Major reason to visit Cambodia for many is to visit the world heritage monument in Siem Reap “The Ankor wat”. I was no different.

Siem Reap is a peaceful place with lot of greenies, historical monuments, temples and agriculture fields. I decided to explore Siem Reap by hitchhiking with a local Cambodian so that I can explore places which are not touristy too.

When we went out of the town everything seemed green and little under developed.

As I spoke to the locals they informed me about lot of landmines which are left undetonated after the wars. These are very dangerous and everyone here risks their life due to these landmines. And warned me not to venture out to places which are not familiar on the outskirts of the city and stick to regular paths.

History of this city goes back to 802A.D. When King Jayavarman II conquered Cambodia, Indianized monuments and gods started spreading across Cambodia. Thanks to Suryavarman II who constructed this world heritage monument “The Ankor wat”. Spread across 400 acres Towards the end of the 12th century, Angkor Wat gradually transformed from a Hindu centre of worship to Buddhism, which continues to the present day.  The temple is a representation of Mount Meru(Kailash), the home of the gods.

Angkor Wat is the prime example of the classical style of Khmer architecture. The temple stands on a terrace raised higher than the city. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country’s prime attraction for visitors.

After the fall of the Khmer Empire in the 15th century, the temple of Ta Prohm was abandoned and neglected for centuries. Ta Prohm was left as found as the trees growing out of the ruins are perhaps the most distinctive feature of Ta Prohm.

At the heart of Angkor Thom is the 12th-century Bayon. The famous carvings on the outer wall of the first level show vivid scenes of everyday life in 12th-century Cambodia. Its 54 Gothic towers are decorated with 216 gargantuan smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara

Apart from all history, Siem Reap is also considered as a very happening place. The Pub street has lot to offer with number of good restaurants, markets , fish spas, souvenir shops,etc.

It’s a nice place to hang about after a tiring day of history and architecture.