A lively town serving as the base for exploring Angkor's ancient temples. Known for its vibrant night market, varied dining scene, and the iconic Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor.
Siem Reap, a city in northwestern Cambodia, is known for the ancient temples of Angkor. The city offers more than just archaeological sites. You can explore active markets, watch traditional Apsara dance performances, and try local and international cuisine. Visit floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake, enjoy acrobatic shows at Phare Circus, or stroll through the streets of the Old French Quarter.
Exploring Angkor Archaeological Park
The Angkor Archaeological Park covers over 400 square kilometers and contains the remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire. Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, is the most famous structure in the complex. You can spend days examining the intricate carvings, massive stone faces, and tree-covered ruins of temples like Ta Prohm and Bayon. Purchase a multi-day pass to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of this ancient site.
Siem Reap's Markets
The Old Market (Psar Chas) is central to Siem Reap's shopping scene. Here, you'll find souvenirs, local produce, and street food stalls. For a more tourist-oriented experience, visit the Angkor Night Market after sunset. You can buy handicrafts, sample local snacks, and enjoy a cold drink at one of the many bars. Remember to haggle politely for the best prices on souvenirs.
Discovering Tonlé Sap Lake
Tonlé Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, is about 15 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a boat tour to explore the floating villages, where houses, schools, and even churches are built on stilts or float directly on the water. Kompong Phluk is one of the more authentic villages to visit. The lake's ecosystem is remarkable - it expands to almost five times its size during the wet season, creating a rich habitat for fish and birds.
Cambodian Cuisine
Siem Reap has many options for trying Cambodian cuisine. Try local dishes like fish amok (fish curry steamed in banana leaves) or beef lok lak (stir-fried beef with a peppery sauce). For a high-end dining experience, book a table at Cuisine Wat Damnak, where Chef Joannès Rivière creates tasting menus that showcase local ingredients in innovative ways. For a more casual meal, head to the street food stalls around Pub Street in the evening.
Phare Circus
For evening entertainment, consider watching Phare Circus. This isn't a traditional animal circus, but a combination of theater, music, dance, and acrobatics performed by young Cambodian artists. Each show tells stories of Cambodian culture and history. The performances are energetic, colorful, and often deeply moving. It's a way to support local arts while enjoying high-quality entertainment.
Getting Around Siem Reap
Tuk-tuks are common for tourists to get around Siem Reap. These motorcycle-pulled carriages are everywhere and relatively inexpensive. Agree on a price before starting your journey. For longer trips or temple tours, consider hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the day. Bicycles are another popular option for exploring the city and even some of the closer temples. Many hotels and guesthouses offer bike rentals.
When to Visit
The dry season, from November to March, has cooler and less humid weather for exploring the temples. However, this is also the busiest time, so expect larger crowds. If you don't mind occasional rain showers, the wet season (May to October) can be a good time to visit. The landscapes are green, and there are fewer tourists.
Accommodation Options
Siem Reap has a range of accommodation options. In the city center, you'll find backpacker hostels and luxury hotels. For a different experience, consider staying at a boutique hotel in a traditional Khmer wooden house. If you want to be closer to the temples, there are several high-end resorts along the road to Angkor. For a more local experience, look for guesthouses in the Wat Bo area, a calmer neighborhood across the river from the busy center.
