Siem Reap, Cambodia - Page 5 - Zero Chance's Photos

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA - Siem Reap is a small town, nestled among rice paddy fields 4 hours drive on rocky roads north of the capital of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It is home to the ancient Khmer Empire's great temple ruins. UNESCO has designated Angkor Wat as a World Heritage Site, but there are many other smaller complexes in the surrounding countryside that are just as significant, if not more beautiful to explore. In terms of archaeological significance, it rivals sites like the Pyramids of the Nile, Machu Pichu and the Mayan Ruins of Mexico. But unlike these other places, rampant development has not taken place and visitors are allowed to take in the unspoiled atmosphere up close. This will probably not be the case in a few more years.

Come with me and see Siem Reap through my eyes ...

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Zero Chance > Beng Melea - To properly experience this place, one has to climb through the rubble, like Indiana Jones. Lara Croft - Tomb Raider was also filmed here, Be sure to wear sturdy shoes as you will be going over a lot of hard ground. Also, a camera knapsack is a good idea as in some of the places you will need to use your hands to get a good grip. There was only one other group of 4 people when I arrived.

Zero Chance > The jungle has grown around the temple over the centuries. Tree trunks wrap intimately around the stone walls in the courtyard.

Zero Chance > A climb up one of the walls yields this magnificent carving on the side of an entranceway.

Zero Chance > After leaving Beng Melea, we drove 45 minutes over a dirt road to Banteay Srey. I would refer to this as the most colourful temple - the pink temple. This is the entrance to the temple. Notice the carving is deep and sharp, fully restored unlike the other tempes that we have been to.

Zero Chance > Banteay Srey loosely translates to "citadel of the women". The temple is relatively small and the sandstone here is pinkish and ornate.

Zero Chance > Located about 38 km from Siem Reap, Banteay Srey is best combined with Beng Melea as a trip. Since the drive is so far, over rough roads, it is best to hire a car and not a tuk-tuk, and the driver will charge more.

Beng Melea - To properly experience this place, one has to climb through the rubble, like Indiana Jones. Lara Croft - Tomb Raider was also filmed here, Be sure to wear sturdy shoes as you will be going over a lot of hard ground. Also, a camera knapsack is a good idea as in some of the places you will need to use your hands to get a good grip. There was only one other group of 4 people when I arrived.