Ever since I moved to Indochina, I’ve been conflicted about visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia. It’s the largest ruin in the region, the Machu Picchu of Southeast Asia. And of course, being Cambodia’s touristic cash cow, it’s full of beggars, pick pockets, con men and women and one could easily let this ruin the experience.
I can easily see what’s there by simply searching on Google images. These pictures were taken by people with expensive cameras. Why risk mine by taking it there?
I’ll probably go for the same reason I went to Machu Picchu. Because eventually if I ever leave this area, I’d kick myself if I didn’t.
geezersabroad 
Because no picture actually really captures the feeling
I’ve never been, but understand the thing to do is to be there at sunrise.
you should definitely go. I went when I was a teenager. The experience was breath taking – and let me repeat – I was a TEENAGER. anything that made an impression at that point in time usually came baring a boys name, not ancient ruins. Also Ankor Wat! incredible.
It’s an incredible experience. We spent one day walking/biking to all the temples that were in the main complex, and then spent another day with a hired tuktuk driver who took us to some really awesome distant temples (Beng Malea, Banteay Srei, Roluos Group), where the crowds were more sparse. The driver’s name was Mr. Siv, and I can give you his contact info if you want. He was an amazing tour guide. The Ankor complex is rather safe, more so than Siem Reap. Besides, other than the temples, Siem Reap is not super special. You can get robbed anywhere on earth if you’re not careful, so I don’t see robbery or theft as a good deterrent to go someplace, especially when it’s so significant and beautiful.