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Top 5 On The Bucket List - Ruins At Angkor Wat

The magnificence of the ruins at Angkor Wat, cambodia cannot be overstated

11/30/2022

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The wonder that is Angkor is exemplified by the magnificence of the setting at Ta Prohm temple, where the jungle growth has been sculpted to allow for easy access while maintaining a scenic wonderland of forest and temple grounds. Angkor, the former capital city of the Khmer Empire was one of the largest cities in the world, covering wide regions within Southeast Asia before suffering defeat by Siamese forces in 1431. Hidden by jungle forest for centuries, and although well known to locals and a scant few western visitors, it has since become a well-visited tourist destination and received UNESCO protection in the year 1992. 


Ta Prohm is outside the arc of Angkor Wat, Bayon or Elephant Terrace and truly worth the added effort to include within the highlights of ones’ visit to Angkor. Its well tended grounds depict a site of somewhat crumbling walls and carvings, embraced by a assemblage of massively rooted Banyan trees that seemingly provide a foothold to the walls and terraces at what surely is one of the finest sites within all of Angkor. 

Crafted in the 12th century, it was meant as a Buddhist temple dedicated to the Mother of King Jayavarman VII. Ta Prohm, with its enclosed courtyards and narrow passageways, projects a serenity underneath its canopy of towering tree line. A proper visit to the site requires a minimum of two hours and is best planned by entering its main entrance while slowly proceeding along the narrow pathways and through the courtyards to the rear exit. A photographers delight, the combination of a brilliantly crafted temple grounds intertwined with the sheer power of nature’s influence makes Ta Prohm a must visit for any traveler considering Angkor as a destination.


In the early 70's, sightseeing the ruins of Angkor Wat, Ta Phrom, Bayon and other of these magnificent ruins was accomplished on bicycle for many, while others chose private vehicle. Seldom were there more than a dozen visitors at any one site, contrasted in today’s world by the many who have had the good fortune to reach that remarkable destination. The ruins at Angkor truly remain a must do on the bucket list of travel, and with some heady advice, there are ways to circumvent mainstay of visitors that come to view these remarkable ruins. 


One critical factor is not to arrive Friday – Sunday. Junkets arrive on Friday from Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Taiwan and South Korea that simply crowd the ruins on a weekend. Have your guide describe the main entry point for each of the ruins and then direct he/she to take you early on from the back entrance. The first two hours or more you will have that part of the ruins to yourself.


Set your schedule to be at the most important ruin just before the noon hour, when most tourists are driven off for lunch. Have your guide start with where other groups finish and work your way back to their beginning point. Be willing to awaken at dawn to capture some of the best photos and be one of the few who arrive on site. Angkor is a remarkable experience as is the local town of Siem Reap, and the genuine friendliness of the Cambodian people.


All of Southeast Asia remains an unexplored destination for most travelers, yet offers some of the finest destinations and cultural experiences offered to the willing traveler.


First Cabin Travel has experience within the region since 1963 - each destination offered has been visited on many occasions. With its inception in 1989, First Cabin has offered luxury-styled travel at surprisingly reasonable pricing. The mainstay of bookings are derived from repeat clientele and their ever-so-enthusiastic referrals. It goes on to say that one's first experience with a First Cabin holiday tour certainly will not be the last. It has become known a one's passport to excellent.


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