Siem Reap, Cambodia – home of the majestic Angkor Wat complex, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site as it is perhaps the largest religious complex in the world. It was constructed in 1150 as a Hindu temple and is considered the 8th wonder of the world. So, probably the number 1 thing to see in Cambodia.
Unfortunately, Siem Reap is approximately a 12 hour drive from Sihanoukville, Cambodia – where there is a dock for a boat if one is cruising;-(. So – on a cruise one might get, instead, the last port evacuated by the US Army just days before the Khmer Rouge guerrillas took control in April, 1975. A bit of a different sight – –
Not the most scenic of ports visited this cruise;-(
It doesn’t get a whole lot better, but a quick trip around the town by a nifty little ‘buggy’ can show you both sides of Sihanoukville – –
Yes – G got in this also!!
The perhaps more real side – –
– – and the “are you kidding me” side.
If you figure you only have one bite of this part of the world and are very disappointed you did not get to Angkor Wat – there may be an alternative;-). Bangkok, Thailand. Really – Bangkok, Thailand.
The stunning Grand Palace is a couple of hours of sensory overload. In 1782, the new King decided to move the capital city to an area of Bangkok for strategic purposes and began constructing a palace, whose grounds now cover almost 54 square acres. It contains several Halls of Residence, Throne Halls, administrative buildings and a temple that serves as the Chapel Royal. AND – it contains an exact, to scale, concrete replica of Angkor Wat. King Rama IV wanted to move one of the stone temples from Angkor Wat to the Grand Palace, but was convinced not to disrupt/dismantle the temple site. So he instead had a replica of the entire complex built within the Grand Palace walls!
Our visit to Angkor Wat.
As one approaches the complex from the outside, it looks grand but there is NO idea of what all will be seen inside the walls. The Grand Palace’s shimmering labyrinth of more than 100 buildings is a fantastically ornate maze and a study in monumental excess. It appears that every inch of every building is gilded and/or inlaid (pictures do NOT show the depth of this!). Perhaps the highlight is Wat Phra Kaeo – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Thailand’s most venerated religious object, a delicate 26 INCH Buddha carved from jade is perched on a 34 FOOT golden throne guarded by ancient bronze lions in this Temple. This cherished figure was lost and amazingly rediscovered in the 15th century. Take a look – –
Here we come.
Stone and marble sculptures found buried during a construction project. Repaired and replaced near original placements.
Not quite turned to stone;-)
Geometric patterns of glass mosaics are interspersed with ceramic tiles.
Built to hold Buddhist scriptures, the exterior walls are covered in glass mosaic with rows of gilt stucco around the base. The doors are inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
THE Emerald Buddha carved from a block of jade.
Throne Hall which houses the crematory relics of several of the Kings and family members.
A Hall for western style meetings with tables and chairs.
After such an overwhelming experience, a simple boat trip down the Chao Phraya River might be in order. Like similar boat trips in other cities, it is here that one sees the much more simple lives including the stick houses of those that fish.
Loading and unloading on these ‘boats’ was a real trick.
Hang on!
Nothing like the Grand Palace.
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) crops up before long along the banks of Chao Phraya River. This most elegant pagoda – a landmark of Thailand – is a Royal Temple and one of the most important Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Due to its height, the best viewing is from the river – –
A beautiful sight.
Leaving all seriousness behind, visit a floating market – perhaps the Pattaya Floating Market. You can get almost anything you want to eat here – crocodile, any assortment of bugs and insects, squid or something more simple like ice cream. Or you could buy a wonderful dressy top for a mere $10!!
A real experience.
Lunch anyone?!?
After a couple of days in the hustling, bustling Bangkok, a few hours on the island of Ko Samui may be warranted;-) If you approach on a cruise ship, a tender will most likely be needed as the waters are quite shallow at the dock. But, get away from the pier and venture into the middle of the island. It is forested almost down to the water with beaches all around the island. There also happens to be a Four Seasons Resort that looks like something out of a brochure for some deserted island. If you want the use of the pool, an incredible lunch or, if you have the time, an overnight stay – this is your get away.
Ko Samui here we come.
Whew! Hope this gets us there?!?
What a lunch view!
Loved this true Thai lunch;-)
Besides the lunch view in Ko Samui, Thailand had many diverse sites – –
From very modern buildings among all the temples – –
– – To this! Typical of EVERY city in Asia visited. Don’t know how this doesn’t erupt in fire and burn the city down as every pole looks just like this.
There is a lot to learn, wherever in this great big world one travels. But, all cities and towns seem to have similar sights – some good, some wonderful and some not so good. It is the history and development that make each their own. After several days in Thailand, it is time to move on. So we say goodbye from here – –
Still having fun!!!!
E & G – See you at the next stop
Elizabeth & Gary's Magic Bus Tour 