Siem Reap; Day 1

I have posted a summary before of our trip to Siem Reap last 2nd of August. Like I said, it may have been a short trip but it has been a very unique and breath taking experience hence this covers the places that we went to in Siem Reap.

Honestly, it was a long travel via tuktuk from our Inn to here but was worth it!

Angkor Silk Farm

On our first day after checking in our hotel, our Tuktuk driver brought us to our first destination; the Angkor Silk Farm where local residents have been taught how to make products out of silk. They even showed the breeding process of worms and its food, all the way up to the finished products made from silk. The handmade products are very gorgeous from purses to bags to clothing. Although we didn’t buy any, my wife said that her eyes were full of the good things she saw there; yes, it was the purses and the bags!

Our guide showing us how the different colors of the thread is produced

The threads being sorted out

The worker weaving silk

Half-made product out of silk

A worker sorting the threads to be passed on to the silk-weavers

Some finished product

Floating Village

After lunch, we went to the Floating Village where we paid USD10 each person for a boat ride to the village. The water in the lake was muddy brown and it was cloudy and rainy that day. There were mixed emotions from us on what we saw in the village. At first, when our tuktuk driver mentioned about a floating village, what went to my mind was a picture of a local village turned into a fancy destination spot where souvenirs and tourist items are sold. However it was different from what we saw. Yes it was a community but the living condition is what I did not expect. 

Our Tour Guide

The first thing we asked our tour guide is if why did the people prefer to live in the lake instead of on the land-according to him most of the people there are fishermen so they preferred to stay there. He mentioned that the wealthy are the ones who have moved on to the land or in the town. He said that apart from fishing, turning it into a tourist spot helps the community as well. 

Father and Son

We were amazed that they manage to live with everything there. The community not only has a church and a school but they even have a karaoke bar in the village! On our trip back to the Jetty, we stopped by at the school to give a box of noodles to the kids. 

Giving out noodles to the kids in the school

You can see the happiness on their face as they excitedly attacked my buddy to have some noodles. The experience for us was humbling being able to help out these kids in a way. 

The look on this one is just scary

We even stopped by at a floating crocodile farm, which I find dangerous because the enclosure where the crocodiles are in is just made out of wood that can break which might cause the crocodiles to get loose.

Artisans Angkor

Right after the floating village we headed to Artisans Angkor. There we saw how they make crafts like miniature statues, paintings and other handmade stuffs. From silver-plating to stone carvings and other arts it was gorgeous! We noticed that some of the workers have earpieces on them and we found out that some of the master craftsmen in Artisan are handicapped. 

Even so, they manage to produce awesome crafts and its good to know that the Artisan is able to help them out too.

Finished painting

Buddha Sculpture

Little statues accessorized by one of the Artisan craftsmen

One of the workers polishing a silver product

Another craftsman in action

Some of them are required to wear mask for their safety

Another finished product

Killing Fields Pagoda – Wat Thmei

This is where I was interested the most; and to be honest this is the only thing I read of before going to Siem Reap. I have read that there are a lot of killing fields in Siem Reap where nowadays buildings have been put up over them. 

Looking at these skulls make me think of what happened to them

The bones and skulls in a large stupa in Wat Thmei are horrifying. Just by looking at the skulls and bones made us wonder what exactly happened during the Pol Pot regime. We also noticed the different sizes of bones which means that it’s was not only of an adult but also with innocent children. Right next to the Stupa is a Buddhist monastery. 

A young monk who was kind enough to pose for us

Some visitors not only come here for the attractions but also to pay homage.

The day is not over yet and this sums up four of the places that we have been in Siem Reap for a day. I will try to post the second part soon.