Siem Reap Travel Guide: A Journey through the Heart of Cambodia
Introduction – A Little Bit About Siem Reap
An enchanting blend of vibrant culture, rich history, and captivating nature, Siem Reap is a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring Southeast Asia. A city that charms with its friendly locals, tantalizing cuisine, and unique heritage, Siem Reap serves as a gateway to the ancient world of Angkor, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. But there’s more to this city than just Angkor Wat; it offers a plethora of sights, activities, and experiences that cater to every type of traveller.
What To See and Do in Siem Reap
Angkor Wat
As the iconic symbol of Cambodia, the sprawling temple complex of Angkor Wat is an absolute must-see. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, built during the 12th century, is a testament to the Khmer Kingdom’s architectural prowess and rich cultural heritage. From its intricate bas-reliefs and monumental towers to the awe-inspiring sunrise vistas, Angkor Wat promises an unforgettable journey back in time.
1 day tickets to enter the Angkor Archaeological Park cost $37 (around £29). In my opinion, 1 day was plenty of time to see Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples, but if you are a history buff you might prefer the 3 or 7-day park tickets.
We went to see Angkor Wat at sunrise, and it was definitely worth getting up at 5 am to see this!
Kulen National Park and Waterfall
Kulen National Park is a captivating natural wonder that showcases the country’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Spanning over 400 square kilometers, the park encompasses dense forests, sacred mountains, and an iconic waterfall.
Scary Rock
As called by our trusted guide, Panama, we were wondering why it was called scary rock when we were standing on it. There was a gorgeous view over the jungle from the rock and we sat near the edge to get pictures, but we had no idea what the rock looked like underneath us!!
Valley of a Thousand Lingas
The Valley of a Thousand Lingas, also known as ‘Kbal Spean’ in Khmer and literally translated as ‘Bridge Head’ is an archaeological site on the southwest slopes of Kulen Mountain.
When you look closely, you can see a series of sandstone rock carvings located in the river bed and banks.
The carvings at this site are truly a sight to behold. The main motifs of these stone carvings are myriads of lingams, which are phallic symbols of the Hindu god Shiva. These lingams are depicted as neatly arranged bumps that cover the surface of sandstone bedrock. Additionally, you can see various Hindu mythological motifs, including depictions of the gods Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Lakshmi, Rama, and Hanuman.
The carvings aren’t limited to just religious symbols and deities. You’ll also spot carvings of animals such as cows and frogs, adding an element of whimsy to the already incredible artwork. This site is a must-visit for anyone interested in art, history, and culture.
Reclining Buddha Temple
This is another must-see site when you visit Kulen Mountain! Preah Ang Thom is this huge statue of a lying-down Buddha that’s 8 metres long. It was made sometime between the 12th and 16th centuries during the Angkor Empire. It’s now the most important and worshipped spot on Kulen Mountain, even more so than during the Angkor times!
Kulen Waterfall
You can take a short 5-minute walk down to the first level past the market stalls to get to the smaller waterfall which is suitable for families with kids. Then you can follow the path down to the left and you will find yourself at the main waterfall. There are lockboxes available for $1 and a changing room available for $0.50. The waterfall is cool and refreshing and I highly recommend visiting it during your stay in Siem Reap!
We arrived there around 10:45 am and it only became busier and busier with local people as the morning went on. So if you want the place to yourself, I definitely recommend going earlier!
Floating Village – Kampong Phluk
When we visited Kampong Phluk, we were taken to a floating restaurant out in the lake and we were greeted by a menagerie of animals – an eagle, dogs, crocodiles of all sizes and so many more! We even got to try dried crocodile meat when we were there, but the lady who gave it to me proceeded to feed it to her dogs so that made me a bit unsure, haha!
Pub Street
Pub Street is the nightlife hub in Siem Reap, in the daytime, it is relatively quiet but at night you can expect the clubs to be blasting music and offering drinks deals. Just outside of Pub Street is where you’ll find the best deals on food and drinks.
Phare Circus
This was definitely one of the highlights of our time in Siem Reap! Phare Circus, one of Siem Reap’s best-kept secrets, is a cultural and artistic extravaganza you won’t want to miss. Created by Phare Ponleu Selpak, a Cambodian non-profit organization, the circus showcases the talents of young Cambodian artists. With incredible acrobatics, contortion, and juggling combined with music, dance, and storytelling, the performances at Phare Circus offer a unique and highly entertaining take on Cambodian history and culture.
Remember, attending the Phare Circus isn’t just about enjoying an incredible show – it’s also about supporting the local community, as all proceeds go back into the organization’s education, social support, and artistic programs.
