Angkor Wat
CAMBODIA | Thursday, 28 May 2015 | Views [978] | Comments [2] | Scholarship Entry
Cambodia is known as one of the poorest country in the world, but still is one of the most interesting and undiscovered place a traveler can reach. The masterpiece of Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s most beloved, fascinating and best preserved temple. So I’d like to share some essential travel tips to help you explore this amazing place.
It is very easy to get to Angkor Wat from the closest city Siem Reap. It will cost U $15 (must) for a small circle of Angkor and extra $15 for a big circle (optional). Or just rent a bike for $5 and enjoy cycling all day long. Note the distances are big.
Interesting to know, these ruins are one of the largest religious monuments in the world. Angkor is known as a miniature replica of the Universe. Its composition of towers, moats and concentric walls reveals an architectural sophistication, and the bas-reliefs with their plump figures and triumphal battle scenes reflect a robust, healthy and wealthy period of history.
The best time to start your journey to Angkor is early morning. In this case you will have possibility to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunrises ever. There won’t be huge crowds of people and little orphans. I was impressed by the monumental beauty of this place, where stone and nature live side-by-side trying to devour each other. I spent afternoon in a smaller temples, which are not overcrowded. By leaving the normal path I found myself in the middle of a jungle. The arsenal is so huge you could walk for hours and maybe even get lost at some point. Nature is winning the battle with the stone, so I had lucky chance to lie on the grass between huge trees, eat local snacks and feed monkey family. That was awesome! At dusk, I advise to head to the Pre Rup or East Mebon, where the darker stonework turns fiery-red at sunset.
One important tip for a traveler. There is huge amount of little orphans or just small kids selling some handicraft items. They are pretty annoying asking to buy something and telling how they need money for school. Buying from them will encourage them to work in this way. Those big compassionate eyes can’t leave U indifferent. So I took a package of tasty Ukrainian candies and each time gave it to those kids. For sure better than nothing.
For me, Angkor is really magical place. I associate positive thoughts, calmness & strength with this historical masterpiece. All temples have their own power. I really could felt it when I was there. I would love visiting this revived history again and again.
Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship
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