Another wonders - Siem Reap
Day 1
KUL-Siem Reap, Cambodia.
The Cambodian Government has unveiled visa-free travel arrangements with the following Asean countries: Brunei, Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia.
The official currency in Cambodia is the Riel which come in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 50000 and 100000 notes. However, in the major towns and cities, US dollars can be freely spent though travelers are recommended to use smaller denomination notes as change may be difficult. Most places will refuse old, tatty or damaged US bills. It is 4000 Riels per one US Dollars (at the time of this writing). Popular local and international currencies can be exchanged openly and freely. Major credit cards are only accepted in a few places so traveler cheques or cash are recommended.
Arrived Siem Reap International Airport at noon and representative from Princess Angkor Hotel pick us up. This is a rejuvenating holiday for me… It is cool season in Siem Reap; I’m enjoying the hazy sky and cool breeze… mmmm… so nice… Despite the pleasantly cool weather, sun and clouds still equals sunburn, especially if you’re not used to the tropical sun, you will get burned.
At night, we hire a tuk-tuk to town and try their Amok Fish (local delicacy).
Day 2
A visit to the world heritage, Angkor Wat has just begun. Located near the small town of Siem Reap, the Angkor temple complex is comprised of countless ceremonial structures built
between the 9th and 13th centuries by the once mighty Khmer Empire. I bought one-day entrance ticket, for USD20 but for those who love to spend more time here, suggested they buy the three-day entrance ticket, it’s only USD40. You need to give 1 passport size photo for three-day ticket.
This tour starts at the South Gate of Angkor Thom City. It was built by Cambodia’s greatest builder, Jayavarman VII. This ten sq kilometer city is enclosed by an 8m high wall and encircled by a 100m moat said to have been inhabited by fierce crocodiles. There are five 20m high gates of wall in each of the North, West and South walls and 2 in the East wall. Access is via 
causeways over the moat that are flanked by the statues of 54 Gods on the left and 54 devils on the right, all seemingly engaged in a game of tug war.
Elephants and Terrace of Leper Kings. Then We stop for a while at Ta Keo.
After that, we continue our journey to Ta Prohm, which was built during the reign of Jayavarman
VII, a great king who reconquered the Khmer empire from Cham invaders in the years AD 1177-1181. Although the temple itself 
only extends over two and a half acres (roughly one hectare), its walls and moat enclose another 148 acres (59 hectares). Historical records suggests that as many as 12,640 people once lived within this temple complex, and they
were supported by a further population of almost 80,000 who worked in nearby villages to provide food and supplies.
KUL-Siem Reap, Cambodia.
The Cambodian Government has unveiled visa-free travel arrangements with the following Asean countries: Brunei, Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia.
The official currency in Cambodia is the Riel which come in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 50000 and 100000 notes. However, in the major towns and cities, US dollars can be freely spent though travelers are recommended to use smaller denomination notes as change may be difficult. Most places will refuse old, tatty or damaged US bills. It is 4000 Riels per one US Dollars (at the time of this writing). Popular local and international currencies can be exchanged openly and freely. Major credit cards are only accepted in a few places so traveler cheques or cash are recommended.
Arrived Siem Reap International Airport at noon and representative from Princess Angkor Hotel pick us up. This is a rejuvenating holiday for me… It is cool season in Siem Reap; I’m enjoying the hazy sky and cool breeze… mmmm… so nice… Despite the pleasantly cool weather, sun and clouds still equals sunburn, especially if you’re not used to the tropical sun, you will get burned.
At night, we hire a tuk-tuk to town and try their Amok Fish (local delicacy).
Day 2
A visit to the world heritage, Angkor Wat has just begun. Located near the small town of Siem Reap, the Angkor temple complex is comprised of countless ceremonial structures built
between the 9th and 13th centuries by the once mighty Khmer Empire. I bought one-day entrance ticket, for USD20 but for those who love to spend more time here, suggested they buy the three-day entrance ticket, it’s only USD40. You need to give 1 passport size photo for three-day ticket.
This tour starts at the South Gate of Angkor Thom City. It was built by Cambodia’s greatest builder, Jayavarman VII. This ten sq kilometer city is enclosed by an 8m high wall and encircled by a 100m moat said to have been inhabited by fierce crocodiles. There are five 20m high gates of wall in each of the North, West and South walls and 2 in the East wall. Access is via 
causeways over the moat that are flanked by the statues of 54 Gods on the left and 54 devils on the right, all seemingly engaged in a game of tug war.We explore the centerpiece of the ancient city, The Bayon. 
