Important Note:
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| [Angkor Wat at Sunrise] [Picture Credits: "Cambodia-2638B - Angkor Wat" by Dennis Jarvis, Flickr is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0] |
There was a deep cultural connection between India & Cambodia right from 1 Century BCE. This is reflected in Sanskrit inscriptions found on the temple walls, resident brahmin priests, pottery findings, the discovery of Brahmi script, similar astronomical calculations, Gupta style architecture, and worshipping of deities Hanuman and Shiva.
In fact, this temple was called India's twin and was inspired by the Mahabalipuram temple in TN. Legend states that Suryavarman was a descendent of Cholas, the rulers of Tamil Nadu. Much of the temple was constructed in sandstone with 15 feet high walls surrounded by a moat, which protected the city from foreign invasion. A straight causeway joins right to the temple complex.
Angkor was also renowned for its excellent rainwater harvesting canals, reservoirs, and dikes, the largest of which spanned 8kms. This is nothing but an engineering feat. Even the moats depicted the design of the Hindu cosmic mountain of Mount Meru.
The temple complex soars majestically in the forested area and was first discovered by a French Naturalist Henri Mahout in 1860, and termed it as next only to Temple of Solomon in majesty. But the first western visitor was Antonio Madalena, a Portuguese Capuchin friar who was awestruck by the monumental architecture with sky-high towers, and aesthetic designs. He further went on to say that "There is no building in the world which can rival in grace and refinements as this, which only a genius could conceive in his mind. This is even grander than anything left by the Romans & Greeks".
It has 5 huge lotus-shaped towers that raise 65 meters into the sky which is mind-blowing. The empire spanned much of South East Asia, spreading from Cambodia, Burma, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, etc..
The first level exterior walls have Bass reliefs depictions and carvings of deities, animal figures, celestial dancers (apsaras/nymphs), and is a sight to behold. Even the mythological churning of the ocean 'Samudra Manthana' is depicted on the exterior walls. Photography is allowed at the temple site, but its best to take a shot during sunset and sunrise periods, which is truly magical.
The temple complex has achieved cult status and is depicted on Cambodia's National Flag, coins, stamps & currency notes. This is one of the hidden and lost civilizations of the yesteryears, whose beauty and construction is unparalleled. Further 25miles north of Angkor, you can unravel the ruins of the lost, hidden, and first capital city of the Khmer Empire, Mahendraparvata, which was the building template for the construction of Angkor Wat
If you want to understand the architectural and engineering marvels of olden times, then a visit to Phnom Pehn and Siem Reap is a must. Angkor Wat was the largest religious complex in the whole world during its heydays, and even now. But with the passage of times and vagaries of nature, the sprawling complex is in the grip of the huge Banyan tree and Silk cotton tree roots, which has choked it on all sides. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and was considered the largest city before the industrial era.
Arrival Formalities:
There is a facility for Visa on Arrival (VOA) for a tourist visa which costs around $30 and can be obtained at Phnom Pehn and Siem Reap airports.
The Cambodian Riel and US dollars are the officially accepted currencies here. The dollar is traded at almost all places, except for street-side stores. You can trade here in a mix of Riel & Dollars.
For your information, 1 Dollar = 4 Cambodian Riels. Purchasing SIM cards is very easy and you can find them at airports for $5(25G). At retailers, you can source Smart SIM Cards for $3 with 1-month validity.
How to get to Angkor:
The religious town of Siem Reap can be reached by bus(IBIS Bus=Almost $17) or taxi from Phnom Penh which takes about 6 hrs. You can also travel by waterways, at around the same time as road travel from the capital city. Siem Reap has its own airport and you can reach Phnom Penh, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Singapore from here.
Booking.com &12GoAsia.com have very good options for getting ideas on the travel itinerary, schedules, and prices beforehand to save a great deal of your time and energy.
Navigating through Khmer is only by Tuk Tuk and you can avail them for $1-$2. You can also download Grab App for getting an even cheaper deal.
Entrance Pass:
You need a valid Angkor complex pass to pass in the Angkor Archeological Park without which you can be fined. Passes are available for 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, etc.. If you purchase a multi-day pass, then you can enter in any day to visit the complex. There is a validity period for a 3 & 7-day pass which is printed on the ticket.
When to visit:
The peak season starts from December till May. Rains are unforgiving, so better plan your trip during winters and summers.
How to plan the visit:
Balloon rides give an aerial glimpse of the temple. If you want to visit some other complexes and off the beaten structures, then you can hire a cab or motorbike with registered guides. Siem Reap town is urbanized, and you will find plenty of lodging, dining, and tour package options.
