From temples to toe biters: Siem Reap after sunset
Siam Reap is a city of wonders. The capital of a northwestern province of the same name, it is the gateway to the Angkor region of Cambodia that served as the seat of the Khmer Empire.
The temples in Siem Reap are beautiful—so carefully carved it is hard not to wonder about how they were constructed in a pre-technological era. Angkor Wat, the central feature of the Angkor World Heritage Site, is being reconditioned, so some areas are out of bounds. Because respect for history is important, exploration is gentle.
Recognising scenes from the Tomb Raider movies piques our interest at Ta Prohm. Bayon, the third temple at Angkor, is full of carved faces and steep stairs. Climbing the stairs gives you a view of the entire area. The setting sun turns the site into a silhouette against the vibrant orange and pink sky. Even travelling to and from the temples is enjoyable—the breeze is cooling as you buzz along in a Tuk-Tuk, the most common form of transport in Cambodia.
Siam Reap’s night market is an experience. The market is well lit and sign posted—bright neon signs offer clear directions. The wonder here is the structure: the lay out makes the market easier to navigate than Phnom Penh’s Russian day market and facilitates smooth and seemingly endless shopping. Artworks, bags, clothing, electronics—the variety is vast. Those frequenting the market are friendly and their English is reasonably fluent. Offers of help, including bartering on items, come willingly.
Foot massages begin at one dollar. The two-dollar fish massage (which comes with a free can of Coca-Cola) is infamous—you place your feet in a shallow pool of water and the fish flock and gently nibble away the dead skin; it tickles.
Some of the exotic delicacies on offer include tarantulas, crickets and snakes. A range of unusual ice cream flavours entices the fainter of heart.
No, Siam Reap is not just a city of wonders: it is a city of undiscovered wonders.
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