turn down for Angkor Wat

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Angkor Wat is one of the great ancient wonders of the world.  The pièce de résistance of the Angkor archeologic complex in Cambodia, this temple is a site of religious worship and has been used continuously through the ages.  It is truly one of the unique architectural delights anywhere.  Just incredible.  I’ve said this before and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but the people in these ancient civilizations were so sophisticated and advanced, much more so than anything we could do these days.

This whole region in Cambodia encompasses not just Angkor Wat, but also Angkor Thom another “city” of the ancient Khmer.  The architecture, city planning, irrigation, artistry of these communities were so intricate, and even more marvelous is the fact that this was all built in the middle of the jungle.  They had to bring in the stone from a mountain 50km away by floating it down the Siem Reap river.  Think of how many elephants that must have taken!

And somehow the mossy twisted roots now coursing through the ruins of this ancient oasis has only added to its grandeur.  Everyone has a chance to feel like Lara Croft here.

welcome to the jungle

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know before you go: Siem Reap (REP)

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Siem Reap is the airport that serves Angkor Wat, one of the world’s great ancient ruins.  If you ever get the chance, go!  It’s an incredibly humbling place to visit, you will be in awe of the engineering and intricacy of these ancient structures.

Although it is Cambodia’s busiest airport (yes, even busier than that of the capital Phnom Penh), it’s still pretty tiny with only 10 gates.  But, this makes it easy to navigate.  It serves basically every regional Asian airline you can think of, with popular flights to and from Thailand and Vietnam.  It is the hub for Cambodia Angkor and Sky Angkor Airlines.

The design is very classic Khmer with the sloping roofs and when arriving, it makes you feel like you’re already visiting the sacred temples.  And you basically are, as it is located a mere 5 km from Angkor Wat. And about 4 km from the city center where all the restaurants and gem markets are abound.  You will (siem) reap the benefits when you visit this culturally rich area.

Remember: ✈️ = wat’s going on to ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ = turn down for wat

Convenience to the city: ✈️✈️✈️✈️ (a short taxi or tuk tuk ride away)

Ease of navigating through terminals: ✈️✈️✈️ (there is just one building)

Convenience of check in/security lines: ✈️✈️ (customs isn’t the fastest and there’s a bit of scrutiny, consider getting an e-visa before you arrive)

Dining: ✈️✈️✈️ (it doesn’t have to be great for a regional airport, but there’s actually a Starbucks, a small Asian food court, Dairy Queen and two other coffeehouses)

Bathrooms: ✈️✈️  (could have more)

Charging stations/wifi: ✈️ (no wifi, sorry)

Amenities: ✈️✈️ (souvenir shops, bookstore, flower shop)