CAMBODIA - Destinations & Hotels
Siem Reap & the Angkor Temples
The awe-inspiring temples of Angkor are undoubtedly one of the most impressive and important historical sites in Southeast Asia. Many assume that there is just the one temple “Angkor Wat” but in fact there are well over 40 monuments to explore, they are not technically all temples but rather the remains of an ancient city and include places of worship, learning and healing to name but a few.
Your base for exploring the complex is the nearby town of Siem Reap, located just a few kilometres from the complex. The town itself is of little historical importance and is really just a base for tourists. Hotels, of all standards, are being constructed at an alarming rate and there are many restaurants and bars to service the increasing tourist numbers. Even taking into account increased numbers, the Angkor complex is a real highlight on any Asian trip.
Oasis guides know where and when the majority of larger tour buses will be visiting the temples and itineraries can be arranged with this in mind. Angkor provides wonderful photographic opportunities so we can also arrange for your itinerary to catch the temples in the best photographic light or, if you prefer, to visit them in the chronological order that they were built, just let us know your preferences when discussing the itinerary.
To the north of Siem Reap it is possible to visit the remote temples such as Preah Vihear and the “Palace of the Cat” Banteay Chhmar. The road out to these remote ruins is a rough dirt track and there is no fixed accommodation but it is possible to stay in safari tents (with free standing beds and separate toilet band shower tents). These jungle safaris allow you to enjoy the unique splendour of the temples away from other tourists, something that is increasingly difficult at the Angkor complex.
Another way to enjoy the temples in solitude, if only for a short while is to take a hot air-balloon trip for a birds eye view. As all our tours are tailor made we can accommodate your interest levels by designing a specific itinerary to match your needs.
We would suggest at least 3 days around the Angkor region with at least two days at the main complex; in our experience any less than this and you will only leave regretting having not spent longer exploring these ancient man made wonders!
If you suffer from “temple fatigue” a visit to the moving Mr Aki-ra’s land mine museum or an engaging half day trip to the floating villages on Tonle Sap, Asia’s largest freshwater lake or are good ways to break up seeing the ruins. If you are interested in handicrafts the best place to buy them is at Artisans d’Angkor, where all the products are made by locals from a professional training school, which was founded to help young Cambodians rediscover traditional handicrafts and give them the opportunity to take part in the rebuilding process of their country following the dark years of the Khmer Rouge. There is also a new Nick Faldo designed golf course - Angkor Golf Course - opening mid 2008 to compliment the excellent Sofitel Phokeethra Country Club course.
The Angkor Complex information
Angkor Wat
The largest monument of the Angkor group and the best preserved is Angkor Wat, a true architectural masterpiece. It is perfection in composition, balance and proportions. But it is the relief's and sculptures make it one of the finest monuments in the world. Wat is the Thai name for temple which was probably added to "Angkor "when it became a Theravada Buddhist monument, most likely in the sixteenth century. After 1432 when the capital moved to Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat was cared for by Buddhist monks. It is generally accepted that Angkor Wat was a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II and oriented to the west to conform to the symbolism between the setting sun and death. The bas-reliefs, designed for viewing from left to right in the order of Hindu funereal ritual, support this function. Most of the monument is accessible on foot but some of the climbs to the higher parts are a little treacherous, especially getting down! Watching the sunrise or sunset from the top of Angkor Wat is one of life’s most memorable moments!
Bayon
The Bayon is located in the centre of the city of Angkor Thom 1500 meters from the south gate. It was built in late 12th century to early 13th century, by the King Jayavarman VII and thought to be dedicated to Buddha. In most people's eyes the Bayon competes with Angkor Wat as the favourite monument in the complex. The two evoke similar aesthetic responses yet are different in purpose, design, architecture and style. Over 2000 large faces carved on the 54 towers give this temple its majestic character. Back in the 1920’s P Jennerat de Beerski wrote the faces with slightly curving lips, eyes placed in shadow by the lowered lids “utter not a word and yet force you to guess much”. It is generally accepted that the four faces on each of the towers are images of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and that they signify the omnipresence of the king. The Bayon is a photographer’s delight, if taking amazing pictures is your thing, make sure you tell your guide as they can extend the visit there and give you some great tips on where to take that elusive perfect snap.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm was one of the major temples of King Jayavarman VII or to be more correct, a temple monastery. It was built in late 12th century to early 13th century and features a set of galleries with corner towers and gopuras – a south Indian term for gateway towers – and many other additional features and enclosures. The complexity of its layout is compounded partly by its collapsed state and the trees interlaced among the ruins. It is the fact that Ta Prohm is one of the few temples in the Angkor complex that has not been reconstructed that gives it is great appeal. The roots of huge strangler fig and silk cotton trees have taken over the stones and are responsible for indescribable atmosphere of the site. If it is raining the green mosses take on an eerie iridescence that combined with the shadows of the fall buildings and huge tree routes make this ruin one of the most atmospheric! This temple gained notoriety when it was featured in the Tomb Raider movies.
