Off
to Cambodia, there's one place you can't miss: Angkor Wat. The excitement
builds, even the night before, fresh from HO CHI MINH CITY. I couldn't sleep; I
was eager for morning to come. Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one
of the world's most famous landmarks. Our journey began with getting our
passes, with choices from a day to a week of exploration. We chose a day. Walking
into Angkor Wat, we followed a dusty road lined with towering stone pillars and
sculptures. The temple's grandeur unfolded before us as we explored every
corner.
Trust me, navigating Angkor Wat is a breeze if you follow the signs, allowing
you to fully admire and capture its beauty. Continuing inside, you'll stumble
upon Angkor Thom, the fortified inner royal city constructed by King Jayavarman
VII in the 12th century. There's so much to admire until moving further can
literally hold you back. Apart from posing and taking pictures for remembrance,
it feels like you're in a lost city all by yourself. Thanks to my tour buddies
for helping with my pictures; they were fascinated by my poses. Well, it's just
me, but soon they were trying new poses too.
Here, iconic landmarks like the Bayon,
Terrace of the Leper King, and Baphuon await your exploration. Fun fact: this
is where scenes from Lara Croft: Tomb Raider were filmed! Experiencing it in
real life surpasses any movie magic. It's like visualizing the movie.
After a fulfilling morning, feeling rather
exhausted, sticky due to the scorching sun, and covered in dust, we indulged in
a roadside Khmer lunch, rejuvenating ourselves with bold flavors and fresh
ingredients. The Khmer Vegetarian Curry stole the show with its vibrant taste,
while the Steamed Pumpkin Custard served as a heavenly dessert, energizing us
for the rest of our Angkor Wat adventure.
Back on the long walk, surrounded by fellow travelers and guided by our
friendly local tour guide, we made our way towards the heart of Angkor.
Crossing the bridge and tackling the steep, uneven stone staircase to the top
was a bit nerve-wracking. We were warned to watch our step, especially if we
were afraid of heights. But reaching the summit was an entirely different
experience. The symbolic stone walls and the religious history of Angkor Wat
seemed to come alive before our eyes. Taking in the panoramic view, we bid
farewell to Angkor Wat, feeling grateful for the opportunity to witness such
beauty.
But our adventure wasn't over yet. The
highlight? Sunset watching. It was chaos. The dusty uphill slope felt
never-ending, and I admit, I almost wanted to turn back. As we reached the top
of Bakheng Mountain, I felt like I had truly conquered something. The long
queue to climb the stairs was daunting, but the breathtaking view from the
summit made it all worth it. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a
golden glow over the ancient ruins, I felt a sense of peace wash over me,
grateful for the experience despite the physical struggle.
Spending a day at Angkor Wat, followed by
sunset gazing, is a quintessential Cambodian experience. But trust me, it's not
all glamour - it can leave you tired and dusty, with a sun-kissed tan to boot.
Get ready to make the most of your Angkor
Wat visit with these handy suggestions:
Keep cool in the heat by wearing light
cotton clothing.
Navigate the temple complex comfortably
with flat, supportive shoes.
Stay hydrated by carrying water with you.
Protect yourself from the sun with
sunglasses, a hat, or a scarf, and apply plenty of sunscreen.
Stick together in tour groups or with
whoever you are touring with, to avoid inconvenience and ensure everyone stays
safe.
Respect Angkor Wat's rules and customs,
including honoring the gods and being mindful of local prayers and rituals.
Decide for yourself whether to believe in
the blessings of the prayers and tied wrist strings.
Feel free to indulge in local products
from traders, but remember to bargain and stay firm.
Consider your mobility before visiting; if
walking is a struggle, Angkor Wat might not be the best choice for you.
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