The town of Siem Reap (Siem Reap) stretches from north to south along the Siem Reap at about 2 km from east to west along the national road number 6 about 4 km. Airport is situated 6 km from the city ( See map below ). The main Angkor complex lies to the north at 7 km from the city. All hotels are located in or near to it, and scattered throughout the city. Attractions in Siem Reap
SIEM REAP ORIENTATION
Airport Name: Siem Reap International Airport. (REP) WHAT TO BRINGThe Sun can be intense so bring a hat or umbrella, Sunglasses and perhaps sunblock. Carry a raincoat during wet season, though you will probably only need it in the afternoon. During sunrise and sunset hours, you should have mosquito repellent. For climbing narrow steps and walking on uneven surfaces, you should wear pratical shoes. For lady a very short dress are not allow to enter the temples. ARRIVAL - SIEM REAPVisas: A Cambodian visa is required for most nationalities. Visas are available on arrival at the Siem Reap International Airport, the Phnom Penh International Airport and most border crossings. More detail... Airport Departure: Tax Domestic: US$6. International: US$25 Airport Transport: The airport sits 6km from
town, close to the temples, occasionally affording spectacular views of Angkor
Siem Reap Ferry Dock: The ferry to Siem Reap arrives at Chong Khneas near Phnom Krom, 12km south of Siem Reap. There is always transportation waiting at the dock. Mototaxis charge about $1.50-$2 and cars $4-$5 for the 20-30 minute ride into town. CLIMATCOOL DRY (November-February): A comfortable time of year to visit the temples near Siem Reap. It's the middle of the cool season with average mid-day temperatures in the mid 20s, sometime dipping below 20 at night. The monsoon rains trailed off through October and November, and have usually stopped completely by mid November. These months - November through February - are generally considered to be the best time of year to visit, with December and January offering the very best weather of the year across the country - comfortably warm days, clear skies, no rain, light breeze, cool evenings. Temperatures begin to creep up a bit through February and there are occasional, short 'mango showers' in the afternoon. HOT DRY (March-May):
The dry season continues, the only precipitation being short 'mango showers'
in the afternoons that slowly increase in frequency and intensity through
these months. During these months river and lake levels are very low,
HOT WET (June-August): The hot season continues but is fairly quickly moderated as the monsoon rains begin in May and June, cooling, if only a bit, the hot, dry air. Across most of the country, the monsoon rains are fairly predictable, usually occurring in the afternoon or at night. And the afternoon rains usually last no more than a couple of hours making them fairly easy to plan around, especially if you are visiting the temples or touring. In fact, the Angkor temples are at their aesthetic best during the wet season. The surrounding moats and reflecting pools are full, the jungle is lush and moisture bring outs the colors of the stone and the lichens and moss growing on the temples. Boat travel becomes easier and more reliable as the river and lake levels rise, but as the wet season progresses, some roads sometimes deteriorate or become inundated.
COOL WET (September-October): . The air doesn't really begin to cool much until October or November, but still, its cooler than the hot months. In September the temperatures hover in the mid 30s and slowly drop through the following months. By October, the mid day temperatures are around 30. In September the rainy season is just passing its peak. The rains are still very regular and intense, but by October the frequency is usually dropping off considerably. By the end of October the rains are close to stopping completely, if they haven't already. As the rains end through October, the best time of year to visit Cambodia begins.
TRANSPORTATION IN SIEM REAPFor all visitors mus processess an admission pass to visit
the temples and sites in the Angkor Archaeological Park. All admission Pass are sold in one-day (US$ 20), Three-day (US$ 40), and Seven-day (US$ 60)blocks tha must be used on consecutive days. For Three and Seven day passed, one passport-sized photo should be ready by your own to speed up the process. Free photos are provided at the main entance if you do not have your own photo. Note: Admission pass are non-reissue. A new pass must be puchased if any lost or demage. TRANSPORTATION IN SIEM REAPSiem Reap is almost small enough to get around on foot, but the nearest temples are several kilometers from town. Motorcycle taxis and moto-romauks ('tuk-tuks') are the most common form of transport for short trips around town. Transportation to the temples is usually hired by the day.
