View of Angkor from Phnom Bakeang

Located in Siem Reap, truly magical Angkor Wat was to be my first visit to a UNESCO World Heritage destination. I had heard that Angkor Wat was truly magical thanks to UNESCO great commitment to preserve these archaeological and historical sites and their surroundings in impeccable conditions. Siem Reap in itself is lively and surprisingly trendy when it comes to accommodation, restaurants and hotels, with countless boutique hotels for a 21^st century hip traveller. Magnificent ancient religious and cultural monuments,  beautiful  scenery and landscape, happening nightlife and not to mention friendly locals of Siem Reap have all help to make it one of my most memorable trips, and this triggered my passion to further explore Southeast Asia.

It was in early May, the temperature was simply burning hot and humid. The sun was strong, but as I was well equipped with a hat and sun protection among the several travelling gadgets, the heat wasn’t a nuisance at all. The  timing was not the best in terms of weather; however, for those serious enough to visit Angkor Wat and take photos, it was the right time to come: the excessive heat had driven away the majority of overseas tourists, leaving only those from neighboring countries who are used to such climate. Thus, it was a heaven for young travelers and photographers for they could take all the time needed in each of their favourite photo spots.

Angkor Wat

From the top of Angkor 1

First destination was Angkor Wat, one of the seven wonders and most renowned religious and cultural site in Siem Reap. It was exciting for me, especially not knowing what to really expect, though I had had a slight photo glimpse from my loyal DK Traveler Guidebook. My first glance of Angkor Wat was along the walkway across the surrounding water reservoir. As we entered the causeway, my friends spotted this popular photo angle from where most professional photographers – definitely not us – take shots of the temple’s reflection on the pond in front of it. My shot was indeed an attempt version, and I promised myself to return with a more advanced camera and better skills.

The temple – or Wat – is an incredible construction in classic Khmer architectural style, and its interior design truly represents the clash between the two most astonishing civilizations and faiths: Hinduism (12^th century) and Buddhism (14^th Century). The laterite building material covered with soft sandstone really passed the chill feeling of how ancient, sacred and magical the site once was and still is at the present day. Its cultural, religious and historical significance is so tremendous that it became a national symbol and was placed on the flag of Cambodia. Angkor Wat could well be comparable to Istanbul‘s Hagia Sofia, with its assimilation of Islam and Christianity.

Angkor Wat outline was not just a simple one straight causeway to the main temple section. Before reaching the Central Sanctuary, I discovered that Angkor Wat’s outline is not just a simple one straight causeway to the main temple section but an interesting series of galleries, chambers, porches and courtyards in almost a maze-like number of paths and stairways. Walking along the galleries, I passed besides several Buddha Statues, feeling slightly let down when I saw that some part of these statues were dissected. What a magical sight all of this would have been if it had been preserved exactly the way it was in those days, though logically I understand this was impossible to achieve.

Apsara carvings

As we all reached in the main part of the Central Sanctuary, the mountain-like pyramidal shape temple, we marveled at the wall carvings of Apsara dancing girls, each one different from the other, all wearing carved ornaments and circlets. To get to the top of the Central Sanctuary was a very steep climb, so much so that the government had to build additional steps to assist visitors and assure their safety. Once I reached the top, I was impressed by the surrounding landscape and scenery, an endless panoramic view covering hundreds and hundreds of acres. We were so spellbound by the scene that It took us quite a long time before we could move on to another significant attraction: the Bayon Temple.

Bayon Temple

Despite being much smaller than Angkor Wat, the impact from Bayon Temple was equally overwhelming. Perhaps it was the physical vicinity of all the bodhisattva stone faces and the dark colours of the stones that made me feel like I was in those ancient times. This archaeological site also has some great bas-relief in fine details, including depictions of Khmer Army in procession. The best treat for me was the sight of Bayon Temple’s well defined towers and sculptures from its Southern gate.

Ta Prohm

Bayon faces

Ta Prohm is another magnificent site within Angkor Thom. This area combines jungle surroundings and an archaeological site where ancient tree crawl around ruins and temples, providing a truly distinctive character. There are three significant attractions there, namely crocodiles, waterfalls and the popular Tomb Raider tree, part of the filming location for Lara Croft’s Tomb Raider movie.  Worth mentioning also astonishing sites such as Pre Rup (Crematorium), Preh Khan (a temple with famous bas-reliefs of the Hall of Dancer), Preh Neak Pean (the Sacred Pond) and Banteay Srei, a 10th Century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and made with a hard red sandstone that can be carved like wood.

The Sunset

Apart from an endless lists of archeological sites, Siem Reap is also blessed with incredible landscape and scenery. Tonlen Sap is Cambodia’s largest freshwater lake, one the several popular sites where to marvel at the floating villages, and a great place where to enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the horizon. The idea of a spectacular sunset triggered a climb to Phnom Bakheng; once there, we had plenty of time to relax, rest and chill while enjoying the view of the almighty Angkor Wat from the top of the hill. This completed my collection of great sunsets!

Restaurants and Night Out

Park Hyatt interior

We had lunch at trendy Shintamanee Boutique Hotel, and had an afternoon tea at Park Hyatt’s gorgeous pink themed tea room, where service was great and the tea set was delicious and beautifully presented. Their ice coffee really made our day during that boiling day of May.

