AWA 6: Wat Ek Phnom and Landmine Rats

We spent half a day in Battambang and then returned to Siem Reap today. We have a flight to catch tomorrow.  

We started early, around 7 AM, with a bamboo train ride. It was okay, nothing special. It's not as attractive as it is made to be. You can avoid it unless you have time to kill and children who would enjoy it.

On our way to Siem Reap, we visited Wat Ek Phnom. It's an Angkorian temple in the Battambang province. It is in ruins, but it is still magnificent. It has beautiful peepal trees and a pond with lots of lotus around it. The compound also has a giant white-stone Buddha statue. Next to it, you will find a new Wat.  

By around 1:30 PM, we reached Siem Reap, checked in, and had lunch at Lotus Dosa. We are at a hotel close to Pub Street in the city center this time.

In the evening, we visited the APOPO Visitor Center at Siem Reap. APOPO is an organization that trains rats to smell landmines out. These rats are the fastest and cheapest way to clear lands of mines. The visitor center has a guided tour and demo of their work. You can also meet some rats there. I loved this tour.