All about the Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Before you pay up for an ​Angkor temple visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia, a visit to the Angkor National Museum is in order.

Entering the Angkor National Museum

The octagonal, pagoda-style towers crowning the museum are meant to directly tie the Angkor National Museum to Angkor Wat — itself crowned by five soaring pagodas rising from a central courtyard. Unlike Angkor Wat, though, the Angkor National Museum is built with today's comfort levels in mind.

The numerous exhibit halls are air-conditioned and intimately lit; the exhibits flow naturally from one to another; and portable media players (above, right) can be hired at the entrance to explain some of the more obscure items on display. (More on how they work on the next page.)

After paying an entrance fee at the ground floor, you'll ascend a spiral ramp (above, left) that ends up at the Angkor National Museum's second floor. A video introduction to the museum and its contents — a ten-minute film titled "Story behind the Legend" — serves as the first in a series of exhibits that flesh out the identity and destiny of the Angkor Empire.

Angkor National Museum Exhibits on the Second Floor

The Angkor National Museum's first four exhibits are all located on the second level, each one following naturally one after the other, meant to be seen in order. Visitors walk through vaulted corridors between exhibits, each one lined with Guardian heads, sandstone lions, and other Angkor statuary.

The first gallery is intended as a "reincarnation" of a gallery of 1,000 Buddhas that used to be housed in Angkor Wat's cruciform gallery. As Angkor Wat offers minimal protection from thieves and vandals, the Angkor National Museum now offers its own take on "1,000 Buddhas": a series of miniature and mid-sized icons crafted from different materials and lit individually, arranged tastefully in niches and on pedestals in a large air-conditioned gallery.

While many of the Buddhas come from nearby temples (only a fraction - if any - come from the original Angkor Wat gallery), a large number of the statues on display may actually have been made in the 20th century.

After walking past a colonnaded corridor overlooking a fountain pool, guests enter a single massive chamber divided into three separate galleries:

The Pre-Angkor Period gallery tells the story of Khmer civilization in the days before the Angkor kings took the reins, with a particular focus on the foreign influences that eventually became part of the Angkor empire's DNA;

A gallery of Angkor religion and beliefs that explains the Buddhist and Hindu roots of the Angkor empire: carvings of the Churning of the Sea of Milk share space with the Buddhist bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and numerous linga (phallic representations in Hindu culture); and

A pantheon of the Great Khmer Kings: King Jayavarman II, Yasovarman I, Suryavarman II, and Jayavarman VII - their lives and works.

The object labels beside each item provide concise descriptions of the objects in question. A few object labels bear numbers that correspond to menu numbers in the media players provided at the outset; if you were smart enough to pay for its use, you can punch in the numbers to hear a more comprehensive audio description of the item you see before you.

Angkor National Museum Exhibits on the Ground Floor

A staircase proceeds from the final second-floor exhibit back down to the ground floor, where the following exhibits await:

The Angkor Wat gallery showcases the history and continuing preservation of Cambodia's signature Angkor temple. A long composite photo along one wall depicts the 160-foot-long Churning of the Sea of Milk relief along the south wing of Angkor Wat's east lower gallery. A circular theater shows the view of Angkor Wat's towers against the sunrise, a view that many visitors wake up exceedingly early in the day to see for themselves. 

The Angkor Thom gallery collects a series of items saved from the Angkor Thom temple, with a special focus on the water management projects commissioned by Angkor Thom's creator Jayavarman VII;

The Story from Stones gallery shines a spotlight on the stelae (find out more about stelae) that were often found in Angkor temple sites, many of them serving as the only surviving records of wars, worship, and trade.

The Ancient Costume gallery showcases the evolution and use of clothing throughout the Angkor Empire. 

After the last gallery, the exit leads straightaway into the museum gift shop, and afterward the exit back into the main lobby.

At the Museum Mall

An 86,000 square foot mall space along the northern side of the Angkor National Museum scratches the itch of museum-goers who want to take back a little part of Angkor with them, and then some.

The new T Galleria by DFS store, the first in Cambodia, hawks a variety of fragrances, beauty products, potent potables, and carefully-curated local handicrafts in the spacious, glitzy interior.

While the wares seem little different from your average airport duty-free shop, the inclusion of Cambodian artisanal products will assuage the conscience of ethical shoppers who want their bucks to benefit local communities. Buy one of the locally-made silks, lotus fiber cloth, and lacquerware in the shops, and the management guarantees that profits go directly to the Cambodian artisans who made them.

