Travelling Cambodia -Angkor Wat?

Of course, this ancient Hindu-Buddhist temple complex is a “must-see” – it’s a world-famous UNESCO attraction outside Siem Reap in Cambodia. But more than that, it is just plain magnificent, gob-smacking, and humbling.

When planning our trip, visiting Angkor Wat was optional. I wasn’t overly keen. The assumed reason is that if you’re traveling to Siem Reap, you will visit Angkor Wat, which brings out my contrarian side. I like to make up my own mind and wanted to visit Siem Reap for other reasons.

I am also wary of “overhyped” tourism attractions. I needn’t have worried. Angkor Wat is a place everyone traveling to Siem Reap should try to see. It was worth every moment of the day we spent there. I now completely understand why people travel in their hoards for two or more days to spend time in Siem Reap, exclusively to visit this ancient and mysterious site made up of many temples. Often at sunrise or sunset. Or both.

Fortunately, we were advised to hire a tour guide for the excursion. And what a blessing Lav Vey was. Not only did he advise us of the required time frames, but he summarised each of the main temples and their significance so we could make a reasonably informed choice: to spend the day wandering the main temple (Angkor Wat) and its environs without becoming completely overwhelmed and tired. It was hot and an on-your-feet-all-day kind of tour, so pace yourself.

Lav spoke perfect English and could explain the complications and meaning behind the various rooms, the vertiginous, vertical, narrow stone staircases, the ancient carvings, the opulent statues, the magical sound chamber, and elegant, very long walkways, to name a few. He brought the temple to life for us by telling stories of how the temples were habituated, the wars that were fought, and the Gods who were worshipped throughout the ages, evoking a strong sense of meaning for us.

Our balmy day at this ancient site was threaded with many “wow” moments, awe-inspiring stories, and a deep sense of humbleness. It is incredible that many hundreds of years ago, cities of people with various structured communities and beliefs (Hindu followed by Buddhist) came and went from this impenetrable muscular structure, living their lives surrounded by stateliness and authority. And that this same site still stands as a beacon for locals and visitors to this day.

As the sun started to drop, we wandered back to our tuk-tuk, waiting loyally outside for our return. Down the long stretch of flat, dusty path cutting through the sparkling moat dotted with lily pads, past the groves of banyan and kapok trees, we stall for a while to take the quintessential photo of Angkor Wat temple with the five towers reflected in the small pond. Past the imposing ancient Lion and Naga the Serpent statues, standing guard against living and intangible enemies. Then, we continued to our exit as the path widened, and tributary lanes and paths led off in different directions to habituated villages and (earlier) markets.

The majesty of this ancient site, once a magnificent city, will always remain an enduring memory and is one tourist attraction I unequivocally recommend.