Still amazingly beautiful
Angkor is an ancient city name for the Khmer Empire that ruled much of Southeast Asia for almost 500 years (between 9-14th cent). Ancient Cambodians (called Khmer back then) were exceptionally skillful with craftsmanship and highly innovative. They were able to take Indian's Hindu architecture and transformed it into unique Khmer styles. Angkor Wat and many hundreds other temples stood or still standing in Siem Reap today are evidences that cannot be disputed. I have been to Angkor, Siem Reap, six times, and each time it's almost like an entirely brand new trip. There are just so much to see and learn. Just Angkor Wat alone is 1.8 sq km. Even though the five main towers is the main focus point for most tourists, the area surrounding them is no less important and providing adventurous feeling if one has time to visit (I once walked the entire perimeter of the temple). The people are amazingly nice. Even though many kids will try to sell you things (most of the time at a very good price), they are also very helpful at providing information even if you didn't buy their goods. Compared to neighboring Vietnam or Thailand, Cambodian people are most selfless. Given its large area, ranging between 400-700 sq km, Angkor can give visitors a real sense of satisfaction, a sense of adventure where jungle is just a few steps from the temple ruins. If you are a first time visitor, the inner Angkor complex is recommended for visiting, but if you have been there before, I recommend that you take a little adventure to sites such as Banteay Srei, Phnom Kulen, Rolous temple complex. These sites were created from different period of the empire, which will give you a better understanding of how vast and diversify the Khmers were. If you are looking for an adventurous, memorable trip, Angkor will guarantee just that. By Khmer Pride