850). He claimed for himself the all-reaching powers of the Hindu god Shiva, and it’s common belief that the temple mountain he built in Phnom Kulen was reminiscent of the holy mountain at the center of the universe, Mt. Meru, the dwelling place of Shiva. Succeeding rulers vied to surpass each other in celebrating their glory and divinity through their own temple mountains. Angkor Wat, the most magnificent of these, was built from 1112 to 1152 by King Suryavarman II as a manifestation of his devotion to the Hindu god Vishnu.
A leisurely stroll around the Angkor Wat complex reveals thousands of bas reliefs, many unfinished. the largest temple in the world with a perimeter of two square kilometers, the stone needed to build it equals that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. Some corridors have been reclaimed for worship, and there are monks in many places. Massive and expert restoration of the Angkor temples in the 60’s have made it possible for the tourists to virtually transport themselves to the golden age of the Khmer kings, and it is suggested that one be at Angkor Wat during sunset to see it in full glory.
Number two on the must-see list is Angkor Thom. Built after the Chams of southern Vietnam attacked and occupied the city of Angkor for four years. Angkor Thom was erected by Jayavarman VII in 1181, inspired not by the Hindu gods but by the Buddha of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara. The Bayon temple is the central architectural piece in Angkor Thom, and is famous because of the 216 serene smiling faces–commonly thought to be a cross between the face of Buddha and Jayavarman VII – on its 54 towers.
There are still many temples to see, but leave time to visit the floating village. these village, complete with homes and schools, move with the tide, such that its actual physical location can vary from one to almost two kilometers. The simplicity and poverty in the village is in stark contrast to the grandeur of Angkor, and it is difficult to imagine that ancestors of these people were the architects of such majesty. Little boys floating in plastic wash tubs beg for money from tourists in passing boats, and families squat in their miniscule floating homes which have no chairs. The ingenuity of the Khmer, however, shine through soon enough. A big structure with children playing in balconies joins the string of boats coasting through the center of the village, and one realizes that it’s the schoolhouse bringing children home.
The same Khmer talent and industry that built the temple mountains can be seen in the little children selling trinkets to tourists visiting the Angkor. They have learned to speak English with perfect accents and go to school either very early in the morning or after sunset in order to make a living during the day. The US dollar is legal tender in Cambodia and authorities in Siem Reap have made sure the streets are safe even at night for tourists. tourism is the main source of income for this city and there are policemen stationed every 100 meters in major tourist areas. In Angkor Wat, the ancient Khmer kings may have left a legacy that is not only a source of pride for present Cambodians, but a hope for their future economic prosperity as well.
WHERE TO STAY:
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
With 238 rooms, this property contains all the amenities and services you would expect from a 5-star hotel. Each room includes hair dryer, desk, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless. Guests will find this service-oriented hotel with superb facilities and amenities provides excellent value. Room starts at $124 per night with breakfast included. Book Now!
The hotel is built in traditional Cambodian flare with colonial architecture and influences, check into this luxurious resort and spa. Centrally located and yet surrounded by nature, it makes an ideal base for leisure and business travelers in Siem Reap. Rooms starts at $ 71 with breakfast included. Book Now!
Comfort and convenience are the hallmarks of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. Each of the 119 rooms at this 5-star hotel has all the comforts and conveniences of home. Unwind after your day with a choice of garden, sauna, massage, steam room – just a few of the hotel’s excellent sporting and leisure offerings. Book Now!
Conveniently located in the city center, this property is just a 5 minute drive from the bus station and 20 minutes from Siem Reap International Airport. Boasting its comfortable guestrooms that are decked up with traditional Khmer furnishings, Paradise Angkor Villa Hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a beautiful garden  Special limited deal-Room starts at $30 including breakfast. Book Now!
This new luxury hotel recently opened and displays a fine fusion of traditional Khmer/Thai charm and décor. Spending a day lounging inside would prove to be a very comfortable experience as the guest rooms are large, well air-conditioned and equipped with satellite television. Wake up to an amazing breakfast buffet with international selections. Room Starts with a super low rate of $35, breakfast included. Book Now!
>> Click here for more Siem Reap Hotels >>