SIEM REAP
Siem Reap is Cambodia’s premier tourist destination and the gateway to the temples of Angkor. The city has developed rapidly over the last two decades and now boasts a bewildering array of international cuisine, more than 500 accommodation options in all categories, a vibrant expat scene and hundreds of things to see and do... This guide features some of the best that Siem Reap has to offer.
EAT
Siem Reap offers a lot of choice for those looking to eat and drink. There is a wide selection of international cuisine on offer from all around the world. Options include Cambodian, Western, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Steak Houses, Vegan, burgers, bakeries, and a whole lot more.
If you're on a budget, Siem Reap is the perfect place to come for inexpensive eating with a large range of menus to choose from. Local restaurants serve delicious main meals starting from as little as $2 each. There are also small stalls dotted around the town where you can buy delicious fried ice cream or banana and honey crepes for dessert.
Drinking is on a whole new level in Siem Reap and you can buy a cold draft beer in many places for as little as 50 cents. There are lots of intimate bars to relax in and have a quiet cocktail or you can join in the pumping nightlife on the famous Pub Street.
SLEEP
Since Cambodia has become more popular for international travelers over the past 20 years, the range and choice of accommodation options has improved dramatically.
There is now a wide variety of places to stay in Siem Reap, ranging from plush 5-star hotels to some fantastic budget hostels.
Whether it’s sitting around the pool with drink in hand, making new friends, or a therapeutic massage and spa, Siem Reap offers amazing value for money across the board. Hostel dorm beds can be had for as little as $4 and budget hotels start at $10, a good aircon room at a budget hotel can be had for $15 and boutique hotels with a pool and more in the way of facilities can be booked for as little as $30.
There is now also a range of 5 star luxury hotels and resorts on offer as well.
EXPLORE
Siem Reap is a fantastic holiday destination, where you can see and do so much. The home of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, you can bask in the ancient history this land has to offer.
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and was lost in the overgrown Cambodian jungle for centuries. Rediscovered by missionaries in the late 1800’s, it was opened up to the world once more.
There are many wonderful, ancient temples to see in Siem Reap, including Ta Prohm (where the Hollywood movie Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie was filmed) and Bayon – where Buddha’s face shines.
Siem Reap is a treasure trove of fun and exciting things to do - from its nightlife in the famous Pub Street to visiting Tonle Sap Lake, where you can experience floating villages. Here you will see how traditional Cambodian people live on the water for much of the year as they fish and trade with each other.
EVENTS
Siem Reap is an exciting place to visit and there are events taking place all the time. Steeped in the Buddhist religion there are many holidays throughout the year - but nothing more notable than Khmer New Year - which is a 3-day party held in April.
During this time, everyone participates and water is a big part of the celebrations. Locals and travellers alike arm themselves with water pistols and then head out to take over the town centre.
Siem Reap also has a thriving arts community and is a hub for creative expression, ranging from artists and galleries to theatrical performances. For those travellers with a creative streak, you won’t be disappointed with the variety of events available.