Traveling on your own or joining other travelers to soak in the sights and enjoy a historical tour of Cambodia and other interesting Asian destinations? Give in to the wanderlust in you and prepare for an educational and enjoyable trip to maximize the wonderful opportunity. Pack suitable apparel and don’t forget comfortable footwear. Since a focal point of your journey will be to see the breathtaking Angkor Wat and other treasures in the vast Angkor temple complex, you must have suitable footwear that will take you across the moat (which surrounds the famed Cambodian religious structure) to the temple. If you’re a first-time traveler, you may check out the internet for an overview of the numerous famous spots you will be trekking to.
At Siem Reap, be ready to be amazed by one of the most photogenic of the temples – Ta Prohm. It stands out amidst giant fig trees and other gigantic creepers ensconcing the stone foundations of the structure. An amazing showcase of architecture melding with nature, this is one of the scenic spots featured in the Tomb Raider movie. Also worth exploring are the many galleries with columns, pavilions, courtyards and ponds that give a reflection of the towering temple.
Besides Angkor Wat, there are small but attractive temples you will most likely see. Aside from the temples, be prepared to be mystified Phnom Penh (with its myriad cultural attractions and fine food, unspoiled countryside with rice paddies, little villages and lost temples all waiting to be explored); and on to Sihanoukville for more exotic food, and the opportunity to bask in some sun & sand; and Ban Lung where scenic spots and ethnic people beckon. You will be interacting with many charming and friendly locals and terrific Asian cuisine of excellent value. It will also be an opportune time to refresh and quench your thirst with Angkor beer, which is simply divine.
The Cambodian temples are six to 10 kilometers away from the Siem Reap town proper. If you’re traveling alone on a shoestring budget, there several bargain accommodations at Siem Reap offering a balance of comfort and value for money. There is one which is western-run and is conveniently close to Siem Reap River, and a few minutes’ drive from the airport and about seven kilometers from the Angkor Wat. Choose one which is a stone’s throw from the main shopping and dining areas of the Old Market and Pub Street as well as some fine waterfront restaurants. Phnom Penh likewise offers high standard hotels. Even with limited funds, a budget traveler can easily get by in Cambodia. The food prices are similar to or go even lower than in Thailand. Food from the street stalls is hygienic and delicious.
If you’ve arranged and booked yourself in advance and availed of a special packaged hotel rate online, you can proceed to enjoy the exotic surroundings, great facilities and services, plus the best that traditional Cambodian hospitality can offer.
Indeed, your Cambodia travel is a trip unlike any other, and from the Khmer ruins of Angkor Wat, you may wend your way into to other must-visit destinations that fall under the most fascinating world heritage sites.
