Siam Reap in Cambodia is located north of Southeast Asia’s largest lake, Tonle Sap. This is the site of the world’s largest temple complex, one of the greatest wonders of the world. It was built in the 12th Century when the Khmer empire was at its peak. The sheer scale of the place spread over 400 km is quite overwhelming. It is the finest example of Khmer art and architecture. Huge four-sided faces of kings and Gods guard the temple gates. Nature plays an important part here as roots and branches of massive trees intertwine with the carvings, jutting out dramatically from the carved sculptures of Gods and temples.

Siam Reap is well connected by air with Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Laos. It is 465 km from Bangkok and can be reached by road as well.

Important Temple Ruins in Siam Reap:

Angkor Wat: This is the main temple complex - stunning in size and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. The tall conical shaped pyramids are enclosed by stone towers connected by long galleries. The entire complex is surrounded by a wide moat. The intricately carved out bas reliefs in the galleries depict the stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Angkor Thom: Located 2 km from Angkor Wat is old capital Angkor Thom which was the centre of administration and the royal residence. Surrounded by a moat and a high wall it is said to have accommodate a million people and can be entered by five different gates. The south gate is the most visited. Here you can see the Baphuon Temple, the Bayon, the Terraces of Elephants and the Leper King and the temple of Phimeanakas - all spectacular sites.

Ta Prohm: This is one of the must-see sites in Siam Reap located near Angkor Wat and Bayon. What makes it a truly remarkable sight is the way the roots of trees have wrapped themselves around the temples and are actually holding the monuments together while tearing them apart. The gigantic roots of the fig and Banyan trees are a spectacular sight. Ta Prohm was left unrestored for years and the wild, untamed energy of this complex is quite special.

Banteay Srei: Carved in pink sandstone this temple was the women’s pavilion. It has the most delicate and well preserved carvings and bas reliefs. Smaller than the other temples, it is the most beautiful among the entire lot. It's about 25 km north of Angkor Wat.

Phnom Bakheng: This mountain temple is built on a hill offering a panoramic view of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. The hill represents the centre of the world, Mount Meru, according to Indian cosmology. It's a great place to watch a sunrise or a sunset.

Roluos Group: This group comprises of three temples, Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei. The Preah Ko has the statue of sacred bulls at its entrance. Lolei temple is guarded by sacred lions. The carved doors, lintels and columns are exquisite. The Bakong is the most impressive temple, built in the 9th Century which became the prototype for other temples. The temples are located about 4 km from the Tonle Sap lake.

Neak Pean: is a small island shrine 3 km from Angkor Wat. Sculpted serpents encircle the base of the shrine. This is a holy Buddhist shrine and the waters are said to have healing properties.

Phnom Kulen: About 50 km north of Siam Reap is Phnom Kulen, the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. There is a Buddhist temple, a river and a waterfall in this area. The temple houses a large reclining Buddha statue carved out of a single boulder.

Kbal Spean: is known as the river of thousand lingas and is about an hour’s drive from Siam Reap. It is in a heavily forested area. The river bed is embedded with sculpted stone lingas. A waterfall completes the picture.

Le Meridien Angkor - Siam Reap

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor - Siam Rea

Ta Prohm Hotel - Siam Reap

Pacific Hotel - Siam Reap

Note:

It was in the 1860’s that the French explorer Henri Mouhot stumbled across the Angkor Wat ruins while exploring the Mekong river. The ruins were buried under thick forest cover and he practically unearthed the ruins while hacking his way through the forest. The rest is history. It takes several days to visit all the temple ruins but if you have limited time choose some of the main temple sites – Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei. An extra passport size photograph is required for the temple pass. If you intend to go off the usual paths, it's best to have a local guide accompany you for the area at one time had a number of land mines. The mines have been since cleared but it is best to be accompanied by a local guide for your own safety and security if you're going off the beaten track. Sample the multi-cuisine – Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, Indian and Continental. Shopping is an exciting experience and the boat ride on Tonle Sap with the floating village is not to be missed.