What an amazing day. I'm not sure how the rest of my time here in Siem Reap will compare after today but hopefully there will be more amazing sights to come. My flight was meant to depart at 3.30pm but at check in I was told it had been rescheduled to 4pm and board at 3.20pm. We didn't board till 4pm so didn't land until 6pm. Getting a Cambodian visa was interesting. You filled out a form, handed it over with your $20 and a passport photo and then waited for it to be processed. It was handed down the line, someone checked it and then another lady called out your name and you got your passport back. I collected my bag and then it was a 'do it yourself' customs where you just left your form on the table and continued on.

Sim, my tuk tuk driver was waiting for me. Jumped in and off we went to the hotel. Must admit it was nice not jumping in one of the coaches that everyone else seemed to be getting into. Arrived at the hotel and arranged for Sim to meet me Thursday morning at 5am so I can go and do sunrise at Angkor Wat. Unfortunately, I had found out about Sim after booking my trip with Intrepid so can't use him for a couple of days.

Checked in and my room was not what I was expecting. I had booked the 'comfort level' for this part of my trip since it was my last week and I think it was worse then some of the rooms we had in Vietnam which was original. For starters, when you opened the door, all the bugs came in as my room was outside of the main complex, the window was frosted and you couldn't open it, there were no bedside lamps, the shower didn't drain and the toilet didn't flush. I went down and asked if I could change rooms to one overlooking the pool. I was told there was nothing available tonight but they would move me tomorrow while I was out. Had an early night and crashed by 10pm. Think I had the best sleep last night that I've had all holidays.

Today I was picked up at 8.30am and met Viv, the other lady on the trip. First stop was the Temple Ticket outlet. Our trip includes a 3 day within a week pass but I kept telling the guide I needed to pay the extra and get the 7 days in a month as I'm here a few extra days. He kept telling me the 3 day one would be OK. I eventually convinced him to just let me pay the extra money and get the other ticket. Better to pay $20 now then have to pay $40 later for another 3 day pass.

Off we went to Angkor Thom City and Bayon. The temples are hard to describe but it basically has 54 towers with about 200 faces on them. It's hard to believe that you can just scramble over these amazingly old structures with no problems. The biggest issue was dodging all the photos people were taking. The wall surrounding it had the Terrace of Elephants and all these elephants were carved into the walls. There is lots of restoration work happening throughout, sponsored by UNESCO and other countries. Was able to see some of the workers hand carving some of the sandstone blocks.

We visited some other temples within this complex before moving onto Ta Prohm which is famous from the original Tomb Raider movie. I thought it would be more overgrown then what it was but it is famous for the trees that have grown through the structure. I didn't even attempt to try and get a photo near the most famous part of it from the movie. Crowd was just ridiculous.

It was hot and sweaty work getting around these temples. Bayon had quite a few steps that I went up. Viv didn't go as she has a fear of heights but the views from up top were amazing.

We had a stop at a local restaurant for lunch where the guide ordered us a local specialty called Amok, almost like a fish curry which was pretty good. The afternoon bought on the delights of Angkor Wat, the most famous of all. I'm not even going to attempt to explain what I saw, the photos can do that for me. It is just awesome. Hard to believe it has survived all these centuries. The work that has gone into it, the carvings on the wall, the stories, the temples, the towers…WOW. I went all the way to the top, the steps were pretty steep. I could easily return another day and just sit up there. I know it sounds stupid saying it felt peaceful with hundreds of other tourists clamouring about but it was.

Once last look at the reflecting pool, where I will be hanging out Thursday morning with thousands of others for sunrise and we headed back to our hotels. My room had been changed and this is 100% better. Bigger bathroom, table and chairs in my room, balcony overlooking the pool, bedside lamps and a shower and toilet that works…not much more you could ask for. Into my swimsuit and into the pool to cool down which was very refreshing, although very cold. Think I will be doing that every day.

Tonight I got a tuk tuk into town and wandered around the markets and Pub Street (very aptly named). Decided to eat at a BBQ restaurant after the great food we had on our street food tour in Hanoi. The only difference being this time I had to cook the food myself, so if I get food poisoning, it will be my own fault. I had crocodile, beef, chicken, pork, kangaroo, fish and squid. Started chatting to an English couple seated next to me before we went our separate ways. Had an icecream and then a 10 min foot and leg massage (for $1, wouldn't you) before getting a tuk tuk home for the princely sum of $2. Can't wait for tomorrow!