Still the charmer at heart, the city of Siem Reap has followed its way into the future with surprising speed. Transformed into one of the most popular destinations in the world at present, its considered to be the ever changing city of Cambodia. Having reinvented itself with world class guest houses, hotels, wining and dining options, this town has grown into a pulsating tourist attractor that has much to offer all its visitors.
The citys famous temples being its number one attraction, it should be noted that a visit to Angkor should never be rushed. No visit to this place will be complete without seeing the Bayon Temple the spectacular temple of the historical city of Angkor Thom that dates back to the 12th century. Located just north of Angkor Wat, this Buddhist temple was built by King Jayavarman VII. Although a predominantly Buddhist temple, it also incorporates Hindu cosmology.
Thought to represent the crossroad between heaven and earth, the Bayon Temple is renowned for its massive stone faces of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara that keep watch at the four points and the puzzling smiling image that has been dubbed the Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia. There are more than 11,000 carved figures on the wall, among which the visitor can witness a remarkable assemblage of bas-relief scenes of historical and legendary events. Its believed that these depictions were originally gilded and painted. But as time took its toll it has since faded.
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor is a hotel with a perfect blend of comfort and serenity. A
5 star hotel Siem Reap that has embraced modernity with elegance and grandeur, its the ideal choice for visitors to the enigmatic city of Angkor. Situated at 1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, this
Siem Reap hotel is a destination in itself, and has complemented the sensitivity and mystery of Angkor for over 75 years.