Siem Reap at night is at Pub Street, where visitors are offered numerous choices from bars and restaurants that with or without air conditioning, street foods stalls, night markets, and fine Khmer, French and International cuisine.

Truly magical Angkor Wat has it all, from amazing archeological sightseeing to beautiful landscapes and sceneries, to great cuisine and night out. Siem Reap really summed it all up as an ideal travel destination in Southeast Asia, with its mystique and enigmatic ambience.

COME ON TOUR WITH US

Join us for a unique adventure! Discover these fascinating places and let yourself be swept away by the beauty of the world with our travel branch FANTASIA ASIA – click on the following programs to know more:

https://www.fantasiaasia.com/tour/offbeat-siem-reap-6-days-5-night/

https://www.fantasiaasia.com/tour/the-wonders-of-angkor-7days-6ights/

https://www.fantasiaasia.com/tour/angkor-heritage/

https://www.fantasiaasia.com/tour/siem-reap-battambang-phnom-penh-7-days-6-nights/

https://www.fantasiaasia.com/tour/siem-reap-phnom-penh-tour-6-days-5-nights/

Watch here for our VIDEO on Siem Reap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-SvjBjyWfc 

The post Truly magical Angkor Wat appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Last year was an incredible year of traveling for me. Considering I am a full-time analyst, I was surprisingly able to squeeze some of my days off into some soulful places within geographical reach, that is Southeast Asia. Overwhelming destinations I had never dreamt of visiting before. The first of these trips was to familiar and culturous Hong Kong.

The Big Buddha

If we acknowledge that the two activities most of Asian visitors – including me – have in mind when visiting Hong Kong are shopping and eating, I felt like performing a miracle when I unexpectedly managed some sightseeing! It was on my second day in Hong Kong when suddenly, as if being possessed by some form of magical energy, I found myself ducking for the MTR underground and later hopping on the 5.7 kilometer-long clear-glass cable car trip to Lantau Islands to visit one of the latest sensations in Hong Kong: the Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha.

Once I reached the arrival highland area of Ngong Ping, a the cable car’s upper station, I found a small and charming custom-made entertaining village waiting for me, with restaurants and souvenir shops along the walkway leading to the Big Buddha. Walking up nearly 300 steps to the statue was almost effortless. After having paid respect to the statue, I circled around its base three times as part of my Buddhist ritual. This allowed me time to think and reflect on my thought to what I wished to do for the rest of the year: resolutions, motivations, interests, the list went on and on. The trip was definitely worthwhile and spiritual, and it only took half of my day.

Po Lin Monastery Lantua Island

On the way back, I almost missed a hidden spot directly opposite the Buddha, the Po Lin Monastery, which boasts several prominent architectural structures. This monastery offered a perfect touch to the end of my visit to the Big Buddha as it is vibrant and has a sacred, colorful and iconographical interior based on Buddhism’s narratives. The restaurant with a vegetarian menu was quite practical, serving the perfect recipes for pilgrims.

The following day, I decided to further pursue my sightseeing mission and checked out the old China Town area, where the sacred and traditional Man Mo Chinese temple is located. I could not possibly pass on a great opportunity for good photos. The temple was full of joss sticks curled into circular shapes hanging from the ceiling, which gave out a strong and enchanting scent. After that, I strode along on a China Town curvy lane, passing several antiques shop, unexpected urban restaurants and hip coffee shops. Yes, right in the traditional Soho area of Hong Kong!

I continued walking down from the Soho slope and I somehow arrived at Charter Road in the Central Area, where I splashed my wallet with a little guilty consciousness. I kept striding and turned to parallel Connaught Road; this lane leads to the financial district, and this allowed me the opportunity to check out some sky-high Feng Shui-designed buildings.

Abercombie Pedder St

However, on the way there along Pedder Street I couldn’t help noticing an attractively white, elegant and classical building with lion statues in front of the entrance. The dark glass windows made it even more intriguing and so I went in. The light inside the building was dim and I was startled by a big shining crystal chandelier as well as walls painted with historical pictures of men playing sports. It was then that I realized I was inside Central’s Pedder Building at the Abercrombie & Fitch retail store! Not that it was not on my list of places to visit, as advised by a friend back home, but I had sky-high buildings in mind so I quickly moved on with my mission.

The Almighty Lippo Center

One of the buildings I had in mind was the Lippo Center, which truly lives up to its reputation of being a cultural landmark of Hong Kong: it simply and majestically stood out from the surrounding buildings. The two buildings at the Lippo Center, dubbed the Koala Tree as they look like koalas hugging a tree, were designed by USA architect Paul Rudolph who relieved the traditional severity of skyscrapers with his clusters of obtruding windows. Impressive.

Having been to Hong Kong countless number of times before but mainly to shop and eat, I admit that this time what impressed me most was the cultural part, one that I had never experienced before: from Lantau Island to temple visits, from walking along old streets to observing the local traditional lifestyle. So long, culturous Hong Kong.

The post Culturous Hong Kong appeared first on Asian Itinerary.