Cambodia

2 weeks in Siem Reap was the perfect amount of time for two slow travelers to fully absorb this beautiful and interesting area of the world.

The Angkor Wat Temples

It's the main reason tourists from all over the world come to visit Siem Reap and a pretty spectacular one. It's been the highlight of our trip. We got a 7 day pass for all 70+ temples and it was about $200 for the two of us. We were able to see about 15 sites.

It's hard to capture in words and pictures without actually being there. It never got old. I loved it so much I wanted to remember everything about the temple visits:

That ethereal fantasy sensation that strikes you as soon as you set eyes on a new temple site. The falling leaves as you approach the ruins add a whimsical touch to the expansive landscape. Making footprints in the soft, copper-colored sand beneath your feet. Walking through the stone gates as bats squeak in the ceiling's corners. Admiring the delicately stacked bricks in slanted towers, with tufts of grass and flowers sprouting from the stone crevices. Playful monkeys leaping from branch to branch, seizing every chance to snatch a snack from tourists. Observing how the golden sunrise illuminates the imperfect angles and reflects onto the stone floor. The half-eroded sandstone sculptures with faces worn away, speckled with lichen, and the carved stone etchings dancing on the walls. The sounds of exotic birds calling from the surrounding palm jungle and the forest scents of tropical flora. Swarms of dragonflies buzzing above your head. Imagining what it looked like when it was built, bustling with monks and vendors selling their goods. Even the murmured voices in every language of the world exclaiming in the background make these sites special.

Markets, Food and Shows

Besides the temples, there is quite a bit more to fill your time in Siem Reap. Staying near pub street was handy with many great restaurants to choose from, a bustling night market and shows to see. We even found an authentic French restaurant to go to on valentine's day.

Sak Yant

We also took part in an ancient tradition by getting a Cambodian Sak Yant. It's a tattoo hand poked with bamboo in the pali language and then blessed by a monk and it's meant to bring you luck and protection. It was a very special and meaningful day for us.

Cambodia was a pleasant surprise of amazing people, delicious food and a delightfully authentic culture to experience. It was one of our favorite places to visit so far and we would highly recommend it. Now, off to Vietnam.