Bayon is located in the geographical heart of Angkor Thom. The 54 tower temple is a quite remarkable sight. Initially the temple seems to be a shapeless mass of grey and brown stone but as one approaches one realizes that each of the towers is in fact 
carved and there are over 200 huge enigmatic faces of Avalokitesharva bearing down on the wherever you turn. The Bayon is easily the most popular sight after Angkor Wat and no visit is complete without a trip to see this amazing and unique temple. 
Also included in the tour this morning is Baphuon temple, the Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas as well as the Terrace of 
Bayon is located in the geographical heart of Angkor Thom. The 54 tower temple is a quite remarkable sight. Initially the temple seems to be a shapeless mass of grey and brown stone but as one approaches one realizes that each of the towers is in fact 
carved and there are over 200 huge enigmatic faces of Avalokitesharva bearing down on the wherever you turn. The Bayon is easily the most popular sight after Angkor Wat and no visit is complete without a trip to see this amazing and unique temple. 
Elephants and Terrace of Leper Kings. Then We stop for a while at Ta Keo.After that, we continue our journey to Ta Prohm, which was built during the reign of Jayavarman
VII, a great king who reconquered the Khmer empire from Cham invaders in the years AD 1177-1181. Although the temple itself 
only extends over two and a half acres (roughly one hectare), its walls and moat enclose another 148 acres (59 hectares). Historical records suggests that as many as 12,640 people once lived within this temple complex, and they
were supported by a further population of almost 80,000 who worked in nearby villages to provide food and supplies.
The most photographed tree in the world, at Ta Prohm.
The silk cotton trees at Ta Prohm are huge, majestic. Their leaves are shed during the dry season. The other legendary trees at Ta Prohm are strangler figs, and the way in which they grew is a strange tale. Strangler figs are also known as Banyan trees, and Buddhists regard them as sacred because it is said that Buddha once meditated beneath one. How strange that the Banyan tree, given all the reverence accorded it, is actually the strangler fig that literally strangles others, including the majestic silk-cotton trees.
The silk cotton trees at Ta Prohm are huge, majestic. Their leaves are shed during the dry season. The other legendary trees at Ta Prohm are strangler figs, and the way in which they grew is a strange tale. Strangler figs are also known as Banyan trees, and Buddhists regard them as sacred because it is said that Buddha once meditated beneath one. How strange that the Banyan tree, given all the reverence accorded it, is actually the strangler fig that literally strangles others, including the majestic silk-cotton trees.
In the late afternoon, we headed to the main attraction in this vacation… The Angkor Wat ("City Temple") is a vast temple complex near Siem Reap, about 200 miles from the capital of Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Built in the 12th century by the king of the prosperous Khmer empire, Angkor Wat was built as a royal temple dedicated to a Hindu deity.
Angkor's temple architecture was heavily influenced by Indian ideas. From the earliest days of the city, Angkor had been conceived as a symbolic universe structured according to Hindu
cosmology. The city was accordingly built around a central temple on a hill, which symbolized Mount Meru, the home of the gods.
The central tower of each temple also represented Mount Meru. The outer walls of the temple represented the mountains that were believed to encircle the cosmos. The many waterways, canals and moats of Angkor served a dual purpose: they symbolized the waters of the cosmos and improved water control and rice irrigation.
Angkor Wat consists of five central shrines, encircled by a moat and three galleries. On the west side of the complex a paved causeway, leading over the moat and under a magnificent portico, extends for a distance of a quarter of a mile to the chief entrance of the main building.
After the city of Angkor fell to invaders, Angkor Wat receded into the jungle but continued as a Buddhist temple and a pilgrimage site over the centuries.
Angkor Wat is the best preserved example of Khmer architecture in Cambodia and is so grand in design that some rank it among the Seven Wonders of the World. It appears on the Cambodian national flag, a very rare instance of a flag incorporating an image of a building.
After completed our journey, our tuk-tuk took us to the town, and we had a foot massage in one of the many foot reflexology Khmer style in Siem Reap town. I think they don’t understand what foot reflexology is. Never mind, I’m too tired to think.
