Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm

If you are naive like me, you'd think that Angkor Wat is the only temple. Well in that case, visiting Angkor having done no research you are in for a delightful surprise.

Angkor Wat - Let's be honest, this is the reason why most of you are in Cambodia.

Bayon - Simply put Bayon is a maze of towers of smiling faces. The lack of restoration compared to Angkor Wat gives it a distinctly delightful appeal. To me it was more appealing that Angkor Wat itself for that sole reason.

Ta Prohm - Trees growing in/on/through/over/under the temples. This is where trees violate the prepositions and put us humans in our place, showing that nature knows no bounds. It helps that it's also the place of some of those Tomb Raider shots.

There are others worth a visit which you can accommodate even if you are on a day pass. But your trip would be incomplete without visiting Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm. If you are visiting on a 3 or 7 day pass, you have plenty of time to see it all.

Get up early for a sunrise visit

If your intention is to visit the ancient complex in a day, it is a great idea to get up early - to beat the heat (people and sun) and have plenty of time to see as much as you can - regardless of the following reason.

Waiting for sunrise in front of the pond at Angkor Wat has to be one of the most memorable things I've done. Don't be under the misconception that you'll be the only one up at sunrise, there will be a lot of people, but don't let that deter you, in fact you'll get first hand experience of 'tuk-tuk F1' racing on your way from your place to the temples. Enjoy it.

Once you are at the pond, don't fret worrying to get the perfect picture of the sunrise, take it all in, relax and breathe. As much as you mind will be itching to take your phone, camera, or your massive tablet out, control yourself and have nice breakfast - the condensed coffee and the omelette in a baguette are to die for - in the adjacent stalls and enjoy others fretting about to get the perfect shot. Now if you are smart and have an equally smartphone, you would have already checked the time for sunrise or see it with your eyes - as you are almost through your breakfast - the first embers start to light up the dark sky. That'll be your cue to get up and get ready for your perfect shot, and trust me you have plenty of time.

Now that you are on a full tummy and have decent shot (remember to take a few) you can carry forward to Angkor Wat.

A day entry or a 7 day pass?

Depending on your travel itinerary, you can easily get anywhere between a day or a 7 day pass. My friends and I were only at Siem Reap for two days. So we decided to get a day pass and spend the next day cycling around the city.

To 'guide' or not to guide

Well...why not? They are cheap and decently accurate. I found myself questioning some of the story telling - it is story telling at times as the guide tries to sugar coat and bide his time to cover his lack of factual knowledge - but then realised he was no professor of Cambodian history.

This is not to say that many of the things that the guide will tell are inaccurate. In fact, you'd miss many of the simplest of reliefs and carvings if not for the guide's direction.

Dress Code

Remember, neither is this a club nor is there a party. These are ancient temples and places of worship. Dress appropriately. Respect the beliefs, culture and traditions.You will see locals praying.

Ladies you won't be denied an entry wearing shorts and singlets, but you wouldn't go to a church wearing those clothes and neither should you here. Some light breathable pants and full sleeve top will do. Gents, avoid wearing a singlet, and preferably wear a tee.