The A — Z of My Favourite Travel Destinations — K is for Krong Siem Reap

Yes, the real name for Siem Reap is Krong Siem Reap, Siem Reap City. It differentiates itself from the province of Siem Reap. Leave it to us westerners to shorten the name used by Cambodians for this famed site. It’s like leaving off the word city for New York City, as the city is in the state of New York.

A floating elementary school just outside of the city — © Robert G. Longpré

Krong Siem Reap was our first stop in Cambodia after having spent almost a week in Laos. We were whisked away to our hotel by the guide that met us at the airport. Once we were settled in and we had told her about our desire to see a school, we were taken to a floating school. My wife went to the kindergarten-primary barge/boat, while I got to visit the elementary school.

Angor Wat — © Robert G. Longpré

The next morning, we went to Angor Wat, a site that was featured in one of those adventure films, Laura Croft: Tomb Raider. Just an aside, it was also the setting for much of another film, Lord Jim.

Nature reclaiming the ruins — © Robert G. Longpré