We spent a hot minute in Siem Reap to see the Angkor Wat temples.
Since we were only going to be in the area for 2 days, we hired a guide to take us around the temples. From an efficiency standpoint, this is really nice. They can speak to the history – our guide was a kid during the Khmer Rouge – and he also had an air conditioned car. Which was clutch since I was in jeans and it was 90+ and 90% humidity.
We started off at Angkor Wat. There were lots of people, but it was still pretty awesome.
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followed it up with a visit to Ta Prohm. You might remember this tree from the movie Lara Croft Tomb Raider. Angelina Jolie starred in this movie and Cambodia is VERY proud of that fact. They know all about her and where she stayed while filming the movie.
I actually preferred Ta Prohm to Angkor Wat. Ta Prohm was less busy and looked more “ruined.” I understand that ancient “ruins” need to be maintained, but it was cool to see something that was still under repair. The trees are fig trees that have literally grown around the structure. It’s a fine line between cutting down the trees to preserve the temple and leaving them to maintain the natural effect.
Cool spot. You should go.