SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
The resort town of Siem Reap, in northwestern Cambodia, is gateway to the ruins of Angkor. Angkor was the capital city of the Khmer Empire, a powerful Hindu-Buddhist empire of the Khmer people. Though the empire fell apart in the 15th century, much of the Khmer Empire is well-preserved.
Ancient Angkor’s vast complex of intricate stone buildings includes includes Angkor Wat, the main temple and one of the original Seven Wonders of the World. In fact, Angkor Wat is pictured on Cambodia’s flag. There are over 30 temples and ancient buildings in this one area that date between AD 800 and AD 1400. Angkor Wat is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, and took 30 years to build. It features the longest bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.
Giant, mysterious faces are carved into the Bayon Temple at the Angkor Thom Ruins. The ruins are enclosed by a wall and moats. The entrance is on the causeway, where you see statues of gods and demons lined up on each side each carrying a naga, which is Sanskrit for “serpent” and also literally translates to “snake.” Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King.
Take a ride on an ox-driven cart or spend all your time touring the over 175 temples that remain in Siem Reap. You can also take a Kampong Kleang Boat Trip on Tonle Sal Lake.
Hotel: Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor https://www.raffles.com/siem-reap