Getting to the Angkor National Museum

The Angkor National Museum can be found on Charles de Gaulle Road in the northern part of Siem Reap's town center.

Travelers headed to the Angkor temples will pass right by the Museum; discerning visitors will schedule a stop at the museum before they venture onward to the temples, all the better to understand the meanings of the sculptures and reliefs they encounter at the Angkor temples sites.

The Museum is easily accessible by tuk-tuk, or if you're fit enough, can be reached in a fifteen- to twenty-minute walk from the Old Market area. 

See more: Top cultural activities in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Source: Internet

5 great destinations near Thailand for a quick getaway

If you have a few extra days to spare while you're in Thailand, or are living here and looking for an interesting place to go for 2–3 days, consider one of these great side trips from Thailand. Each of these places is three or fewer hours by plane from Bangkok, and all are wonderful places to visit.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Hands down, this is the most amazing cultural sight in the region, and even if you aren’t interested in archeology or ancient cultures, you’ll probably find it impressive.

The Angkor Wat temple complex is just one of many you’ll get a chance to visit in the city of Siem Reap in Cambodia. In fact, there are many must-see temples. You can travel overland (bus from Thailand) or take a short flight from Bangkok.

Siem Reap itself was once a very sleepy town, but in the past decade, has been developing at breakneck speed. The first Starbucks in Siem Reap opened in August 2017. There are scores and scores of guest houses and high-end hotels — and enough restaurants and bars to keep you fed and watered while you visit.

Singapore

If you’re craving a calm, convenient, organized city after the chaos of Bangkok, head to this tiny city-state.

From the moment you land at Singapore’s Changi Airport, you’ll know why many Bangkok residents choose this destination for quick weekend getaways. It’s super clean, for one. And since English is one of the country’s official languages, you won’t have any problems communicating. While taxis are plentiful and safe, you can also use the city’s expansive, efficient public transportation system.

Singapore is a relatively new country; prior to 1819, it had few inhabitants other than the lions that roamed the island. Because of the city's Chinese, Malay, and Indian roots, it’s got a really interesting vibe you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Singapore also has plenty of fun stuff to do, great restaurants — again, thanks to its Chinese, Malay, and Indian roots — lots of big shopping malls, and a decent nightlife scene. The only drawback is that Singapore hotels can be very expensive compared to the rest of the region. In fact, everything in the city is expensive when compared to Bangkok — especially beer.

If the prospect of blowing lots of cash doesn’t scare you, check out one of Singapore’s casinos. Gambling has only been legal there for a relatively short time and is very high end. The Marina Bay Sands, right on the edge of the city’s financial district, is a casino, adult playground, shopping center, and upscale restaurant all rolled into one.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Somewhere between the frenzy of Bangkok and the organization of Singapore lies Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.

KL, as it’s known throughout the region, has a good mix of tourist attractions and shopping. Like Singapore, its residents are a mix of ethnic Chinese, Indian, and Malay — along with many other nationalities — so the food is fantastic, as are the many cultural celebrations held almost weekly.

Kuala Lumpur is easy to navigate, with great public transportation.

Penang, Malaysia

This popular island off the northwest coast of Malaysia has a fascinating history, the most visible of which is its past as an English colony.

When you visit Penang, explore the architecture of Georgetown, which earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2008. Make sure to sample some famous Penang street food, too.

And if you’re looking for a place to stay, the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, an old Chinese courtyard home that has been transformed into a gorgeous boutique hotel, is the best on the island.

Bali, Indonesia

Although Thai beaches can be spectacular, the island of Bali offers something a little different and is still definitely worth visiting if you’ve already explored Thailand’s coast and islands.

The beaches are beautiful, but one of the things that makes Bali special is that its interior is stunning. Lush, green rice terraces and mountains make the island worth visiting even if you don’t want to go for a swim. And of course, there’s Ubud, an artsy tourist town in central Bali filled with cafes, galleries, pretty villas, and museums. Ubud is about an hour away from Kuta, the island’s most popular beach, so it’s easy to visit for the day if you don’t want to spend a night.