Motorcycle Taxis and Trailers (Moto-romauks, 'tuk-tuks')
Motorcycle Rental Tourists are no longer allowed to rent motorcycles or cars, or drive a vehicle in Siem Reap.
Small Group Tours Set itinerary, mini bus tours of the temples can be an economical alternative to hiring your own car and driver. Some travel agencies run minibuses capable of carrying between 10 and 25 people on set tours of the temples. The price includes guide and transportation.
Tour guide particaly helpful in explaining the basreliefs and history of the temples, Tour guide can be hired through most hotels and travel agents. Mose guide can be hired around US$ 20-25 per day.
Top
ANGKOR WAT: Angkor Wat is surrounded
by a moat and an exterior wall measuring 1300 meters x 1500 meters. The temple
The northern reflecting pool in front is the most popular sunrise location. For sunrise, arrive very early, well before sunrise begins. The sun will rise behind Angkor Wat providing a silhouette of Angkor’s distinctively shaped towers against a colored sunrise sky. Some of the best colors appear just before the sun breaks over the horizon. The visual impact of Angkor Wat, particularly on one's first visit, is awesome. As you pass through the outer gate and get your first glimpse, its size and architecture make it appear two dimensional, like a giant postcard photo against the sky. After you cross through the gate and approach the temple along the walkway it slowly gains depth and complexity. To maximize this effect you should make your first visit in optimal lighting conditions, i.e. after 2:00PM. Do not make your first visit to Angkor Wat in the morning when the backlighting obscures the view. Back to Tourist SiteThe first level of is the most artistically interesting. Most visitors begin their exploration with the bas-reliefs that cover the exterior wall of the first level, following the bas-reliefs counterclockwise around the temple. Bas-relief highlights include the mythological Battle of Kuru on the west wall; the historical march of the army of Suryavarman II, builder of Angkor Wat, against the Cham, followed by scenes from Heaven and Hell on the south wall; and the classic ‘Churning of the Ocean Milk’ on the east wall. The temple interior is not as densely carved as the first level exterior, but still sports hundreds of fine carvings of apsaras and scenes from Hindu mythology. A guide can be quite helpful in explaining the stories of the various chambers, statues and architectural forms to be found in the interior. At the upper-most of your tour of the temple, the central tower on the third level houses four Buddha images, each facing a different cardinal point, highlighting the fact that though Angkor Wat was constructed as a Hindu temple, it has served as a Buddhist temple since Buddhism became Cambodia’s dominant religion in the 14th century. Some say that it is good luck to pay homage to all four Buddha images before departing Angkor. Back to Tourist SiteANGKOR THOM: is a 3km2 walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian empire. After Jayavarman VII recaptured the Angkorian capital from the Cham invaders in 1181, he began a massive building campaign across the empire, constructing Angkor Thom as his new capital city. He began with existing structures such as Baphuon and Phimeanakas and built a grand enclosed city around them, adding the outer wall/moat and some of Angkor's greatest temples including his state-temple, Bayon, set at the center of the city. There are five entrances (gates) to the city, one for each cardinal point, and the victory gate leading to the Royal Palace area. Each gate is crowned with 4 giant faces. The South Gate is often the first stop on a tour. BAYON TEMPLE: If you see only
two temples, Angkor Wat and Bayon should be the ones. The giant stone faces
of Bayon The best of Bayon are the bas-reliefs on the exterior walls of the lower level and on the upper level where the stone faces reside. The bas-reliefs on the southern wall contain real-life scenes from the historical sea battle between the Khmer and the Cham. It is not clear whether this represents the Cham invasion of 1177AD or a later battle in which the Khmer were victorious. Even more interesting are extensive carvings of unique and revealing scenes of everyday life that are interspersed among the battle scenes, including market scenes, cockfighting, chess games and childbirth. Also note the unfinished carvings on other walls, likely indicating the death of Jayavarman VII and the subsequent end of his building campaign. Some of the reliefs on the inner walls were carved at a later date under the Hindu king Jayavarman VIII. The surrounding tall jungle makes Bayon a bit dark and flat for photographs near sunrise and sunset.. Back to Tourist SitePHIMEAN AKAS:Impressive laterite and sandstone pyramid. The lack of surviving carvings leaves it artistically uninteresting, but it is the tallest scalable temple in Angkor Thom, providing a nice view from the top. The western staircase (at the back) is the most easily ascended. Located inside the ancient Royal Palace compound, Phimeanakas served as the king’s temple. Legend has it that the golden tower crowned the temple and was inhabited by a serpent, which would transform into a woman. The kings of Angkor were required to make love with the serpent every night, lest disaster befall him or the kingdom. TERRACE OF THE ELEPHANTS: Two
