Siem Reap

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Siem Reap is located in northwest Cambodia.  The city name means Siamese defeated, rooted from the victory of the Khmer Empire over the Thai in 17th century.   It remained quiet for decades.  Until the discovery of Angkor temples, tourism has flourished and hotels mushroomed.  Development and new hotels seem to continue.


Siem Reap is located at the shore of the greatest lake in Asia, Tonle Sap.  A visit and tour by boat is a good alternative to sandstones temples.   The city is catered for all kinds of visitors, from budget to luxury.  Loads of pubs, cafés and restaurants stand in the old market and around.  Quality is unexpectedly good.


It took us 6 hours from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.  Scenes of green fields, poor houses, children going home after school interchanged.  Most common were the dusty road ahead and vehicle horning.

Siem Reap Old Market
Our mini coach stopped at the old market.  We were greeted by tuk tuk drivers, trying to take us to hotel or book the next days.  The trip to the hotel with two luggages cost US3.  Daily rental price depends on the distance.

Our hotel is on Oum Khun Street, not right at the old market but within 15 to 20 minutes walk.  It is good to walk back substituting exercise in gym. We first explored the city by strolling along the river.  It was quiet.   Families, friends, lovers enjoy the transquil moments there.  Along the way is Wat Preah Prom Rath, one of the oldest temples in the country.



Following the river through will come to the centre where more people and vehicles were.  The darker it became, the more vibrant was the city centre.

 
 
Another temple on our last day, Wat Bo Lanka.  It is beautiful but  no tourist.  Lots of reliefs on the outside wall show wrestling, quite typical for the country which wars never ceased in its history.

 




Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia

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