Overview

Siem Reap is a tranquil resort town nestled on the banks of the Tonle Sap River and is the gateway to the fabled Angkor temples, which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. The town's name means “Siam Defeated” and has, in recent years, become the tourist capital of Cambodia, a pristine place compared to the rest of the country. Siem Reap is the epicenter of stylish Cambodia, boasting elegant hotels, world-class dining, luxury spas,  stylish shopping, vibrant nightlife, and a laid-back vibe. There is something for everyone with the temples, lakes, adrenaline-fueled activities, and plenty of adventures on offer nearby. 

Things to see and do

Check out the Angkor National Museum, a modern archaeological museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, and presentation of Angkorian artifacts to provide information and educate visitors on the art and culture of Khmer civilization, with treasures and collections on display throughout eight galleries. 

Visit the Wat Damnak Pagoda on the east side of the Siem Reap River. The location was the previous site of the Royal Palace from 1904 to 1927 and features the largest pagoda in the city, a public school, and the largest library in Cambodia. See the resident monks wandering around the tranquil grounds, which feature Buddha sculptures, trees, and a pond.

Make your way over to the Cambodian Cultural Village and marvel at the 13 tiny villages with miniature buildings and structures that represent the cultural heritage of several different ethnic groups. There are shows and performances held here daily featuring traditional dance, folk games, elephant shows, and dancing peacocks.

Head to Angkor Wat, an architectural masterpiece and the largest religious monument in the entire world (the temple opens at 5:45 am). The iconic temple is best seen during sunrise or sunset, which are both breathtaking times and a magical experience, one not to be missed as you watch the sun climb up behind the temples, providing spectacular silhouettes that reflect on the lake with some of the greatest photo opportunities you will ever see. 

Check out the massive Angkor Archeological Park, covering over 400 square kilometers of verdant green tropical forests, deep blue lakes, and immerse yourself in the spectacular remains of different capitals of the Khmer Empire. The mystifying architecture and ancient history that the Khmer Kingdom holds are pretty fascinating. The park contains Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphuon, the Royal Palace, Preah Palilay, and the famous Ta Prohm Temple, where scenes from ‘Tomb Raider’ were filmed. Explore the depths of the jungle and marvel at some of the most enchanting sights in the world. 

Head out for a cruise on the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Cambodia. Experience the traditional floating fishing villages, forests, and wildlife reserves that sit on the lake. Visit the villages, meet the locals who live and work here, sample some of the fresh fish caught here, and other local delicacies. The area is home to a large variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, snakes, turtles, and birds, a very popular place for fishing and bird watching.

Visit the Cambodian Landmine Museum and Relief Facility, which is located just south of Banteay Srei. This museum was established in the late 1990s when a former child soldier, Aki Ra, returned to the area to clear the landmines he had once been made to set up. There are said to still be over 5 million landmines left in the countryside by the Khmer Rouge forces from the 1970s.

See the beautiful Banteay Srey Butterfly Center, the biggest butterfly enclosure in Southeast Asia. There are thousands of species of butterflies here that fly freely around the large netted tropical garden environment. Experience the pupae metamorphosis stages of the butterfly, feed them, and wander these stunning grounds filled with flora and fauna.

Shopping

Siem Reap is a dream destination for shoppers offering plenty of excellent places to shop for souvenirs, handmade crafts, silks, textiles, and art, including stone carvings. The city boasts modern shopping malls, upscale boutiques, and one of the most popular attractions is the vibrant street markets, including several popular night markets. Shopping in Siem Reap is considered second only to the capital city for its variety and quality of goods. The city offers several different centers that specialize in the making of different products, such as the Silk Center, where visitors can go and witness the entire process of silk being made. The Asia Craft Center is another place where visitors can go and see handicrafts and carvings being made.

When it comes to markets in the city, the Made in Cambodia Market features local food, live performances, and lots of unique Cambodian souvenirs. The market is held every Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday.  ‘Psar Chas’ or the Old Market is one of the best and most popular markets, and it is the oldest located in the historic center of Siem Reap. There are endless rows of market stalls overflowing with fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, prepared foods, snacks, clothing, and souvenirs. The Angkor Night Market is held in the downtown area. It is the original night market featuring over 200 stalls selling anything and everything along a mile-long street. There is street food and live music.

Dining

The city of Siem Reap offers an astonishing number of places to eat, with restaurants serving up authentic Khmer, Cambodian, and international cuisine. There are many local restaurants and cafes serving up homely versions of local Khmer classics, as well as more upmarket versions offering interesting twists on the national cuisine. Theres also plenty of Western food as well as Thai, Italian, Japanese, French, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, and Vietnamese. 

Cambodian cuisine is often overlooked among all of the Asian cuisines, and it is also largely unknown elsewhere in the world. Each Cambodian dish reflects the rich history and diverse influences of the beautiful country. Khmer cooking uses local ingredients like freshwater fish, palm sugar from Siem Reap’s iconic sugar palm trees, noodles made from Cambodia-grown rice, spicy Kampot pepper, and freshly foraged herbs. 

Some of the city`s most authentic dishes include insect-based dishes, fish amok, luc-lac (stir-fried beef), and prahok (fermented fish paste). Cambodia`s cuisine is largely influenced by India and China, along with Thai and Vietnamese. Rice is a staple in many meals, as well as noodles. Fish and seafood dominate the plates in the city, with most of the freshwater fish being caught right on the city`s Tonle Sap lake.

Nightlife

One of the most popular nightlife destinations in Siem Reap is the famous Pub Street, a well-known area with rows of bars that line the street. This is one of the best places to visit after dark, full of vibrant nightlife and entertainment. Street 8 is filled with bars and nightclubs, perfect for a night of bar hopping, with many establishments open until the wee hours. ‘The Alley’ and ‘The Lane’ are adjoining streets that both run parallel to Pub Street and are both lined with elegant cocktail bars, pubs, and clubs serving famed cocktails in a relaxing atmosphere. Many high-class hotels in the city offer rooftop cocktail bars with lounges and pubs that are a great place to enjoy a nice drink with a quiet ambiance. The popular Night Street Market is located within walking distance of Pub Street and is an excellent destination after dark for food, drinks, and entertainment.