Khmer Empire 🛕

After a somewhat bumpy 6-hour bus journey, I arrive in Siem Reap.
The city is probably Cambodia's best-known tourist destination due to its huge temple complexes.

I plan a city walking tour for the first day and then a cooking class - unplanned, I get a private class - but that leaves more food for me 🤷🏼‍♀️ There's fish amok (a kind of curry), pineapple fried rice, mango salad and banana in coconut milk.

After various struggles with my credit card 🥴 I arrive at Phnom Bakheng, which is part of the Angkor Wat temple complex, just in time for sunset. With the 1-day pass, you get free entry from 17:30 the day before. I'm greeted by crowds of people there - but it's still a beautiful sunset.

The next day starts at 5.00 a.m., when I am picked up by tuk tuk for the Angkor Wat tour together with Corinne, who has just arrived on the night bus.

Angkor was once the capital of the Khmer empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 15th century. Today, the city is home to Cambodia's most popular attraction - the temple of Angkor Wat, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Angkor Archaeological Park covers 163 hectares and is home to 72 temples and other buildings. Of course, it is impossible to visit them all in one day - and at 36 degrees - not necessarily pleasant either.

🛕The temple complex of Angkor Wat was initially built as a Hindu temple complex for the god Vishnu during the Khmer Empire rule. However, it was gradually converted into a Buddhist temple in the late 12th century.

Conclusion: definitely worth seeing, impressive, huge and highly recommended with a tour guide!Read more