and a half-meter tall, 300 meter long terrace wall adorned with carved elephants TERRACE OF LEPER KING: Double terrace wall at the north end of the Terrace of Elephants with deeply carved nagas, demons and other mythological beings. The inner wall is an earlier version of the outer wall that was covered at the time the outer wall was added. The inner wall was excavated by French archaeologists in the late 1990s. The terrace was named for the statue of the ‘Leper King’ that sits on top. Why the statue is known as the 'leper king' is a matter of debate. Some argue that when the statue was found, its lichen-eaten condition gave it the appearance of leprosy. Others have argued that it is a statue of the leper king of Khmer legend, or that the condition of the statue inspired its connection to the legend. The model for the statue is also a matter of debate. Suggestions include a couple of different Hindu gods, and the Khmer kings Yasovarman I and Jayavarman VII. Recent scholarship favors a combination of Jayavarman VII and Buddha. The statue of the leper king on display at the terrace is a replica. The original resides in the National Museum in Phnom Penh. BAPOUN: East-facing brick towers containing unique bas-reliefs of Vishnu and Lakshmi rendered in brick - the only example of brick bas-reliefs in the Angkor area. Prasat Kravan was originally constructed by noblemen rather than a king and has a twin sister in Takeo Province south of Phnom Penh, Prasat Neang Khmau, which contained painting rather than bas-reliefs, some of which still survives. Prasat Kravan was reconstructed by archaeologists in the early 20th century. Look for modern replacement bricks labeled "CA.". Back to Tourist SiteTA SOM: Small, classic Bayon-style monastic complex consisting of a relatively flat enclosure, face tower gopuras and cruciform interior sanctuaries much like a miniature version of Ta Prohm. Many of the carvings are in good condition and display particularly fine execution for late 12th century works. Take note of the devata carvings which show an uncommon individuality. A huge tree grows from the top of the eastern gopura. It is destroying the gate but it is a photo classic. Best photographed in the afternoon. Ta Som is the most distant temple on the Grand Circuit.
Back to Tourist SitePREAH KHAN: is a huge, highly explorable monastic complex. Full of carvings, passages and photo opportunities. It originally served as a Buddhist monastery and school, engaging over 1000 monks. For a short period it was also the residence of King Jayavarman VII during the reconstruction of his permanent home in Angkor Thom. Preah Khan means 'sacred sword.’ In harmony with the architecturally similar Ta Prohm, which was dedicated to Jayavarman VII's mother, Preah Khan is dedicated to his father. Features of note: like most of Jayavarman VII's monuments, the Buddha images were vandalized in the later Hindu resurgence. Some Buddha carvings in the central corridor have been crudely carved over with Bodhisattvas, and in a couple of odd cases, a lotus flower and a linga. Also note the cylindrical columns on the building west of the main temple. It is one of the only examples of round columns and may be from a later period. BANTEAY KDEI:Sprawling, largely unrestored, monastic complex in much the same style as Ta Prohm. It was originally constructed over the site of an earlier temple, and functioned as a Buddhist monastery under Jayavarman VII. As with other works of Jayavarman VII's era, it is a tightly packed architectural muddle, which like Bayon, suffered from several changes in the plans at the time of construction. It was also built using an inferior grade of sandstone and using poor construction techniques, leading to much of the deterioration visible today. A restoration project is underway on many of the towers and corridors, and some areas are blocked off. The foundation stele of the temple has not been found so there is no record of to whom it is dedicated. SRAH SRANG:Picturesque baray opposite the east entrance of Banteay Kdei. Originally constructed by the same architect that built Pre Rup. Remodeled in the 12th century as part of Jayavarman VII's massive building campaign. A multi-tiered landing platform on the west edge of the baray is adorned with naga balustrades and guardian lions. The very sparse remains of an island temple can be seen poking out of the middle of the lake during the dry season when the water is low. Srah Srang offers a pleasant, much less touristed sunrise alternative to Angkor Wat. Back to Tourist SitePRE RUP: Architecturally and artistically superior temple-mountain. Beautifully carved false doors on upper level, as well as an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. Richly detailed, well-preserved carvings. Traditionally believed to be a funerary temple, but in fact the state temple of Rajendravarman II. Historically important in that it was the second temple built after the capital was returned to Angkor from Koh Ker after a period of political upheaval. The artistically similar East Mebon was the first to be constructed after the return to Angkor, less than a decade