As long as we live in Asia, our plan is to visit all the countries in the region. So, when Bastian's parents visited us in September, we thought it is time to explore Cambodia. At first we were very sceptical, as Cambodia is known for a very poor and not well developed country. But the first step we made into Siem Reap, we felt in love with the landscape, the food and the amazingly friendly people.
Bastian's parents were so excited, as we kept the holiday destination a secret until the very end.
Our hotel in Siem Reap: Tara Angkor Hotel. A very nice three-star hotel in a good location close to the Angkor Wat temple.
We decided to take a private tour guide: Ponheary and his driver.
Our hotel in Siem Reap: Tara Angkor Hotel. A very nice three-star hotel in a good location close to the Angkor Wat temple.
We decided to take a private tour guide: Ponheary and his driver.
First acitivity was an elephant ride around the Angkor Thom area. Angkor Thom was the last and most enduring capital city of the ancient Khmer empire.
Bayon Temple, Angkor Thom with the face tower of the South Gate.
Next site: Angkor Wat, which is one of the most beatiful and fascinating places. Made by the Khmer kings in a process that lasts almost four centuries, this magnificent area has been abandoned and hidden by the forest. Rediscovered by a french man about 150 years ago, Angkor Wat will probably become one of the most visited archaeological and artistic sites on the planet.
We went to the visit the temple at different times of the day. For sunrise at four in the morning.
Angkor Wat during the day...
... and at sunset.
Floating villages at Kampong Khleang.
The jungle temple Taprom, the temple where the movie Tomb Raider was filmed.
Sunset at Pre Rup.
Banteay Srey Temple
Landmine Museum
Local wet market in Siem Reap. You can find those wet markets in a lot of Asian countries. Here you can get everything from vegetables, pig's head to a haircut...
The last day of our trip we organized a Quad Tour, definitely one of the most fun activities :O)
We passed by an orphonage school, where we donated reading and school material to the children.
Although the people suffered from a very hard and to a certain extent very distressful history, everybody welcomed us with such friendliness and heartiness, that amazed us the most about the country.
Herbert does not get distracted by the pig on the ride side :O))))
Good Bye, Cambodia. We will definitely come back !!!!
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