See more: Taste the traditional sweets from Asia

Source: tripzilla

6 best homestays in Cambodia

There is nothing like putting up at a homestay in Cambodia when you are in the country. You get a close-up look at local culture and lifestyle and get to meet great people who can show you the best places to go to. If this is your idea of the perfect accommodation, these are the best homestays in Cambodia to check out.

Kralanh Homestay

Get a taste of the simple life at Kralanh Homestay, a cheap homestay in Cambodia set near a rice field that you can visit. It also has a small pond. It is located near a hut that bibliophiles will love as it is filled with books.

Homestay in Krabei Riel, Siem Reap

This is another homestay in Cambodia’s Siem Reap that offers travelers a taste of comfortable village life. It is located about 8 kilometers from the downtown area. The accommodating hosts can be requested to arrange transport and provide tour information if required.

Read more: Top cultural activities in Siem Reap, Cambodia

The Natural Homestay

This Cambodia homestay in Siem Reap boasts spacious, comfortable rooms that are ideal for couples and families. It has a pretty garden, parking facilities and bikes you can use to get around the neighborhood. It is a little over 2 hours away from the center of town.

Chiro Village Homestay

For an authentic Khmer village homestay experience, Chiro is recommended for you, which is registered as an NGO. It gives you a unique insight into local culture and customs.

Bunyong Homestay

Stay at charming Bunyong which offers serene lake views and is only about 4 kilometers from Pub Street. The homestay in Cambodia offers numerous amenities so that you are not left lacking.

Meas Family Homestay

To the south of Phnom Penh is Meas, a homestay in Cambodia that is welcoming and comfortable. It has private rooms and bungalows as well as a restaurant and a bar. It is a perfect place to stay if you are looking for a resort-like feel and ambience.

Source Traveltriangle

7 must-visit cities in Asia

Asia is a continent that offers something for everyone, from Thailand’s magnificent beaches to Beijing’s famed shopping districts and the temples of Hanoi, you’re practically guaranteed to discover your perfect destination.

1. Singapore

Singapore, with a cityscape that looks as if it was ripped right out of the pages of a sci-fi book, has become an economic powerhouse over the past half-century, with a high standard of living and numerous reasons to visit. It’s considered a shopper’s paradise with its numerous malls, though it also offers magnificent architecture, culture and amazing public art along with a slice of horticultural heaven with its Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Botanic Gardens. Many visitors come for the incredible food, with the melding of cultures, cuisine and natural beauty evident in every area of the city. Feast on nasi lemak, a Malaysian dish of coconut rise, anchovies, cucumber and chili paste; bak kut the, a clear Chinese soup cooked with pork ribs and five spices and even delectable British crumpets for tea.

2. Hoi An, Vietnam

This city on the central Vietnamese coast is one of the coolest towns in Southeast Asia, with its center a national heritage zone, which means no motorized vehicles are allowed. Stroll the cobblestone streets lined with charming shops and cafés, lit with lanterns and loaded with history. Once a month, during the full moon, the town trades its electric lights for traditional colored lanterns, while performers and musicians fill the streets with song. Hoi An is also the home of some of the best tailors in the entire country – bring a photograph of something you like and they’ll whip it up for you in a matter of hours, at almost unbelievably cheap prices too.

3. Seoul, Korea

Seoul is a lively, economic powerhouse, the business and cultural hub of South Korea. Here skyscrapers tower over Buddhist temples. From the N Seoul Tower, built atop a peak in Namsan Park, visitors can take in the entire scene. Enjoy incredible food, with nearly all ingredients locally grown, often featuring grilled cuts of beef and unlimited portions of side dishes, including soups, fresh vegetables and spicy sauces, all served at the table. You’ll also find a thriving nightlife, friendly people and a fascinating culture with a “work hard, play hard” mentality.

4. Taipei, Taiwan

Filled with contrasts, in Taipei you’ll find peaceful parks encircled by hectic streets and traditional markets right next to some of the trendiest boutiques. It’s old enough to have a fascinating history, yet modern enough to get Wi-Fi coverage everywhere you go. Food lovers will be in heaven, as not only can you eat well, but you can eat very cheaply. Even in eateries that don’t exactly look sophisticated, you’ll find the quality of the food is superior and there are almost an overwhelming number of options. In addition to local Taiwanese dishes, you’ll find regional cuisines from across China along with outstanding Japanese, Indian and even Italian fare.

