Wats Up: Get Schooled on Angkor

October 21, 2008 at 12:30 PM | by ced138 | 0 Comments

We're the kind of travelers who are loathe to admit we're tourists, but in the end, it's all semantics. When visiting Angkor Wat, Southeast Asia's tourism capital, it's better to embrace the moniker.

After purchasing the obligatory fanny pack, we suggest hiring a guide. No, really: It's impossible to fully understand the history and significance of the area's many ruins without one.

Intricate carvings depict ancient Hindu and Buddhist stories. Gods stirring a sea of milk for thousands of years created the elixir of life, the rear walls of Angkor Wat explain. In front of the building, Indian king Ramayana leads a monkey army to fight the demon King Ravana who kidnapped his wife.

Over at Angkor Thom, Chams (Asian muslims), identified by the lotus flowers on their heads, fight the Khmers. They always lose, of course. Beautiful Apsaras, celestial nymphs, adorn most temples and powerful snake and lion statues at the gates provide protection.

Guides explain all this, step-by-step, breaking down the history of the temples' construction into manageable snippets. Travel agencies throughout Siem Reap arrange guided tours. Most cost about $25 a day, including tuk tuk transport. Not a bad price, since transport to the temples costs about $10 anyway.

Related Stories:
· Wats Up: Intro to Angkor [Jaunted]
· Cambodia Travel Guide: Angkor What? [Jaunted]

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