Angkor Wat | when travelers can't come

I visited Angkor Wat in 2006 and toured this ancient temple complex with a friend. One of the seven wonders of the ancient world, Angkor Wat is just one of many memorable sites around Siem Reap. The image below comes from the ancient city of Angkor Thom.

While the Covid-19 lockdown has caused economic distress for us in the United States and Europe, it has brought utter devastation to the Third World. So many Cambodians depend upon tourism for their entire livelihood. When tourists can't come, they face unimaginable suffering. That's subject of video at the top of this article. In its words, 

The temples of Angkor have stood for a thousand years, and the local villagers are the descendants of the God Kings of old. For now, their world stands still, their income has dried up, and there is no state support system to catch their fall. Remember Angkor, remember Cambodia and remember the Khmers you once met in this small country with a big heart. They will be waiting with open arms.

It's a matter of perspective. For me, travel is a passion, an activity that brings me so much personal pleasure. But for so many millions of people around the world, our travels are the source of their very livelihood. Please remember them!

copyright (c) 2020 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

Amansara | exploring the temples of Siem Reap

statues on the Angkor Thom bridge (c) 2017 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

Amanresorts prides itself on special connections to the history and community of their settings. I want to devote a series of blog articles to several iconic Aman properties. Amanjunkies already know about Aman's elegant and spacious guest rooms and incredibly personalized service. Perhaps these articles will tempt you to try Aman!

Amansara in Siem Reap, Cambodia was originally the guest house of King Sihanouk of Cambodia where his royal guests stayed. Aman has turned it into a resort with just 24 suites and pool suites. The guest experience includes daily temples tours and cultural walks with English speaking guides. Here are the highlights of the area...

Angkor Wat is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. A large temple complex constructed in the 12th century, its stone walls are adorned with carvings.  The scale of the temple complex is immense, its outer wall being 2.2 miles in length. Come in the early morning to avoid the crowds and the heat of the day.

Angkor Thom is equally fascinating. A fortified city 4 km north of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom is surrounded by a moat. The walkway over the moat is lined with the mythic statues pictured above.  This photograph was my favorite take-away from my 2007 visit to Siem Reap.  

Ta Prohm Temple, found 5 km east of Angkor Thom, is in ruins. I have vivid memories of the trees growing out of the temple ruins.

Amansara is the ultra-luxe option in Siem Reap, and the Virtuoso amenities include an upgrade to a Pool Suite if available, daily breakfast, and a 60 minute massage per room. Virtuoso guests have the choice of three other luxury options — Belmond Residence d'Angkor, Park Hyatt Siem Reap, and Raffles Le Royal, each with exclusive Virtuoso amenities.

copyright (c) 2017 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

the luxury hotels of Siem Reap

Why visit Siem Reap, Cambodia? The answer: Angkor Wat, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. This complex occupies one square mile, containing spectacular stone buildings covered with intricate carvings. A visit to Angkor Wat should be high on the list of every world traveler who appreciates exploring ancient cultures.


Raffles Grand Resort d’Angkor
As its name would suggest, this is a grand resort on beautifully landscaped grounds built around an impressive 35 meter long, infinity edged swimming pool that doubles as a reflecting pool. This is the original hotel in Siem Reap, built in 1932 and recently refurbished. The property is lushly landscaped and retains the elegance of a bygone era. I recommend booking a room in the original building. The Landmark rooms provide spacious accommodations with high ceilings. (State Rooms and Cabana Rooms in the newer wing are narrower rooms). Personality Suites, named after figures associated with Ankor, are one-third larger with separate bath and showers.


La Résidence d’Angkor - An Orient-Express Hotel
Visitors to Siem Reap should strongly consider La Résidence d’Angkor. Well located in town, this relatively new property was recently acquired by Orient-Express Hotels. The extensive use of natural woods create the feeling of a very traditional, tropical resort, but guests enjoy the latest modern amenities. Guest rooms are beautiful and offer round stone bathtubs that are almost large enough to swim in. River View rooms are less desirable as they face the street and the rather muddy river running beside it. Book a Garden View or Pool View room.

Hotel de la Paix
A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World but not a Virtuoso property, this new hotel is on a busy, noisy, dusty, and not-so-attractive intersection in the center of Siem Reap (with a gas station opposite the main entrance). However, once you step into the hotel, you walk into a different world, serene and quiet with a sophisticated elegance. Designed by architect Bill Bensley, this 107 room boutique hotel offers stylish contemporary furnishings. Guests who want to be in the center of town, don’t mind the noise and dust of the hotel’s surroundings, and prefer avant guard design will appreciate Hotel de la Paix.

Amansara
Amansara is in a class by itself. Originally built in 1962 to be the guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk, the property was obtained by Aman Resorts and opened for guests in 2002. A dozen pool suites, each with a private swimming pool, were introduced in 2005. The rooms contrast ivory colored walls and dark timber and have a unique symmetrical design that contribute to a sense of balance that guests will experience here. A final note: the spa treatment rooms have been designed with the same attention to style and detail. Book Amansara for the ultimate luxury experience in Siem Reap.

a carving at Angkor Wat


copyright (c) 2007 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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