Angkor Archeological Park
Temples of Angkor is the superstar of Cambodia. Visiting Angkor temples complex will easily fit into wishlist of anyone who is touring Cambodia. Angkor complex houses not just one, but around 1000 ancient temples across 400 acres. This is considered as the world’s largest religious monument. Unfortunately most of them are just ruins, few are partially reconstructed and a very few are in a good condition. Angkor consists of several buddhist and hindu temples which were built by different kings during their rule.
Angkor Wat is the largest temple within the complex and considered one of the largest temples in the world. Thankfully the majestic Angkor Wat remains steady and in a good condition even after several hundred years. There are continuous efforts are being taken to renovate and maintain the temple. Intricrate carvings can be seen in the walls and doors. Walls do have carvings of a part of hindu mythology, also carvings of gods, and kings. The majestic structure of Angkor Wat will amaze you and details that have gone into costructing it deserves an applause.
Ta Promh and Bayon temples are some other cool temples that should not be missed during your visit to Angkor. Ta Promh which is fondly called as Tomb raider temple since theTomb raider movie scene was filmed here. A tall and huge tree has spreads its root on the temple from the roof to bottom and has cracked the building in this temple. Plants are everywhere all over this ruined temple. A great amount of effort has been taken to reconstruct parts of this almost destroyed temple with joined efforts from Camobodia and other nations. Ta Promh’s vibe hits different, so dont miss a visit here.
Bayon is popular for its huge stone faces. Bayon does not seem to have a proper enclosing walls and looks bit of a puzzle. Bayon temple has been a important piece of Angkor Thom which has served as a capital once. Again, never forget to have a closer look at the carvings in walls and pillars.
The official Angkor Ticket Office is the only place where you can purchase entrance tickets for the Angkor Temples complex. Touring Angkor archeological park with a guide would be the best idea to get some insights about the temples and also to handle transport from Siem reap to the Angkor and back. You can rent a bicycle or bike and explore on your own, but given the high temperature during the day and the fatigue, it is best to opt in for better transport arragement.
Angkor has different entry passes: 1-day pass is 37 USD, 3-days pass is 62 USD, 7-days pass is 72 USD
Angkor Botanical Gardens
Angkor botanical gardens is a nice place to relax and calm yourself down. This botanical gardens is hidden in plainsight, most of the tourists do not know about this place or choose to ignore. This amazing gardens is situated in Siem reap and offers a relaxing atmosphere with plants, flowers, ponds, seatings and animals. Yeah, a small part of the gardens is dedicated to keep animals like rabbits, ostriches, Cuckoos and few other animals within enclosures.
Also, there is a cafe in the middle of the garden to satisfy your taste buds. The entrance to the Angkor botanical gardens is free. Do a favour by following their social media profiles if you can to support them, that is the only thing they expect from visitors.
Check out the Location of Angkor Botanical Gardens
Royal Residency, Siem Reap
As the name suggests, royal residency has served the Cambodian king as an official residence during his Siem reap visits. A good view of the residency’s front can be viewed from outside, but the people cannot get in. Though royal residency does not have much to offer, the surrounding environment is very appealing. Well maintained garden, places to sit down for a while calms you down. Also, Mutiple statues of warriors can be seen just infront of the royal residency. There is a small buddhist temple within the royal residency complex where you can see public worshipping. If you are lucky based on the time you visit there, you will be greeted with nice scent of incense stick used for worshipping and also very nice traditional music played by few musicians within the temple. It is worth a visit to relax yourself.
Entrace fee : FREE
Check out the location of the Royal Residence
National Museum of Cambodia
If you are a history buff or simply want to to Khmer culture, a visit to National Museum in Phnom Penh is a must. Get to know about the Cambodian culture, how the country it has evolved, religious involvements, and ancient ruins and statues. Lookout for the guiness world record holding handloom as well. Overall the museum is well organized, but still there is room for improvements. Set aside at least 2 to 3 hours for the museum visit.
Royal Palace, Phnom penh
The complex where the royal palace is situated has several other buildings or attractions apart from the palace as well. The royal palace complex is one of the touristy kind of place. Expect to spend around 3 hours here. Silver Pagoda is one of the not to miss attraction within the complex.
Entrace fee: 10 USD
The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
The Tuol Sleng Genocide musuem and the killing fields stands as a reminder for the Dark chapters of Cambodian history. Khmer rouge is a radical group that ruled Cambodia from 1975 – 1979. During these time several people were put into jail, tortured and killed. More that 1.5 million people died due to killing amd starvation during Khmer rouge regime under Pol Pot. Tuol Sleng was originally a school which turned into a prison during this dark period. Currently tuol sleng is turned into a museum. You will be able to see how the prison and torturing rooms were there, equipments and furnitures used. Moreover several room as has very disturbing photos of last few people who was left to die in the prison rooms. Also, bones and skulls of peoples also maintained in a room in this genocide museum. If you hear the story of what has transpired here, you would have a hard time coming out of it. This place is definitely not for the faint hearted people.
The killing fields is where the people who were killed were burried in mass. It has been estimated around 20,000 people were buried here.
Tuol Sleng and Chong Ek are just one of several prison and mass graveyards out of several that are spread across the country. Visit Tuol Sleng first and then Chong Ek killing fields next for a proper experience. The killing fields are 10km away from the Tuol Sleng genocide museum.
Tuol Sleng Entrance fee: 5 USD
Killing fields Entrance fee: 6 USD
Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh
Sisowath Quay is simply riverside. The riverside in the Phnom Penh area offers a cool view of river and boats in the day time, but turns into a different atmosphere at nights. A lot of small stalls will pop up along the walking area in the riverside. A lot locals can seen walikng along the riverside area and eating along the street stalls near it. The environment turns lively with people, lights and food. A good time to try some street food as well.