In October 2008 we went back to Sydney to visit family and friends. On our return trip to London, we stopped by Siem Reap, Cambodia for 3 days to visit one of the most amazing temples in the world, Angkor Wat. We wanted to see this place sooner rather than later, because due to unregulated tourism, where tourists are able to climb on monuments and temples, we feel in many years to come, some sites may be lost.
Siem Reaps popularity as a tourist destination stemmed from Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat's feature in the movie called Tomb Raider, starring Angelina Jolie. The Cambodians have even gone as far as renaming a popular local bar drink, effectionately calling it the Angelina Jolie drink.
Cambodia is still a relatively cheap country for tourism, and no where can you hire a personal guide, a car with a driver for USD $50 a day to take you around.
During out 3 days in Siem Reap, we visited approximately 13 temples, 2 terraces (Elephant and Leper King), and the most famous sites Angkor Thom, and Angkor Wat. We also visited Tonle Sap lake, which is the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia, and visited the floating village. The floating village is basically a cluster of families, both Cambodian and Vietnamese, living permanently on the water in colourful house boats.
On our tour, we sampled quite a few traditional Cambodian/Khmer cuisines, and although we ate at more expensive restuarants in order not to get sick, the food was simple, yummy and very similar to Vietnamese food. Monk fish curry for example is a local favorite, recommended by our guide.
In Siem Reap, at times it was a little sad to see the extent of poverty, mainly through the country side. People lived in very simple homes, with minimal facilities, only surviving by working on the land. Children as young as 5 out working, trying to sell souveniers and anything they can to tourist to earn money for their family. Drive 15 minutes from the city centre, and there were no paved roads, just mud roads, even the road between Siem Reap city centre to their most famous attraction, Angkor Wat was mud.
Cambodia is in the tropics and so the trip at times was a little uncomfortable due to the heat and humidity, luckily though having and air conditioned car provided a welcome relief from the unforgiving elements.
However we still enjoyed our time there, seeing the sites, feasting on the food, and coming in contact with the local people. Cambodia is definately a must see for the adventurous traveller.
We visited the Castell de Santa Barbara, built in 400 BC, which is a fort located high on the hill which overlooks the bay and the provincial capital.
Iglesia de Santa María (Church of Santa María) is another site we visited, and the city's oldest church which was built around the 14th century.
Food in Spain was relatively cheap and grate value, and we enjoyed a lunch at a traditional Spanish restaurant. Between the both of us, we had a Paella, fish soup, fish, and a meat plate, and to wash it all down, some local Spanish wine.
