LILYPOND DAYBREAK SHOULDER BAG DRIVER

The silhouette of the huge stone structure across a lily pond looks quite formidable in the dark. The cool morning breeze stirs up an anticipation difficult to describe in words. The complex is teeming with tourists from across the world jostling for the best vantage point to capture Angkor Wat against the backdrop of the rising sun. Crossing the wide moat using a sandstone causeway located in the west side of the temple, I walk on the temple grounds towards the central enclosure.

LILYPOND DAYBREAK SHOULDER BAG DRIVER

Some places are not even accessible by bus and you may end up spending more time and money hailing a tuk tuk or taxi on the go.Įarly next morning before daybreak, my driver picks me up from the hotel and speeds away to the temple.

If you wish to cover the entire temple circuit over a weekend like me, taxi would be a logical and affordable option in Cambodia where public transport is not so developed. Hinduism remained as the dominating religion in the region until the 13 th century when Buddhism became popular owing to the influx of Buddhist missionaries from Burma (Myanmar), Siam (Thailand), and Sri Lanka.Īfter enquiring in one of the currency exchange shops in town, I get in touch with an English-speaking taxi driver cum local guide who promises me an experience of a lifetime. Funan was a product of prolonged socio-economic interaction with maritime trading partners of the Indosphere (a wide geographical area subject to political or cultural influence from India). Hinduism in Cambodia can be traced back to the Funan kingdom that reigned the lower Mekong between 100BC and 500AD. Spread over 163 hectares (403 acres) of land, Angkor Wat is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe. This 12 th century temple complex, a UNESCO world heritage site, is the main attraction of Siem Reap. I reach my hotel without incident and begin to plan my exploration of Angkor Wat temple complex – the largest religious monument in the world owing to its land area – the next day.

This piece of information baffles me as I expected Cambodia to be safe for tourism (and so it is!). Crime is rampant in the city these days, I am told by my Tuk Tuk driver who asks me to make sure that I hold onto my belongings tightly and keep my purse and mobile phone out of sight so that bike gangs don’t snatch them away. Busy wide roads and traffic jams welcome me. However, as I approach the city, the scene changes dramatically.

The nondescript road, leading to the city centre about 8 km away, gives the traveller a view of open fields and neat little cottages with thatched roof, a typical rural setup. Fresh out of the airport, the first impression of Siem Reap – the jewel of South East Asia – isn’t far from how one would picture a place rich with ancient history.

Lilypond daybreak shoulder bag