Part 1: The Magnificent Angkor Wat
The world is exceptionally huge. Without travelling, chances of getting to understand the different cultures could be just by reading articles online or personal sharing of travel experiences from traveller. In this article, I would like to bring you to Siem Reap, Cambodia. An amazing city of a country that you’ll never imagine and be surprised of its magnificent beauty. Understanding the beauty of the country even though it’s not the most fascinated modern countries you’re dreaming of.
Hopefully, this article would bring you some information and inspire you to visit the country. As of my own words, everyone is different, so do the world! :D So, don’t judge a book by its cover. Without delay, let us proceed!
Visiting the magnificent Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is known as the City of Temple, in modern-terms. It is definitely one of the top-listed destinations for people who love historical sight-seeing and to be mesmerized by the ancient architecture.
Before planning to visit Angkor Wat, it is recommended that you do a quick research to determine how enthusiastic you are to visit the place. So that you could plan ahead according to your budget. For us, we love to be flexible and relax about sight-seeing which lead us to purchase the 3 days-pass. It cost us $40 USD per-person which we personally thought that it was worth every penny!
Angkor Wat is not the typical kind of Buddhist temple where you'll see a different kind of luxury golden statue or bronze incense tub. It is a totally different vibe in the temple where it is now known as the largest religious monument in the globe and also the best-preserved temple. Due to its magnificent structure of the temple, it has significantly become a symbol of Cambodia. The image of Angkor Wat is widely seen on their national flag and also their currency.
The landscape of Angkor Wat is rather ginormous that it is almost impossible to travel without a tuk-tuk driver. However, please do be careful of the tuk-tuk driver which are normally offering their rides with extreme high prices. That’s when your negotiation power has to be strong to get your desired amount of payment.
'Ta Phrom'
Angkor Wat consists of different temples such as ‘Ta Prohm’ which is the second most visited site besides the main temple. This temple is widely surrounded by lush greens and showing the least preservation. Somehow, it shows the authentic vibe of the evolution of time. Just so you know, this is also the temple that you’ve seen in the movie ‘Tomb Raider’ cast by Angelina Jolie.
'The Bayon'
Next, ‘The Bayon’ temple is embedded with the most Buddha faces on the wall structure. This shows how Buddhism play a vital role in their religion, culture and lives from then until today. Please also do expect a great crowd especially during tour group which makes you impossible to just enjoy peace.
‘The Baphuon’
Next, ‘The Baphuon’ is the temple where some workout is definitely needed. Oh no! Seriously? Yes! Climbing is very much needed in order for you to reach the top of the temple. The uneven and steep staircases made out of bricks made up keep an eye while climbing. This temple are pretty similar to other temples which just a very challenging path to make it to the top. For challengers, this could be on your top list. However, there are some shades along the way while you’re exploring to keep you from burning up.
As a conclusion, I would rather consider Angkor Wat as a beauty of nature where you could find peace and regenerate your soul. This trip will definitely change your mindset by seeing and experiencing the different culture of yours and others. You'll soon realize how good it is your life and started to appreciate more of what you have. However, before I end the article, I would also like to include some of the tips and information I've collected from this trip at below.
Tips:
Activities:
- Do hire a local guide to explain the history of the temple.
- Elephant riding, although we do not support animal riding.
Awareness:
- In a more quiet part of the temple, there will be teenagers asking for a signature. But the intention is for you to donate.
- Please do not write anything if you do not have intention to give out any donations.
Attire:
- Dress code in the temple should be appropriate as a respect to their religion.
- Long pants or long skirts are preferable.
- Revealing clothing is pretty much prohibited.
*Disclaimer: All of the photos and information are based on my personal travel experiences. It is all copyright. Please do not reuse the photos without approval. If you would like to use, please drop me an email at explorernations@gmail.com, we could discuss about it.
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