Smiling in Siem Reap

Welcome to Siem Reap!

IMG_0716.jpgComing from Sophisticated Singapore, the arrival in to Siem Reap, Cambodia definitely set us back in time to a simpler mindset.

IMG_0718.jpg

The arrivals terminal was quite small.  We disembarked and filed our way into the terminal.  The weather was Very hot and Very humid, though the terminal was air conditioned.  Cambodia is a country you need a Visa to enter.  Luckily we had done the paperwork online in advance, so we were prepared.  The immigration officials were very business like, bordering on unfriendly.

Once we were processed we continued on to meet our tour guide Bhutan, who our travel agent booked through the AboutAsia  group.  These guides definitely seem to have a lock on the market in Siem Reap.  We saw their guides throughout our stay.  We were very happy with Bhutan, as well as our driver, who remained with us all during our 3 days in Siem Reap.

We went immediately to our hotel to check in and get settled.  We were super excited to check in to Bill Bensley’s Hotel,  Shinta Mani Angkor .  Bill Bensley is a design genius, and we were anxious to see the hotel in all it’s fabulousness.

It did not disappoint!  The black & white theme is carried throughout the  hotel.  I especially loved these swings in  front of the restaurant.

IMG_0733.jpg

The Cambodian interpretation of a Christmas Tree

IMG_0720.jpg

The pool which is surrounded by guest rooms.  Our two rooms were just alongside the left side.

IMG_0727.jpg

There is a preponderance of marigold colored touches- the same color as the monk’s robes.

IMG_0737.jpg

Details in every corner!

IMG_0725.jpg

Our very cozy bed.

IMG_0730.jpg

A very sophisticated bathroom.

IMG_0732.jpg

An almost outdoor shower.

IMG_0731.jpg

My motto! This sign was posted right outside our bedrooms.

img_0728

The one little negative I could find- there were inadequate places to store our clothes- no dressers or drawers in the rooms. This happens to be a major pet peeve of mine.  I dislike living out of a suitcase.

IMG_0834.jpg

As soon as we settled in, it was time for LUNCH! We were meeting our guide again in the late afternoon to get our first taste of magical Temples- so we headed off to Malis Restaurant .  Malis is well known for their modern interpretation of classic Cambodian Cuisine.  It turned out to be one of the best meals of the trip.

IMG_0738.jpg

Everyone was in the Christmas spirit!

IMG_0740.jpg

 

IMG_0743.jpg

IMG_0744.jpg

This Pork & Banana Blossom Salad was beautiful, and delicious!

IMG_0755.jpg

A mountain of soft shell crabs

IMG_0758.jpg

Perfect Fried Rice (more crab)

IMG_0757.jpg

Roast Pork (with cold local Beer)

IMG_0762.jpg

Rock crab Curry

IMG_0763.jpg

and though it may be counter intuitive on such a steamy day- hot spicy Bang Kang Sour Soup.

IMG_0761.jpg

The food was delicious, beautifully presented and clean and light.  We were ready to tackle the Temples!

Our first stop (after we picked up out three day Temple pass) was to the Banteay Kdei Temple, which dates back to the mid 12th Century.  It is hard to describe just how spectacular these Temple sites are.  Our guide timed our visit perfectly- the crowds were not too heavy, and the sunlight was just perfect for taking photos.

At the entrance of the Temple we passed these two elephants.

IMG_0800.jpg

You can’t help but smile in Siem Reap!

IMG_0825.jpg

The details are astounding everywhere you look

IMG_0779.jpg

The best part is the ability to explore among the ruins.

IMG_0776.jpg

The spectacular root systems in these trees are especially photogenic.

IMG_0787.jpg

Like an enchanted forest.

IMG_0826.jpg

After wandering through and soaking up some of the magic, we embarked on a sunset boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom.  This was incredibly peaceful, aided by cold beers and Vodka Tonics provided by Bhutan!

IMG_0817.jpg

Aaaaahhh…

IMG_0804.jpg

Spectacular sunset.

IMG_0816.jpg

At the conclusion of our ride we were taken back to the hotel, and enjoyed a quick dinner in the hotel restaurant.  We were exhausted!

IMG_0830.jpg

On the way back to our rooms we couldn’t help but admire the lotus flowers decorating the path back to our rooms.IMG_0770 2.jpg

One comment

Leave a Reply