KILLING FIELDS – WAT THMEY, known as Siem Reap’s Killing Field, is one of many killing fields in Cambodia during the tragic Khmer Rouge/Pol Pot regime from 1975–1979. The Khmer Rouge forced city dwellers to flee to the countryside to perform manual labour in the fields and was responsible for mass killings trying to establish a classless society. The effects of this bloody time are still being overcome by those that were lucky enough to survive. WAT THMEY in 1995 was renovated, a substantial amount of bones and skulls of the victims were placed in the memorial stupa. This place is the most convenient to visit if you don’t have time to visit Phnom Penh’s killing fields and S21 prison, the largest memorial for the brave population that perished.

IIt is the largest local market selling everything that you would find in your hometown Shopping Mall, only with a Khmer feel. Fruit, vegetables, flowers, Khmer sweet treats and cakes greet you as you arrive. Gold jewellery and other gem stalls stretch down the centre of the building, making a good landmark if you get lost. If you want a typical Khmer outfit to attend a wedding, you can have it made here. Outside at the rear you will find a large variety of fresh fish, seafood, all meat products. Not a lot of English is spoken but it’s safe to wander, practice your Khmer, and take in the abundance and variety of stock. Good idea to take small notes as no credit card facilities. It’s not air conditioned but hot, noisy and vibrant and shouldn’t be missed.

NATIONAL MUSEUM is along the way to Angkor Wat. This museum has a large artefact collection and tells history stories of the periods before the Khmer Empire, during the Khmer Empire and after as well. A visit here will give you a deeper knowledge of Cambodia and it’s long and proud history, more ancient than its other neighbouring countries. Many well-preserved statues have been selected from different sites around Cambodia and brought to this museum. On a TV screen there is a short, English speaking movie (with sub-titles) about the Khmer Empire. Visiting the Museum will definitely help you understand and appreciate what you see and learn during your Temple tours.

WAT PROMH RATH is centrally located in the city, just north of the Old Market and Pub Street. Here we can see the story of Budda painted on the walls in the Buddha Hall which your guide can explain to you. The reclining Buddha can be seen behind part of the Hall. It is possible to have a blessing from the monks and later talk and learn the Buddhist rules and other practices, before taking a few minutes for meditation. Outside the Hall are beautiful, manicured tropical gardens with statues and other highly decorated buildings. You may be lucky enough to see a special ceremony taking place.