earlier. THOMMANON: Small, attractive temple in very good condition, built at the same time as Angkor Wat. The Angkor Wat style is most easily seen in the style of the towers and carved devatas. Thommanon seems to stand in conjunction with Chau Say Tevoda across the street, but was built decades earlier. Thommanon is currently in much better condition than Chau Say Tevoda, in part because archaeologists heavily restored it in the 1960's. But even before restoration, Thommanon was in better shape than Chau Say Tevoda due in part to the lack of the stone-enclosed wood beams in Thommanon’s super-structure that were used in Chau Say Tevoda’s construction. Many of Thommanon’s carvings are in excellent condition. The colors of the age stained sandstone against the jungle are very photogenic, particularly in the wet season. Back to Tourist SitePRASAT KRAVAN: East-facing brick towers containing unique bas-reliefs of Vishnu and Lakshmi rendered in brick - the only example of brick bas-reliefs in the Angkor area. Prasat Kravan was originally constructed by noblemen rather than a king and has a twin sister in Takeo Province south of Phnom Penh, Prasat Neang Khmau, which contained painting rather than bas-reliefs, some of which still survives. Prasat Kravan was reconstructed by archaeologists in the early 20th century. Look for modern replacement bricks labeled "CA.". NEAK PEAN: Small, classic Bayon-style monastic complex consisting of a relatively flat enclosure, face tower gopuras and cruciform interior sanctuaries much like a miniature version of Ta Prohm. Many of the carvings are in good condition and display particularly fine execution for late 12th century works. Take note of the devata carvings which show an uncommon individuality. A huge tree grows from the top of the eastern gopura. It is destroying the gate but it is a photo classic. Best photographed in the afternoon. Ta Som is the most distant temple on the Grand Circuit. ROLUOS GROUP: Roluos Group is a collection of monuments representing the remains of Hariharalaya, the first major capital of the Angkorian-era Khmer Empire. It has become known as the ‘Roluos Group’ due to its proximity to the modern town of Roluos. The ancient capital was named for Hari-Hara, a synthesis of the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu. Though there was an existing settlement in the area before the rise of Angkor, Hariharalaya was established as a capital city by Jayavarman II and served as the Khmer capital for over 70 years under four successive kings. Setting the pattern for the next four centuries, the first great Khmer temples (Bakong, Preah Ko, Lolei) and baray (reservoir) were constructed at Hariharalaya. The last king at Hariharalaya, Yasovarman I, built the first major temple at Angkor, Phnom Bakheng, and moved the capital to the Bakheng area in 905 C.E. With the exception of a 20 year interruption in the 10th century, the capital would remain at Angkor until 1422 C.E., 12km southeast of Siem Reap. Back to Tourist SiteBAKONG: The most impressive member of the Roluos Group, sitting at the center of the first Angkorian capital, Hariharalaya. Bakong stands 15 meters tall and is 650x850m at the outer wall. Constructed by the third Angkorian-era king as his state-temple, Bakong represents the first application of the temple-mountain architectural formula on a grand scale and set the architectural tone for the next 400 years. The temple displays a very early use of stone rather than brick. Though begun by Indravarman I, Bakong received additions and was expanded by later kings. The uppermost section and tower may have been added as late as the 12th century AD. Some of the lintel carvings, particularly on the outer towers, are in very good shape. Picturesque moat and vegetation surround Bakong. PREAH KO: Six towers displaying set on a platform, all beautifully preserved carvings . Originally surrounded by walls and gopuras of which only vestiges remain. Preah Ko was one of the first major temples of the empire at the early Khmer capital of Hariharalaya. Preah Ko (Sacred Bull) derives its name from the statues of bulls at the front of the central towers. LO LEI: Ruins of an island-temple built in the middle of a now dry baray, Indratataka, the first large-scale baray constructed by a Khmer king. Lolei consists of four brick towers on a double laterite platform. It was the last major temple built at Roluos before Yasovarman I moved the capital to the Angkor area. Though the towers are in poor condition, there are some lintel carvings in very good condition displaying the distinctively detailed Preah Ko style. An active pagoda has been built amongst the ruins. Of the Roluos Group ruins, allocate the least time Lolei. BANTEAY SREY: loosely translates to ‘citadel of the women,’ but this is a modern appellation that probably refers to the delicate beauty of the carvings. Built at a time when the Khmer Empire was gaining significant power and territory, the temple was constructed by a Brahmin counselor under a powerful king, Rajendravarman and later under Jayavarman V. Banteay Srey displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. The walls are densely covered with some of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple. The temple's relatively small size, pink sandstone construction and ornate design give it a fairyland ambiance. The colors are best before 10:30 AM and after 2:00 PM, but there are fewer tourists in the afternoon. This temple was discovered by French archaeologists relatively late, in 1914. The temple area closes at 5:00 PM. Banteay Srey lies 38 km from Siem Reap, requiring extra travel time. Drivers usually charge a fee in addition to their normal daily charge for the trip. Banteay Srey is well worth the extra effort. Back to Tourist Site
