Siem Reap is the name of the town only a stone throw away from the
impressing Temples of Angkor. The small and lively town of Siem Reap is
rapidly developing in order to cope with the static raising numbers of
tourists. From luxuries hotels to guest houses Siem Reap offers a very
wide range of accommodation possibilities for every size of wallet.
Famous for its (night) life within and around the Pub Street and the
Night Market area the town offers a great variety of pubs, and different
Khmer or European style restaurants. Besides the development of the
town in recent years Siem Reap made to manage to keep its charm of a
typically Cambodian city; the market area with screaming, shouting, and
negotiating marketers and the Remok (motorized Rickshaw) drivers on
every corner on the one hand and the curious tourists on the other hand.
As well as the city the beautiful countryside with its green paddy
fields and the wooden houses allow Siem Reap to offer the full package
of being a tourist destination. But frankly, Siem Reap hasn’t earned
worldwide glory for being a charming little city in the north of
Cambodia but being the place where to find some of the most impressing
and breathtaking pieces of history in the world – the temples of Angkor
Wat.
In the ninth century, the Khmer established Angkor as the capital of
their huge kingdom stretching from present-day Thailand to Vietnam’s
Mekong Delta. For the next six centuries they ruled one of the largest
empires in South East Asia. Angkor cultivated a power base of a mighty
military and political force, and a rich and sophisticated civilization.
The ruins seen today represent successive capitals constructed by a
dozen Khmer kings, between the 9th and 13th Centuries. These were cities
of massive stone temples, wide majestic causeways, thrusting towers and
imposing gates. The sheer size and magnificence of Angkor Wat is
compelling. With a full restoration program by the Ecole Francaise
d’Extreme Orient that began in 1908 and continuing to this day the
monuments of Angkor, now open to all, have been regaining their claim as
one of mankind’s greatest feats of construction.
“My desire is, not to impose my opinions on any one,
especially with regard to the wonderful architectural remains which I
have visited, but simply to disclose the existence of these monuments,
which are certainly the most gigantic, and also to my mind display a
more perfect taste than any left to us by the ancients…”
Henri Mouhot Travels in the Central Parts of Indo-China (Siam), Cambodia and Laos, 1864.
Explorers, adventurers, missionaries and Ambassadors have recorded
visits to the Angkor Temples for well over eight hundred years,
describing the monumental remnants of what was once a thriving culture
that spread from the Mekong Delta to the north of Laos and occupied most
of modern day Thailand. This Cambodian empire has left some of the
greatest buildings and sandstone carvings depicting the religious
figures of Vishnu, Shiva, Uma, Hanuman and their epic deeds one the one
hand. Whilst on the other, are enduring images of everyday life by the
shores of the huge internal Ton Le Sap Lake that rises and lowers
according to the Mekong River’s annual flooding.
Deep in the north west of Cambodia lie the temples of Angkor Wat,
Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan and Banteay Srei. With some smaller
temple of Neak Pean, Ta Som, Banteay K’Dei, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau
Say Tevoda can be included according to your client’s interest and
activity level.
Sunsets and sunrises are particularly spectacular from any of the
temples and our guided tours give you plenty of flexibility to choose
how your visit is conducted. Our guides are experienced and
knowledgeable and will bring the magic and wonder of Angkor to life.
A visit to Angkor can range from a leisurely day trip to an entire
week of thorough exploration. Most visitors will need at least two days
to get a real taste of the wonders on show. Visitors with keen interest
in ancient history may want longer and we would recommend the day trip
to outer temples and to off the beaten track temples too.
The temples of Angkor are one of the finest ancient sites in the
world and are worth going out of your way to experience. Many airlines
fly direct to Siem Reap (Angkor) from Thailand, Laos and Vietnam and
there is also a wide range of exceptional hotels in the town. Speak to
us about including a visit to Angkor in your itinerary, wherever you may
be travelling in the region.
What to see in Siem Reap?
Of course, no visit to Siem Reap would be complete without a visit to the
Temples of Angkor.
