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"Angkor Wat is the ultimate expression of Khmer wisdom. Any visitor will be stunned when they see it for the first time.
Perhaps only Machu Picchu in Peru and Petra in Jordan can rival it." - Lonely Planet
Angkor Wat is the exotic place recorded by Zhou Daguan;
With the fall of the Zhenla Dynasty, the Sangxiang Buddhist Temple has been sleeping in the dusty river of history for a thousand years.
Angkor Wat is the eternal beauty described by Jiang Xun;
Scriptures are recited and sung during the rising and setting of the sun, the waxing and waning of the moon, the blooming and withering of flowers, and the rise and fall of life and death.
Angkor Wat is the unspoken love in the Mood for Love;
Tony Leung Chiu-wai told the secret in his heart to a tree hole, sealed it with grass, and was too shy to speak.
Angkor Wat is the gateway to time and space in Tomb Raider;
Laura came to the far east, looking for the key in the ancient temple that was almost completely swallowed by the jungle.
In the Mood for Love
"tomb Raider"
Angkor Wat, also known as Angkor Temple, is located in Cambodia and is considered a national treasure. It is the world's largest temple and the world's earliest Khmer-style architecture. In 1992, UNESCO designated the Angkor Archaeological Park a World Heritage Site. Since then, Angkor Wat, as the centerpiece of the Angkor Archaeological Park, has become a shining tourist attraction for Cambodia. Angkor Wat is considered one of the Four Wonders of the Ancient Orient, along with the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal in India, and Borobudur in Indonesia.
Nowhere else in the world seems to boast more architectural riches than here. Where should you begin your Angkor tour? You can choose from Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious structure; Bayon, one of the world's most bizarre structures; or Ta Prohm, nestled in the lush jungle. All of these structures are world-class landmarks, making Cambodia the temple capital of Asia.
Cambodia's national symbol, a postcard-like sunrise
Angkor Wat, also known as Angkor Thom, is one of the most famous attractions in the Angkor complex and its best-preserved structure. Angkor Wat, in a narrower sense, refers to this temple. It is widely considered the largest religious building in the world. Its grand scale, perfectly symmetrical form, and exquisite reliefs embody the pinnacle of Khmer classical architecture and are even featured on the Cambodian flag as a symbol.
Angkor Wat's architecture follows the Vajra Throne Pagoda model, consisting of an altar and cloisters. The altar consists of a rectangular Sumeru platform surrounded by three tiers of cloisters, stacked high and forming a pyramidal form. These tiers symbolize Mount Sumeru, the center of the world in Hindu mythology. Atop the altar stand five pagodas arranged in a five-pointed plum blossom pattern, symbolizing the five peaks of Mount Sumeru. A moat surrounds the temple, symbolizing the Aral Sea surrounding Mount Sumeru.
The essence of Angkor Temple, looking for the smile of mysterious Angkor
Bayon Temple lies at the heart of Angkor Thom. Its corridors stretch 160 meters from east to west and 140 meters from north to south. Originally, the corridors were covered with wooden roofs, but due to age, only fragments and massive stone pillars remain. Notably, the temple walls still retain rich and vivid carvings, depicting ancient battles, everyday life, and the scenery of Tonle Sap Lake. These carvings vividly capture the scenes of the time, making it a truly precious historical site that must be seen.
The vivid murals seem to tell stories from a distant past. The famous Khmer smile is located on the top floor of Bayon Temple. There are 54 pagodas, each with four sides, each with a different expression, for a total of 216 different Khmer smiles. The four sides of the Buddha statues represent loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Look closely and you'll discover subtle differences in these smiles. The slightly upturned corners of the mouth reveal an unpredictable tone of tolerance or mockery, as if concealing a secret that the world will never understand.
The filming location of Tomb Raider: the intertwined relationship between trees and temples
Ta Prohm, also known as Ta Prohm, is located east of Angkor Wat. Built of massive stone structures, it once housed monks, priests, and dancers, serving as both a temple and a monastery. However, over time, it was invaded by unbridled tropical trees. Their python-like roots crawled all over the temple and penetrated deep into the building, collapsing the stone towers and walls. The once orderly structure was transformed into a maze of rubble and vegetation. This unique natural and cultural wonder even served as a filming location for the film "Tomb Raider."
Besides the remarkable sight of Ta Prohm blending seamlessly with the trees, the temple itself is also exquisitely crafted, with the various sculptures particularly worth admiring. Today, the temple is still being devoured by nature, with trees growing within the stone mass, tearing the structure apart while also supporting it and preventing complete collapse. The temple and tree roots are intimately intertwined, creating a truly remarkable entanglement between tree and temple.
