Cambodia - Angkor Wat

The morning we decided to head to Angkor Wat, let's just say, could have started a little better.

The night before Siem Reap was hit by a crazy storm, we are talking torrential rain, thunder and lightening. So much so 14 power lines were bought down near our hotel. 

Yep you've guessed it, we lost power and running water. 

Now in a normal situation you'd just get on with it, light some candles and wait it out. However, when you are in the middle of nowhere, with no air conditioning, no hot or cold running water and sat in pure darkness, well...it's not great.

So getting back to that morning, as the rain had cleared we thought let's head to Angkor Wat. It shouldn't be too busy due to the weather the night before and we couldn't just stay in twiddling our thumbs waiting for the power to come back on. 

As we headed out it started to spit just a little, but that's never stopped us before, so we powered on through in our little Tuk Tuk...until...the heavens opened!! 

Our poor driver was getting soaked, we were trapped in what felt like a green house due to the side rain flaps being put down, and the fact non of us could see the road was a little bit terrifying (check out our instagrams to see some videos @suzeandthebeard @beardyandsuze). We had no choice, we had to head back to the sauna that was our room. 

About half an hour later the sun was out, the blue skies were back and still no power, so what did we do? Why not take a look. 

Top Tips

▪️When you arrive at Angkor Wat you must be covered. Long shorts gents and a T-Shirt, ladies cover those shoulders and knees. 

▪️If you're not great with heights consider this your warning! The stairs that take you to the top of the temple may not look high but they are very steep. Beardy pretty much had to push me up there as the first time, when beardy went first, I got half way and freaked out. Let's just say Beardy's puzzled face when he got to the top to find me shaking my head at the bottom was pretty funny. So glad he got me up there though, deep breaths, take it slow and don't look down. It's worth it all just for the view! 

▪️Don't be dissapointed to find a lot of scaffolding. At first we felt a little glum as the pictures that promote this amazing temple are incredible, however they aren't all what they seem. It's a very old place and clearly needs a bit of support, but honestly it doesn't take away from its beauty. 

▪️In certain areas there will be Monks walking around, so be respectful. If shoes are off or a blessing is taking place get those toes out people.

We did enjoy it, however in all honesty, it wasn't our favourite place in Siem Reap.