I got an English speaking guide (US$20) for my second day at the Angkor temples.  I really wanted to know more of the history and symbolism of the temples. Would I pay for this guide again? Probably not.. Choose your guide carefully is all I can say. On my previous visit to the temples I overheard many interesting facts from other tour guides, but I was quite disappointed with my guide, which was booked through my hotel. If I were to do it again, I would listen in on other tour guides the first day, then exchange numbers and info if possible, and try to book them to be my tour guide on the next day.

Anyway, this time I had researched more and had a clearer picture of which temples I wanted to visit including Banteay Samre, which was a bit further from most of the temples and outside the main loop.

Angkor Wat (2nd time) 10am – 11:40

Banteay Kdei (2nd time) 11:50 – 13:00

Many of the guide books say to not encourage the kids to keep begging or selling at the temples by buying from them.

At most temples we went to there were children selling postcards or small souvenirs. At some times they were quite insistent. They are just kids, so keep positive but be firm if they are too insistent.

Banteay Samre 13:20 – 14:00

This is a bit off the Grand Circuit by about 3 km, however the ride there through villages and paddies is a nice break to relax. If your time is limited I’m not sure if this temple is really worth the long trip, but if you have time, I’d recommend it. It was nice to see more of the surrounding scenery and get off the beaten track a bit.

The Tuk Tuk driver then stopped at some tents on the roadside for lunch near Banteay Samre. Lunch was great and the fans alleviated some of the heat.

I’m not sure what temple the next one is. I thought it was Preah Neak Pean, but anyway, it was a great photo opportunity.

Preah Khan (Royal Sword) 3:40pm – 4:30

One of my favourite temples! I loved walking in and out of the corridors and exploring through the building. I got there in the late afternoon, which seems to be one of the quietest times around the temples. I guess a lot of people get tired from the morning and maybe waking up early to see the sunrise so they leave a bit earlier. With hardly anybody around I could take photos and just take in the atmosphere and mystique of the temple.

And then time to go home…

Downtown Backpackers

Great place! The owner is British, reasonable prices, pool, a communal bar area which makes it easy for lone travellers to meet other people and easy walking distance to the main strip.  I moved here for a better chance to meet other backpackers and to be closer to the centre of town.  I liked the room size, cleanliness and friendliness of Two Dragons, however there weren’t so many other backpackers to make friends with. I heard about Downtown when I met a group of backpacker girls having a drink on Pub Street and asked them where they were staying and which place was popular for backpackers and I did meet lots of great people during my time there.

Downtown Siem Reap.The owner has lived in Cambodia for many years and was super helpful and resourceful.

The poolside area also offered food service and a menu of hamburgers, nachos etc… As much as I loved Cambodian food and amok, it was nice for a change 🙂

Bar area near the pool. Fun evenings spent here before heading off to Pub Street for a dance.

My first taste of beetle… The owner’s wife is Cambodian and offered me to try a beetle. You have to pull the wings, stinger and legs off and you’re good to go! Wasn’t bad. It seemed to be marinated or something..