CampingCaryn

This is a continuation of our trip to SE Asia, which started in Thailand (see Thailand for the beginning of the report and Lao for that report and Vietnam for that report).

Our final destination on this trip is Siem Reap, Cambodia. We arrive in Siem Reap in the evening and go directly to our hotel, Shinta Mani Club. It is wonderful, quaint and homey. The hotel manager welcomes us warmly. It's to the bar for drinks and a light dinner and then to bed to rest for another fun filled day.

The next morning our guide suggests that we enter our first temple "Angkor Wat" from the rear side affording us the opportunity to see it with many less people. Excellent suggestion. We are able to walk around and get our photographs before the herds of people have taken over. This temple is amazing and we spend a lot of time enjoying the size and layout. Then it is on to Angkor Thom to experience more history and beauty. Our morning is filled with these 2 locations and our tour guide suggests we return to our hotel for some rest and resume touring in the afternoon. So we do just that. Back to the hotel for a quick swim followed by lunch and some rest. It is very hot in Siem Reap even through it is winter. We start touring again at 3 pm. This time we visit Ta Prohm better known as the "Tomb Raider" temple. WOW! Words can't describe what we see, complete with the natural sounds of Katydid's echoing in the background. Great visit. Next it is on to see the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Back to the hotel for clean up. Tonight we had a APSARA dinner show with local entertainment.

The next morning we are up before sunrise so we can be at Angkor Wat to watch the sky light up. It is a beautiful sight, but very crowded. We also visit with the monks at the temple and we are blessed. Back to the hotel for breakfast and then on the road again. This time it is on to Banteay Srei to see the beautiful carvings and remarkably preserved ruins. It is also known as the "woman's citadel" because it was carved by women. During the afternoon we drive to Tonle Sap Great Lake to see the fishing village that is a floating village. We board a boat that takes us through the area and even to a crocodile farm. Lots of fun feeding the crocodiles. We are treated to one more relaxing experience. The choice of 1 hour foot massage or full body massage. I chose the body massage. My aching bones need some R&R after all the touring. Back to the hotel for drinks and dinner and to say good-bye to our friends that are leaving in the morning. We have one more day to relax and enjoy the area before returning home.

We spend the next morning walking around the city venturing on to the old market. Lots of fun to see the different foods, fruits and wares. I shop a little more, I haven't spent enough. The afternoon is time to relax at the beautiful pool. Dinner is back in town at Chang Rey Tre Restaurant. Delicious. Then on to the airport for our journey home.

It was a wonderful 3 weeks of touring, exploring and enjoying an area of the world we haven't seen before and would highly recommend to anyone that likes to explore the unusual.

Kathie

Hi Caryn, can you give us an overview of your trip? You say you had 3 weeks, but I can't tell from you reports where you spent your time. Thanks.

jobin

Your internet name suggests you were 'camping'. Did you camp in SE Asia, anywhere?

CampingCaryn

Please see Thailand report for the complete breakdown of places and time.

Used to camp, but that time is long gone. LOL Prefer the luxury hotels while traveling.

julies

"It is very hot in Siem Reap even through it is winter."

How hot are we talking here?

CampingCaryn

It was in the high 80's to low 90's midday. Our tour guide was very smart. We started our touring early. Took us back to the hotel around 1 for a dip in the pool and lunch and then went back out around 3 pm. Worked well for us.