You’ll find Siem Reap in the Northwest region of Cambodia. As you look around it is quite a bit different from Phnom Penh. Here you’ll find French colonial and Chinese architecture amidst ancient temples built between 800 and 1100ad. Suzy and I came here to explore he temples, and explore we did as every day we set out into the region known as Angkor. Angkor served as the seat of the Khmer empire from the 9th to the 12th Centuries. This place is both amazing as far as history as it is in its well preserved temples built so long ago. In 2007 a team of international researchers deemed Angkor as the largest pre-industrial city in the world covering some 390 square miles which supported more than 1 million people. This is second only to the Mayan city of Tikal which covered only 58 square miles. Quite an accomplishment. Angkor is a site to be seen, you can spend days here and if you keep your eyes open, you’ll learn something new every minute. The temples contain both Buddhist and Hindu mythical carvings and engravings that are absolutely astounding. Angkor Wat, the area’s largest temple is comprised of 5 towers with the tallest in the center of the complex. The center tower symbolizes the mythical Mount Meru, the center of physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes. As you continue to explore the Angkor region you’ll find temples abound and every one of them is different in so many ways. Suzy and I spent a week here exploring and we never tired of it. In the evenings as the sun set, our tuk-tuk driver took us back to where we were staying; La Niche Angkor Boutique Hotel, another amazing place. Our room was set amidst lush green gardens and tropical ponds full of Koi. As you walk around you’ll find flowers everywhere, this place is a great place to relax at the end of an adventurous day. Some evenings when we were not too worn out, we had our tuk-tuk driver take us into town just a short trip away. Here you’ll find night markets full of handcrafted silver and clothing abound. Once you’ve found something you like, make sure you bargain for it as it is expected you do so. It is hard not to purchase items, all are quite nice, but the one thing that stops you is knowing your suitcase is already overweight. Once you’ve shopped, take a short stroll a few blocks to the area known as “Pub Street”. Along this road you’ll find bars, restaurants and entertainment to last you well into the evening. The food is good; the cocktails are a steal and use real liquor. Suzy and I enjoyed Siem Reap immensely and we are sure to come back here again soon to continue our adventure exploring and enjoying the hospitality of these fine people.
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