Cultural aspects & Seasonal necessities:
Angkor Wat has a hot, tropical climate and its best acclimatized by wearing sunscreen, cap & UV Sunglasses. It's best to enjoy this place in light clothing. The rainy season demands a sturdy umbrella and boots. The hard terrain can take a toll on your shoes, so try to wear rugged shoes with hard soles.
You can tip the tour guides and waiters as a token of good service in Siem Reap.
There are numerous vendors, stalls, and restaurants selling their wares around the temple complex. You can bargain for Souvenirs, guide books, snacks, etc.. Beverages are pricey, so it's better to carry your own bottle.
You can hire an authorized guide and Tuk Tuk for navigating the temple complex. But since its a world heritage site, there are unregistered guides too, trying to make a quick buck.
Navigating the temple complex in a Tuk-Tuk costs $13 for 7hrs, but there's also a $5 extra charge for pickup at sunrise.
If you plan to hire a vehicle, then it is the norm here to drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Some cultural Lingo to learn:
- Susadei - 'Hello'
- Ot Thei - 'No'
- Arkun - 'Thank You'
Popular local beverages:
- Tomb Raider cocktail made famous by Lara Croft film 'Tomb Raider'
- Anchor beer
If you prefer outdoor settings then
visit Temple Bare, which is the best rooftop bar in Siem Reap.
Drinking Spots:
- Miss Wong - Old
world charm bar with lanterns, and vintage items all over.
- Angkor Wat - Chic
pub which serves drinks by a bucket.
Gastronomy spots:
- Mie Cafe - Offers
succulent meat dishes and fish menu.
- Cuisine Wat Damnak: This is
a restaurant with traditional Cambodian style cooking.
Hotels in Siem Reap:
- Budget hostel - Chilled
Backpacker(quiet and decent)
- Mid-tier hotel - Baby
Elephant Boutique Hotel
- Boutique Hotel - Everland
- Luxury Hotel - Belmond
Angkor has private balconies constructed using locally crafted materials.
Walls are adorned with bespoke artwork created by contemporary Cambodian
artists.
The first two hotels are located in the
Wat Bo area, around 10-15 min walk from the riverside to the city center.
Luxury hotels such as Park Hyatt & Angkor Note residence are also favored
by high-end tourists. Bopha Angkor is a chic hotel with spacious rooms, very
near to Siem Reap. Do visit Blue Pumpkin Cafe for light snacks and icecreams.
This is a famous hanging spot for expatriates and tourists.
- Made in Cambodia Market - Locals only artisan market where you can scout for local woven scarves, woven straw bags, wooden sculptures, and other souvenirs items to take as a
memory.
- Artisans Angkor - Local enterprise which promotes the rural Khmer craft, wood carvings, stone
arts, and handmade products.
Bets Travel Deal websites: (Assuming you have taken your travel insurance)
- Airbnb: Local
homestays and apartments in cities, rented by homeowners. You even get a
discount on your first stay.
- Momondo: A
classic flight search engine.
- Hostelword: Hostel
search engine.
- Agoda: Best hotel booking search engine.
Nearby attractions in Siem Reap:
- Angkor Palace - Palace
of King Jayavarman.
- Angkor Elephant terrace - 1000ft
elephant terrace. It was a viewing gallery during public & royal ceremonies.
- Srah Srang: Known as the 'Royal Baths', since it was a popular bathing area.
- Tonle Sap Lake - The tourism department conducts sailing adventures here. It is considered the largest lake in Asia, where people reside in floating villages.
Angkor Wat Parting Notes:
Even today you will find monks from all over South Asia and curious tourists hoarding this temple complex. Angkor Wat was the famed 'Yashodhapura' reclaimed from the annals of history and time.
Cambodia famed temple, the ancient stone city, and its decrepit stones have a lot of enduring tales to narrate. It is rightly called the cultural treasure of Cambodia and Cambodians as a whole can go any mile to guard it.
This was the same magical place filled with grandeur, majesty, and harmony and located in lush dense jungles, that olden historical chroniclers mentioned eons ago.
Some historians and merchants even publicized a romanticized notion of a deserted temple town emerging from a hidden, mysterious jungle.
The impressive craftsmanship of the royal palace of Jayavarman, one of the famous Angkor kings and exquisite detailing of the 1000 elephant terrace is just remarkable.
Angkor Wat in its restored original state will rival even the best of monuments existing today. It's magnificence and majesty speak of a luxury surpassing even of Pharoah or Taj Mahal.
Angkor Wat is a compulsory stop for any tourist visiting Cambodia. The picturesque backdrop of the setting sun is truly a wonder, and travelers will surely treasure the memories of wandering in the sprawling ruins forever.
An epitome of Khmer architecture and epicenter of Cambodia's tourism industry, Angkor Wat is an unforgettable experience.
Before winding, I truly wish everyone visit this breathtaking fabled city, whose facade and ruins never fail to surprise.