When
you consider Cambodia, is that the first image that pops into your mind that of
a hot and humid jungle of a rustic , sandwiched between Thailand and Vietnam?
Maybe you recall Cambodia with its checkered past, or perhaps it's simply a
rustic you recognize little or no about. If you or someone you recognize grew
up within the 60's, perhaps the primary thought that involves mind may be a
war-torn country that's probably best to avoid altogether -- even today. that
is the way it had been with this author, until everything changed.
I
found myself returning to Southeast Asia because the intrigue surrounding
Cambodia simply proved to be an excessive amount of to ignore any more .
The
first thing that's easy to note is that the people are happy and quick to
smile. Long gone in fact , are the times of the Vietnam War and fortunately so
is that the Pol Pot regime with its ugly, inhumane genocidal wave that overran
and extinguished the overwhelming majority of the adult population of the
country.
But
fast-forward to today and one can readily observe those happy, friendly faces
that exude tolerance and acceptance. what's also quickly noticed may be a rich
culture steeped in scenic beauty sprinkled with the mesmerizing sites of
ancient, other-worldly architectural wonders. Finally, there's the fabulous and
exotic food of the orient, readily available throughout Cambodia for a fraction
of the value that the majority international travelers find elsewhere.
Cambodia
is hot and humid three hundred and sixty five days a year with only 2 seasons -
dry and rainy. the simplest time to go to Cambodia is during the season which
runs from the months of October through April. make certain to require a
walking tour along the Siem Reap river that runs through town. you'll find it
shaded on each side by huge trees that kindly offer their shade as you're
taking the sidewalks along the river towards your destination while enjoying
the natural beauty along the way.
The
wet or monsoon season comes in May and lasts through October, with the height
monsoon season occurring in July through September when it can rain a day .
Fortunately, those downpours are short-lived and last only a couple of hours
every day .
Most
of the time, the river runs very slowly if in the least , and moss are often
seen floating in large patches across parts of the river's surface. This
phenomenon lends itself to the lazy, laid-back charm that one can feel. do not
be surprised if you encounter a monk or two in their bright, orange robes
walking along the river promenade. there's a beautifully-ornate Buddhist temple
in downtown Siem Reap near Pub Street.
The
artwork found along the shaded walls of the courtyard just inside the gate to
the temple area is completely magnificent. make certain to bring your camera.
the entire area of Pub Street just round the corner from the temple, caters to
thirsty travelers and bargain shoppers who congregate from all parts of the
planet .
The
most popular attraction far and away is Angkor Wat, a UNESCO world-heritage
site drawing tourists from the 4-corners of the planet . it's located just
north of town by a couple of miles and is definitely reached. Many rise up
before dawn to reach the lake, facing Angkor Wat so as to possess a photo-shoot
treat as dawn approaches. Sometimes the sky glows yellow and orange with the
rising sun filtering through the clouds above the traditional temple.
Since
the tour will always get on foot and takes a couple of hours, it's best
regardless of what time of year, to enjoy your tour while it's only warm, early
within the morning. Do attempt to avoid the warmth later within the day.
Advance arrangements are necessary to realize access to the temples (yes, there
are quite one) and may be made at any hotel or guesthouse in Siem Reap.
A
driver can also be arranged for transportation to Angkor Wat, also as a guide .
All one has got to do is ask.Many come to Cambodia "backpacking" so
as to sample the exotic culture of Cambodia while on a decent budget, and to
tour the sites. The mystery of Cambodia generally , and Angkor Wat especially ,
drew Angelina Jolie and a Hollywood film crew who came to Siem Reap to film the
blockbuster hit, "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" in 2001. you'll recall a
scene within the movie featuring the foremost crazy-looking trees you ever saw,
growing over and around a number of the temples.
Others
come to Siem Reap to undertake their hand at volunteering for an NGO, a
non-government organization. To make certain , there are many opportunities for
the generous and "big-of-heart" and it's always greatly appreciated
by the locals. English is known almost everywhere throughout Siem Reap and also
within the capital, Phnom Penh .
One
of the incredible treats of Siem Reap is that the cuisine available almost
everywhere. One can enjoy authentic "street food" and fresh fruit
smoothies for next to zilch from local vendors. otherwise you may prefer to
enjoy a cheap sit-down meal at one among the various restaurants in town. in
fact there also are bars and nightclubs throughout the Pub Street complex.
During the day Pub Street is family-friendly.
Pub
Street, is really a gaggle of streets in downtown Siem Reap. If you're easily
distracted by the various sights and sounds you'll encounter, you'll end up
getting lost among the myriad of outlets , restaurants and pubs. But don't be
concerned since almost anyone can steer you within the right direction. Thirsty
travelers are bound to find a favourite watering place in record time, as there
are many to settle on from. soon , you'll encounter many shops and enormous
markets. one among which is that the famous Night Market with its many
treasures of the orient which will be had for a song!
One
favorite restaurant seems to be the "Red Piano Restaurant and Bar"
which has the foremost incredible "Panang Chicken" curry for just
$5.00 USD, and it always comes with a frosty mug of local "Angkor
brand" beer. The restaurant is definitely found and features outdoor,
canopy-covered, comfortable seating along the sidewalk. Or, you'll prefer to
sit inside, either on the bottom floor or upstairs. the whole restaurant is
"open aired" for easier dining.
Mixed
drinks are often found at the Red Piano and almost everywhere else along Pub
Street for just $1.50 USD. A mug of can be easily found for just 50-cents to $1.00
US.
With
such a lot to ascertain and do throughout Cambodia, it's no wonder many of us
come, fall crazy and leave with memories to last a lifetime. Nestled between
the countries of Vietnam and Thailand, there's such a lot to explore.
Cambodia
may be a fascinating country, while Siem Reap is probably the foremost magical
destination altogether of Cambodia, but you will have to make a decision that
for yourself.
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