A World Traveler Step

Prior to moving to Chicago, I had rarely been off the east coast.    This being the case, I spend portions of my day dreaming of far away places.  I have a long list of dream vacation spots, which hopefully one day I will get to.  Moving further and further up that list,  as I read more about it, is Siem Reap, Cambodia. 

What a great place to escape to on your honeymoon too, there are many great deals to be had.  I believe your honeymoon should be a dream location that you would not be traveling to once you have kids.  Cambodia being about a 20 hour flight, I am sure few couples are bringing along the kids, before starting that family visit this beautiful wonder.

You can find some great deals on hotels in Siem Reap.  One to check out would be Kool Hotel (How can you not check it out with that name?), http://www.KoolHotel.com.  This hotel offers great value (average price being $34-45), spectacular hospitality (eager to please according to ALL reviews) and has a great location.  In the morning fill up on their 5-star breakfast before heading out to tour temples and ruins.  After a long day exploring they do have a pool to relax in.  Another hotel to look into the Viroth Hotel, http://www.Viroth-Hotel.com.  Hotel Viroth brings lots of style with large minimally decorated rooms.  They have a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, along with a rooftop bar lit up with fairy lights at night.

An architecture geek at heart, I am dying to see the majestic temples that have been standing in Cambodia for over a millennium.  Sunrises are supposed to be a thing of beauty, glowing in reds and oranges while the sunset is supposed to be stunning, putting on a spectacular show at Angkor Wat (famous temple).    For about $20 you can take an elephant ride to see the views from Phnom Bakeng.  On the romantic side, you could also take a ride with Angkor Balloons, for $15 you get a 10-minute venture 820 feet into the sky.  A little on the pricier side you could also take a helicopter ride around Angkor Wat for about $90.

The local food is said to be a must while there as well, as is the local shopping.  This is definitely worth a mention to your honey and off the beat and path of your typical honeymoon jaunts.

Photos From: travel.roro44.com and canbypublications.com