Vacations in Siem Reap (Angkor Wat)
Sights of Attraction in Siem Reap
Angkor Wat
The world largest religious building was in the list of top 20 finalist of the new seven wonders of the world voting. This great archeological site was once abandoned and buried in the jungle after the fall of the Khmer Empire for few centuries until a French missionary, Henri Mouhot discovered the temple in 1860. Henri Mouhot had believed and followed a legend circulating in the antiquarian circles that there was a Lost City in the jungle that were built by the gods in far ancient time thus travel far to the Asia and succeeded bringing this long forgotten temple to the attention of the world.
Angkor Wat was built in early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, especially dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu. The building is a huge pyramid structure with 5 main towers. The building walls, pillars, roof are covered with magnificent carvings, sculptures, writing that illustrates the mythology of Hindu God, particularly to God Vishnu. The compound of the entire site is 1500m by 1300m. This fascinating temple is the symbol of highest achievement in the Khmer’s empire.
However, the Khmer/Angkor empire started to see sign of decline in early 13th century. It was said that the city was over populated and the resources are insufficient to cope with the increasingly dense population. Much resources of the Khmer empire were utilized in the building and expansion of the temple, in addition to funding for wars against the Vietnamese (Dai Viet) and Thais. Finally, in AD1431, Thais conquered the Khmer Empire and thus resulted in the abandoned of Angkor.
Angkor Thom (Bayon Temple)
In the height of the Khmer Empire, King Jayavarman VII built Angkor Thom, a huge temple complex city much bigger than Angkor Wat in late 12th Century. This was the last capital city in the Khmer Empire which was officially ended in AD1431 as a result of Thais attacked. The capital city covers monuments and temples built by King Jayavarman VII as well as monuments from earlier eras, and his successors. King Jayavarman VII, a dedicated Mahayana Buddist, had brought the religion of Hinduism to Buddhism. The infamous Bayon Temple dedicated to 216 four-faced of smiling Buddha was built. Since then, Bayon temple is classified as the state temple. Former state temple was Baphuon temple which was built in 11th century dedicated to god Shiva.
During the reign of King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan, Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei was built under his supervision.
Preah Khan, located at the northeast of Angkor Thom, near site where King Jayavarman VII defeated the Chams. This site not only functioning as a temple, but also a role of city institution as well as a Buddhism university. It had almost 100,000 officials and servants, inclusive of 1000 dancers and 1000 teachers. As its neighbor Ta Prohm, Preah Khan had been left mainly as it was founded with trees growing from the building and among the ruins.
Ta Prohm
Originally known as Rajavihara is the most popular temples in Angkor Thom. Unlike other temples, Ta Prohm had been left practically the same as it was discovered, with trees growing out from the ruins and forest surrounding the temple. Only minor repairs were carried out to stop further deterioration. However, some towers were not accessible in order to prevent further damage or collapse. Ta Prohm served as a Mahayana Buddhist monarchy and university in the Angkor era.
One interesting site in Ta Prohm worth mentioning is the Chamber of Echo. It is located near the northwest quadrant. When you stand with your back pressed up against the wall and thump your chest, you will hear your chest thumping echo. However, no other echo will be heard inside the chamber. What is also worth mentioning is the scenes from Hollywood movie Tomb Raider, starred by Angelina Jolie, was filmed in Ta Prohm. If you have watched the movie before, you will recognize the familiar sites.
Banteay Kdei is located at the east of Angkor Thom. It is a Buddhist temple built in Bayon style, whereby the construction is similar to Ta Prohm but smaller and less traffic. This temple is badly ruined due to poor craftsmanship and poor building material.
After the death of King Jayavarman VII, state temple Bayon had been through some additions and alterations by the king successors, especially in the mid 13th century, where the religion had reverted back to Hinduism. About a century later, Khmer empire officially ended with Thai invasion in year 1431.
Bakheng Hill. This is a small hill in this archeological park and also the best place to watch sunset of Angkor Wat area. It takes about 15 minutes to hike up the hill and another 10 minutes to climb up the temple to watch sunset, but the effort is worthwhile.
Tonle Sap is the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia. What is special about this lake is that the water will drain to Mekong river during the dry season (November to May), and the lake water reserve will be up again in the raining season. One of the great way to spend your vacation in Tonle Sap is by taking boat trip to enjoy the breeze and scenery.
Cultural Village
The highlight of this park is the wax museum residing in it. It features major figures in the Cambodian history. Local Khmer dancing (Apsara) and traditional Khmer wedding ceremony are performed in the garden.
Angkor National Museum
This state of the art museum features the Golden era of the Khmer empire, the artifacts, civilization, Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. All are displayed in accordance to its category in 7 galleries. The most notable is the 1000 Buddha special gallery, whereby different images of Buddha are displayed.
Kampong Phluck, is where a true feel of the Cambodian life is to be experienced. Although a bit far from Siem Reap, it is worth the journey to enjoy the more authentic feel of the floating village. It is located off highway to Phnom Penh and is accessible by boat.
Psar Chas (Old Market) and Central Market
A good place to get souvenirs, silver jewelry, gemstone jewelry, scarf, wood carvings, Buddha figurine and many other local products. These market are good places to polish up your price bargaining skill. Most of the stalls sell similar products, so remember to shop around.
Landmine Museum was founded by a local de-miner to educate the Khmer as well as tourists of the danger of landmine and how Cambodia is affected by it. Real defused landmine and UXO are on displayed. To date, there are still millions of landmine yet to be defused throughout Cambodia but such areas are under no entry zone by government. This museum is about 30km from Siem Reap.