Traveling alone or joining other travelers to soak up the sights and take a historical tour of Cambodia and other interesting Asian destinations? Get carried away by wanderlust and prepare for an educational and enjoyable journey to make the most of the wonderful opportunity. Pack suitable clothing and don’t forget comfortable shoes. Since a focal point of your trip will be seeing the impressive Angkor Wat and other treasures in the vast Angkor temple complex, you must have suitable footwear that will take you through the moat (which surrounds the famous Cambodian religious structure) to the temple. If you are a first time traveler, you can check the internet for an overview of the many famous places you will be traveling to.
In Siem Reap, prepare to be amazed by one of the most photogenic temples: Ta Prohm. It stands out among giant fig trees and other giant vines that lay the stone foundations of the structure. An astonishing showcase of architecture fused with nature, this is one of the scenic spots featured in the Tomb Raider movie. Also worth exploring are the many colonnaded galleries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds that reflect the imposing temple.
Besides Angkor Wat, you are very likely to see small but attractive temples. Temples aside, prepare to be baffled by Phnom Penh (with its myriad cultural attractions and good food, unspoiled landscapes with rice paddies, small villages and lost temples waiting to be explored); and then to Sihanoukville for more exotic food and a chance to soak up the sun and sand; and Ban Lung, where scenic spots and ethnic people attract. You will interact with many lovely and friendly locals and great value Asian cuisine. It will also be an opportune time to refresh and quench your thirst with Angkor beer, which is simply divine.
Cambodia’s temples are six to ten kilometers from the city of Siem Reap proper. If you are traveling alone on a budget, there are several budget accommodations in Siem Reap that strike a balance between comfort and value for money. There is one that is run out west and is conveniently close to the Siem Reap River, a few minutes drive from the airport, and about seven kilometers from Angkor Wat. Choose one that’s a stone’s throw from the main shopping and dining areas of the Old Market and Pub Street, as well as some great waterfront restaurants. Phnom Penh also offers high-end hotels. Even with limited funds, a traveler on a budget can easily get by in Cambodia. Food prices are similar or even lower than in Thailand. The food from the street stalls is hygienic and delicious.
If you have arranged and booked in advance and availed of a special online package hotel rate, you can proceed to enjoy the exotic surroundings, excellent facilities and services, as well as the best that traditional Cambodian hospitality has to offer.
In fact, your trip to Cambodia is a trip unlike any other, and from the Khmer ruins of Angkor Wat, you can head to other must-see destinations that are included in the most fascinating world heritage sites.