March is here and the spring is around the corner. As the days get progressively longer and weather nicer we start thinking about our summer vacation. Whatever the top travel destinations of the world, budget more than ever is the ultimate influencer of our decision where to go, our travel style and interest is first we tailor into our decision making process.
Many people select their overseas destination based on culture that fascinates them. In last many decades Inca civilization and monuments of the Inca Empire lured many of us to Peru, to the former seats of Inca power, to Cuzco and Machu Picchu high in the Andes mountains.
Chances are that if you have become captivated by the stunning monuments of the Incas you also have likely visited the sites of the Maya and Aztecs throughout Latin America. If you ever pondered venturing to Asia, you have been astonished by the sheer variety of Asian cultures and their remarkable monuments.
China and India are in the forefront of destinations in Asia but to visit them on a limited time means you can only sample a small part of these vast countries. If temples and ancient cities are what stirs your mind, consider a journey to the legendary Angkor Wat Cambodia.
To visit the UNESCO ancient city of Angkor, the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire, you have to travel to Siem Reap, a town in Western part of Cambodia north of the Tonle Sap Lake. You can access Siem Reap easily from either Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, or from Bangkok, Thailand.
Start you tour of the Angkor ruins with Angkor Wat, the grandest of the temples. Next enter the temple complex of Angkor Thom, famous for the colossal stone human face of the Bayon Temple. Admire the enormous fig trees and lush creepers which lodge themselves into the stone walls and foundation of the temple of Ta Prohm.
You can breeze through the temples of Angkor city in a day but that would be a shame as they are far too many stunning temples to savor and you will easily need a full day just to view up close the many temples that are part of the main circuit, with numerous temples spread out over a vast area.
If you have come all this way you’ll need to venture out of town to see the intricately carved temple of Banteay Srei north of Siem Reap. Not to miss are also the temples of the Rolous group, the earliest Khmer civilization in the Siem Reap area, located east of the city.
Siem Reap is a fascinating city in its own right and you best allocate a day to sample its markets and enjoy its daily life. One way or another Cambodia and this part of Southeast Asia will grow on you and tempt you to return.