Tag: Siem Reap

Siem Reap Travel Guide

On By Psyche CastillonIn Travel, Travel Guide2 Comments

Touring the Angkor archaeological park in one day is not enough. But because we had a private car and driver, we were able to dictate our time and was still able to explore the town of Siem Reap despite the very limited time we had in the country. While on our way to Angkor Wat, I instantly had the regret of having only one day to explore both the UNESCO World Heritage site and the town where the site is located because of the town’s shady trees, cute cafes, shops, and architecture. Here are my 10 things to do to enjoy Siem Reap outside of the famous historic temples. Continue reading “Siem Reap Travel Guide” →

Ta Prohm and the Case of Pushy Peddlers

On By Psyche CastillonIn Travel, UNESCO SitesLeave a comment

Ta Prohm was made popular because of Angelina Jolie’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie. In fact, Ta Prohm is commonly referred to in Siem Reap as “the Lara Croft” temple. When I did further research, I later learned Ta Prohm is not just significant because it was used as a backdrop for Angelina Jolie’s movie nor because of the popular photo of the roots of a huge tree taking over part of the complex. Ta Prohm is not a temple. Continue reading “Ta Prohm and the Case of Pushy Peddlers” →

Siem Reap War Museum

On By Psyche CastillonIn Museums2 Comments

What I find more interesting in Cambodia other than Angkor Wat is how its people coped up after the Khmer Rouge regime. It was a horrific time, at least in accordance with the books (and movies) I read. I am not very interested in wars and war paraphernalia, but I am interested in military tactics and effects of conflict to civilians, especially women and children. After our tour of Ta Phrom, which ended our Angkor Archaeological Park tour, we asked Kim to take us to the War Museum. Continue reading “Siem Reap War Museum” →

Finding Inner Peace at the Angkor Wat

On By Psyche CastillonIn Travel Guide, UNESCO Sites5 Comments

Angkor Wat was a something from the history books. Something near, but was quite impossible for me to grasp. Until this moment, I still put on a smile every time I remember Angkor Wat. The National Geographic images and texts did not bring justice to what I felt when I stood there, a mere dust in the constellation of things. As I was walking towards the Angkor Wat temple, despite the many people walking with me, I can hear the eerie silence, the sacred silence of centuries. One day was not enough. I can walk around it every day, if only to find my inner peace. Continue reading “Finding Inner Peace at the Angkor Wat” →

Where to Stay in Siem Reap: Pan Pan Saga Villa Hotel

On By Psyche CastillonIn Travel3 Comments

Pan Pan Saga Villa Hotel is a budget hotel that I booked through Agoda I had to cancel my previous booking with another hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The other hotel I booked was resort-type, complete with cottages and a swimming pool. Pan Pan paled in comparison, with no swimming pool, and not even a proper restaurant. But we only had one day in Siem Reap and only needed a good place to sleep and take bath. Pan Pan was able to give all of that to us, and an efficient tour of Siem Reap and the Angkor Archaeological complex. Continue reading “Where to Stay in Siem Reap: Pan Pan Saga Villa Hotel” →