The gem of Angkor Wat art, exquisite relief architecture
Banteay Srei, meaning "Women's Castle," is renowned for its vibrant colors and exquisite reliefs, and is said to have been built and carved by women. One of the "Three Sacred Temples of Cambodia," Banteay Srei was built in 967 during the reign of Rajendravarman II and completed in 1002 during the reign of Jayavarman V. This Hindu temple is dedicated to Shiva, one of the three great deities of Brahmanism.
Unlike other Angkor monuments, which are constructed primarily of blue sandstone, the Banteay Srei (Banteay Srei) is constructed largely of red sandstone, creating a vibrant color that lends itself to intricate and delicate carvings. The Banteay Srei is replete with exquisite relief carvings, earning it the title of "the diamond of Angkor art." Its walls, columns, lintels, and other architectural surfaces are almost entirely covered in relief carvings, leaving no gaps. The intricate and rounded shapes and delicate, graceful lines of these reliefs are truly breathtaking.
The secret place of Beng Mealea: exploring the origins of Angkor Wat deep in the jungle
Beng Mealea is a small Angkor Wat-style temple whose name means "Lotus Pond." Located 40 kilometers east of the Angkor complex, Beng Mealea is a Hindu temple, but some of its sculptures reflect Buddhist themes. Originally constructed of sandstone, many of the structures have been damaged and are difficult to restore. Arriving at Beng Mealea, you'll find it much as it was when foreign explorers first discovered Angkor. The temple is severely dilapidated, obscured by trees, and inaccessible. Without a guide, it's impossible to navigate these vast ruins.
Those who've seen the movie "Tomb Raider" will undoubtedly remember Ta Prohm Temple. It exudes a sense of wonder, while Beng Mealea offers a truly stunning experience. As you delve deeper into the Beng Mealea area, you'll discover a plank road. This road, too, is associated with a film; it was built during the filming of "Two Brothers." This demonstrates how many attractions within the Angkor Archaeological Park are beloved by filmmakers, owing to the unique mystique they evoke.
Klong Bang Lu floating village, a paradise on Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake, also known as Phnom Penh Lake, is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It connects to the Mekong River, which flows through Phnom Penh, via the Tonle Sap River. Several floating villages dot the lake, nicknamed "Vietnamese Floating Villages" due to the large number of Vietnamese refugees who inhabited them. Take a boat tour of these floating villages to see the floating houses, churches, schools, and other structures. In the evening, you can also enjoy a sunset over the lake, a unique experience unlike that of Angkor Wat.
"The Khlong Bang Lu swamp forest, nestled alongside an otherworldly village, is even more haunting than Khlong Ni, yet equally inaccessible..." The Khlong Bang Lu swamp forest is home to approximately 3,500 Vietnamese who fled to Cambodia by sea during the war. Too poor to afford to return home and rebuild, they settled here. They live in floating houses, paddled to the center of the Tonle Sap during the dry season, when the lake's depths reach only two meters. During the rainy season, when the waters swell, they paddle back to the shore to set up camp in the shallower waters.
If you want to know Angkor Wat, start with its museum
The Angkor National Museum covers an area of 10,000 square meters, of which 5,000 square meters are art and painting exhibition halls. The artifacts collected in the museum are representative works of artistic achievements from various periods of the Khmer Dynasty, and all of them are authentic.
The museum's exterior design highlights a combination of macro-inspiration and micro-innovation. From a distance, the museum's roof bears some resemblance to the ancient pagodas of Angkor Wat. A closer look reveals that details like the long corridors, archways, and window panels, while deeply inspired by Angkor Wat, incorporate modern elements, attracting visitors to explore and examine the rich legacy of Khmer culture.
Learn to make traditional Khmer cuisine and experience exotic culture
Khmer cuisine offers a captivating blend of sour, sweet, and spicy flavors. Like Thai cuisine, Khmer dishes feature unique seasonings, many of which are unique to Southeast Asia and even Cambodia. Chef-led tours of local markets will provide insights into Cambodian vegetables, meats, fruits, spices, and other aspects of its culinary heritage.
Learn from the chef's demonstration. The teacher will explain to us the process from the most basic seasoning to the cooking demonstration, and then we can do it ourselves. Every tourist will participate in it, have his or her own production task, and enjoy the fun of making delicious food.
Cooking classes typically consist of four courses: pan-fried beef with a vegetable salad, Amok fish (Cambodia's national dish), served on a traditional banana leaf, Tom Yum Goong hot and sour shrimp soup, and mango sticky rice for dessert. At the end, students can enjoy their culinary creations, receive certificates, and take photos.
Overlooking Angkor Thom from a high altitude, a sensory experience from God's perspective
A helicopter tour is definitely one of the most unique ways to visit Angkor. Tourists arrive at Siem Reap Airport by car, where a helicopter awaits them on the tarmac. Each helicopter can only accommodate four passengers at a time. After a brief security check, the tourists quickly approach the helicopter for photos. After donning the helicopter's communication headsets, the handsome foreign pilot (yes, all helicopter pilots are certified foreigners) provides a briefing on the necessary flight precautions.
