Siem Reap, Cambodia - Page 9 - 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 > Siem Reap is a town full of bicycles and motobikes. Traffic lights are recommendations only and crossing the street can be as harrowing an experience as what we went through in Vietnam.

Zero Chance > FCC Restaurant - Highly recommended for dinner. Very colonial but not as much as the Raffles Grand Hotel. Prices were reasonable.

Zero Chance > The Shinta Mani pool and spa under the straw roof.

Zero Chance > Given the hotel is really a training institute for students wishing to get full time jobs in the tourism industry, the facilities are quite humble in size and decoration. However, the small number of rooms (18) meant more personal attention by staff to guests.

Zero Chance > Shinta Mani, which is derived from Sanskrit, meaning "the gem that provides everything one desires", is an intimate, friendly boutique hotel of 18 rooms. The hotel provides free hospitality training for young Cambodians. In operations for 3 years, 26 students spend 9 months here learning their craft. The hotel is also a keen supporter of the community as guests are encouraged to make donations for school uniforms to pigs for breeding to brick houses and bicycles.

Zero Chance > A traditional Khmer dance is performed on the grounds of the Shinta Mani by students.

Siem Reap is a town full of bicycles and motobikes. Traffic lights are recommendations only and crossing the street can be as harrowing an experience as what we went through in Vietnam.