The New Year has arrived, and, with it, a new list of must-see destinations. As an avid traveler (through the internet, that is) I try to update my bucket list continuously. I recently added another location, so I thought I’d do a little research and write an article about it. Win-win. So, without further adieu, let’s talk about Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Topping tripadvisor’s list of the attractions you should see in 2016 is Siem Reap, a resort town in northwestern Cambodia. Because of the recent boom in tourism, there are quite a number of cheap, luxurious hotels and restaurants. Sure, the city itself is filled with culture and color, but the main attraction is its killer access to the Angkor region, which houses the ruins of a city and its temple which, back in like 1000 AD, held a million people. Besides touring the scenic rice paddies or browsing the Cambodian cultural villages, there’s a lot to do in this Chinese-French-Apsara territory. Here are three things to do in Siem Reap!
1. War Museum Cambodia
Ever heard of Pol Pot? I’m not a history major, but the totalitarian dictator of Cambodia vaguely rang some bells. As the ONLY War Museum in Cambodia, this establishment has the all-encompassing breadth and depth necessary to handle all of the country’s history. It’s only five bucks to enter, and tours are free. For sure take a tour, because they’re given by Cambodian war veterans with freaking firsthand accounts! You can hold an AK-47 there too… not shoot, but it’s still cool. The full tour ranges the inside exhibits as well as the outside collection of old war planes and vehicles. Yes, that is a tank. Right out front. You can climb on it.
2. Backstreet Academy
Holy poop is this website cool. Backstreet Academy is a hosting site like craigslist. But, as opposed to selling furniture or old cars, Backstreet Academy posters offer experiences. Local artists, tradesmen, or even just families offer immersive experiences in culture, and those available in Siem Reap range from iron pencil sketching and stone carving to crossbow making (!!) and rice farming. The front page of their website (above) features a Cambodian boxing class offered, and touts their certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor. Well earned, really. All types of activities are available, all taught/led by locals and vetted by the website. There are several Backstreet Academy venues across Asia, so be sure to keep them in mind if you plan on traveling (www.backstreetacademy.com).
3. Angkor Wat
THE thing to do in Cambodia. This is like the Taj Mahal or the Great Wall of China as far as bucket list man-made constructions. This huge temple complex is the largest religious monument in the world. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple during the first half of the 12th century, before being converted to a Buddhist temple at the end of the century. It’s truly a testament to architecture at the time that the majority of this sandstone kingdom is still standing. You have to go. Walk around, take a tour, swim in the moat, I don’t care. Just go. In total, this sprawling gorgeous landscape is like 400 acres, so there is plenty to see as you wander about for hours. Bonus points if you come early enough to see the sun rise over the riverbank.
See? Isn’t this place cool? After my Taipei update, I was feelin’ somewhere ancient. I added quite a few destinations to my bucket list over the Christmas break, so be looking forward to new updates. Have a great week!
Thank you’s:
Tee La Rosa @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/hobgadlng/
Wes and Brandon Rosenblum @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/wesbran/
Suresh Krishna @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/suresh_krishna/
Ricardo @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/songmatin/
Backstreet Academy @ https://www.backstreetacademy.com/47919/things-to-do-in-siem-reap
and of course tripadvisor.com