Siem Reap & Angkor Wat
Things to see and do
The Angkor Site The immense Angkor site is filled with unique and grandiose structures. Compiling an exhaustive list would be lengthy, but here we present a brief description of the most well-known places in Angkor.
Angkor Wat: This is the most famous of the Angkor temples. It is the largest religious monument in the world and is universally recognized as the 8th wonder of the world. Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is now the pride of the entire Cambodian people.
Angkor Thom: This architectural masterpiece was built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, perhaps the most powerful of the Khmer rulers. It can be accessed through 5 gigantic gates, and at its center lies the fabulous Bayon, famous for its towers with faces of Avalokitesvara. You can also visit the Phimeanakas, the Baphuon, the Terrace of Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Banteay Srei: This temple dating from the 10th century is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Its architecture is unique as the building is mostly made of pink sandstone. The beauty of this site also lies in its fabulous decorations and bas-reliefs, meticulously crafted with intricate details. Thus, Banteay Srei is now considered a jewel of Khmer art, making it a highly popular tourist destination.
Ta Prohm: Unlike many temples in the Angkor site, Ta Prohm has been largely left unchanged and has not undergone major restoration. Thus, large trees have grown from within the temple's enclosure. The combination of Ta Prohm's beautiful architecture, intertwined branches with the temple, and the surrounding jungle makes this site a charming and very photogenic place.
The fabulous Angkor site includes many other incredible temples; providing an exhaustive description would be too long. Know that most of them can be visited during our tours. These sites include Banteay Samré, Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Keo, Pre Rup, and the Eastern Meborn.
Other sites, built during the same period as those of Angkor, can be found in the Siem Reap region: among these, the ancient capital Koh Ker and Beng Mealea.
Good to Know
When to visit?
Access
- By Air: Siem Reap International Airport (REP) is the main airport serving the city. It receives both domestic and international flights from various destinations, including major cities in Southeast Asia such as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi. Many international visitors fly into Siem Reap directly to explore the nearby Angkor temples.
- By Land: Siem Reap is connected to other parts of Cambodia and neighboring countries via road networks. Buses and private taxis are common modes of transportation for travelers coming from cities like Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Sihanoukville within Cambodia. There are also buses and shared vans that operate routes between Siem Reap and neighboring countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos.
- By Boat: While less common, some travelers opt to access Siem Reap via boat along the Tonle Sap Lake, particularly during the wet season when water levels are higher. Boat services typically depart from places like Phnom Penh and Battambang, offering a scenic journey through Cambodia's countryside.
- By Train: As of my last update, Cambodia's rail network is limited, and there are no direct train services to Siem Reap. However, the Cambodian government has been working on expanding the rail network, so it's worth checking for updates on train services in the future.
Where to eat and taste
- Pub Street: This vibrant area in the heart of Siem Reap is lined with restaurants, bars, and street food stalls. It's a great place to sample local Cambodian dishes like fish amok, beef lok lak, and Khmer curry. Some popular spots include Khmer Family Restaurant and Viva Mexican Café.
- Night Markets: Siem Reap's night markets are a fantastic place to sample street food and local delicacies. Try dishes like fried noodles, grilled meats, and fresh fruit shakes while browsing the stalls for souvenirs and handicrafts. The Angkor Night Market and the Old Market (Phsar Chas) are both worth exploring.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: For a more upscale dining experience, there are several fine dining restaurants in Siem Reap offering gourmet cuisine and elegant ambiance. Restaurants like Cuisine Wat Damnak, Embassy Restaurant, and Mahob Khmer Cuisine specialize in modern Khmer cuisine with a creative twist.
- Cooking Classes: Why not learn to cook authentic Cambodian dishes yourself? Many restaurants and cooking schools in Siem Reap offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare traditional Khmer dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Classes often include a visit to the local market to buy ingredients.
- Street Food Stalls: Don't miss the opportunity to try street food from the many stalls and vendors scattered throughout Siem Reap. From savory skewers of grilled meats to sweet treats like fried bananas and coconut pancakes, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
- Boutique Cafés: Siem Reap also has a burgeoning café scene, with cozy cafés and bakeries offering a range of coffee drinks, pastries, and light meals. Places like Sister Srey Café, The Little Red Fox Espresso, and Blue Pumpkin are popular choices for a leisurely breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.
