Siem Reap Photo Diary, consisting of all my favorite photographs from the ancient temples of Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The only thing I expected from Siem Reap was a gorgeous view of the sunrise over Angkor Wat.

This bucket-list worthy event exceeded my expectations.

But it was only the beginning of an amazing five days in Cambodia.

Before I dive into detail about the ancient temples, Siem Reap’s biggest attraction, I will mention a few other noteworthy perks of this small city.

Observations of Siem Reap, Cambodia

Delicious and Cheap Food

First of all, the incredible quality and quantity of the food compared to their cheap prices blew my mind.

A meal rarely cost more than $3.

But I was always impressed with the vibrant flavors of the curries and the heaping plates of rice that accompanied them.

I ordered a fresh fruit shake with almost every meal, and splurged on mango and avocado rolled ice cream.

Cheap and Incredible Hostels

Our hostel, HI Siem Reap Deluxe, also enhanced our stay.

With a rooftop pool, a smiling staff, and affordable organized temple tours by tuk tuk, we were able to conquer as many temples as possible while still enjoying down time.

AND, it only cost $4 a night.

Click here to view other Siem Reap Hostels on Hostelworld!

Other Things I Noticed In Siem Reap

I had other random and comical observations that completed my experience in Siem Reap.

First of all, the dusty roads lack any form of traffic organization.

So tuk tuks, motorbikes, and tour vans basically whiz around in a free for all.

Second, instead of gas stations, locals pour gasoline into empty liquor or soda bottles and sell them on tables at the side of the road.

Stray dogs, slender white cows, locals lounging in hammocks, skinny palm trees, and fallen coconuts always clutter one’s line of vision.

Bartering at the massive street market killed my belief that stuff in Cambodia couldn’t get any cheaper.

Despite the slightly underdeveloped state of the country, the streets still explode with colorful lights at night.

Also, I noticed that Cambodians cut grass by hand with a small blade, while crouching on their knees, while wearing longs pants and shirts, in the 90-degree heat. Very impressive.

Siem Reap Photo Diary

As for the temples, I figure photos will reflect my experience better than words.

Most temples had certain common traits like worn gray stones, intricately carved religious images, and towering dome-shaped rooftops.

But each temple complex also offered something unique.

Rather than struggle to come up with descriptive words to summarize the incredible grandeur and mystery these historical buildings evoked, I will let the photos speak for themselves.

Angkor Wat

Banteay Kdei

Chau Say Tevoda

Ta Prohm 

Ta Keo

This one is currently undergoing a very obvious restoration in partnership with the Chinese government.

Bayon

Baphuon

Thommanon

Pre Rup

Ta Som

Preah Khan

The Elephant Terrace

Neak Pean

Lolei

This entire area was closed off for restoration, so here’s some photos of the gorgeous Buddhist temple right next to it.

Preah Ko

Bakong

Are you traveling to Cambodia??

You need a visitor visa! Visit iVisa.com to purchase your visa online.

Also, consider getting travel insurance for your trip. I recommend Squaremouth Insurance, but you can read my entire guide to travel insurance for more info on this topic.

This article has been republished on Huffington Post.