The winding tree roots twine around the remaining structures, making this place like a wonderland. After about 800 years, the temple and ancient trees have a symbiotic relationship. The broken naga sculptures, lintels with carvings and pillars everywhere try to tell their stories to visitors - in vain, alas!
Our tuk tuk driver told us that more and more young people are learning English and even Mandarin to get a decent job in tourism. The daily income of a Chinese-speaking tour guide is twice that of those who speak English, because of the demand.
In scenic spots it is not just the scenery that you spot, but adorable children as well, touting cheap souvenirs such as magnets and postcards in Mandarin and English.
The urge to help them by buying their wares is almost irresistible, until you consider that if you hand over your money some parents will keep their children out of school so they can make easy money this way.
Instead, you can donate things such as clothes and stationery to schools or local NGOs and stay a little longer to do volunteer work.
If you go: A direct flight between Beijing and Siem Reap city is about five hours. Siem Reap International Airport is seven kilometers from downtown. The common currency used is the US dollar and small change is useful. Do take mosquito repellent, medicine for diarrhea, heatstroke and cold.
