Angkor is without doubt the most amazing place we have ever visited - so much so that we have been back a number of times. Angkor, derived from the Sanskrit word nagara (‘holy city’), covers an area of around 200 sq. kms. in north-western Cambodia and was at the heart of the Khmer empire for over 500 years from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Suryavarman II (ruled 1113 - 1150) built the great temple of Angkor Wat although the last major king, Jayavarman VII (ruled 1181 - 1220), was responsible for a huge program of building and is the king about whom you will hear most from the local guides.

The art that you will find in abundance around the 40 or so accessible sites was inspired by the great Hindu epics (the Mahabharata and the Ramayana) and the Mahayana branch of Buddhism. The Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu are prominent, as are carvings of Buddha, normally depicted prior to his attaining enlightenment.

If you have a yearning to visit, do it now before the already growing mass tourist industry takes over completely. One of the best places in Siem Reap is run by Geert Caboor, a Belgian ex-pro footballer, and is called The Red Piano, a bar and cafe with accommodation. This was also where we attended the ‘last night of filming’ party for Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie - name dropping again! Alternatively, you could indulge at the Grand Hotel d’Angkor one of two Raffles Hotels in Cambodia.

Best place for a pizza in Siem Reap? ‘Happy Herbs’ - no, the owner’s name is not Herb...