Discovering Cambodia: Siem Reap & Angkor Wat

    Arriving in Siem Reap felt like stepping into a whole new world—a complete change of pace from the bustling streets of Thailand. The town’s laid-back vibe instantly charmed us, with quieter streets and a sense of authenticity. On our first night, we dove right into the local cuisine with a delicious Cambodian curry—similar to Thai food but less spicy (which made Mel very happy!).

    Exploring Siem Reap’s city market was an adventure in itself. The sellers can be a bit pushy, but it’s all part of the experience. Harry was on the hunt for a linen shirt, and one determined seller tried everything to close the deal—even jokingly saying, "I want your money!" Despite the persistence, we appreciated the art of negotiation and scored some great deals. The market was perfect for souvenirs, but being backpackers, we had to limit ourselves. Among the bustling shops, we were amazed to see a line of women sitting on the ground, selling fresh fish, meat, and vegetables—right on the floor! Mel chatted with a lovely lady who explained that it’s not just about selling food; it’s also a social gathering where she can catch up with friends.

    The Cambodian people were so friendly and welcoming. We were often stopped on the street by locals who were genuinely happy to see us exploring their country. Their kindness made us feel at home. 

    We could feel the French influence lingering from the old colonial days, with the architecture reminiscent of Morocco—beautiful and unique, adding a charming touch to the city.

    Of course, a visit to Siem Reap wouldn’t be complete without exploring the breathtaking Angkor Wat! We booked a guided sunrise tour to dive deep into its history and see the temples in the best light. The sun slowly rising behind the majestic towers was an unforgettable sight. 

    During our tour, we met Ana and Luke, a lovely Spanish-English couple living in London. We instantly clicked, sharing stories and laughs, and we’re already planning to see them again in the future!

    We visited four temples: Bakong, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and the iconic Angkor Wat. Each had its own unique charm:

• Angkor Wat: Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, it’s the largest religious monument in the world. Fun fact: The temple was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu but later transformed into a Buddhist site.

• Bayon Temple: Famous for its 200 massive stone faces, believed to represent the king himself. It’s a maze of corridors and mysterious smiling faces.

• Ta Prohm: Nature reclaims this temple, with massive trees and roots intertwined with the stone ruins. It’s also known as the "Tomb Raider Temple" after Angelina Jolie filmed scenes for Tomb Raider here, making it an iconic spot for movie fans.

• Bakong Temple: The oldest of the temples we visited, built in the late 9th century, and the state temple of King Indravarman I.

We could have spent days exploring all the temples—there are so many! 

Cambodia started well, and became one of our highlight of our South East Asia trip.