The Trip To Siem Reap, Cambodia

Recommendation Index: 8.5/10.0

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Cambodia has reinvented itself since regime of Khmer Rougae 3 decades ago. Now, with the temples of Angkor, the eighth wonder of the world, attracting admires from all over the world. Tourism has boosted Cambodia's economy.



Only miles away from the wonder, Siem Reap has become the epicentre of the new Cambodia, with more guesthouses and hotels than temples. Compared to the general poverty in the rural area, you would be surprised by the modernization and prosperity of Siem Reap. Ruochen & Congyu stayed in a guesthouse with local style, which is a short walk away from the Old Market area. Delicious food! With no doubt.



The local transportation is neither bus nor taxi, but a local vehicle called "Tutu". Make a deal with your guesthouse manager, and a Tutu driver will drive you for a whole day. GPS wasn't needed. Just name the temples you want to visit.



The temples and the rest hidden in the rainforest are the sacred skeleton of the ancient Khmer empire. Angkor Thom was its capital. Although the wooden buildings in the city have been gone long ago, the Royal Palace, Bayon Temple, the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King survive. They are showing the tourists what a great city here was. Outside the capital, Angkor Wat is the closest temple. It is the symbol of Cambodia and the world's largest religous building. Further away, Phnom Bakheng is a 65m five tired pyramid whose sumit is a perfect place to view the sunset; Beng Mealea, with a mass ruins harlf devoured by a ravenous jungle; Banteay Srei is the most ornate one because of its most intricate carvings. Amongst all the temple, Ta Prohm might be the most seductive. It is where the movie Tomb Raider was shot. The site is series of dark galleries under the iron clasp of gigantic roots, and smaller roots crawling across the walls like a rash.

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