BANTEAY SAMRE: Large, comparatively flat temple displaying distinctively Angkor Wat-style architecture and artistry. The temple underwent extensive restoration this century by archaeologists using the anastylosis method. Banteay Samre was constructed around the same time as Angkor Wat. The style of the towers and balustrades bear strong resemblance to the towers of Angkor Wat and even more so to Khmer temple of Phimai in Thailand. Many of the carvings are in excellent condition. Banteay Samre is a bit off the Grand Circuit, near the southeast corner of the East Baray. The trip there is a nice little 3km road excursion through villages and paddies.
TUNLE SAP LAKE: Cambodia's
Great Lake, the Boeung Tonle Sap (Tonle Sap Lake,) is the most prominent feature
on the map of Cambodia - a huge dumbbell-shaped body of water stretching across
the northwest section of the country. In the wet season, the Tonle Sap Lake
is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, swelling to an expansive 12,000
km2. During the dry half of the year the Lake shrinks to as small as 2500
km2, draining into the Tonle Sap River, which meanders southeast, eventually
merging with the Mekong River at the 'chaktomuk' confluence of rivers opposite
Phnom Penh. But during the wet season a unique hydrologic phenomenon causes
the river to reverse direction, filling the lake instead of draining it. The
engine of The lake sits only about 15 km south of Siem Reap town. If you take the ferry between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap you will cross the lake and dock at the village of Chong Khneas. There are several ways to see the culture and wildlife of the lake area depending on the amount of time you have and your interest. Back to Tourist SiteChong Khneas Kampong Phluk Kampong Phluk sees comparatively few foreign visitors and offers a close look at the submerged forest and lakeside village life as yet unperturbed by tourism. The area can be reached by boat from the Chong Khneas or by a combination of road and boat. Make arrangements through your guesthouse of tour operator, or charter a boat at the Chong Khneas docks (starting at $35 return for a half-day at the village). By road/boat, take a car or moto to Roluos village just off Route #6 east of Siem Reap and the take a boat through the flooded forest the rest of the way to the village. During the dry season the road is clear and you can drive all of the way to the village. Kampong Khleang The area can be reached by boat from the Chong Khneas docks or by a combination of road to Domdek on Route #6 and then boat to the village, the best method depending on the time of year. During the dry season, boats cannot get all of the way to the main villages. Consult your guesthouse or tour operator about current conditions. Many tour operators have very little experience in this area so it is best to consult with adventure tour operators and guesthouses that specialize in this area. Small group tours begin at about $35 for a half day and range up through $70 depending on the size of the group and the type of tour. To get there yourself, either charter a boat from Chong Khneas or take car or moto to Domdek village on Route #6 east of Siem Reap, turn south and continue to the water's edge where boats wait to ferry passengers into the village. During the dry season the road is clear and you can take a car or moto all of the way to the village.) Back to Tourist Site
Tonle Sap Exhibition in Siem Reap The Exhibition on the Khmer Heritage is sponsored by Krousar Thmey, (which means "New Family" - a Cambodia-based NGO assisting children in Cambodia). The current exhibition is dedicated to the Tonle Sap Lake and the people, culture and environment of the area. The displays are actually quite informative and include maps, photos, models of traditional houses, boats and fishing implements with written explanations in French, English and Khmer. The highlight of the exhibit is a working scale model of the Tonle Sap Lake. There are also exhibits on the work of Krousar Thmey. Open everyday. Closed noon till 2:00pm. Admission is free, donations accepted. Located on the road to Angkor Wat just past the Jayavarman VII hospital. LAND MINE MUSEUM: Years of war have brought Cambodia one of the worst landmine problems in the world. The museum contains a variety of defused mines, bombs and other ordinance, as well as a mock minefield where you can test your demining skills. The creator and proprietor of the museum, Akira, worked as a deminer in recent years. He is often there to provide personal tours and tell of his experiences as a young soldier. Relevant and educational. 7AM-6PM. Donations accepted. Turn off the road to Angkor Wat at the Krousar Thmey sign, go 750m, turn left and then another 750m.
