Carly's Ramblings Blog - Style

Day 9 - Taking in the Serenity of Siem Reap, Cambodia

Blogging Circle of Friends: DAY 3493 May 9, 2024

Ladies, we've arrived and are staying at the Viroth Hotel
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297390-d9514361-Reviews-Viroth_s_Hotel...

Siem Reap is the capital of the province Siem Reap in Cambodia. One of their most famous sites to visit is the Angkor Wat temple. Besides that, they have many more temples, museums, the Old Market and the Cambodian Cultural Village.
Explore the different options and discuss. Make us envious.
https://inspitrip.com/blog/8949/things-to-do-in-angkor-wat-and-siem-reap
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297390-d11466657-
Private_Full_Day_Angkor_Temple_and_Sunset_Viewing-Siem_Reap_Siem_Reap_Province.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g297390-Activities-c26-Siem_Reap_Siem_Re...
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297390-d2100150-Reviews-Theam_s_G...

I decided that since we did this virtual trip in August 2020, I would opt to do something different this time. The Theam's Gallery looks very serene and after all the activity and drinking in Perth, I decided on a calm place of reflection and contemplation. You up for that Lyn's a Witchy Woman ? The gallery is located only 10 minutes from the majestic temples of Angkor, The Gallery (formely Theam's House Gallery) is the home-cum-gallery of Master Cambodian Artist, Lim Muy Theam.

As we stepped from one breath-taking pavilion to the next, we got to experience a sanctuary of serenity and a true visual feast. This lush space invites us to explore and immerse ourselves in Khmer culture at its very best. Theam’s had an impressive private collection of local artefacts.

We also got to watch other young apprentice artisans painting, sculpting and lacquering, while discovering the colourful contemporary creations of Theam himself.

The gallery featured a professionally curated showroom exhibiting all artwork conceived and produced onsite. I loved that we got to view an authentic insight into the distinctive world of Cambodian art. Very impressive. I enjoyed sitting in the tropical courtyard of Theam’s Café & Lounge. I enjoyed a wonderful coffee and some fresh juice. This experience really helped to re-center me after last night's festivities.

Afterwards we headed off to the Kulen Waterfall for more serenity. This place combined the natural and the spiritual. Phnom Kulen National Park is considered an important pilgrimage site. We got to hike in the jungle, swim in a waterfall, and admire the carvings at Kbal Spean (the River of 1,000 Lingas). We also climbed to the mountaintop to see a reclining Buddha.

After the day I felt both physically and spiritually refreshed.

I even took in a bit of shopping. Siem Reap is home to craft markets, stylish boutiques, artisanal workshops, and artist’s ateliers, all filled with treasures that you can take back home. They're open well into the night.