The main attraction in Siem Reap, and in all of Cambodia, and also the reason we came here, is Angkor Wat, ruins of the ancient Khmer city of one million plus which represented the height of culture, art and architecture of the 11th century.
The scale and intricicy of the temples was truly astonishing; it is one of the wonders of the world. However, the town is completely filled with tourists from all over the world clamoring to see the temples -- mostly japanese tour groups and adventure retiree tour groups.
The Cambodian people (and foreign interests) have quickly capitalized on tourism to the temples. Only 30 years after 1/5 of the population was killed by the Khmer Rouge genocide, there now exists a variety of western-style luxury resorts, restaurants, ATMs and performances.
Reminders of the genocide 30 years ago and the widespread povery are not too far from the luxury resorts, however. Small children stand outside of each temple trying to sell bracelets and postcards, (10 for $1 mister, you buy something, maybe later? I remember you! buy from me!) Tuk-tuk drivers desperately try to get riders whenever a tourist walks by. The main tourist area is lined with boutiques selling handicrafts funded by NGOs to help the people get back on their feet. The first international tribunal trials for the genocide opened in the capital this week. Blind and disfigured landmine victims walk into restaurants asking politely for money. The landmine museum was founded by a 30 year old former child soldier who now spends his time de-mining the landfields of cambodia. And the children at the orphanage perform free dance shows to bring in people to donate $$.
The plight of the people here is hard to ignore, but also disturbingly easy to ignore while sipping on a beer laos.
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