CAMBODIA CULTURAL VILLAGE: A unique, sprawling new cultural attraction in Siem Reap, intended to introduce the visitor to Cambodian culture and history. Wax museum with scenes and figures from history. Fascinating 1/20th scale models of sites such as Phsar Thmey and the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and the hills and temples of Oudong. Full scale models of a variety of Cambodian architectural types, including different styles of huts and homes, hill tribe houses, pagoda and mosque. Live shows, traditional dance performances and music. Traditional Khmer wedding show twice per day. On Airport Road.
Back to Tourist SiteHELICOPTER RIDES: Helicopter rides offer an absolutely amazing and completely unique view of the temples. Helicopters Cambodia is a New Zealand owned operation based at the Siem Reap airport, offering scenic flights around the Angkor temples as well as specialized temple tours, aerial filming, photography, charters and more. A eight-minute scenic flight to see Angkor Wat begins at $75 per person. More extensive scenic packages and flights to distant temples available. Office located on Hup Guan Street behind the Center Market. HORSEBACK RIDING: The Happy Ranch International standard horse ranch and riding school offering trail rides and riding lessons for adults and children. Private and group lessons available. Western instructor. English and Western style. See map. Follow road from Sivatha. Look for signs. KBAL SPEAN:Commonly known as the valley of a 1000 Lingas, Kbal Spean: is set deep in the jungle to the north east of Angkor. A 45 minute steep walk takes you to the river and waterfalls where hundreds of phalluses are carved on the riverbed. The waterfall here is best seen at the end of the rainy season. At the top of the falls are numerous carved figures and animals This site has only been opened up to tourism since 1998 and is less crowded than the nearby Phnom Koulen. This Hindu Pilgrimage site predates Angkor Wat by some 200 years; making it one the most ancient sites in the region. Kbal Spean is looked after very well; the waymarked trail is a very attractive route through atmospheric jungle. The path is steep; with some well maintained steps. Sounds of birds and wildlife with hundreds of butterflies enhance the visit which is at its best in the rainy season or early in the Dry season May through to December. PHNOM KULEN: Phnom Kulen is widely regarded as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer empire and is some forty eight kilometers from Siem Reap. This hilltop site has the country's largest reclining Buddha and it was here that the King Jayavarma II proclaimed independence from Java in 802 A.D. It has only just returned to government hands after the fall of the Khmer Rouge and is currently fairly inaccessible due to the poor state of the roads especially in the rainy season. Cutting through the area is the River of 1000 Lingas. Just five cm under the water's surface over 1000 small carvings are etched into the sandstone riverbed while further downstream larger blocks of stone are carved with Apsaras, Vishnu, and other figures. All the sandstone used in the construction of Angkor was quarried here. |
Siem Reap is a province of Cambodia. It is well known because of ancient temples of Angkor especially Angkor Wat. Its Town stretches about 2km north-south along the Siem Reap River and roughly
3-4km east/west along National Road 6. The airport sits 6km from town. The
main temple complex lies about 5-10km north of town. All of the hotels are
in or near town, and are spread relatively evenly across the town, though
there are still concentrations in certain parts of town: 1) there are a variety
of hotels, shops and restaurants near the Old Market; 2) several large upscale
hotels between the airport and town along Rte. #6; 3) two budget oriented
areas: one along ‘Wat Bo Road and the other in the Taphul Village area; 4)
a variety of mid-range hotels and restaurants along Sivatha; the Phsar Leu
area 2 km east of town center. 