Day 3
After breakfast, our tuk-tuk drove us around the village (pic) for a sight seeing on our way to Tonle Sap Lake. In the afternoon, we went to Cambodian Cultural Village. So quite, even the staff is more then the tourist. The only Cultural Village in the country with "Cambodia in Miniature". Located in the historical province of Siem Reap. 
It was constructed to provide tourists, both local and foreign a glance of the country's famous and historical milestone as well as a showcase of the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Khmer people. Inside the extensive village are the representations of Cambodia's 11 Villages. Featuring houses of different architectural styles while providing examples of Khmer creativity in arts and crafts. At each village, there are distinctive traditional dance performances; traditional wedding 
ceremony, performance of ethnic minorities, Apsara Dancing, Circus, Acrobatic, popular games and especially the much awaited Grand Khmer Family White Night Shows. Wax Museum exhibits the development of Cambodian Culture from the first century up to present, the w
ay how Angkor Wat temple was built, Khmer people during the Chenla period, various characteristics and replicas of important historical people. the visit, we take a slow walk back to our hotel. Later in the evening, our most dedicated tuk-tuk driver took us to the town again for early dinner at Curry Walla and to watch Liverpool games against Everton at one of the restaurant. But sadly, the result is 0-0.
Angkor's temple architecture was heavily influenced by Indian ideas. From the earliest days of the city, Angkor had been conceived as a symbolic universe structured according to Hindu
cosmology. The city was accordingly built around a central temple on a hill, which symbolized Mount Meru, the home of the gods.
The central tower of each temple also represented Mount Meru. The outer walls of the temple represented the mountains that were believed to encircle the cosmos. The many waterways, canals and moats of Angkor served a dual purpose: they symbolized the waters of the cosmos and improved water control and rice irrigation.
Angkor Wat consists of five central shrines, encircled by a moat and three galleries. On the west side of the complex a paved causeway, leading over the moat and under a magnificent portico, extends for a distance of a quarter of a mile to the chief entrance of the main building.After the city of Angkor fell to invaders, Angkor Wat receded into the jungle but continued as a Buddhist temple and a pilgrimage site over the centuries.
Angkor Wat is the best preserved example of Khmer architecture in Cambodia and is so grand in design that some rank it among the Seven Wonders of the World. It appears on the Cambodian national flag, a very rare instance of a flag incorporating an image of a building.
After completed our journey, our tuk-tuk took us to the town, and we had a foot massage in one of the many foot reflexology Khmer style in Siem Reap town. I think they don’t understand what foot reflexology is. Never mind, I’m too tired to think.
Day 3
After breakfast, our tuk-tuk drove us around the village (pic) for a sight seeing on our way to Tonle Sap Lake. In the afternoon, we went to Cambodian Cultural Village. So quite, even the staff is more then the tourist. The only Cultural Village in the country with "Cambodia in Miniature". Located in the historical province of Siem Reap. 
It was constructed to provide tourists, both local and foreign a glance of the country's famous and historical milestone as well as a showcase of the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Khmer people. Inside the extensive village are the representations of Cambodia's 11 Villages. Featuring houses of different architectural styles while providing examples of Khmer creativity in arts and crafts. At each village, there are distinctive traditional dance performances; traditional wedding 
ceremony, performance of ethnic minorities, Apsara Dancing, Circus, Acrobatic, popular games and especially the much awaited Grand Khmer Family White Night Shows. Wax Museum exhibits the development of Cambodian Culture from the first century up to present, the w
ay how Angkor Wat temple was built, Khmer people during the Chenla period, various characteristics and replicas of important historical people. the visit, we take a slow walk back to our hotel. Later in the evening, our most dedicated tuk-tuk driver took us to the town again for early dinner at Curry Walla and to watch Liverpool games against Everton at one of the restaurant. But sadly, the result is 0-0. Day 4
Had breakfast, sleep, relax, etc… nice… it’s a shopping day, we went to the town. Siem Reap has colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter, and around the Old Market. In town, there are Apsara dance performances, craft shops, silk shops, souvenir shops, etc…
Day 5
After breakfast, it is time for packing and back home with MAS.
Had breakfast, sleep, relax, etc… nice… it’s a shopping day, we went to the town. Siem Reap has colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter, and around the Old Market. In town, there are Apsara dance performances, craft shops, silk shops, souvenir shops, etc…
Day 5
After breakfast, it is time for packing and back home with MAS.
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