Cambodia: Siem Reap Visit - Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm Ruins, 100-year old The Butterfly House Restaurant

     Siem Reap- Angkor Wat is one of my most pleasurable and hassle-free excursion. If you’re anyone like me who gets rejuvenated with the sight of vast greenery and rows and rows of towering trees –with temple ruins peeping every now and then, – you’ll surely enjoy discovering Siem Reap Angkor.
     Upon arriving at the airport, you’ll immediately get that feeling –a sense that you’re in an uncomplicated place where life’s pace would somehow be a breeze. 
People are naturally friendly and hospitable… They impressed me as sincerely warm and helpful. Also, they speak well enough English for good conversations. 
     The nice hotel driver who fetched us from the airport informed us that there are two routes to get to the hotel (Le Meridien): the city route and the Angkor route. So, which way do we prefer, he asked? We replied in unison -Angkor route! 
     The ride to the hotel is very pleasant - there is no traffic! The road is smooth asphalt and on each side of the road is towering rows and rows of old trees. I said old because some trees are so big you could hardly embrace the trunk and have your fingers meet.
     The forest land is evident and the air is pleasingly fresh.

Siem Reap, Angkor Wat temple ruins with some restoration works

     There are about forty-five most popular temple ruins to see within the main area of Angkor Archaeological Park.
     But if your stay is limited, the must see are the Angkor Wat and Bayon temple ruins. And of course, if you're a fan of Angelina Jollie (like me), you'll surely want to visit Ta Prohm where scenes of the Tomb Raider (movie) are shot.
     I got to visit only these three temple ruins when I was in Cambodia last May. It is all that we were able to see given the limited time after our conference.

Siem Reap - One of Angkor Wat Towers

     Siem Reap Angkor is definitely an enchantment for any artist and heaven for photographers. Lighting changes with the time of day... but still, the best time for compelling photos (amateur or professional) is on the crack of dawn.
     Park hours are 5:00AM to 6:30PM. So there's always the opportunity to get your award-winning shot.
     You need to get admission pass to visit the temples and sites in the Angkor Archaeological Park. All passes are purchased at the main entrance on the road to Angkor Wat.
     Passes are sold in blocks of: one-day ($20), three-day ($40), seven-day ($60). The three-day pass is valid for one week. e.g., 3 days to be used within the week, not necessarily consecutively. In the same way, the seven-day pass is valid for one month.

Siem Reap, Bayon Temple Ruins

At Bayon Temple Ruins (Siem Reap) in one of the four-faces at upper floor

     Ta Prohm is renowned for its massive cotton and strangler fig trees growing amongst the ruins. We had quite an adventure (or misadventure?) in visiting Ta Prohm. We had just passed the gate of the trail leading to Ta Prohm when it started to rain!
     We are in the jungle trail and the rain is pouring. The first thing to protect is of course - the cameras! Still, being good spirited, and all are in for a little adventure, we enjoyed running on the muddy trail 'till we reached the ruins. (Yes! We didn't bring any raincoat or umbrella. Though, surprisingly, there are vendors of such inside Ta Prohm - we were already wet when we got there - no sense in getting a raincoat anymore).

Ta Prohm on a rainy afternoon (Siem Reap, Cambodia)

Ta Prohm Ruins, Siem Reap, Cambodia

     Soaking wet, we were awed by the rustic view of the ruins engulfed by the gigantic roots of trees. It gives you a sense of mystery in the wilderness. Every corner seems to have an ancient story to tell. (The chills of the rain must have gotten my imagination going...)
     The rocks are slippery and some parts of the trail got flooded - ankle deep only - but would definitely ruin one's sneakers... Yet, being truly "Pinoys", we seem to be the jolliest foursome touring the ruins with our giggles echoing - never minding the rain, our sticking clothes, and muddied feet - simply enjoying ourselves bustling in the unique ruins.

Ta Prohm Ruins, Siem Reap, Cambodia

     We may have failed to fully explore Ta Prohm, but it is the place that's imprinted in my memory. Having the chance to enjoy it was truly an experience.

"Tuk-tuk" ride to Butterfly House (all conference delegates)

     Getting around is not a problem. You may arrange for transportation from the hotel (van), or you may take taxis. But if you really want to have the Angkor way, it is best to take the "tuk-tuk" (local public transport). Unlike in Bangkok, "tuk-tuk" drivers here are more disciplined. They do not do death-defying stunts in the streets. On the contrary, they are very respectful and easy to deal with. Almost every "tuk-tuk" driver can serve as your tour guide. They also ask for reasonably fair rates.
     Others go around on rented bicycles. This  seems a fun way of touring around - that is, if you don't mind sweating it out. We saw other tourists enjoying cycling around.
     Food in Angkor is very similar to Thailand. Our conference organizers opted to have us experience dinner at the Butterfly House. It is an old house more than 100 years old that was turned into a restaurant serving only authentic local cuisine. We enjoyed dinner here. Just like with anything else, sometimes you've got to be open minded in trying out something new - especially with food. I totally enjoyed their tom-yang. It was not as spicy as those in Bangkok. The dishes are good but mostly spicy for the Philippine tongue.

The Butterfly House Restaurant
 100-year old house, Siem Reap, Cambodia

     Canby Publications' guides and maps are available free of charge at select hotels, restaurants, travel agents and other locations in Cambodia. It is best to  get one when you arrive. The Siem Reap Angkor Visitor's Guide recommends suitable itinerary depending on your schedules.
The beauty, mystery, architecture, engineering, and mind-boggling incredibility of the ruins I've seen will remain with me for a long time. It is a place I definitely wish to visit again given the opportunity. Our "tuk-tuk" driver said there are about 364 temple ruins to see. Wow! If that is true, one may have to stay for a year to truly discover each temple ruins, big or small, well reserved or not... No wonder a lot of foreign artists reside in Siem Reap.

Come to think of it... I think I can even live there. Who Knows?