Angkor Wat: Exquisite Safaris Style

While the rest of the world were living in mud huts and wearing animal skins, a grand and sophisticated kingdom existed in the jungles of Southeast Asia. But the Angkor temples, which spread for 40 miles around Cambodia's northern city of Siem Reap, are all that remain of a 'lost' people. The first thing that strikes you about them is the overwhelming sense of mystery: elaborate, multi storied stone temples pop out of the jungle, each one with its own unique architectural style and history.

The most striking and best preserved is Angkor Wat, with its carved reliefs and jagged towers. Look closer and you can still see bullet holes in the outer walls from a recent military coup. But don't miss the awe inspiring Angkor Thom and its Buddha faced gates, or the rose colored, intricately carved Banteay Srey.

"Angkor Wat is magic. I have been the world over and nothing has captivated me more. There are no words to describe the views of the temple; it is gorgeous. It's truely one of the most Exquisite Safaris ever." GB New York.

"I visited the temples back in the spring of 2001, and I was absolutely delighted by the experience. This trip, coupled with visiting some places in Thailand, stands out as one of the top three that I've ever experienced. I was struck by the magic of this site; it was an incredible feeling to watch the sun rise on these magnificent temples thrusting up out of the surrounding jungle, with monkeys and orange robed monks wandering around. One of the larger temples is overgrown with jungle, making it feel like a real life version of an Indiana Jones movie. Absolutely incredible". -JM San Francisco, California

"Truly one of the most amazing places to visit in the world, I'd give it 12 out of 10. The Angkor temple complexes have been 'forgotten' for decades now due to Cambodia (Kampuchea) being closed to outsiders by the Khmer Rouge. The Khmer Rouge actually tried to destroy some of the temples in order to try to achieve their communist dream. Some of the temples are bullet ridden and a few are being meticulously rebuilt by various international teams of specialists.

Many parts of Cambodia continue to be inaccessible not only due to the infrastructure but also as much of the country is still covered by land mines supplied to the warring factions by the US, China and the former USSR. That said the Angkor region has been cleared of mines and the country is currently stable. During my Exquisite Safaris experience in Cambodia they were in the midst of a general election and even then while there was 'excitement' in the streets the main cities felt safe.

The Angkor complex is situated a few miles from the town of Siem Reap which is where most people stay. You can get to Siem Reap by boat, travelling from Phnom Penh along the Tonle Sap (Cambodia's biggest lake), by air, flying in from Bangkok or better still Phnom Phen, or by 4 wheel drive car. Due to the time restrictions we had to fly, but talking to a number of other people the boat ride is great too. Most people recommend taking the 'speed' boat as the slower ferry services can take a lot of time and do tend to stop at random places along the way.

On your first visit to the temple complex you will get an entry pass for which you need 2 passport photos. It is well worth getting a 2 or 3 day pass as to see the area properly you will need at least 2 solid days.

Travelling around in the Angkor complex can be done by bicycle, tuk tuk or taxi. I highly recommend the Exquisite Safaris guide who will explain all the history and provide an air conditioned car; as it does get rather hot during the day. Its best to start early then head back to your hotel around midday for about 2 to 3 hours then have another look around in the afternoon.

The best time to go is just slightly off peak as that way you miss most the crowds of people and still get good weather. During peak time we were told that they do sometimes get queues of people trying to get to Angkor Wat itself and this would most definitely spoil all the magic of the place.



Angkor Wat is the most magnificent of all the temples but while you are there I would recommend seeing other temples. The absolute 'must-sees' are The Bayon (amazing carved faces of Buddah), Banteay Srei (built out of pink stone) and of course Ta Prohm which was made famous by the film Tomb Raider and has huge trees literally growing out of, on top of and through the temple building. There are other temples further away from main Angkor complex which are accessible but are only worth visiting if you have plenty of time as these can become day trips due to the conditions of the roads.

Another absolute must while in the complex is the hot air balloon ride. The balloon is fixed to a cord and lifts hundreds of feet in the air so you get the most magnificent view of Angkor Wat. The best time to try and go is either sunrise or sunset. Its also well worth walking up the small hill that overlooks Angkor Wat and watching the sunset change the colour of this magnificent temple.

All the temples are made of intricately carved stone with many telling ancient Hindu and Buddhist stories as amazingly some of kings followed Hinduism and others followed Buddhism.

Other places worth visiting while staying in Siem Reap include The Land Mine museum (this is not an official museum so guide's other than Exquisite Safaris may be a little reluctant to take you there.) and Jayavarman VII Hospital for children. The children's hospital is amazing and really moving. If you are there on Saturday evening then make sure you go to the free cello concert performed by the founder of the hospital called Dr. Beat "Beatocello" Richner, it isn't as cheesy as it sounds - he is an amazing man who has spent most of his life helping the children of Cambodia.



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posted by: David, Exquisite Safaris