Cambodia beyond Angkor Wat
Southeast Asia has always been a destination shrouded in mystery for me. With its deep history and rich culture, I found myself curious yet unsure of what awaited. My inspiration to visit Cambodia was, without a doubt, Angkor Wat. The photographs I’d seen were mesmerizing, showcasing a breathtaking structure steeped in ancient grandeur. But I quickly discovered that Cambodia is so much more than just its famous UNESCO site. It is a land of beauty, history, and resilient, kind-hearted people.
Sun Rises Behind Angkor Wat
My journey began in Siem Reap, where I met my guide, Tola, and our driver, Qua, at 5 AM. It might sound early, but there’s a reason for it. If you’ve seen pictures of Angkor Wat, you’ll notice the iconic silhouette with the sun rising behind it. The best time to witness this magical scene is at dawn, so it’s essential to plan accordingly. We set off before the sun, ready to capture this unforgettable moment.
As we approached the temple, the gates adorned with cobra motifs—symbols of protection—set the tone for the sacred experience ahead. Crossing the bridge into the temple grounds, our first mission was clear: to secure the perfect spot to photograph the temple’s reflection in the water. I followed Tola to a small patch of water, crowded with eager travelers. The anticipation built as we waited for the perfect moment, and though the reality may not have fully matched the idealized photo-shooting spot I imagined, the scene was still breathtaking. I managed to capture some incredible shots of Angkor Wat at sunrise, a memory that will stay with me forever.
Complicated Stories Told Inside Angkor Wat
As the sun climbed higher and most tourists left for breakfast, Tola and I stayed behind. This quieter time allowed us to explore the temple’s inner sanctum in peace, uncovering its hidden beauty. The intricate carvings and the sheer scale of the architecture were even more impressive in person. No photograph could ever truly capture the magnificence of this place. Angkor Wat is more than a temple—it’s a living museum, with walls adorned in sculpted stories of Hindu gods, Buddhist tales, and the everyday lives of ancient Cambodians. Each carving told a tale, and as Tola guided me along the walls, I felt as though I was walking through a 3D storybook of history.
Like many ancient sites, Angkor Wat has seen its share of power struggles and transformations. Originally built as a Hindu temple, it was later repurposed by a Buddhist king. Statues of Buddha were brought in, and the temple was redesigned to reflect Buddhist beliefs. When the reign shifted back to Hinduism, an effort was made to send the Buddha statues to Thailand. However, due to their weight, only the heads were transported, leaving many headless statues behind. Even today, you can see traces of this religious tug-of-war in the temple’s architecture, where Buddhist and Hindu elements blend together in a fascinating harmony.
Most Intricate Designed Temple, Banteay Srei
While Angkor Wat is the crown jewel of Siem Reap, it is far from the only temple worth exploring. One of the most striking temples I visited was Banteay Srei, a smaller structure dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and goddess Parvati. Built from red clay, the temple’s walls are covered in intricate carvings that remain beautifully preserved. What makes Banteay Srei even more special today is its mission to support young women from low-income backgrounds, offering them a safe space and promoting education, leadership, and cultural pride.
Witness the Ecosystem through Ta Prohm and Beyond
Returning to Siem Reap, we made several stops, including the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm is particularly famous, having been featured in the film Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie. As I stood in the exact location where scenes from the movie were filmed, I was struck by how much the trees had grown since the film’s release. These massive trees are a vital part of the temple’s ecosystem, protecting its structure and adding to its mystical atmosphere.
Cultural Evening Entertainment
Despite Cambodia’s humid climate, the preservation of these ancient sites is remarkable. After a day of exploring, I spent the evening at the Phare performance. Often called a circus, Phare is so much more than that. It’s a vibrant storytelling experience with acrobatics, dance, music, and comedy, bringing both historical and modern Cambodian culture to life. I had a VIP seat but didn’t think that made much difference. What stood out to me was the energy and passion of the performers. You’ll also find beautiful handcrafted artisan work created by the students and graduates of the vocational school, which makes for a perfect Cambodian souvenir. Watching this performance was the ideal way to end the day, as it highlighted the creativity and resilience of the Cambodian people.
Glimpse of Cambodian Lifestyle
But no trip to Cambodia would be complete without experiencing the everyday life of its people. Tola took me to a bustling food market, filled with vibrant fruits, vegetables, grains, and fresh meats and seafood. There’s no refrigeration here. Everything is sold and consumed the same day. Most shoppers ride scooters to and from the market. While the market was quieter than expected, possibly because we had missed the peak shopping hours, the experience gave me a glimpse into the daily rhythms of Cambodian life.
Next, we visited a floating village. Since it was the dry season, the village had relocated from its usual spot, but we boarded a boat to reach it. Along the way, we stopped at a floating fuel station, which also doubled as a home for the family running it. As we glided through the water, I marveled at how this unique lifestyle persists in modern Cambodia. The floating village may not be representative of how most Cambodians live, but it’s a testament to the country’s adaptability and resourcefulness.
Heart of Cambodian
As my journey came to a close, Tola shared with me the importance of understanding Cambodia’s history and the hardships the country has endured. From the glory days of the Angkor Empire to the tragic events of the Khmer Rouge regime, Cambodia’s past is both painful and inspiring. Despite its challenges, the country is full of hope and determination.
One of the most touching moments of my trip was when Tola said, "Kay, I am happy. Cambodia may not be like the U.S. or Japan, and we have much to catch up on, but I am proud to be part of this country’s history and be a bridge to hand off what we build to the next generation so they can create a brighter future for Cambodia."
Cambodia is not just a destination but it’s an experience. The warmth of its people, the richness of its culture, and the beauty of its landscapes left an indelible mark on me. Angkor Wat may have been the reason I went, but the people and the country itself are the reasons I’ll return.