Psar Cha, (Siem Reap)
I visited Siem Reap last summer (2007) with my parents and in-laws. Ain't I brave? Fortunately no fighting broke out and we were all cordial! Perhaps we have the Angkor beer to thank.
We spent 2 and a half days in Siem Reap.
Day 1 Trip Report: To Market and Tonle Sap
Day 2 Trip Report: The Temples of Angkor Wat
Day 1: To Market and Tonle Sap
We arrived bright and early and were met by our guide who showed us around town. He took us to several places including a crafts school, the old market, lunch in the town center and a short visit to Tonle Sap.
I love this photo at the old market ( psar chas ), doesn't it feel like we've stepped back in time?
At Tonle Sap, we got on an old boat and toured the lake. The lake wasn't particularly spectacular however it was seeing the lives of the boat people that really made an impact. Most of the families are very poor however they don't let that get them down:
A happy child:
The boat people:
If you'd like to go to Tonle Sap, just let your guide or tuk tuk driver know and they can make the appropriate arrangements for you. No advance booking necessary. If you're interested in doing a boat cruise down the river check out Tara Boat. (Don't ask me why anyone would want to do this?!)
I ended the day relaxing by the pool. Dinner was in the hotel accompanied by an Apsara dance.
Day 2: The Magnificent Temples of Angkor Wat
We got up early to catch the sun rise which is said to be spectacular. Nature and I don't always get along. The conditions that morning weren't set up for an awe inspiring one.
The rest of the morning was spent touring Bayon, Ta Phrom, and Angkor Thom. I don't remember the names of the rest of the temples, however, travelfish.org has great descriptions of the lesser known sights at Angkor.
Here's our guide pretending to be an Apsara dancer:
Now presenting Angkor Wat:
I managed to climb to the top of Angkor Wat. Even though there are steps, the incline is literally 90 degrees. This was quite a feat for me since I am afraid of heights! I really don't know how the monks go and down so casually without any support?!
Note: I'm not sure if you can get to the top of Angkor Wat anymore. I read recently that the stone steps are worn out and are being refurbished.
2 comments:
You can't get right up to the top. You can get halfway through the last time I was there (Feb 2008). :-( The view must be amazing......lucky you! (and you're sooo brave....) I remembered having to literally hug the steps and muttering prayers to keep me safe until I got all the way down....heheheh.
LOL you didn't see me almost in tears when I got to the top!!!!! (P can verify) I was panicking about how to get down the steps. I was so worried I couldn't enjoy the view from the top haha
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