SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

(Ta Brohm, one of major scenes of the movie "Tomb Raider")
(Bayon, the famous smiling Cambodia)
(bird view of Angkor Wat form hot air balloon)
(Angkor Wat in the morning)
(enjoy watching sunset from Angkor Wat)

Recently there is a TV show "1000 places to see before you die" at Travel and Living channel; it is about a young couple traveling to 13 countries in 14 weeks. On July 29, they introduced Seim Reap, Cambodia.

In 2005, I took a 5-day trip to Siem Reap and spent 3 days at Angkor Wat area. It was a pleasant trip to see those wonderful ancient palaces and temples and to enjoy the hospitality of Cambodian people.

It is really hard to believe that Cambodia had a terrible time during 70's under control of Pol pot and now they can live in such a peaceful way. Most of Angkor Wat areas are rebuilt and maintained under UN programs, but now they are also facing the over development of tourism business. If you are planning to visit Siem Reap and have not made it, I will recommend you start to book the flight!