A.K.A.? A complex of temples built by the Angkor empire-one of the world’s most stunning architectural wonders.
Which came first, the place or the empire? The empire is named after the temple complex built near Jayavarman II’s capital city as a lasting tribute to his descendents.
Jayavarman was a great builder, then? Well, he started the whole thing but it wasn’t until the reign of Suryavarman II that Angkor Wat, the largest religious edifice in the world, was built.
How do you get there? You have to go to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh which is quite a trek. You can either take an eight-hour “express” boat trip up the River Tonle Sap and then suffer a vertebrae-crunching truck ride or take a plane.
Pretty isolated? Three years ago Siem Reap boasted only four guest houses. Today there are over 20 with more on the way. Tourism has developed enourmously since the 1991 peace accord and the town is doing its best to look after travelers.
But is it a bargain? Accommodations and food are incredibly cheap as in most of Southeast Asia. Entrance to the temple, however, costs $20 for a one-day pass and $40 for a three-day pass.
