If you are looking for Siem Reap attractions besides temples, Ta Prohm Temple is a must on your list. Although it is still part of the temple area in the Angkor Thom complex, this place is very different because the atmosphere is super cool big trees grow directly from the collapsed temple stones. For those who like unique and somewhat mystical views, you will definitely like it. Moreover, there is a famous tree that appears in the Tomb Raider film, making this place even more iconic and exciting to explore.
That morning we set our alarms for 4:30am wanting to be at the temple just after five. We knew that most people would be heading to Angkor Wat for sunrise so we were hoping to have Ta Prohm all to ourselves in the perfect sunrise light. We weren’t disappointed. When we arrived, there was just one other couple with the same idea as us. Not even the guards were awake as we passed them, still groggy in their hammocks from the night shift.
We wandered through the never ending maze of crumbling walls, tree roots and the reconstruction of the walls they could still salvage. Each tree seemed even more unique than the last as we gave into our click happy fingers, racking up what felt like hundreds of photos in just a matter of hours.
When we finally managed to pull ourselves away from the awe that we felt, we could see the tourists filling the space, fresh from seeing what I can only imagine to be yet another beautiful sunrise over Angkor Wat. But I would take the silence and emptiness of Ta Prohm over that any day.
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Bayon Temple in Angkor Wat was the last temple that we visited during our stay. We made it there shortly after sunrise when the the air was still cool and the temple was still and quiet. It didn’t take us long to make our way through Bayon Temple as it’s one of the smaller ones in the size. But what it lacks in square footage, it makes up for in detail. Filled with over 200 face carvings of Lokesvara; who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas, it is said to have a striking resemblance to the King at the time it was built. Each face is intricately carved in stone and can be found stacked and carved on every available surface. While Ta Prohm still wins for my favorite temple, this one comes in a close second due to its sheer originality among the other temples.
Bayon Temple: Mysterious Faces That Hypnotize
Bayon Temple offers a different experience from other temples in Siem Reap. Known for its hundreds of captivating face carvings, this place is one of the must-visit destinations on the list of Siem Reap attractions besides temples that should not be missed.Bayon Temple in Angkor Wat was the last temple that we visited during our stay. We made it there shortly after sunrise when the the air was still cool and the temple was still and quiet. It didn’t take us long to make our way through Bayon Temple as it’s one of the smaller ones in the size. But what it lacks in square footage, it makes up for in detail. Filled with over 200 face carvings of Lokesvara; who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas, it is said to have a striking resemblance to the King at the time it was built. Each face is intricately carved in stone and can be found stacked and carved on every available surface. While Ta Prohm still wins for my favorite temple, this one comes in a close second due to its sheer originality among the other temples.
I have a soft spot for companies that give back. And for anyone who feels the same, Cambodia would be like heaven for you. There are literally hundreds of different companies, foundations and restaurants that give back to the community. I realize that in reality, there are probably a fair share of those that aren’t as great as they seem so do your research before supporting. But there are still so many genuine ones out there that deserve a look. One of them being the Friends Restaurant in Phnom Penh.
Friends Restaurant is run by Mith Samlanh (which means ‘Friends’ in English), started in 1994, it’s a program that has worked to build bright futures for Cambodian street children for many years. Orphanages take in kids off the street in Cambodia, gives them a place to live, food to eat and an education. But what happens after they leave the orphanage at the age of 18? That’s where Friends takes it to the next level. Not only does this NGO have an orphanage but they also train for jobs after they leave so that they can become independent members of the community. The center behind the Friends Restaurant provides food, shelter, training, education and medical care to 1,800 homeless children each day. They have the Friends Restaurant which trains chefs and right next door they have a small shop filled with items made by the children of the orphanage including jewelry and other great souvenirs.
Jeremy made fast friends with our waiter, Johns (yes, with an ‘s’) who was a former street child that was taken in by the Friends program and is currently in training.
And all of this is not even mentioning that there food was the best that we had while we were in Phnom Penh. At Friends Restaurant they serve a fusion of Asian and Western Tapas. We pigged out on meatballs, humus and curry. Just three or four dishes was more than enough to fill us up (that’s saying a lot for the amount of food that Jeremy and I can put away) and even months later, I still crave these meals! It’s great knowing that you can go somewhere, have an incredible meal for an affordable price, and still know that you are helping a great cause.
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Enjoy Delicious Food While Helping Others
In addition to temples, Siem Reap has another charm through its culinary tourism. Friends Restaurant not only serves delicious food, but also supports social programs for street children. One of the best experiences in exploring Siem Reap attractions besides temples.Friends Restaurant is run by Mith Samlanh (which means ‘Friends’ in English), started in 1994, it’s a program that has worked to build bright futures for Cambodian street children for many years. Orphanages take in kids off the street in Cambodia, gives them a place to live, food to eat and an education. But what happens after they leave the orphanage at the age of 18? That’s where Friends takes it to the next level. Not only does this NGO have an orphanage but they also train for jobs after they leave so that they can become independent members of the community. The center behind the Friends Restaurant provides food, shelter, training, education and medical care to 1,800 homeless children each day. They have the Friends Restaurant which trains chefs and right next door they have a small shop filled with items made by the children of the orphanage including jewelry and other great souvenirs.
Jeremy made fast friends with our waiter, Johns (yes, with an ‘s’) who was a former street child that was taken in by the Friends program and is currently in training.
And all of this is not even mentioning that there food was the best that we had while we were in Phnom Penh. At Friends Restaurant they serve a fusion of Asian and Western Tapas. We pigged out on meatballs, humus and curry. Just three or four dishes was more than enough to fill us up (that’s saying a lot for the amount of food that Jeremy and I can put away) and even months later, I still crave these meals! It’s great knowing that you can go somewhere, have an incredible meal for an affordable price, and still know that you are helping a great cause.
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