Discovering Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Since Siem Reap in Cambodia is one of the great historical attractions near Hong Kong that is good for short vacation and exploration, we chose this destination to escape the bitter cold weather of Hong Kong and at the same time write a report in fulfillment of the required assignment in Travel and Tourism Development.

Siem Reap, literally means "Siam (now Thailand) Defeated", honoring the victory of Khmer over the neighboring kingdom of Thailand. Though not the biggest city in Cambodia, Siem Reap is famous worldwide for its ancient temples and innumerable sculptural carvings made entirely by stone that was taken from Mount Koulen – the Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the cultural heritage site that has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Site . Angkor Wat is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia, stretching over some 400 square kilometers including the forested area. Angkor Wat not only recognized as the most important monument for the Khmer Empire but also the largest sacred temple that was constructed during the supremacy of King Suryavaman at the beginning of 12th century. It is well-known for its complex ornamentation and remarkable splendor.

This once behind-the-time village now became the largest boomtown and has the fastest growing construction site in Cambodia. It is because this pleasantly laid-back small city is the perfect access in visiting the magnificent temples of Angkor and getting up close and personal to the locals for some cultural explorations.

When you stand in the city centre, you will see the two facets of living – rural old town for local and urban city for tourist and expats. Angkor transformed Siem Reap into a bustling town hosting luxury hotels, 5-star resorts, fine-dining, quaint bar and party spots, modern facilities for spas, galleries, shops. Tourist’s main reason why they love to come again and again is the overwhelming hospitality of the people whom are generally friendly and generous. For others, they prefer to visit this place because of unsurpassed opportunity to explore Angkor Archaeological Park, for some the importance of experiencing Cambodian culture and lastly, the chance to contribute in the humanitarian program example raising funds and other medical missions.

Last year, Siem Reap amazingly marked nearly a million visitors. They said it was viewed as the result of media exposure when Angkor Wat was featured in one of the blockbuster Hollywood movie last 2001 Lara Croft: The Tomb Rider and acquired even more publicity when the controversial movie actress Angelina Jolie adopted a Cambodian child. It fairly increased turnover of its tourism the following year to these date.

The rapid development in Siem Reap created great number of job opportunities and business among the locals and improved quality of living. Image of Cambodia was changed due to positive reactions and experiences of the people or tourist who visited the place.

While Siem Reap draw greater number of tourist, it would mean greater responsibilities. As tourism grows, it is putting this one of the world’s most treasured destinations in danger. Being trashed and exploited by mass tourism which is sadly supported by indifferent government policies for their economic development and some greedy developers.

I witnessed how one of the oldest and remarkable temples, the Phnom Bakheng located on the top of the hill is progressively deteriorating. Tourists are harming enormous part of the monument all the way to the platform as hundreds of people climb up and sit there for sunset viewing every day of the year. There were no regulations or policies that will help protect the historical park.

Consequences brought along by the visitors are pollutions, deforestation due to development of infrastructures, overwhelming amount of waste especially the poor water sewage system. It has been said that there are some contamination in the surface and underground water. Water quality is becoming a problem which could put public health in danger.

Nowadays, the biggest threat is the water system. Water has been pumped out beneath the ground about 70 to 80 meters by hotels, restaurants, spas and golf courses for use. This is not regulated by any branch or agencies of the Cambodian government. Concerned international agencies like the World Bank has already warned the tourism sector and the government to be guided to avoid consequences because no one was certain how it would affect once water has been dried up between layers of rocks and sand beneath the temple.

Economically, I see Siem Reap's greatest potential in future development. One Japanese businessman even sees Siem Reap as the future hub providing air links for other tourist destination within Cambodia and neighboring countries like Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

I guess if that would happen, tourist will be diverted and distributed to other destination and not only focused in Angkor Wat. But then again, until a good decision from the local government to restrain the influx of tourist in the historical site of Angkor, this one of the most fascinating wonders of the world future will always be precarious.

I guess you already had enough facts about Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, now you can go along see what this lovely place can offer you for your future travel.