Siem Reap tourist guide

Located conveniently close to the Angkor temple complex, the small city of Siem Reap is a great place to stay and visitors will find a large number of restaurants, bars and hotels that cater specially to tourists. Most travellers in Cambodia end up in Siem Reap at some time or another as there are many interesting tourist attractions to keep visitors entertained.

A number of full-sized modern temples are located around Siem Reap with Wat Bo particularly striking as it features colourful murals and paintings. Also nearby is the royal palace of Wat Dam Nak, and visitors are permitted to venture inside this elaborately decorated temple.

But still the Angkor temple complex is by far the stand-out attraction of the area. Passes are available for one, three or seven days and most people choose to spend at least two exploring as there are dozens of ancient relics to see here. The best way to start exploring is by visiting the temple of Phnom Bakheng at sunset. Set atop a high hill, large numbers of people take up perches on the gently crumbling temple walls to watch the sun slowly set over the countryside.

It is a good idea to get up early the next morning, hiring a moto with a driver for the entire day and travelling around the city of Angkor in style. Many people head to Angkor Thom first, which is surrounded by a huge moat, before moving on to the Terrace of the Elephants, which stretches for over 300m.

It is best to spend the entire first day visiting smaller sites such as Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Preah Rup and Ta Keo as it takes at least four hours to fully explore Angkor Wat. This impressive temple was built over the course of 30 years and measures 65m in height, while the structure covers an incredible 500 acres.

After spending the entire day wandering around ancient temples and marvelling at the detailed engravings, it is time to relax and unwind with a good meal and a drink or two. The restaurants in Siem Reap serve everything from traditional Khmer cuisine and authentic Indian curries to pizza, pasta, burgers and fries. Most of the restaurants are located down two intersecting streets in the heart of the city, which makes it easy to see what’s available.

The bars in Siem Reap come in every shape and size and are generally scattered in between the restaurants. There are a number of popular backpacker hangouts here such as Angkor What?, which tempts tourists with its light and friendly atmosphere, free pool table and an extensive drinks menu.

Siem Reap is also a great place to shop for souvenirs. Market stalls and stores stay open from early in the morning until late at night with just about anything and everything for sale from second hand books to locally made handicrafts and postcards

Attractions
Visitors need to allow at least three days to explore all the top attractions here, which include museums such as the Cambodia Landmines Museum, the Cultural Village and the artistic treasure of Miniature Replicas… more

Angkor
The Angkor temples complex is rightly considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and is comprised of an astonishing array of elaborate temples and buildings built centuries ago. Informed local guides who really bring the magic to life… more

Accommodation
There is no shortage of places to stay in Siem Reap and visitors can choose from luxurious five-star hotels where comfort and style are the main concerns to incredibly cheap rooms in hostels and guesthouses… more

Restaurants
Whatever your taste, it is sure to be satisfied in Siem Reap. Traditional Khmer cuisine can be found all over the city, while those with a craving for a taste of home will find plenty of restaurants offering Western food such as burgers, fries and baguettes… more

Nightlife
This is a great place to play as once the sun goes down Siem Reap springs into life. There are plenty of places to kick back with a cool cocktail and soak up the atmosphere, while lively backpacker joints are great places to meet knew people and talk about your travels… more

Tonle Sap
Explore the Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake which is home to rare Irrawaddy dolphins, giant Mekong catfish, indigenous floating villages and was designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997… more 

Transport
The Cambodian public transport system is hardly the most developed developed so getting around Siem Reap can be a trial at times. But we’ve got all the information you need to ensure the smoothest journey possible… more