Other temples
There are too many temples to go through individually and we recommend anyone with a strong interest in the history of Angkor to do a little research before departing and we can put the itinerary together in line with your interests. Other Oasis favourites in the complex include Neak Paen, Preah Khan, Pre Rup and Ta Keo. Don’t worry though, your guides are experts and will get a good feel for your preferences. The pace of your day’s sight seeing around the ruins is set by you. Your guide will be flexible and can speed up or slow down the pace to suit. We generally recommend setting out early and returning to your hotel for lunch and a taking a siesta for the hottest part of the day and heading back out in the afternoon, although many of the temples are at their quietest at the hottest part of the day.
Siem Reap & the Angkor Temples Hotels
Siem Reap & the Angkor Temples | Hotel de la Paix | $$$$$
Directors favourite hotels, Honeymoon, Luxury, Modern Chic
This is one of the most stylish and chic hotels in the whole of the region, offering a sophisticated blend of hip art deco and traditional Khmer design with outstanding levels of luxury and world-class facilities.
Located within easy walking distance of the nightlife and colourful markets,...
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Siem Reap & the Angkor Temples | The Samar - Villa's & Spa Resort | $$$
Character Boutique, Directors favourite hotels, Luxury
Samar Villas is located in a quiet part of town away from all the big chain hotels and large tour groups. A discrete entrance off a quiet back street reveals a beautifully renovated traditional Angkorian house. The incorporating of Khmer style with a touch of modern design makes the Samar Villas our...
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Siem Reap & the Angkor Temples | Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor | $$$$
Directors favourite hotels, Historic Hotel, Honeymoon, Luxury
For more than 75 years, a trip to the magnificent temple complex of Angkor has been synonymous with a stay at Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor. Located in the heart of Siem Reap, the hotel is only eight kilometres from the temple site. Now sensitively restored, the hotel's renewed style and...
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Siem Reap & the Angkor Temples | Heritage Suites Hotel | $$$
Character Boutique
If you are looking for truly boutique chic, this beautifully designed, centrally located collection of just 20 suites, bungalows and rooms set in tropical surrounds will provide a little oasis amongst the beautiful setting of Siem Reap.
Rooms range between deluxe rooms which are located in...
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Siem Reap & the Angkor Temples | La Résidence d'Angkor | $$$$
Character Boutique, Honeymoon, Luxury
La Résidence d'Angkor is located on the riverside in central Siem Reap, gateway town to the majestic temples of Angkor. The hotel is just moments away from the bustling markets of Siem Reap and just ten minutes from Angkor Wat itself. This intimate Khmer-style hotel is set within a leafy...
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Siem Reap & the Angkor Temples | Victoria Angkor Hotel | $$$
Character Boutique
The building's graceful colonial 1930’s style architecture provides a stylish sense of peaceful tranquillity from the moment you enter. It is located in the heart of Siem Reap, opposite the Royal Park and within close proximity of World Heritage listed Angkor Temples, the charming old market...
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Siem Reap & the Angkor Temples | Pavilion Indochine | $
This is a hotel that makes travelling on a budget seem not so much of a compromise. Pavillon Indochine is a great find in a central location with welcoming staff and a truly boutique feel.
The rooms are spacious and are decorated in local character and all feature a terrace overlooking...
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Siem Reap & the Angkor Temples | HanumanAlaya | $$
For those on a less frivolous budget but like the true boutique guesthouse experience, HanumanAlaya is the perfect place to stay in Siem Reap.
HanumanAlaya is full of character, and located just a short distance from the temples of Angkor on the outskirts of Siem Reap. From the lovingly...
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