Ankor What?

Trip Start Apr 16, 2008
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Trip End Apr 15, 2009


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Friday, July 18, 2008

So, in the name of adventure, myself and Matt decided to take the option of a 9hr boat ride rather than a 6hr bus ride to get to Siem Reap. The boat ride took us down river from Battambang to Tonle Sap (the largest lake in Cambodia, which grows by 400% during the wet season as the Mekong back-flows into it) and across the lake to the floating village near Siem Reap. The journey turned out to be pretty enjoyable, after the locals slowly got of and left us some more leg room. There were a few hairy spots but there was just enough water to make it all the way to the lake. And it took 2hrs less than we thought too!
So we had heard that Siem Reap was a bit of a  backpacker hub but nothing prepared us for the reality. The main street for restaraunts and bars is called Pub Street and as the name would imply, there is quite a lively night life in Siem Reap. I suppose that all the culture has to be balanced somehow.
Stilted house flank Tonle Sap
Stilted house flank Tonle Sap
 Anyway, after 2 days in Phnom Penh, Noel, Downey and Paddy arrived (a little shook) and met myself and Matt. Needless to say we celebrated the fact and then some in what was to become our 'local' - the Ankor What? bar.
But although it was good craic in town we were afterall here for one reason - Ankor itself. We spent one amazing day investigating the ruins and there is no doubt that it is a very memorable place to visit. An afternoon of rain didn't cause too much bother as the temples and palaces look stunning in any light. Even the worst photographer can't help but get some amazing shots. The history/anthropology enthusiat could spend many more days here but with the weather not being the most reliable we decided to leave the touring at just one day. It would have been cool to see a sunrise at Ankor Wat or see some of the distant ruins but in essence we saw the main sites and got to spend plenty of time investigating.
Back in town we (yes you've guessed it) met up with some of our old travelling crew and enjoyed a few more great nights out. The days really whittle away pretty quick here and after 4 nights and some great times it was time to move onto Thailand and Koh Chang.
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