Over 100 temples lie within the Siem Reap province dating from the
9th-14th century. Passes are sold for 1 day, 3 days or 1 week and whilst
you could spend a lifetime exploring, we recommend at least 2 full days
for temple exploration. This will allow you to see all of the main
temples, plus a few outlying ruins without racing around.
There are several options for getting around the temples. Car, bus, and
van remain the vehicles of choice, but we recommend taking a day to
cycle
through the temples. Traveling by two wheels, either by regular bike or
electric bike gives you a unique perspective and an eco-friendly way to
see the temples.
Elephant Rides are available and
you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to the days of the
Angkorian kings as you meander through the woods and temples. A tethered
hot air balloon is available near Angkor Wat which
gives distant, but sweeping views of the temples and their surroundings.
But the most exciting experience available is a
helicopter flight
around the area. Ranging in length from 8 minutes to a half day
excursion, buzzing around the temples in a helicopter is an unparalleled
experience.
Any itinerary should include Angkor Wat, the magnificent legendary
temple. Bayon is another favorite with its mysterious faces smiling down
on visitors, while the jungle covered Ta Phrom is an evocative blend of
nature and architecture. Other temples in the vicinity worth seeing are
Phnom Bakheng, Elephant Terrace, Phimeanakas, Pre Rup, Baphoun, Neak
Poan, Ta Som, Sras Srang, Banteay Samre, and Preah Khan.
If you have more time, trips further afield lead to less crowded
temples and spectacular photo opportunities. Just 12 km from Siem Reap
are the Rolous Group of temples, some of the earliest ruins in the
region. The petite Banteay Srey features intricate carvings in pink
sandstone and nearby Banteay Kdei is a hidden gem tucked away in the
jungle. Kbal Spean is about 30 km northeast of the Bayon and about 9 km
beyond Banteay Srei. Commonly referred to in English as “the River of a
Thousand Lingas”, this is a peaceful area of riverbed carvings.
Beng Melea sprawls across one square kilometer and remains covered in
trees, roots, and vines. Constructed in a similar style to Angkor Wat
yet overrun by nature, Beng Melea is a truly adventurous place to
visit. Koh Ker, situated to the northeast of Siem Reap, is the remnants
of the Khmer capital in the late 9th century and features a circular
loop of about a dozen ruins.
Need a break from temple touring? Siem Reap has several other activities and opportunities for travelers.
A boat trip on the
Tonle Sap Lake
should also not be overlooked. Each year during the rainy season, the
lake swells to five times larger and the plethora of fish provide the
livelihood for the lake’s residents. Global Travel & Tours favorite
is the
Paneman Boat, a large wooden cruising boat run
by an eco-tourism company which provides an elegant ride along the
water. A boat trip departing from
Kampong Phluk takes
you through the floating villages and ancient mangrove forests of the
lake, a great way to see the unique lifestyle of the lake’s residents.
Artisan’s D’Angkor is a unique organization working
to preserve traditional Khmer arts and crafts. They have established two
centers in Siem Reap. The location in town features a stone carving
workshop where locals produce magnificent sculptures, while the silk
centre is a bit further afield. Here you can see the entire process of
silk creation: from the breeding of the silk worms, to the dyeing and
weaving of the material.
Siem Reap’s small downtown turns in to a hive of activity as the sun begins to set. The small ‘
Old Market’
closes down and tourists flood in to town to enjoy cocktails on ‘Pub
Street’ and dinner in one of the many restaurants. Vendors have
capitalized on this area’s popularity by establishing a night market at
the south end of Pub Street. Cambodian crafts such as artwork, silks,
carvings, and t-shirts are for sale in an open air market off a tranquil
side street making it the perfect place to pick up souvenirs.
A traditional
Apsara Dance performance is a great
evening activity as the elegant dancers, elaborate costumes, and live
music create an enchanting atmosphere. Another treat is a traditional
massage at our favorite shop,
Bodia Spa. Here you will be treated to a relaxing spa or massage treatment, using top quality natural products and traditional techniques.
