Siem Reap Vistior Guide 59th

flying, museums & pagodas

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mine problem. Located 7km south of Banteay Srey. Open 7:30AM-5:30PM. Guided tours: M/T/Th/F 9AM-3PM. Tel: 015-941517 www.cambodialandminemuseum.org War Museum Cambodia Displaying a wide variety of battlefield military hardware and equipment used in the wars in Cambodia over the last three decades of the 20th century. Heavy armor including T-54 tanks, anti-aircraft guns, artillery pieces, rocket launchers, APCs and piles of disarmed mines, bombs and shells. Interesting collection of (disarmed) small arms that you can handle. 8AM-5:30PM. 5km from town center, Airport Road. Admission: $5 for foreigners; $1 for Cambodians. Free guide service. Tel: 097-4578666, 012-873666 Pagodas & Shrines Shrine to Preah Ang Chek & Preah Ang Chorm Of particular importance to the locals is the small shrine in front of the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor containing two standing Buddhas of the names Preah Ang Chek (taller) and Preah Ang Chorm (shorter). They are surrounded by stories of power and indestructibility. Visitors are welcome to make offerings and take photos. The rever- ence of local pilgrims is palpable. Shrine to Ya Tep Under a huge tree in the traffic circle in front of the royal residence is a statue of Ya Tep, a neak-ta. Neak-ta are powerful spirits connected to a particular area of land. Ya Tep is local to Siem Reap and is said to help bring protection (and winning lottery numbers) to the faithful. Offerings of chicken skins can often be seen around the shrine. Wat Bo Founded in the 18th century. A large, highly respected pagoda. Like the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, the vihear of Wat Bo contains very unique wall paintings of the Reamker that are said to be late 19th century. Look for the ordinary-life market scenes such as an opium-smoking Chinese merchant, the colonial era French officer at the market and the French soldiers attending a traditional dance performance. Also of inter- est is the large collection of Buddha statues located behind the main Buddha. Wat Preah Prohm Rath Idyllically situated wat on the river in the center of town near the Old Market. Foundations of the modern structures were laid in 1915, the main vihear was constructed in 1945. Reputedly a monastery as early as the 13th or 14th century, and then further established in the early 16th century, when the family of Ta Pum and Yeah Rath donated the land. Rum Georges Rhumerie Step into Georges Rhumerie for a one-of-a-kind experience. Learn about the history of rum making, taste 13 flavored rums, and even make your own special concoction from a selection of spices, fruits, herbs, and flowers to take home! After the tour save room for the homemade goodness that Georges has been providing for the past decade. The editor eats here every time he’s in Siem Reap. This is a gem in Cambodia that should be on everyone’s list. Georges’ Ln Tel: 096-8617448

Helistar Cambodia Offering scenic helicopter tours of the temples begin- ning at US$100/person for an 8 minute jaunt around Angkor Wat. It isn’t a particularly cheap way to tour but the view is spectacular and memorable. Helistar Cambodia offers specialized tours, aerial photography and charter services. Walk-in customers welcome.

Tel: 063-966072, 012-449555 www.helistarcambodia.com

Museums Angkor National Museum

A modern museum providing a good introduction to the history, styles and architecture of Angkor. Chronologically ordered galleries of Angkorian-era artifacts and multi- media presentations. US$12 (foreigners). 8:30AM - 6PM. Road to the Angkor Park.

Angkor Panorama Museum 360 degree painting panorama, 122.6 meter long and 12.0 meters high. Depicted the activities of 45,000 peo- ple in Angkor Era under the reign of Jayavarman VII from 1181 to 1220 AD, the greatest king who created Khmer empire in peace and prosper. Free Information Hall, Panorama Hall and Movie Theatre. Visiting Hour: 1.5 to 2 hours. Located on 60M Road, next by Angkor

Ticket Booth.9:00AM-8:00PM. Tel: 063-765263, 070-286838

Cambodia Landmine Museum & Relief Facility The museum has evolved from a small shack museum by former soldier and deminer Akira to a formal muse- um and charitable organization. The museum exhibits a variety of defused mines, bombs and other ordinance as well as information on mines, demining and Cambodia’s

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