Our wonderful AHI “Treasures of Southeast Asia” tour took us from Bangkok to Siem Reap, Cambodia. We stayed at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Resort. Our last visit to Siem Reap was in 2023 with two of our grandsons from Dallas. Our very first trip was in 1997 when the country was rebounding from the brutality of the Khmer Rouge. We designed a private trip with Diethem travel based in Bangkok. There were still remnants of the rebels in certain areas of the country at that time. Marla and I were told to hide in our hotel bathtub if we heard gunfire. This was not the welcome we expected. We were also advised to walk 6′ back from our guide while on trails in case of a land mine exploding! Cambodia is now a great place to visit!

As we entered the hotel we were greeted by young performers playing traditional music.

The hotel grounds are very beautiful and exotic.

The giant water lilies and pink lotus flowers are stunning.

We explored an interesting gallery across the street from the hotel.

Victor, our wonderful tour guide, joined us for a Tuk Tuk tour of Siem Reap.

While on our Siem Reap tour we were entertained by a performance at a dance school.

Exploring the tiny lanes of the Siem Reap Night Market.

After the hot & humid Night Market we were ready for AirCon! I found a great Italian restaurant, il Forno, nearby.

Our waiter was very accomodating for Marla’s salt free food preparation.

Our tour of the temples of Angkor Wat begins.

It is said that Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and a magnificent example of Khmer architecture. The temple complex of Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. It later transitioned to a Buddhist temple.

I took this photo of Angkor Wat in 1997 with a medium format SLR camera. We only encountered a couple of tourists on the whole trip at that time!

We were equipped with fans to wear around our neck and earphones to hear the guide.

The intrepid AHI Tour adventurers.

A fascinating array of Buddha statues in the Angkor Wat complex.

Marla and I love this part of the temple.

The tall Buddha sculpture is shown in the “Abhaya Mudra”, a gesture of fearlessness. It symbolizes protection, peace, and a dispelling of fear.

Worshippers often pray and are given blessings by a priest at this shrine.

A family at the shrine.

A carved bas-relief showing a scene from hell in Hindu mythology.

Another fascinating bas-relief depicting a scene from Hindu mythology.

One of Angkor Wat’s many wonders.

Monks explore a passageway.

A naga sculpture outside the temple.

A couple sitting for their wedding photographs.

After a long hot day of explorations the pool and a cold beverage were very welcome!

A pool attendant rides around to assist with your needs.

Lisa and Ray joined a group of cyclists to share thoughts of Siem Reap.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.