The Khmer stronghold - The temples of Angkor Wat
The one of the largest temple complex in the world, built on an area of 200 km² is without a doubt one of the most impressive monuments that I have visited so far. Back then, should humans have lived in this environment up to 1 million who were of course also deals with the construction of the temple.
On my 16 day trip to Cambodia and Vietnam in September / October 2009, I planned 3-4 days for Angkor and this one also needs a good impression of this region to get, since some temples also like the Banteay Srei away a half-day excursion are.
The entire complex you meet again on monks which of course gives the dish a special charm.
The sunset is most beautiful to watch from Phnom Bakheng of which can be reached by an easy walk.
The largest and most famous temple is also, of course, Angkor Wat, which can be especially well photographed from the nearby pond from.
Unique are the very artistic and finely crafted stone work around Angkor Wat.
The huge trees that have grown over the temples as here at Ta Prohm provide a spectacular backdrop.
Even elephants are still part of everyday life in Cambodia, when here naturally Mostly for tourism, at Bayon temple.
Siem Reap, the village at the temple complex
Siem Reap is in spite of the high tourist revenue still where you are some nice corners, such as the market also delicacies such as tarantulas.
Actually, I wanted to go from here along the Mekong by boat to enter in this way to Vietnam. But then I made the typhoon Ketsana a spanner in the works. Throughout the night it stormed with strong rains that flooded all the streets. As the typhoon has already raged in advance in the north, the Mekong is too swollen so it was not very safe to travel on a boat.
Without hesitation brought me a moped taxi despite flooded roads to the airport where I could take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City within a few hours.
Ho Chi Minh City - formerly Saigon
Went culinary interesting it will also continue in Saigon, a city decided for me is too messy! The traffic is terrible and the road will cross the perilous enterprise. The bikes are really in 20 rows at the intersection and the traffic lights anyway nobody seems to pay attention.
From Saigon, it was also possible to book a day trip to the Mekong Delta. There we have a first floating, albeit only visited the wholesale market, a "factory" in the sweets were prepared and then visited an island which we then explored even with bicycles.
By air, it went on to Hanoi and before there by train to Sapa, a village in the mountains. On a 2 day hike we explored the rice terraces and were led by locals in their traditional clothing.
One of the highlights of any trip to Vietnam is undoubtedly the 3 day cruise in the Halongbay. In the typical wooden boats you go with the best catering from island to island and enjoy the beautiful landscape and romantic sunsets.
Although, or perhaps because Vietnam has become in recent years become a very popular destination, I must say that I really liked Cambodia lot better. If you consider that cruel story behind Cambodia, it is really hard to believe how friendly the people are there.
The chaotic cities Saigon Hanoi in Vietnam, I really could not get anything beautiful or full of atmosphere and maybe I had too little time to explore the country well and participate almost exclusively on organized day trips was not the best idea.
Then wait a few other interesting countries in Southeast Asia on me, I will in the course of my travels to Vietnam probably not return.