Wat
during landings and take offs. Outside the terminal is a ticket booth for
registered taxis into town. Independent taxis and motorcycles wait just outside
the airport. The price is the same for both: motorcycles are $1 and cars are
$5 into town. Most hotels offer free transportation from the airport but you
must notify them in advance of your arrival. 
generally
making boat/river ferry travel much less reliable. The low river and lake
levels make boat passage difficult and can greatly increase travels times.
On the other hand, road travel (bus, taxi, motorcycle) is much easier and
more reliable for lack of rainy season flooding. The temperature slowly rises
through February and March, peaking out in April and May before the monsoons
begin. February and March are still comfortable but by April mid-day temperatures
can hover in the mid to upper 30s, especially in inland areas like Siem Reap.
Though sometime hot, the lack of rain still leaves this a good time of year
to visit the temples.
passes
can be purchased at the Main Entrance on the road to Angkor
Wat but for only one-day ticket can also purchased at the secondary tollgate
on airport road entrance and at Banteay Srey Temple.
transport.
Tuk-tuks are covered offering some protection from sun and rain. In Siem Reap
most drivers speak some English. For short trips around the town, foreigners
are expected to pay 2000-4000R for motodups and about twice that for a motorcycle
trailer. To the temples, transportation is usually rented by the day. Rates
run $6-$9/day for a motodup, and about $10-$13/day for motorcycle trailers.
.jpg)
itself
is 1 km square and consists of three levels surmounted by a central tower.
The walls of the temple are covered inside and out with bas-reliefs and carvings.
Nearly 2000 distinctively rendered apsara carvings adorn the walls throughout
the temple and represent some of the finest examples of apsara carvings in
Angkorian era art. But it is the exterior walls of the lower level that display
the most extraordinary bas-reliefs, depicting stories and characters from
Hindu mythology and the historical wars of Suryavarman II. It is in the viewing
of the bas-reliefs that a tour guide can be very helpful. .jpg)
have
become one of the most recognizable images connected to classic Khmer art
and architecture. There are 37 standing towers, most but not all sporting
four carved faces oriented toward the cardinal points. Who the faces represent
is a matter of debate but they may be Loksvara, Mahayana Buddhism's compassionate
Bodhisattva, or perhaps a combination of Buddha and Jayavarman VII. Bayon
was the Jayavarman VII's state-temple and in many ways represents the pinnacle
of his massive building campaign. It appears to be, and is to some degree,
an architectural muddle, in part because it was constructed in a somewhat
piecemeal fashion for over a century. 
and garudas that spans the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon, Phimeanakas
and the Royal Palace area. The northern section of the wall displays some
particularly fine sculpture including the five headed horse and scenes of
warriors and dancers. Constructed in part by Jayavarman VII and extended by
his successor. The wall faces east so the best lighting for photography before
noon. 
this
phenomenon is the Mekong River, which becomes bloated with snow melt and runoff
from the monsoon rains in the wet season. The swollen Mekong backs up into
the Tonle Sap River at the point where the rivers meet at the 'chaktomuk'
confluence, forcing the waters of the Tonle Sap River back upriver into the
lake. The inflow expands the surface area of lake more than five-fold, inundating
the surrounding forested floodplain and supporting an extraordinarily rich
and diverse eco-system. More than 100 varieties of waterbirds including several
threatened and endangered species, over 200 species of fish, as well as crocodiles,
turtles, macaques, otter and other wildlife inhabit the inundated mangrove
forests. The Lake is also an important commercial resource, providing more
than half of the fish consumed in Cambodia. In harmony with the specialized
ecosystems, the human occupations at the edges of the lake is similarly distinctive
- floating villages, towering stilted houses, huge fish traps, and an economy
and way of life deeply intertwined with the lake, the fish, the wildlife and
the cycles of rising and falling waters.