5. Hong Kong

Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of China, is one of the world’s leading financial, banking and trading centers and a gateway between East and West. You’ll find amazing dim sum, floating islands and a one-of-a-kind skyline. Enjoy tea in the elaborate lobby of the Peninsula Hotel, accompanied by music from a string ensemble, view traditional Chinese architecture in Ngong Ping village and then take the tram to the top of Victoria Peak for unparalleled views. The city also has more than 200 offshore islands, like Lantau Island, which offers a rare glimpse into the life of rural Hong Kong. After dark, take in the real-life version of Disney’s Electric Light Parade, when Hong Kong skyscrapers come to life at 8 p.m. every night in a magical show set to a stirring soundtrack.

6. Tokyo, Japan

In Tokyo, traditional collides with pop culture, offering everything from belting out a song at a karaoke bar to reverently wandering through ancient temples. While it’s chaotic, crowded and expensive, everything is incredibly clean and the people are extremely polite.  “Cosplay” is popular among young people, and they often use it to pay homage to favorite anime, movie, or comic book characters, which means you’ll see some intricate and impressive ensembles, especially in the hip, edgier Harajuku District. There are more Michelin-starred restaurants here than in Paris – the food is fresh, rich, and delicious – indulge in as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi as your belly can handle.

Read more: Where to go in Asia for summer vacations

7. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap has been called the “perfect destination” for first-time travelers to Asia. This capital city in northwestern Cambodia is easy to get around, and you’ll find attractions on nearly every corner, with friendly people, lots of history, culture, nightlife, museums, markets and opportunities for relaxing as well as taking part in adventurous activities. When the morning light washes across the temples and ruins of Angkor Wat, the city looks like a breathtaking painting come to life. Its ancient structures are found within one of the largest religious complexes in the world, with this complex and the 12 century Angkor Thom royal city, an expression of the true genius, considered the main reasons to visit. You can also get a fascinating lesson in national history at the Cambodian Cultural Village.

Source Internet

The best local markets in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Discover exotic fruits, fashion, souvenirs, artwork and various products by visiting a traditional local market. Conveniently located, Siem Reap has several to choose from.

Engage the locals, absorb the atmosphere and enjoy negotiating prices with sellers. Whilst there, experience a wide range of colours and flavours from the fruit and vegetable stalls, and taste some of the finest street food available.

Made in Cambodia Market

Made in Cambodia Market offers a wide range of live performances, tasty local food, and Cambodian souvenirs by renowned local artisans. Held every Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, this vibrant outdoor market takes place in front of Shinta Mani Resort Siem Reap. Goods sold at Made in Cambodia Market are pricier compared to most markets in Siem Reap, but the uniqueness and quality of clothes, cosmetics, jewellery, paintings, and toys is well worth the splurge. Highly recommended is the Sombai rice spirits, which is infused with cinnamon, mangoes, star anise, and red chilies.

Noon Night Market

Not to be confused with Angkor Night Market, Noon Night Market is just down the road but is smaller. However, it still boasts more than 100 stalls selling everything from ornaments, silverware and carvings, to movies, clothes, food and even a tattoo parlour, Skin Art Shop. There are also various vendors serving up local dishes, and a bar that serves up alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Phsar Chas (The Old Market)

The Old Market, located between Pub Street and the riverside, is truly the heart of Siem Reap. As the most popular and central market, it is frequently visited by both tourists and locals. Many locals, expats and businesses buy their fruit and vegetables here. Average English is spoken here.

Angkor Handicraft Association

Angkor Handicraft Association is highly recommended for those looking to see local artisans working on their products. Visitors can learn about Khmer traditional crafting and even participate in interesting workshops. The fair-trade market houses 20 stalls selling authentic handwoven silk, silverware, stone and bronze statues, paintings, and bags.

Best of all, 100% of profits are given back to the artisans and their families as well as the local community. Located within Traing Village, Angkor Handicraft Association also hosts 12 types of activities that are suitable for all ages, such as coconut carving, palm leaf weaving, and flute making classes.

Phsar Leu (The Upper Market)

Phsar Leu (in full Phsar Leu Thom Thmey) is the biggest market in Siem Reap, and likely the most authentic. It is located on National Road 6, on the way to Phnom Penh, about 3km from the center. Usually crowded on the outside, it attracts mostly locals looking for the cheapest prices. Almost no English is spoken here.