Aspara Dancing Show and Dinner
For an immersive dive into traditional Cambodian culture, book yourself a seat for the Aspara Dancing Show, paired with a sumptuous dinner. Aspara Dance, or Robam Tep Apsara, is a classical Khmer dance known for its delicate hand gestures and elegant movements, each telling a different story. Often performed at temple events and royal ceremonies, it’s one of the most enduring symbols of Cambodian culture. Enjoying an Aspara dance performance while savoring some delicious local cuisine is undoubtedly one of the best ways to spend an evening in Siem Reap.
Where to Eat in Siem Reap
Siem Reap’s culinary scene is diverse and delicious. When we visited Siem Reap, we were seeking Western and Mexican options as we hadn’t experienced these for a while during our stay in Malaysia. There are plenty of local options available, but most of the places we went served Western, Mexican and Khmer cuisine.
Angkor Tacos – Cheap Mexican food, tacos to die for. My favourite was the carne asada taco! Pictured on the left and the chicken taco on the right. I believe the margarita cost $2. A super affordable and delicious dinner.
Brother Bong Cafe – Western-style food perfect for brunch. Healthy options such as smoothie bowls, and local dishes such as pork and rice.
Viva! Mexican and Khmer Cuisine – Another great Mexican option (can you notice a theme here? We had been craving good Mexican for months at this point, haha!). Their cheapest tacos cost $1.50. Their chimichanga is absolutely delicious and the salsa verde is to die for!
Tevy’s Place – Has a great reputation for a reason. The food here is delicious, affordable and suited to Western and Cambodian tastes.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
We actually stayed in an Airbnb in Siem Reap which was a lovely 2-story terraced house with 2 en-suites, a kitchen and a living area.
Here are a few accommodation options at different price ranges:
Mid-range: Bayon Modern Residence
How To Get To Siem Reap
We took a flight from Kuala Lumpur into Siem Reap and the airport there is quite small and close to the town so it’s easy to get a taxi/tuk tuk to your accommodation.
Siem Reap is well-connected and you can get there by bus from other major cities and towns in Cambodia, such as Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Battambang.
How To Get Around in Siem Reap
Tuk Tuks and Grab Taxis are the best ways to get around in Siem Reap. Tuk tuks offer very reasonable prices for intercity travel in Siem Reap. I would always negotiate the price with the driver before you get into the tuk-tuk and confirm that it is the total price, not the price per person.
When we visited, we opted for Grab Taxis more often because the price is already set and the drivers have the map on their phone so they know exactly where to go. Often when we hailed tuk-tuks off the street, we would have to direct the driver to our accommodation, which proved difficult at times!
How Long To Spend in Siem Reap
We spent an entire week in Siem Reap which was more than enough time! 3-4 days is plenty of time to see all of the major sites, including a day trip to Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples, another day trip to Kulen National Park and Kampong Phluk floating village and some smaller activities like going to the Aspara Dancing Show and Phare Circus.
Cost of Visiting Siem Reap
Cost Breakdown:
Siem Reap was one of our more expensive destinations in Cambodia!
Activities: We spent the most money on activities in Siem Reap, it cost Brett and I £241.94 for two full-day tours, including a trip around Angkor Wat, and a 1 day tour to Kulen National Park.
Accommodation: We stayed in a 2-bedroom Airbnb with two of our friends, so a 7-night stay there cost £184.80.
Food in Siem Reap cost £156.33 for both of us.
Tuk-tuks, drivers and a night bus cost us £109.76 in total.
Shopping cost us £18.89.
Other: We spent £68.74 on ‘Other’ things.
The Grand Total for 7 Nights: £780.46 for 2 people!
Tips For Your Visit
- Use the Grab Taxi app to book tuk-tuks, they are really cheap and it’s easier to book online than to agree a place and a price with a tuk tuk driver.
- Angkor Wat at Sunrise: Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat, one of the most iconic and beautiful sights in Siem Reap.
- Explore Beyond Angkor: While Angkor Wat is the main attraction, don’t miss out on exploring other temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, such as Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei. Each temple has its unique charm and architectural style.
- Dress Code: Respect the local customs and dress appropriately when visiting temples. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered as a sign of respect.
- Floating Villages: Take a boat tour to the floating villages on the Tonle Sap Lake. It’s a unique experience to witness the local way of life and the stilted houses.
- Phare, The Cambodian Circus: Catch a performance at Phare, The Cambodian Circus, a unique blend of traditional and modern circus arts. It’s a mesmerizing show that supports local artists and provides employment opportunities.
Conclusion
Siem Reap is an incredibly rewarding destination that offers more than just its famous temples. Its combination of history, culture, adventure, and gastronomy makes it a must-visit on any Southeast Asia itinerary. With careful planning and these tips in mind, your trip to Siem Reap will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.
If you enjoyed this blog, be sure to check out my other travel guides here! If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me via email: tianitravels@gmail.com or via social media.
