Day 8

Angkor Wat often acts as the main impetus for travel to Southeast Asia, or so they say. Well after visiting, I’d say it’s a pretty good reason but not worth as much time as people say unless you’re really into Hinduism, Buddhism, Khmer lore, or archaeology. To be perfectly honest, you should get a bike or tuk-tuk for the day to explore if you are into the things I stated above. The ruins are pretty ridiculous in stature and, fortunately, a number of the motifs are not destroyed. However, the temples may have been used for certain practices but much of the remains are quite repetitive in nature because, obviously enough, the origins for them are quite similar. Nevertheless, in the day (or more) you spend here, it’s pretty cool to hear how the temples were modified/desecrated over time by different groups that came to appropriate or utilize the site.

Since you can learn about stuff on Angkor Wat on your own or by visiting, I’ll try to offer more practical info. I used the popular Giant Ibis overnight bus (link here). You’ll hear mixed reviews, but based off my experience, it’s pretty much meh. My bus was pretty well air-conditioned and quiet. However, infrastructure in Cambodia still really has not reached an acceptable level so the ride will be bumpy, but my experience was pretty comfortable. (If you do book them, try to get the top bunks because the bottom bunks are just padding on the floor.) Alternatively, and this is for the very budget conscious, you could just come to Phnom Penh and book a bus at the bus station for around $8, a little above half for what I paid.

When visiting Angkor Wat, bring a reasonable amount of money, sunscreen, bug spray, minimum of two bottles of water, at least two snacks, and I’d recommend a hat and/or sunglasses. Leave your wallet and passport safe in your bag in your hostel/hotel room. The site is crawling with people antsy to pilfer money and things off your person at the most opportune time. Be wise and bargain down any price for a ride, they’ll often lower it a certain extent. Silence is quite the effective negotiating tactic.

Well with all that in mind, Angkor Wat was pretty dope. Here are my favorite shots I took: