"Siem Reap — “Explore, Dream, Discover”"
Post on: June 21, 2018
Mention Siem Reap and our minds inadvertently drift towards the Angkor Wat. Yes! Siem Reap is the gateway to the much revered millennium-old temple ruins of the Khmer empire. However, with no disrespect to the hallowed ground, my recent visit to Siem Reap showed me that the picturesque city has more to offer than the renowned Angkor Wat.
Siem Reap is the home to many attractions like the awe-inspiring temples, theme parks, natural habitat, luxuriant mountains, vibrant night-life and boisterous markets where the flavours of the locals are captured.
One can write a whole book on the subject of tourism on Siem Reap. However, for brevity, I shall only capture the essence of some of the places I visited during my recent trip.
Angkor Wat:
A tour to Siem Reap is not complete until you have visited the Angkor Wat. It is the largest religious monument in the world. This legendary temple was originally built as a Hindu temple by King Suryavarman II. Subsequently, it was converted into a Buddhist temple during the late 12th century. The atmosphere was awe-inspiring — where one’s senses seize control of the quaint appeal. This is a place to be savoured — not something to be rushed upon.
Our guide, Mr Vichet was a glib talker with answers to every question from the tour group. I could see that he was passionate in his job as he spoke of the splendour of the city of Angkor Thom which was built during the golden age. Pride beamed as he expounded the glories of the Khmer empire through history and gave many anecdotes which we could relate to. He also delighted in taking our photographs which he did with great finesse despite the humid weather.
Ta Prohm Temple:
It is a distinctive temple where trees are intertwined with the ruins which give one a mystifying feel. It is no surprise that UNESCO inscribed Ta Prohm on the World Heritage List. If Angkor Wat is the demonstration of the genius of the ancient Khmers, Ta Prohm showcases the lushness and majesty of the jungle. The allure to visit the temple was also heightened by Angelina Joline’s hit movie “Tomb Raiders” which was shot here.
Phnom Kulen National Park Tour:
A visit to the Kulen mountain which means “Mountain of Lychees” is a must-see sight. The locals consider this the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. We were enthralled by the escapade — thousand-year-old carvings of Lingas on the riverbed, the iconic reclining Buddha and the thundering waterfalls.
The River of A Thousand Lingas was a spiritual journey to many. It features carvings of the sacred lingas in sandstone formations on the river bed and banks. As we were there when the water level was low, the carvings were clearly visible. It is believed that they have been carved into the river and it blesses the water that passes through. Our guide explained that the locals splash the river water on their hands and faces for good luck and health.
We then hiked the mountain and explored the surrounding to the awaiting waterfalls of Phnom Kulen. It was an opportune time to take a plunge — the refreshing waters was indeed a great respite from the arduous trek. Do not fret not being able to take photos while in the waterfall… enterprising locals have taken the task for us — both softcopy and printed photographs are available for US$2. Indeed a small price for a big keepsake!
Pub Street:
This is a place for the those wanting to chill out – The vibrant atmosphere entices one to stay on and soak up the electrifying atmosphere. It is Siem Reap’s party hub — filled with restaurants and pubs with a laid-back feel. The teetotalers were not left out either — some among us grabbed scoops of splendid ice cream to be immersed in the fun.
I was told the “Red Piano” is a cool place to hang out — the cosy atmosphere, splendid cuisine which is simply irresistible and more so, it was Angelina Jolie’s favourite haunt during her filming of “Tomb Raiders”.
There isn’t a dearth of interesting personalities to engage in a friendly conversation and make us feel at home. While at “Temple Club” restaurant, I met a cool guy, “Peppy Vee” from India with a larger than life personality — a rapper who enthralled the crowds both on and off stage. He was an IT professional who had it enough and traded his laptop to a bohemian lifestyle. He was philosophical and very knowledgeable as deciphered from his extrapolation in diverse subjects.
“You have only one life so make the best out of it,” he enthused. He wants to explore the world now that he’s still in his 20s…. the bigger things in life will come later when he transforms back into his professional getup. Wow…. we had an enjoyable chat with him and wish I was young once again to experience his everyday life… albeit such a lifestyle is not for everyone though.
Tuk-Tuk Ride:
The best way to discover Siem Reap is through the Tuk-tuk ride. These are two-wheeled carriages pulled behind by a motorcycle. The drivers hang outside hotels and are conversant in English. I engaged a friendly guy whose name “Mr Reth” was emblazoned on his tuk-tuk. Besides the organised tours in minibuses, he brought us to nearby places in his own “Rolls Royce” at a bargain — at a safe speed peppered with lots of tales and jokes.
Market Tours:
There are plenty of such excursions — a place for bargain hunting and to get all the souvenirs at a steal. I bought a beautiful bag for my mom which cost just a fraction from the display at my hotel — the very same bag! It pays to explore and bargain hunt. More so, the idiosyncrasies of the local people can be captured through such adventures. The affable sales girl was bubbly and entertained us with her jokes and friendly banter. Later we realised she was moonlighting at the store… she was a full-time student at 10th standard. The resilience and hard work of the people never fail to impress one.
Siem Reap is destined for great things and it has lived up to its expectations. From a sleepy town, it has transformed into a modern and hip place and yet deeply entrenched in its cultural and religious roots. Besides the monuments and historical sites, the ordinary people made an indelible mark on me. Their tourism slogan reverberates so fittingly, “Kingdom of Wonder, Feel the Warmth.”
By Shaji Thomas Varughese
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