Siem Reap Attractions
Tonlé Sap Lake
The Tonlé Sap Lake is the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia. During the monsoon season between June and October the Tonlé Sap River reverses its flow and runs in the opposite direction, filling the Tonlé Sap Lake. The Tonlé Sap River is the only river in the world that flows in both directions.
Trips out to the lake are best in rainy season because the mangrove swamps are dried up at other times. The birds at the bird sanctuary are best viewed from December to April. The Tonlé Sap basin is lush and green when the water recedes in the dry season, but the water is so low that getting around on the lake, which drops down to four metres in depth, and falls to a third of its rainy-season size, is quite difficult.
Go to a three hours excursion on Tonlé Sap lake...
Preah Vihear Temple
Some temples have been re-opened recently
including the fabulous Preah Vihear Temple. Well
over 100 km north-east of Angkor, on the Thai border, Preah
Vihear Temple (or Prasat Phra Viharn) dates from the beginning
of the 11th century. It dominates the plain from its prominent
position in the Dangrek Mountains at an altitude of more
than 700 m and was only returned to Cambodia by a ruling
of the International Court of Justice in The Hague in 1963
(previously occupied by the Thais).
Also close to the Thai
border, just 1 hour 30 mins lies Anlong Veng, used by the
Khmer Rouge leaders as their last stronghold and hideout
in this remote area. It reveals the remains of Pol Pot's
(Khmer Rouge Leader No. 1) house and burial site. The rainy
season from May to October complicates visits in remote
areas.
Koh Ker
In the same area is Koh Ker. The road has
recently been renewed and is now subject to a toll. The
old capital of ruler Jayavarman IV is located north and
can be visited in one day from Siem Reap. Beng Melea is
a huge 12th century temple complex, 40 km east of Bayon,
which was completely ruined even though it was built at
about the same time as Angkor Wat.
Also to the north-west
of Siem Reap, is Banteay Chhmar temple, now established
on many tourist itineraries. One of the capitals of Jayavarman
II. It was rebuilt by Jayavarman VII and dedicated to his
sons who were killed in battle repelling a Cham invasion
in 1177.
Go to a fullday excursion to Beang Mealea and Koh Ker...
the river of the Thousand Lingas
Deep in the jungle, a visit of secluded
Kbal Spean, known as the river of the Thousand Lingas, is
highly recommended. The rocks in the river have been carved
(11th-13th Century), which gives it a magical touch.
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