Siem Reap - Cambodia

I visited Siem Reap during one of the hottest month ever in that year, I was told the temperature was around 42 degrees Celsius. When I walked out of the plane that landed on Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, I could feel the heat wave blasting into my face. It was mid-afternoon and the sun was happily bombarding ultraviolet rays on the tarmac and everything else not under a shade. The walk from the plane to the airport terminal was like a sauna, sweat oozing out from my skin and very soon I was soaked.

The next thing was the dust, it’s much like a bad day with terrible haze but visually you noticed a yellowish colour in the air all around you. If you plan to visit remember to bring surgical mask and battery powered portable fan!!

Angkor Wat - UNESCO world heritage site

Public transport

Similar to Thailand’s tuk tuk, but slightly different as the passengers sat in some sort of wagon and towed by the motorcycle. Price starts at USD5 for a very short trip, you can bargain for cheaper rates but do it before getting on the ride.

Friendly people of Cambodia

If you haven't melt from the scorching heat the smile from this lady will melt you completely

Shops selling kramas (a type of scarves made locally from cotton and silk)

There are many temples in Siem Reap, the one above is located in the middle of the forest, lit up with spotlights as a prop for dinner arranged by the hotel. Oh yea one more thing to bring along for your trip is mosquito repellent if you don't want to be bitten when you have dinner in the forest like I did.

Countless stone wall carvings found all over Angkor Wat

Signs of wear and tear

A sword fight perhaps?

Mythical

I noticed a lot of restoration work taking place all around the temples, in some places it is noticeable that the ancient and the newly restored stones are trying very hard to blend together.

The outer walls of Angkor Wat

As you can see, the stone walls are yellowish colour due to dust, after a few days walking around Siem Reap you will notice your shoes turning into this colour as well.

The main crossing towards Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is surrounded by water, there are 2 crossing (East and West entrance if my sense of direction is correct) that leads to the center which the five towers stands, it's a long walk from start to finish so wear proper shoes and bring lots of drinking water.

I enjoyed my trip there, especially learning about the history of the temples, each having its own century old stories covering the conflicts between the Siamese and Khmer kingdoms, a few round of beers and our tour guide was tell me stories of gods fighting demons and stuff, not sure if its the beer talking but nonetheless all in all a captivating experience for me.