Cambodia Things to Do Tips by ngsway

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

There are 2 pools inside the compound of Angkor Wat. The north pool is situated at the left side of the walkway. It is the more scenic one. This is because it is usually filled with water and most importantly flowering lotus plants. If you go to the extreme corner of the pool, all the 5 towers of the temple will be visible. The reflection of the temple at sunrise will be breath-taking....

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Waking up before 6 am to reach this magnificant monument before the sunrise is a must see. The sun slowly rises behind the temple, initially creating a blueish purple sky with the temple's tower creating a silhouette. Then slowly, the sky turn golden. The best spot to view this is at the north pool on the left side of the walkway. The pond is filled with flowering lotus, and the perfect reflection of the temple complex can be seen clearly.

Sihanoukville - a seaside getaway

Sihanoukville is situated south of Phnom Penh. It's a seaside getaway popular with locals, however, I find that the seaside is not as good as those in Thailand or Malaysia.

Sihanoukville can be reach by a 4 hour bus journey. The road here is in excellent condition, so you can expect smooth journey.

Shopping at the famous Russian market

The Cambodian call it Phsar Toul Tom Poung and should not be confused with thePsar O'Russei. This Market is packed with stalls selling good selections of silver, gold and jewels as well as varieties of souvenier like curios, silks, carvings etc....

A nice place to spend loitering around it narrow walkway while 'window shop' around the colorful items that are on sale.

There is a section of the market that sells food. The food caters mostly for locals and for anyone who want a taste of authentic food, here is a good place to start....

Toul Sleng Musuem

This museum is an old school building that is converted to a prison during the Khmer Rouge period. Thousands of detainee are imprisonned, tortured and killed here. The must see is the black and white photographs of all the detainees that lines the wall. These is a grim place to visit but it is a must for everyone to go; to know that evil does exist....

Sunset at Angkor Wat

There are a few places to watch sunset in Angkor. The famous and most crowded is at Phnom Bahkheng. Alternatively, at Angkor Wat, you can see the effect of setting sun to the temple. Slowly, you can see the temple turning 'golden'. However, this moment is short, about 2 minutes only. Set your camera ready and takes as many short as you of this increadible sights......

We stayed until the whole place almost turn totally dark before we reluctantly leaves the temple....

Bantaey Srei - Citadel of Women

This temple is located 38km from Siem Reap. It truly exhibits the beauty of fine Khmer art in its delicate carvings. The temple is small but almost every corner is filled with these carvings that looks like it was just carved by a master yesterday.....

Alternative Sunrise spot - Sra Srang

Visitor with multiday pass may try out alternative sunrise spot, other than at the famous and crowded Angkor Wat. Sra Srang is a small baray that offers picturesque view during sunrise. Persistant Cambodian children will sell you coffee, a nice cuppa to have while enjoying the view.....

Ta Prohm - Lara Croft's Temple

Ta Prohm is unique because of the giant trees that 'grows' into this ancient temple. These trees is left untouch as, at the same time that it seems to be crumbling the temple structure, it is actually holding it, preventing it from collapsing.

Bayon

Bayon is one of the famous temple, a must see for every visitor to Angkor. It is located in Ancient City of Angkor Thom. This breath-taking temple is easily recognisable by its giant faces that seems to be starring and smilling at all the directions. It was built 100 years after Angkor Wat by King Jayavarman VII.