The helicopter takeoff was much easier than expected. I didn't feel any pressure and the plane was in the air, flying towards Angkor Wat. Gradually, Angkor Wat appeared before my eyes. I believe that seeing it from the perspective of the sky will definitely be a bit incredible. Ancient human architecture can be so magical. It is worthy of being one of the four wonders of the East and the mysterious Angkor civilization that has existed for thousands of years.
Somadevi Angkor Boutique Hotel Siem Reap is conveniently located in the heart of Siem Reap. The popular Angkor Night Market, Old Market, Pub Street, and Lucky Mall are just a short stroll away. Enjoy a wide selection of handicrafts, fresh produce, and fragrance shops, ensuring you'll be spoiled for choice.
Upon entering the hotel, a spacious and bright lobby greets you. Beautiful, fragrant flowers and lush greenery create a striking backdrop. Warm lighting and comfortable seating create a modern and contemporary ambiance. All guest rooms are meticulously designed, featuring dark wood floors and carefully selected decorative paintings, creating an elegant and chic ambiance. Rooms feature an LCD TV, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, and refined furnishings. Bathrooms are immaculately appointed with hairdryers and showers. Soft beds, bathed in warm lighting, ensure a restful night's sleep.
Founded in 1976, Belmond Hotel Group now boasts hotels and resorts across Southeast Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Once named one of the top ten luxury hotel brands by Travel + Leisure, Belmond, formerly known as Orient-Express Hotels, derives its name from the Latin words "balla" (beautiful) and "mundus" (world). In addition to the renowned Orient-Express luxury train, the group's portfolio also includes luxury cruises, African expeditions, custom itineraries, and top-tier luxury hotels.
Located in the heart of Siem Reap, Belmond La Résidence d'Angkor promises a unique Siem Reap experience and an unforgettable trip. Every room amenities are thoughtfully designed, including an in-room safe, air conditioning, and a wardrobe/closet, satisfying your every need while adding a touch of home. For those who require water, an electric kettle and coffee/tea maker are also provided. Bathrooms, equipped with slippers, a bathtub, and a hairdryer, are perfect for unwinding after a long day. Relax with a drink at the bar.
Massage and spa services are a major industry in many Southeast Asian destinations. Services range from high-end luxury to affordable options, catering to travelers of all budgets. In a soft, warm, and tranquil atmosphere, combined with natural décor, you'll rejuvenate and relax. Carefully selected homemade ingredients, including botanicals and marine ingredients, combined with natural herbs, invigorate the skin and leave it radiant with a healthy glow.
Foot Massage
By stimulating the pressure points on the soles of your feet to relax your whole body, soak your feet in warm water mixed with coarse salt and mint, scrub and massage, moisturizing the skin of your feet, making you relaxed and healthy.
Khmer Traditional Massage
This traditional massage focuses on pressure points and the stretching techniques associated with Thai massage, stretching and opening the body's energy channels to clear energy blockages. Essential oils are not used in this massage. Stretches and gentle pressure are used along energy lines to relax the body and relieve muscle tension.
Oil Massage
One of the most popular massage treatments available today. A carefully selected blend of homemade aromatherapy oils is gently massaged with pats and kneads to increase blood circulation and enhance your sense of well-being.
Pub Street, also known as Foreigner's Street, is the heart of downtown Siem Reap. This approximately 100-meter street is lined with bars on both sides. This area is Siem Reap's busiest at night, with every shop packed with European and American tourists. Although it's called Pub Street, it's actually full of restaurants, all serving alcohol. At night, crowds of foreigners gather in these bars for drinks and fun. When the party gets high (usually after midnight), they even break out into dancing in the street. This area is a must-see for tourists visiting Siem Reap. Special events are held during festivals like New Year's Eve and Christmas.
Made in Cambodia Market is Siem Reap's most unique handicraft market. However, due to its recent relocation, the new location is currently less popular. Located on the east bank of the Siem Reap River, just across the river from the old market, the new location boasts a prominent waterwheel landmark at the entrance. Next to the waterwheel is the market entrance.
Tips: Opening hours: 12 noon to 10 pm every day.
What's unique about this market is that everything sold there is made in Cambodia. Since Cambodia lacks industry, there aren't many "authentically made-in-Cambodia" items to buy. Compared to the old market or night market (where goods are mostly imported from Vietnam and Thailand), the offerings here are more unique. The market has since moved (2017) to King's Road Mall, which is home to internationally renowned chains like Hard Rock Cafe and Costa Coffee.
Featured handmade products recommended
Besides stone carvings, Cambodia also boasts paintings, ceramic elephant mugs, cement bags, and woven straw baskets. Since these are handmade, rather than mass-produced by machines, the cost is naturally higher. These handmade goods would fetch even higher prices at creative markets in China. Since you're here, why not support local handicrafts and contribute to Cambodia's GDP?
