As we approach Siem Reap International Airport, I gain my first close up view of Cambodia - a huge flat green tropical expanse dotted with thousands of palm trees, intertwined with many thatched farm houses on stilts. It's a short drive to Siem Reap, a small town growing up fast, with new hotels and shopping developments being constructed to keep pace with the increasing influx of tourists each year. There are many hotel choices, from 5 star deluxe to modest guesthouse along with a good selection of restaurants, some hip and trendy, serving a great variety of food from local to western with reasonable prices. For night owls, there are also plenty of bars around town. Most travellers come here to see Angkor Wat and what an amazing site this is. The largest and best preserved temple of them all does not disappoint. From a distance its 5 towers are visible, a monument to a great empire that once was. Long walls adorned with magnificent carvings showing ancient life and battles are among the many interesting things to see here. There are 3 levels to explore and the 3rd level is reached by climbing very steep stairs, this is definitely not for those who do not like heights - no safely guard rails here. Ta Prohm is also a popular temple to explore. Think of Tomb Raider or Indiana Jones and you get the picture, for unlike Angkor Wat, it was overtaken by the jungle and now has structures supported by tall trees whose massive roots snake in and out of the ruins. The sight of nature swallowing the ruins rates as a definite favourate from my stay here. Other popular sites are Bayon, situated within the ancient city of Angkor Thom with over 200 large stone faces decorated on its towers and Banteay Srei noted for its fine intricate carvings in pink sandstone. There are many more more popular areas to explore depending on how much time you have to spare. Most sites are only a few kilometers out of town so travel time is not long. A good break between the temples is a visit to Tonle Sap Lake located near Siem Reap, this huge lake expands from 2,500 sq km in the dry season to over 5 times its size in the monsoon season. The floating fishing village of Chong Kneas located on the lake is made up of hundreds of floating houses on bamboo rafts, including the local school. Back in Siem Reap, a must see is the local food markets. Here you can see a huge selection of local produce such as exotic fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, fish, seasnakes, rice and condiments, a very busy place all day with much trading taking place. For those that need a bit of retail therapy, there are interesting stores to visit, one of them being Artisans Angkor, founded to help young disadvantaged Cambodians rediscover traditional handicrafts offering them a job entry programme. Psar Chaa Market (Old Market) has everything from handbags to scarves, jewellery, stone and wood carvings, silverware and paintings to name a few. Bargaining is name of the game here. Lastly, the people of Cambodia. You cannot leave here without being touched in some way by the warm nature of these people with friendly smiles. Having read about past history before coming, and the horrors they have been through, their happy spirit and friendliness will leave an everlasting impression. Many travellers like to do something to help, and there are many foundations and charities to choose from. I will definitely be back. Getaways for Girls can arrange a tour package to suit your needs to Siem Reap and other parts of Cambodia. | 
Mystical Angkor
