Now is the best time to go to Siem Reap, Cambodia! Here's how!

Last year, we celebrated our wedding anniversary by going on a trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia.  It was one of the best trips we had.

Here's how you can plan for your trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

We were told that April or May is very hot.  We went there February but is was already very hot.  I can't imagine how much hotter it would be during April or May.  Always wear a cap and drink lots of water to avoid heat stroke. Avoid rainy seasons also.

We took JetStar and spent around SG$500+ for 2 people. Try to look out for promos from Jetstar so you can save a bit more.

We booked at Bopha Angkor Hotel which is about US$45 for double bed. We booked using http://www.angkorhotels.org/.  I suggest you don't get the taxi booking option.  Ask Mara Long, our recommended tour guide to pick you up from the airport.

 For tours, you can email Mr. Mara Long of http://www.angkortourguides.com. Just tell him the type of tour you want and he can give you a quote. Our 3-day tour (private car) cost about US$254. That includes some of the extra charge for going to farther temples and some meals. Again, ask Mara to pick you up form the airport (usually free as part of the tour package).

You need to pay separately for the entrance to the temples. A 3-day pass would be US$40 per head (Note:  this was last year's rate). This pass is applicable to most temples already. This is convenient since you don't need to pay entrance fees at every stop.

Angkor Wat

 

Ta Prohm Temple - famous for being the location for the Tomb Raider movie

Food is not really as cheap as expected since they follow US$ as their main currency.  Expect meals to be around US$15-20 per person.

The "fish amok" and exotice barbecues are a must try.

Fish Amok - fish in coconut milk with different spices.

 

Exotic BBQ - crocodile and snake meat tastes like chicken

They use US$ as a main currency even if Riel is their official currency. So when you exchange money, ask for small US$ bills. When you pay, they would give US$ as change except for coins, which they convert to Riel.  Collect these Riel coins so you can use it for souvenir items.

There will be a lot of people at the temple selling you books about Angkor. They will try to sell it to you at US$30. We were able to haggle for 2 books at US$10. Only to find out that each were being sold at US$1 only in other temples!!!!!  I recommend you get the Book Guides Ancient Angkor or Cambodia (Country Guide).  I highly recommend the Book Guides Ancient Angkor because of the very detailed explanation of each temple.

For more information on what places you can visit in Siem Reap, check out my previous blog posts about Siem Reap, Cambodia.

I would again remind you to drink lots of water during this hot season.  You don't want getting heatstroke there.

Finally, enjoy the trip! ;)


Hope these help.

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Siem Reap, Cambodia - Preah Ko

Preah Ko is the first temple built in Roluos, which is 15km south of Siem Reap.

There are six brick towers in this temple.


Unlike the first set of temples we visited, this temple is made of bricks instead of large stones.

Inscriptions

Some of the doors in Preah Ko have inscriptions carved on it.

Lime Mortar



Instead of carved stone, images are made out of lime mortar.

Stone Lintels


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Siem Reap, Cambodia - Banteay Samre

Guardians

Stone lions guard the entrance to Banteay Samre.

Stone Bridge

The stone bridge lets you cross what used to be a moat.

Banteay Samre

Banteay Samre is a little farther from Angkor Wat. However, you will find that its towers have very similar designs.

Walls

Walls of Banteay Samre.

Prayers

Some worshipers place offerings around different areas of the temple. Some of them accept donations in exchange for prayers.

Linga


Many symbols of Linga can be seen within this temple. The linga in this temple vary in sizes.

Galleries

Entrance to the galleries.

Libraries


Banteay Samre also has its own library.

Door Carvings

Intricate designs are also seen in this temple.

Cruciform Terrace

A Cruciform Terrace is also seen in Banteay Samre. Unfortunately, this section has lost its roof.

Rear Entrance

The rear entrance is where you will most likely start your journey into Banteay Samre as the main entrance is not accessible by road.

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Siem Reap, Cambodia - Pre Rup

Pre Rup





Pre Rup was the State Temple of King Rajendravarman's capital.

Pre Rup means, 'turning the body'. Although this meaning is said to be misleading. Turning the body of a corpse is a cremation rite.

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Siem Reap, Cambodia - Angkor Wat (Part 1)

Angkor Wat Entrance

Before entering the temple grounds, you'll see the moat surrounding Angkor Wat. The moat and the temple grounds is about 1.5km by 1.3km .

A moat is present in temple designs. However, most have dried up or has been destroyed through time.

Bridge

The temple and everything enclosed by the moat represent the universe.

Library

Libraries are smaller structures within the temple grounds.

Their libraries don't have books. Instead, they have carvings on the walls telling history, religion and other stories.

Looking Through

A view of Angkor Wat through one of the libraries.

Angkor Vat


Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument. Angkor Wat is also known as the "city (which became a) pagoda."

It was build during the reign of Suryavarman II as the capital and State Temple dedicated to Vishnu.

Basins

There are four are basins used for blessings within the main building.

Cruciform Cloister (inside)


Cruciform Cloister (outside)

The Cruciform Cloister is the covered path around the basins.

It is also known as the "Hall of the Thousand Buddhas. Only a few remaining Buddha statues can be seen.

Towers of Angkor




Angkor Wat is usually seen with just 3 towers. The temple is actually made up of 5 towers.

There are towers on each corner of the square-shaped temple and larger tower at the center.

Second Level Galleries

Path to the second level galleries.

Stone Piles

There are many stones scattered around Angkor. Restorers could no longer find where the stone pieces fit.

... to be continued..

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Siem Reap, Cambodia - Preah Palilay

Morning Blessing

Before heading for the grounds of Preah Palilay, locals visit the Buddhist monks to have their morning blessing.

The monks splash the person with water while chanting the blessing.

Naga

Like other temples, the Naga is also found lining the entrance.

Entrance to Preah Palilay

This is the entrance to Preah Palilay temple grounds.

Preah Palilay

Preah Palilay is one of the small Buddhist Sactuaries found within Angkor Thom.

Cut Down Trees

Preah Palilay found within the wooded area of Angkor Thom. Unfortunately, these age-old trees have been cut down to prevent further destruction of the temple.

Monk on Temple

Do you notice the monk sitting at the temple?

Monk

A small buddhist monastary is found near Preah Palilay. Some of the younger monks find this temple as a place to take a break.

..more to come.. :)

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Siem Reap, Cambodia - Phimeanakas and The Royal Palace

Royal Palace

This is the entrance to the Royal Palace. Unfortunately, the palace has long been destroyed as it is only made of wood. Only the temples made of stone remain.

Reclining Buddha

One of the temples being restored here has the image of the reclining Buddha at the top.

Pyramid Temple

Phimeanakas is also known as the pyramid temple.

Burried Path



Giant

These large trees are found within the Royal Palace.


...more to come

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