Siem Reap and Angkor Wat
Experiencing the city of Siem Reap and visiting the Temples of Angkor Wat
CAMBODIAPOPULAR
Exploring Cambodia was an awe-inspiring adventure, allowing us to delve into its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Our journey began in Siem Reap, renowned for its magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex.
We arrived at the Siem Reap airport around 4 pm and waited in line for about 2 hours to get through customs. It seemed like everything was done manually in painfully slow pace. Nonetheless, we got through it and caught a taxi to our hotel located near the temple complex. We booked a 3-day tour of the temple complex with the first day starting at 4 am to watch sun rise over Angkor Wat and the lily pad pond.
During our visit we were completely captivated by the mystical charm of this ancient city and the history of the temples in the archaeological park.
Angkor Wat is the largest of the 70 other temples scattered around the Angkor Archaeological Park. Angkor Wat is over 900 years old, it was built for King Suryavarman II as Angkor City and was the center of the Khmer Empire in the first half of the 12th century. The temple complex was built to worship Hinduism and is orientated to the west, unlike the other Angkorian temples that face east.
Historians believe that Angkor Wat may have been intended as a funerary temple for the king in keeping with the Hindu faith of burying the deceased pointing to the west; it is also the direction in which the sun sets. It took 30 years to complete the sprawling Angkor Wat temple complex. One thousand elephants and 300,000 workers were used to construct it. At its peak, it is estimated that a million Cambodians lived in Angkor Wat and its surrounds. They worshipped at Angkor Wat and other temples scattered throughout the area.
Also while we were in Siem Reap, we were fortunate that it was during the Khmer New Year celebration. The Khmer New Year is one of the most important and highly anticipated celebrations in Cambodia. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new year. The festivities typically take place in mid-April and last for three days. People clean their homes and decorate them with colorful flowers to welcome the new year. Families gather to pay respects to their ancestors by offering food and burning incense.
Traditional games, music, and dance performances are held in villages and towns, adding to the joyful atmosphere. Water plays a significant role during this celebration, as it is believed to wash away bad luck and bring good fortune. People engage in water fights, splashing each other with water guns and buckets. In recent years, the celebrations have also included throwing baby powder and spreading it on others. It is a time of happiness, togetherness, and renewal as people connect with their roots and embrace the coming year. It was an amazing experience to be a part of the celebration.
The surrounding jungle and wildlife made the setting of the temples so unique and when you venture into some of the smaller side temples you truly felt like a world explorer. Click on the video below and turn up your speakers to hear the sounds of the jungle.
The weather was hot and humid with temperatures in the mid 30°C during our visit. So make sure you bring lots of water and get some local coconuts and grilled meats to keep your energy levels up. Janet demonstrating below.
Whether you're exploring the city of Siem Reap or the tranquil temples, Cambodia captivates with its warmth, history, and excitement. Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of this Southeast Asian gem and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy exploring!
Walking through the streets and staying dry was not going to happen!
Traditional dance is a large part of the Cambodian culture as well and we caught an Apsara Dance show at Koulen II Restaurant, which unfortunately due to the effects of Covid has now closed. Apsaras Dance is a traditional Cambodian dance that originated in the city of Siem Reap. This captivating dance is performed by skilled dancers who showcase their graceful movements and intricate gestures. The Apsaras Dance is characterized by its delicate hand movements, flowing costumes, and mesmerizing music.
This dance form is deeply rooted in Cambodian culture and is often performed at special events and celebrations. The dancers effortlessly depict stories from ancient mythology and folk tales through their elegant and expressive movements. Watching an Apsaras Dance performance is a truly enchanting experience that transports the audience to a world of beauty and serenity. Siem Reap is known for its rich cultural heritage, and the Apsaras Dance is a testament to the city's vibrant artistic traditions. After the show they allowed the crowd to come up and take pictures and Janet jumped at the opportunity!