Where to stay in Siem Reap?
Whatever your budget and whatever your accommodation needs, Siem Reap
has something to suit your tastes. With over hundreds of hotels and
guesthouses to choose from, selecting accommodation can seem like a
daunting task. However, our team in Siem Reap is constantly researching
and visiting hotels, both old and new, to stay up to date on the best
options in town. Below is a selection of our recommended hotels for each
category which we hope will make your decision easier.
Boutique
A hidden gem in Siem Reap is
Viroth’s, a small hotel with just seven rooms tucked on a quiet side street near the heart of the city. Trendy, relaxing, and intimate,
Viroth’s made the Conde Nast Hot List in 2008. One of our favourites is the superb
Heritage Suites, a boutique hotel of exceptional standards in a quiet location. The
FCC Angkor is new and has a very wide appeal with competitive rates and great facilities. Recently refurnished, the
Shinta Mani is an unusual and trendy hotel in the centre of town.
Mid Range
Global Travel & Tours favorite, the
Borei Angkor Resort and
Tara Angkoris a chic boutique hotel with quality rooms, welcoming staff, and a great location near the Temples of Angkor. Likewise, the
Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa is a graceful colonial building offering a refined atmosphere in the heart of Siem Reap. The
Pavilion D’Orient is situated in an old colonial mansion surrounded by lush tropical gardens in Siem Reap.
Splurge
For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, there is no doubt that
Amansara is the place to stay. Housed in the grounds of a former royal palace and featuring top of the line service and facilities, the
Amansara is redefining the face of luxury in Cambodia.
La Residence D’Angkor
is an ideal base for exploring the temples, with leafy green gardens,
warm hospitality and luxurious rooms. A bit trendier, the
Hotel de la Paix
features stunning Art Deco rooms accented by local art work and
traditional textiles. The hotel also has a strong commitment to
community development and its responsible travel outings are a great way
to give back to the community. The
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor; a blend of old world charm, history and contemporary luxury.
Shopping and Dining
Siem Reap is a diner’s paradise with a vast array of cuisines on offer.
Seemingly every week a new restaurant emerges from fine French menus to
local crocodile barbeques!
Madame Butterfly is a ‘can’t
miss’ in Siem Reap. The food is authentic, delicious Thai and Khmer
cuisine served in an understated, elegant restaurant – the perfect
combination for a relaxing evening out in Siem Reap.
Viroth’salso features fine Khmer dining in a nice setting while
Meric at Hotel de la Paix is reinventing modern Khmer cuisine.
For a romantic table for two, there is no better place in Cambodia – if not the world – than a candle lit
dinner at Sra Srang.
Catered by the Amansara chefs, your meal is enhanced by the tranquil
surroundings of this ancient baray. A romantic candle lit meal,
delicious food, exquisite wine, and a tranquil setting – what more could
you ask for?
Siem Reap – Attractions
One of must see places in Southeast Asia; Siem Reap is the gateway to
the fabled temples of Angkor. A destination in its own right, Siem Reap
is no longer the sleepy French-accented backwater it was. Opulent
resorts, sophisticated restaurants, designer bars and exclusive shops
are evidence that Siem Reap is very much back on the map. As well as the
perfect base to explore the temples of Angkor, there are also plenty of
activities beyond the temples to warrant a longer stay. Many visitors
only come to Siem Reap for two or three days, but that is not enough to
explore the temples and still have time to enjoy the town. Swimming
pool, spa treatment, shopping expedition, cooking class, cycling
adventure, it’s just impossible to fit so many things into such a short
space of time. If you thought three days was enough to experience
Angkor, think again.
Floating Village of Chong Kneas
Nestled under the hill of Phnom Krom, the floating village of Chong
Kneas moves location with the waters of the lake. During the wet season
when the lake swells to five times its size, the village is near Phnom
Krom, but during the dry season, it moves as much as 4km from the hill.
