Temples of Angkor - Cambodia - page 281

ANGKORIN' FOR LUNCH
Many of the tour groups buzzing around Angkor head back to Siem Reap for lunch. This is as good a
reason as any to stick around the temples, taking advantage of the lack of crowds to explore some
popular sites and enjoy a local lunch at one of the many stalls. Almost all the major temples have
some sort of nourishment available beyond the walls. Anyone travelling with a moto or remork-moto
(tuk-tuk) should ask the driver for tips on cheap eats, as these guys eat around the temples every day.
They know the best spots, at the best price, and should be able to sort you out (assuming you are get-
ting along well).
The most extensive selection of restaurants is lined up opposite the entrance to Angkor Wat and in-
cludes several restaurants, such as Khmer Angkor Restaurant OFFLINE MAP (mains US$3-6) and
Angkor Reach Restaurant OFFLINE MAP (mains US$3-6) . There is also a handy branch of Blue
Pumpkin OFFLINE MAP (Angkor Cafe; dishes US$2-5) turning out sandwiches, salads and ice
creams, as well as the usual divine fruit shakes, all to take away if required. Chez Sophea
OFFLINE MAP ( 012858003; meals US$10-20) offers barbecued meats and fish, accompanied by a
cracking homemade salad, but prices are at the high end.
There are dozens of local noodle stalls just north of Angkor Thom's Terrace of the Leper King,
which are a good spot for a quick bite to eat. Other central temples with food available include Ta
Prohm, Preah Khan and Ta Keo. There is also a cluster of excellent Khmer restaurants located along
the northern shore of Sra Srang.
Further afield, Banteay Srei has several small restaurants, complete with ornate wood furnishings
cut from Cambodia's forests. Further north at Kbal Spean, food stalls at the bottom of the hill can
cook up fried rice or a noodle soup, plus there is the inviting Borey Sovann Restaurant (meals
US$3-6), which is a great place to wind down before or after an ascent. There are also stop-and-dip
stalls (dishes US$1-3) near the entrance to Beng Mealea temple.
Water and soft drinks are available throughout the temple area, and many sellers lurk outside the
temples, ready to pounce with offers of cold drinks. Sometimes they ask at just the right moment; on
other occasions it is the 27th time in an hour that you've been approached and you are ready to
scream. Try not to - you'll scare your fellow travellers and lose face with the locals.
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Thommanon
Thommanon OFFLINE MAP is just north of Chau Say Tevoda. Although unique, the temple
complements its neighbour, as it was built to a similar design around the same time. It was
also dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Thommanon is in good condition thanks to extensive
work by the EFEO in the 1960s.
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