What to Do in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Visiting historical sites around the world has been one of my greatest pleasures from traveling. Being fond of world history (particularly Egyptian history), I have always wholly enjoyed the chance to feel as if I have walked through a time machine, and stepped out in another life, another world, another existence. Such is the case when you visit the magnificent temples of Southeast Asia. Even more so than my trips to European countries, as I was not stepping back only hundreds of years, but all the way back to 802 AD.
Siem Reap
The most common and well-known tourist location in Cambodia.
Tropical, exotic and spiritual, this place will leave a mark in your memory that you can never forget.
As a popular tourist destination, you will have no difficulty finding a plethora of hotels, restaurants, and guides in this fantastic destination.
It is through Siem Reap that you can reach Angkor, a region that is famous for having some of the greatest temples ever built.
But temples aren’t the only places you should be visiting in Siem Reap. It also has great markets, restaurants, and stores to visit within its urban area.
Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Southeast Asia. At a size of over 400 square kilometres, Angkor used to be the centre of the Khmer Kingdom. Some of the oldest structures are now over 1000 years old. Today it receives over 2 million visitors every year.
During the course of the 15th century, nearly all of Angkor was abandoned, except for the temple Angkor Wat, which remained a Buddhist shrine.
The weather in Siem Reap is hot. Ridiculously hot. In the winter temperatures will reach 30 degrees celsius. In summer this can be as high as 40. Riding around on a bicycle, climbing temples and walking around the vast complex can be very tiring.
the common thing its to hire someone to drive you around in the tuck tuck.
Tuk Tuk Rental – $15-30, depending on negotiating skills, group size and language skill of the driver.
To help you on your journey through this wonderful place, here are 5 temple destinations and 3 city destinations you have to visit during your time in Siem Reap!
Temples
Angkor was the capital of the Khmer empire between the 9th and 15th centuries and is 5 kilometers (3 miles) away from central Siem Reap. The temples here were built to be home to the gods, and only the country’s religious and political elite had access to the central rooms. The complex is 400 square kilometers (154 square miles) and there are hundreds of temples and ruins to visit. Here are the best 5 temples to visit:
Angkor Wat
The biggest temple in Angkor.
Actually, scrap that.
The biggest temple in the WORLD, according to the Guinness World Records
Having over 162 hectares (401 acres) and surrounded by a rectangular channel, the temple features incredibly tall towers (the largest is 55 meters high) and intricate high relief artwork, it’s easy to see why this is the most famous and most visited temple in Siem Reap.
This temple was first built as a Hindu temple named after Vishnu by King Suryavarman II but was turned Buddhist when the city was ruled by King Jayavarman VII.
The temple still has Theravada Buddhist activities taking place inside. Buddha statues are decorated and “dressed” according to religious tradition and many Buddhist monks from around the world visit Angkor Wat every year.
For all that, Angkor is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
I’m guessing the first thing you’ll be wondering is how much is this all going to cost me?
Like many big attractions throughout the world Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples are unfortunately not free.
The good news though is Angkor Wat isn’t going to put a huge dent in your wallet and you have 3 tickets to choose from;
1 day pass = $20USD
3 day pass = $40USD (valid for 3 visits in a 7 day period)
7 day pass = $60USD (valid for 7 visits in a 1 month period)
Personally I’ve always opted for the 1 day pass as it’s a long old day of exploring temples, but if you have more time to play with, want to take a more in depth or leisurely look around or are super interested in everything the area has to offer the longer passes may well suit.
Here was my favor spot i could sit here forever and watch the trees and the birds.
My visit to the Angkor Wat Temples was during the wet season (June-November), which had both pros and cons. First of all, there were far less tourists in Siem Reap (the city of which you base yourself to visit the temples)… so that was a bonus. But of course on the con side, it meant that there was often rain… and lots of it!
I just got lucky the day i visit the temple was not rain.
2. Banteay Srei
This is the furthest temple from Siam Reap and can be a good place to start your journey in Angkor. As Cambodia’s heat is scorching, take a taxi there and use tuk-tuks for moving between the temples.
Banteay Srei is the smallest of all but the most charming. Dedicated to the god Shiva, Banteay Srei means Citadel of Women, as it is believed that the temple was built by women.
3. Ta Prohm
The most crowded temple of the list but one of the most amazing too. This temple became famous after scenes from Angelina Jolie starring as Lara Croft for the movie Tomb Raider got recorded there. With its giant trees, the mood of the place is surreal! Despite the number of tourists, seeing those huge ruins covered by nature is… unforgettable.
4. Preah Khan
Similar to Ta Prohm, with its trees buried under the ruin. For a short time, Preah Khan was the capital of the Khmer empire, as in the late 12th century King Jayavarman VII resided in it during the construction of his future and much larger capital, Angkor Thom.
5. Bayon
It is in this temple, which is right in the center of Angkor Thom, where you will see the famous stone faces. In all, there are 216 faces divided into 56 towers. The size of the faces is impressive, but knowing that none of the features are repeated makes it all the more intriguing. Outside the temple is carved a bit of Khmer history.
Like many big attractions throughout the world, Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples are unfortunately not free.
The good news though is Angkor Wat isn’t going to put a huge dent in your wallet and you have 3 tickets to choose from;
1 day pass = $20USD
3 day pass = $40USD (valid for 3 visits in a 7 day period)
7 day pass = $60USD (valid for 7 visits in a 1 month period)
Personally I’ve always opted for the 1-day pass as it’s a long old day of exploring temples, but if you have more time to play with, want to take a more in-depth or leisurely look around or are super interested in everything the area has to offer the longer passes may well suit.
Here was my favorite spot I could sit here forever and watch the trees and the birds.
In Siem Reap City
If you want a good place to visit in the morning or at night that isn’t just temples, the city of Siem Reap is ideal for you! Here are the 3 best places to visit in the city:
1. Old Market
At the heart of the city, lies the Old Market, a lively and colorful market where you can find almost anything. Clothes, spices, food, jewelry, and souvenirs are just a few of the things you can find in this energetic and vibrant place.
2. Pub Street
The most famous street in Siem Reap! That’s where everyone goes after an intense day of visiting the temples, whether for dinner, buying souvenirs, eating exotic foods (like scorpions) or just relaxing and enjoying a massage.
With many dining options and spas open until the wee hours of the morning, this street is one of the main points of the city, definitely worth visiting