Everything floats on water in this living fishing community. There are
floating schools, floating shops, floating petrol stations, even
floating karaoke bars. Many of the houses are floating fish farms with
large pens of fish underneath. Stop at the Gecko Environment Centre to
learn more about the lake, which is like the heartbeat of Cambodia,
providing sustenance to millions of Khmers.
Kompong Pluk
Another world, this remote village is home to the fabled bamboo
skyscrapers. Houses here stand atop stilts as much as seven metres above
the water. Everything lives on the water, pigs, dogs, crocodiles and
people, all jockeying for space in this incredible floating town. For
the return journey to Siem Reap, take a boat through the flooded forest
and across the Great Lake to Chong Kneas and the holy mountain of Phnom
Krom.
Kompong Khleang and the Tonle Sap
Kompong Khleang is one of the largest and least-visited villages on the
Tonle Sap Lake, about 55km from Siem Reap. It has a population of about
10,000 people, all of whom make a living from the fishing industry.
Explore the canals (wet season) or streets (dry season) of this
incredible town. In the wet season, the houses appear to be floating, as
water laps at the verandas, but in the dry season towering stilts are
revealed, the houses almost like wooden skyscrapers.
Angkor National Museum
This new flagship museum on the road to Angkor is a showcase for the
sculpture and culture of the Khmer civilisation. An ultra-modern art
space, this museum uses the latest technology to bring this ancient
empire to life. The collection is themed by period, religion and royalty
and includes the impressive Gallery of 1000 Buddhas, inspired by Preah
Poan at Angkor Wat. There is plenty of information on hand throughout
the tour and lots of interactive displays, such as the sunrise over
Angkor Wat, although we’d recommend the real sunrise as a more memorable
experience.
Angkor Conservation
This Ministry of Culture compound has long been home to some of the
hidden treasures of the Khmer empire. A storage depot to protect statues
and carvings during the long periods of war and instability in the
second half of the 20th century, many of the best known statuary around
Angkor was moved here for safe-keeping in the early 1970s. Some of it
has been loaned to the new National Museum, but much of it is still here
in large warehouses or strewn throughout the leafy grounds. This is an
interesting place to explore for those with a keen interest in Khmer
sculpture.
Cambodian Cultural Village
This is by no means a ‘must’ for visitors to Siem Reap, but for families
travelling with children, it can be a lot of fun and a much-needed
diversion from the temples. It aims to represent all of Cambodia in a
whirlwind tour of recreated houses and villages. The visit begins with a
wax museum and includes homes of the Cham, Chinese, Kreung and Khmer
people, as well as miniature replicas of landmark buildings in Cambodia.
There are dance shows and performances throughout the day. Even for
those without children, it could make an interesting diversion, as it is
a genuine Cambodian tourist attraction and most of the visitors are
Khmers on a big day out rather than the foreign tourists seen around
Angkor.
The Pagodas of Siem Reap
Spend some time to visit the historic pagodas of Siem Reap, a peaceful
and charming alternative to the temples of Angkor. The modern pagoda of
Wat Thmei includes a moving memorial stupa to the victims of the Khmer
Rouge. Wat Preah Inkosei which is built on the site of a 10th century
temple. Two brick towers remain and one includes a superb lintel
depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. The 19th century temple of
Wat Bo is one of the most important pagodas in Siem Reap. Dating from
the 19th century, the interior of the main temple includes some of the
finest religious murals in Cambodia, depicting the life of the Buddha.
The old royal palace compound of Wat Dam Nak has been converted to a
place of learning for the Centre for Khmer Studies. There are some
elegant old buildings here and extensive gardens. Wat Athvea is an
interesting fusion temple which includes the impressive remains of an
12th century sandstone structure and an attractive old pagoda.
Birding at Prek Toal
The pristine biosphere of Prek Toal is home to some of the most
endangered birdlife on the planet. The immense Tonle Sap Lake is one of
the most productive bodies of water in the world and millions of fish
spawn here in the flooded forest. Prek Toal lies on the northeastern
shore of the Tonle Sap, about one hour by boat from the port at Phnom
Krom. Prek Toal is a vast area of natural flooded forest that draws
thousands of birds annually to breed during the dry season. This is one
of the premier places in Southeast Asia to see rare birds such as
storks, adjutants, pelicans and ibis. Birdwatchers will drift through
their habitat and can observe large flocks of birds feeding on the lake
shore, perched in the trees or soaring above the forest.
