Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world, with the site measuring 162.6 hectares. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple of the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the 12th century. It was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yaśodharapura, the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum.
Angkor Wat is also one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
But the afternoon in Siem Reap is very hot, so I arrange to go back hotel to rest every afternoon.
On the first day, we arrived at Angkor Wat around 9:30 am, check into the hotel, and went directly to purchase entrance tickets for Angkor Wat, We purchase 3 days pass at US$62 and start visiting. At first, we planned to visit Small Circuits on the first day, but due to insufficient time, we only manage to visit Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple. we went back hotel in the afternoon to avoid the afternoon sun in Angkor Wat. We came out again to have dinner at Meric Khchei Khmer Cusine. They serve very good spring rolls. Their atmosphere was perfect. Then we went to Phare, The Cambodian Circus to watch the circus performance after dinner. I liked this circus performance, even performance was very common.
On the second day, we started our journey with Angkor Wat sunrise, Ta Prohm, and then Grand Circuits, Banteay Kdei, Pre Rup, East Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean, Preah Khan followed Angkor Thom (Baphuon, Phimeanakas, Royal Palace, Terrace of the Leper King, Preah Palilay, Tep Pranam, and Prasat Suor Prat). We returned to the hotel after the above visit, I went out evening for dinner at Night Market and watched Ladyboy show with a massage at Angkor Night Market, show started at 8 pm every night, the massage was lousy but the show was still acceptable.
On the third day, we visited Kbal Spean and Banteay Srei, because I visited Siem Reap during the dry season in February. So Kbal Spean has no water, but still a good experience visiting, but it is recommended that those who plan to visit Kbal Spean, get ready to walk a long distance and climb a little. We had lunch at the Banteay Srey restaurant, which was quite reasonable compared to the dining venues in Angkor Wat. We enjoyed Banteay Srei under the hot sun after having dinner. We went hotel to rest after visiting Banteay Srei. After dinner at the L’Annexe French Restaurant, we went to Smile of Angkor, an exciting and famous lighting show. I like it very much.
On the fourth day, we went to Kompong Phluk Floating Villages to see the houses built on stilts up to 10 meters high and the houses on the lakeside at Tonle Sap Lake. We went to the Golden Pumpkin Restaurant for lunch, this is the best restaurant I visited in Siem Reap. After lunch, we went to Lucky Mall, Angkor Trade Center, Old Market (Psar Chas), Pub Street, and Angkor Night Market for last-minute shopping. My advice to travelers is to avoid haircuts, massages, and ice cream on the street at Pub Street, no standard.
On the Fifth day, we return to Singapore in the early morning.