Do not miss the War Museum...

One place that is more than worthy of a visit is the Cambodian War Museum ($3 entry) which is located a little outside Siem Reap along a poorly maintained road off NH6. It was a very moving experience as with a guide I walked amongst the exhibits hearing about the impact of the war on the people of Cambodia and the consequences of the land mines left scattered amongst the landscape. My guide had been directly effected by the landmines having lost an arm - his warm welcome and superb knowledge of the history of the war exhibits and effects of landmines was humbling. Wandering amongst the rusting hulks of tanks and armoured vehicles I am told about each ones own story and the use of anti-aircraft guns on people and the use of artillary leaving people maimed. The dummy minefield, which is set up shows just how devastating these horrific weapons of war can be to innocent civilians - I was shown ‘jumping jacks’, ‘grenade lines’, ‘Claymores’, 'Anti-tank' and ‘plastic mines’ all of which littered the area during the civil conflict. Human stories are used to outline the heartbreaking impact on the country as with a population of 14 million, 1 million have been directly effected - this explains the high number of people I have seen who have lost a limb, some of whom are playing music to raise money for the landmines appeal, which Princess Diana supported. Also at the museum were a number of tanks, which had been destroyed by antitank mines (one had a high ranking officer on board and was blown apart by 3 landmines!! Their bones were found inside)…
The Museum has buried the remains (bones) of the war dead on the site and staff provide a moving insight into the consequences of war. If you visit here be prepared for an emotional experience and at the end of the tour you can make a donation to the landmines appeal.

Overall, there is more to Siem Reap than Angkor Wat and you will find it a rewarding experience to widen your itinerary and stay in a small guest house like Mandaley Inn in order to get a true flavour of this growing city - but if you really crave luxury a large number of new hotels will cater for your needs - just make sure that you leave the hotel for more than just Angkor!!