Birding at Ang Trapeang Thmar
Ang Trapeang Thmar Sarus Crane Reserve is a giant reservoir constructed
during Khmer Rouge rule which now provides a habitat for more than 200
species of bird. During the dry season, this reserve provides a habitat
for more than 300 rare Sarus Crane, one of the tallest birds in the
world with a distinctive crimson head.
Classical Dance Show in Siem Reap
Get closer to Cambodian culture by attending a classical dance
performance. We will see many of the most popular Cambodian dances,
including the graceful Apsara dance, scenes from the Ramayana (known as
Reamker in Cambodia), the coconut dance and more. The classical dances
include elaborate costume and date back to the time of Angkor, while the
folk dances are connected to the harvest and the cycle of the seasons.
Cambodian Cooking Class
Global Travel & Tours offers a range of cooking classes in Siem
Reap. We spend some time learning the secrets of the Cambodian kitchen, a
cuisine laced with subtle spices and tempting aromas. Choose from a
selection of favourites, including meat, fish and vegetarian options.
Enjoy the fruits of your labour, eating your very own creations. Take
these recipes home and impress your friends with a Cambodian evening.
Golf at the Phokeethra Course
Everyone is talking about the brand new world class golf course at the
Phokeethra Country Club, so make sure you enjoy a round at this par-72,
18-hole course that includes the par-5 18th hole, at a challenging 582
yards. The course stages the Cambodian Open tournament every year and
proudly boasts, “Tee-off in the 11th century and finish your round back
in the 21st century”. The Phokeethra clubhouse affords vistas
overlooking the entire landscape of the course and within the grounds,
the magnificent ‘Roluh’ bridge, and dates back to the time of the Khmer
Empire. Located less than 20km from Siem Reap, the picturesque course
stretches 7,145 yards. It has sweeping, tree-lined fairways and generous
greens, though the natural lakes and water hazards, fast greens, and
tricky bunkers will challenge golfers of all abilities.
Golf at ‘The Faldo Course’
For the golfing enthusiast, the brand new ‘Faldo Course’ at the Angkor
Golf Resort, is a definite starting place to tee-off your round in
Cambodia. The country’s first PGA standard championship golf course, its
7,230-yards, it offers a tough test on a course designed by Europe’s
greatest golfer and winner of 6 Majors in his illustrious career, Nick
Faldo. The course features generous fairways, a bold bunkering style,
and greens with plenty of subtle undulations that not only encourage but
reward a variety of approach shots. It’s within easy reach of the city
centre, so why not sign-up for a round of golf in the shadow one of the
world’s greatest monuments on a course designed by one of the world’s
greatest players?
Horse Riding around the Temples
For those that enjoy a spot of riding, explore the countryside around
Siem Reap on horseback. These gentle rides include some secluded temple
spots and the chance to enjoy local life at a slower pace. Riding
lessons are also available for children or beginners.
Quad Biking
For those that have never experienced it, all-terrain biking is a lot of
fun and all trips include a short introductory lesson to bring riders
up to speed. Rides around Siem Reap include a sunset option through the
rice fields, some quiet pagodas and temples and a series of backroads
through the pretty countryside around Siem Reap.
Cambodia is a diverse country with mountains and beaches, rivers and
jungles. Traveling through the rural areas is a great way to not only
experience the variety of natural landscapes, but also unveils the
lifestyle and genuine warmth of the Cambodian people.
Kampong Thom is located between Siem Reap and Phnom
Penh and is an excellent stopover for those traveling overland. Near
this sleepy riverside town lie the temples of
Sambor Prei Kuk, a
collection of 7th century temples. Tucked in the forest, these ancient
ruins can be explored on foot or by bike traversing small dirt paths
which wind among the temples.
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