Discovering Angkor Wat Temples in Cambodia

If there was one place I’ve always wanted to visit, it would have to be Angkor Wat. For those of you who haven’t heard of Angkor Wat, it is a temple complex built near Siem Reap in Cambodia. It was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman the second and was the capital city for his empire. It is well known for its large variety of bas-reliefs, and devatas (guardian spirits) that are decorated throughout the entire complex on its walls.

Fortunately my recent visit to Cambodia, included spending a few days in Siem Reap and getting to go to the temple complex. It costs about $ 35 to get a pass into the complex for 3 days and that allows you to see all the temples. I took time to see quite a few of them, obviously the masterpiece however is Wat. Another amazing temple that is very popular is Angkor Thom, it was 15 minutes or so from the Victoria Angkor Hotel we stayed at in Siem Reap. The temple boasts 216 smiling faces. Words cannot describe the emotional effect the temples have on you. It is a place of beauty, mystery and wonder. The age and history of the temples are incredible. Our Guide “Sophy” from a Southeast Asia travel company called Exotic Voyages could not have been better; he really knew his history and he knew how to find just the right spots to take 5 Star pictures and stay away from the crowds. The hotel we stayed at is one in a chain of my favorite hotels in Southeast Asia, Victoria Hotels.

They are peaceful, serene, laid back and wonderfully designed. They even had 2 baby crocodiles on display in the indoor river. It was a wonderful hotel and the breakfasts at resorts in Southeast Asia are like nothing you’ve ever seen in the U.S. You literally have over a hundred items to choose from. There was a chef ready to make any type of egg you wanted with 30+ options, there were 20 varieties of cheese and fruits and cereals. There was even a waiter standing ready to serve you any juice you asked for and most of them he picked fresh right from the town. The breakfasts are always amazing and I love waking up early in the morning, getting a good workout in and having a great breakfast to start the day. There is so much to share about Cambodia, one of my favorite destinations. I love Cambodia and can’t wait to go back!

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