South East Asia tour - Siem Reap, Cambodia

One of the exciting journey with three lovely friends which definitely made it an unforgettable journey.

It has a population of over 15 million. Its largest city and capital being Phnom Penh. The first site I visited was Angkor Wat, with huge incredible array of temples encompassing the Angkor Archaeological Park. It consists of more than 45 temples. Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, etc are some of the more famous temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park.

A little bit of history of the temples I’d visited. Beginning with Ta Prohm temple was constructed in Mid 12th - Early 13th century AD in the reign of Khmer King Jayavarman VII in Bayon style. Ta Prohm has a photogenic and atmospheric combination of tallest trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor's most popular temples with visitors. Do enjoy a few clicks which I captured.

This is constructed in Early-Mid 12th century AD in the reign of king Suryavarman II in Angkor Wat style. Its one of the largest Buddhist religious monument in the world, with the site measuring 402 acres of land. Originally was a Hindu temple which gradually transformed into a Buddhist one. The entire city of Angkor is built with sandstone.

In the corridor passages these have carvings with a row of devas on the left and asuras on the right, each row holding a naga in the attitude of a tug-of-war. The tour guide said that this appears to be a reference to the myth, of the Churning of the Sea of Milk in order to be immortals.

A wonderful sunset to be seen in the evening. Unfortunately I didn’t get those clicks.

This is constructed 12th-13th century AD in the reign of king Jayavarman VII in Bayon style. It covers an area approximately 9 km². The most distinctive feature are the many smiling stone faces on multiple towers. It has a beautiful reflection on the water surrounded by it, known as the reflection site. Indeed a very calm and silent place.

This covers Khmer history, civilization & cultural heritage in eight galleries, also shows the life of Buddha and ancient Hindu Gods. One of the gallery has 1000 Buddha statues in different postures. Couldn’t click photos as no photography was allowed inside the museum.

This takes us along a huge floating village of fishermen who stay there with their families. These houses can be floated from one patch to another as per seasons during low and high tides. These houses are amazingly constructed out of floating woods.You’ll also find a floating Buddha temple in middle of the Lake.

Fish Amok (steamed coconut fish in banana leaves)
Samlor Machu Trey (sweet and sour soup with fish)
Char kroeung Sach Ko (Stir-fried lemongrass beef)
Twa Ko (Cambodian sausage)
Nom banh chok (Khmer noodles)
Cha houy teuk -- jelly dessert
Lap Khmer: Lime-marinated Khmer beef salad