Most people come to visit Angkor Archaeological Park, which is thoroughly covered in its own article. The town itself has some worthwhile attractions and a number of beautiful modern Buddhist temples.
The reclining Buddha at Wat Preah Prom Rath
Piles of mines, Landmine Museum
Angkor National Museum, 968 Charles de Gaulle Blvd, ☎ +855 63 966 601 (), . Daily 8:30AM-6PM. Exhibits covering the history of the Angkor complex as well as Khmer culture and clothing using high tech displays and video screens. Some say the 1,000 Buddhas room is as impressive as it sounds.US$12. �
Wat Bo, Cnr Samdech Tep Vong St and Street 22 (East side of the river. Follow the road that continues from over Wat Bo bridge). One of the oldest temples makes a nice contrast between the oldest and the glittering new ones though it the rough artwork wouldn't match the craftsmen of Angkor. The architecture of the ramshackle open air hall next to the main building blends French style arches and balustrades with Thai influenced Buddhist details. A forest of chedi surround the main hall, inbetween frangipani trees and some fine topiary. �
Wat Preah Prom Rath, Pokambor Ave. The glittering modern temple grounds gives a few hints to its 500 year history. Though the lotus themed architecture seem to emulate temples from over the border, the front gate integrates Bayon style heads and a scene in relief of the Buddha seated under a tree, while armies fire arrows on one side and others are eaten by crocodiles on his other, that looks like it could have been taken directly from Angkorian mural. Legend holds it that the site was established around 1500 when a famous monk landed ashore on a piece of his sinking boat. The boat wood was carved into the oddly foreshortened reclining Buddha installed in a swimming pool like pit behind the imposing, yet despondent looking, seated Buddha in the main hall. Perhaps mimicking the construction materials origins the reclining Buddha has taken on a sunken slant at the feet end. A pair of small weather worn cannons on either side of the hall are of unknown origin but their European style, crown like embossed seal and mysterious numbers suggest an imperialist story. �
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Siem Reap
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