Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
112<br />
SIEM REAP<br />
6<br />
SIEM REAP ATTRACTIONS<br />
with Japanese carp. <strong>The</strong>re are detailed descriptions <strong>of</strong> all plants and some individual butterflies.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y serve Khmer and international cuisine. Vegetarians will also enjoy an<br />
extensive selection here.<br />
Just across the Siem Reap River north <strong>of</strong> the Old Market. Main courses $3–$10. Entrance costs $2. No<br />
credit cards. Daily 8am–5pm.<br />
DINING AT THE TEMPLES<br />
Across the busy parking lot closest to Angkor Wat, you’re sure to spot the snazzy Angkor<br />
Café (& 063/380-300). This little gallery and souvenir shop serves, for a mint by<br />
Khmer standards, good c<strong>of</strong>fee, tea, and sandwiches, all <strong>of</strong> which is provided by the folks<br />
at Blue Pumpkin (see “Snacks & Cafes,” above). It’s the best thing going on the Angkor<br />
compound, and, apart from the good food, the building is air-conditioned, great for a<br />
break at midday. Don’t miss their attached boutique, with high-end silver and stone<br />
reproductions <strong>of</strong> the temples as well as silk and other souvenirs. Open daily from 8am to<br />
5:30pm. No credit cards.<br />
Among all the major temples, you’ll see lots <strong>of</strong> small, thatch-ro<strong>of</strong>ed eateries, and all<br />
will implore you to enter. <strong>The</strong> competition means that you have more leverage when<br />
haggling: “Are you sure this Coke is $2? Someone over there said it was . . .” You get the<br />
picture. You’ll be swarmed by vendors when you approach these restaurants. Just pick one<br />
quickly and the rest will split. Prices are slightly inflated, but it’s a tourist sight and<br />
people need to make a living (and probably have to pay some heavy kickbacks). A few<br />
bucks will get you fried rice, noodles, or vegetables. Most <strong>of</strong> these places have shaded<br />
hammock areas out back (mostly for drivers, but a good place to rest) and basic toilets.<br />
Carrying your own antiseptic hand sanitizer is a good idea.<br />
4 SIEM REAP ATTRACTIONS<br />
Angkor Wat is one <strong>of</strong> the most astonishing structures built by humans. <strong>The</strong> temple<br />
complex covers 97 sq. km (60 sq. miles) and requires at least a few busy days to get<br />
around the major sights thoroughly. Everyone has their favorite, but there are some<br />
generally recognized highlights that you will not want to miss. Be sure to plan carefully<br />
and catch a sunrise or sunset from one <strong>of</strong> the more prime spots; it’s a photographer’s<br />
dream. Note: <strong>The</strong> temples are magnificent themselves, and days spent clambering around<br />
the temples are inherently interesting, but be careful not to come away from a visit to<br />
ancient Angkor with a memory <strong>of</strong> an oversize rock collection or jungle gym. <strong>The</strong>re’s<br />
much to learn about Buddhism, Hinduism, architecture, and Khmer history; it’s useful<br />
to hire a well-informed guide or join a tour group. <strong>The</strong>re are also subtleties to temple<br />
touring, and a good guide is your best chance to beat the crowd and catch the intricacies<br />
or be in the right place for the magic moments <strong>of</strong> the day. Contact any hotel front desk<br />
or the tour agencies listed above. Hiring a guide for 1 day costs $20.<br />
THE TEMPLES<br />
Entrance fees for Angkor Wat are as follows: A 1-day ticket is $20, a 3-day ticket is $40,<br />
and a 1-week ticket is $60. <strong>The</strong> tickets were recently restructured, extending the validity<br />
<strong>of</strong> 3-day passes to 1 week instead <strong>of</strong> 3 consecutive days. Similarly, 1-week passes are now<br />
valid for 1 month. Tickets are good for all sights within the main temple compound, as<br />
well as Banteay Srei, to the north, and the outlying temples <strong>of</strong> the Roluos Group. Other