Angkor Wat

Siem Reap, the gateway to the famous temple complexes of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom is just a two-hour flight away; a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! I'm staying at Maison Polanka, a beautiful little guesthouse hidden away in a private tropical garden. As soon as we pass through the gate, the hustle and bustle of the city fall away and I am embraced by a perfectly peaceful atmosphere.

Seeing temples of Angkor Wat for the first time is an overwhelming experience. The sheer vastness of the complex, the architectural detail  the artistry of the stonemasonry are truly breathtaking. Angkor was the centre of the Khmer Empire and remains the cultural heart of Cambodia to this day. The Khmer Empire rose around 802 AD with Jayavarman II and declined with the fall of Angkor in the 14th century. 

Having had the chance to visit Angkor under the expert guidance of Yut, my local guide, is a privilege and an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.