Angkor Night Market

Angkor Night Market consists of over 200 bamboo huts selling a wide range of clothing and handicrafts by local communities and non-governmental organizations. Founded in 2007 to preserve traditional Khmer handicrafts and improve the lives of Khmer people, this outdoor market offers only one-of-a-kind goods such as silk paintings, shadow puppets, handbags made from recycled materials, as well as intricate stone carvings embellished in silver or brass. Set within a landscaped garden in downtown Siem Reap, Angkor Night Market is also ideal for enjoying local delicacies and cheap booze as well as live music performances until late.

Read more: 7 most stunning beaches in Cambodia

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5 interesting things to do in Cambodia

Discover the sacred temples and traditions of one of South-East Asia's most beloved countries. These things below are the highlights of Cambodia that you need to visit to make the most of your adventure.

1. Watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat

Built in the 12th century, Angkor Wat is believed to be the oldest and largest temple complex in the world. It was once the capital of the Khmer Empire and its front-facing outline has since become a national symbol, featuring on the Cambodian flag, on beer labels and in the name of countless hotels.

The ruins sit in an archaeological park that extends for 400 square kilometres, a scale beyond what many visitors anticipate. Those with ample time should make the most of a three-day or week-long pass to explore its maze of ancient stone structures and water features coated with blossom-pink lotus flowers – not forgetting to investigate the history of the underground city that lies beneath Angkor Wat.

2. Explore its other magnificent temples

Angkor Wat might take priority on the itinerary, but travellers would be missing out if they were to skip Cambodia’s other fascinating temples. You don't need to go far – Angkor Archaeological Park is home to numerous ancient monuments that can be explored at your own leisure on bike or foot.

Angkor Thom can be found in the shadow of Angkor Wat and showcases a series of ancient buildings including Bayon temple, whose 200 stone-carved faces are believed to depict King Jayavarman VII. Ta Prohm might not measure up in magnitude against its sister temples, but it still proves to be a big hit with travellers, after its unconventional overgrown banyan tree roots made a starring appearance in the movie Tomb Raider.

For those seeking a more off-beat spiritual encounter, venture to northern Cambodia to the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear that stands atop a 525 metre cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains. If the ancient ruins don’t beat your expectations, then the panoramic views over lush green forestry bounding into the horizon most certainly will.

3. Sample the street food of Siem Reap

South-East Asian cuisine opens travellers to a whole new range of alternative street food that travellers wouldn’t typically find on market stalls back home. From deep-fried tarantulas and snakes on skewers, to lime and chilli crickets, there really is everything and anything on the menu to choose from.

Aside from these rather niche foods, Cambodian dishes typically use fried noodles or sticky rice as a main ingredient, with an addition of fried vegetables and meat. Lort cha (noodles, bean sprouts, and chives) is typically cooked with beef, topped with a fried egg and is served in a generous portion enough to satisfy a hungry appetite. While amok (fish soup made with coconut milk and red Thai curry paste) has enough lime zest and chilli kick to warm the stomach, and is traditionally steam cooked in a round banana leaf dish.

4. Visit Battambang Bat Caves at sundown

Every evening at the base of Phnom Sampeau mountain, crowds gather in anticipation to observe thousands of bats burst out of a cave hole for their nightly hunt. A stream of black fills the sky, fluttering overhead in a sound wave motion, before dispersing on the star-lit horizon. This astounding display happens like clockwork at 5.30pm each evening, 15km south west of Battambang.

However, the caves of Phnom Sampeau mountain behold a dark history, having been used as an execution site under the rule of Khmer Rouge. Cambodians regard this natural phenomena as the souls of victims freeing themselves from the darkness. There is also a memorial site where people can pay their respects.

5. Take it slow on Koh Rong Island

Just as you think you’ve seen Cambodia at its best, take a short boat trip west of Krong Preah to Koh Rong Island, where sugar-coated beaches and azure waters welcome off-beat travellers. From discovering sandy coves in remote corners to snorkelling alongside diverse marine life among coral reefs, natural beauty flourishes throughout this little-explored island, both on land and in the surrounding waters.

There really is no better way to finish your South-East Asia adventure than with a relaxed evening clinking cocktails in a beach hut bar, watching the sun set over Koh Rong's palm tree shrouded shores.

See more: 7 reasons why you should visit Cambodia at least one time

Source: wanderlust