Cambodia- Siem Reap — Understated Ideas

I visited Siem Reap for a short 3 day trip while in Southeast Asia in December. I'd never been to Cambodia before and was excited, intrigued and nervous. It was my first solo trip in a long while and I planned it as a small get away while visiting Singapore for a few weeks.

Squeezing through the packed streets outside the Old Market

As I rode on the pre-arranged tuk tuk from the airport to the hotel, the scenes we passed by felt familiar, much like other parts of Southeast Asia I've been to before. I arrived on a Wednesday, which meant everyone was going about their regular work week. And on top of that, as a tourist, I stood out with my pink shorts and curious eyes.

Sunrise from the main tower in Angkor Wat

I explored town the first day and arranged a tour of the Angkor Wat temple complex for early the next morning. The ruins at Angkor were impressive. Angkor Wat itself was awesome in every sense of the word. Built in the 12th century, it has every bit the worn appearance of a temple complex that is 9 centuries old. I set out at 4:30 AM for a small tour of 8 temples, starting with sunrise at Angkor Wat. I was surprised when we arrived at the ticket office to see crowds of tourists lining up at multiple booths to buy tickets. Given that it wasn't yet 5 AM, I gathered they all were trying to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat as well.

A visitor receiving a prayer bracelet from a monk

The first hour or so at Angkor Wat was packed with tourists and various huge tour groups jostling for the best spot for a photograph of the sunrise. Professional and amateur photographers alike were stationed in front of the water with their tripods. The rest of the tour was much more meditative as I explored on my own while my tuk tuk driver waited at a designated spot for us to meet.

After about 2 or 3 hours of clambering up and down what seemed like never ending steep, high, and worn steps with rusty railings for support, I mentally groaned whenever I saw yet another flight of steep steps. By the end of the tour about 6 hours later I was completely exhausted.

One thing that amused me was the dedication of a few visitors dressed in very fashionable but impractical temple outfits (think tight fitting dresses, long flowing skirts and heels) taking numerous posed shots.

The next day I explored the countryside around the Tonlé Sap lake. It was a welcome change from the touristy busy streets in town. We passed by plenty of people trying to catch a fish or two with wide nets. Others were occupied with tending to their rice fields or taking a break by the roadside.

Some experiences were invaluable- the opportunity to take evening swims in the hotel pool and just float on my back soaking in the night sky and the fairy lights hanging by the poolside. Others weren't as delightful but instead characteristic of much of Southeast Asia- the heat and humidity coupled with the roadside dust that found its way everywhere within minutes of you stepping out. By the end of the day my hair was inevitably caked with dust from exploring the city, countryside and wet markets.

Delicious last meal I had was also the cheapest at $2.50 from this stall

I'm delighted I visited! I would love to go back to see and experience more of Cambodia.