Siem Reap: A Journey to a World Heritage Site
Siem Reap, pronounced "Siem Riep" in English, is a city that houses a World Heritage Site, one of the 7 Wonders of the World. This remarkable destination is a must-see for any traveler seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It serves as the starting point for our journey to this neighboring country, a place that beckons exploration and discovery.
My journey began at the border crossing of Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, also known as Poipet. With just my passport, I passed through immigration quickly and found myself in a new country: Cambodia.
After that, I took a taxi to Siem Reap (with many transfers). It took about 2.5 hours to reach Siem Reap city. After exchanging money and getting a SIM card, I took a taxi to my accommodation.
Arrival in Siem Reap and Purchase of Angkor Pass
Upon arriving in Siem Reap in the late afternoon, I decided to purchase a pass for visiting the temples the following day. The ticket counter opens at 5:00 PM for the issuance of tickets for the next day. This approach is recommended to avoid wasting time queuing early in the morning and maximize sightseeing time.
For transportation, I opted for a tuk-tuk, which proved to be very convenient both for purchasing the pass and for the temple tour itself. I chose a one-day pass for $37 USD. The ticket displays the date and my photo, and it is crucial to keep it safe and avoid losing it.
After 5 pm, the temples are free to enter. A tuk-tuk dropped me off at Angkor Wat, so I decided to enjoy the evening atmosphere there.
Today, I will walk around the exterior of Angkor Wat before exploring the interior tomorrow.
Angkor Wat - The Temple City
Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site and the world's largest religious monument. It is a major landmark in Cambodia, and a must-see for any visitor to the country.
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Our journey began at the crack of dawn today, with a three-wheeled vehicle picking us up at 5:00 AM to catch the sunrise.
A must-see highlight here is watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat. The beauty surpasses the atmosphere. The pictures you see are not the same as the pictures you take.
There is something even more interesting than that: people. Let the picture speak for itself. : )
Upon entering the castle's interior, one is greeted by an abundance of intricate Khmer-style carvings.
Among the apsaras we know, this one is a particularly exquisite low-relief carving.
On the way to the main building of the castle.
The vastness of the area makes the architecture even more impressive. You can easily spend the whole day exploring it if you enjoy such things.
A balcony walkway with large windows.
The central prang of Angkor Wat can be climbed, but there may be a queue. I did not climb it.
Within the castle grounds, there are Buddha statues for visitors to pay their respects to.
Buddhist monks and novices are available for you to make merit by offering alms.
The morning sun shines on the castle, and the air is cool and comfortable. It's a perfect time to take a walk around the castle in the morning.
Let's move on to another spot, as this one might take too long. I doubt we could cover the entire Angkor Wat in a single day.
Next, we head to Angkor Thom, a must-see destination. Here, you'll encounter numerous temples amidst the jungle, resembling a mystical land straight out of a movie.
Continue reading at Leg-tiring walking trip, admiring the stone castle of Siem Reap, Cambodia - Angkor Thom (Angkor Thom) EP.2 (End)
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Wednesday, February 26, 2025 8:49 PM