As the gateway to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap seems like the place to stop on your way to more interesting places nearby.
But this unsuspecting city is Cambodia’s second largest, and people have lived here for some 1,200 years. For those willing to spend a few extra days enjoying the surrounding area, there’s plenty to see and do here.
The “Magical Experience” of Angkor Wat
Well, you can’t go to Siem Reap without seeing the 900-year-old temple complex that has made the town famous, so let’s get that out of the way first. There are very few things that wake me up at 3am, mostly flights, but by far the best reason I have to set my alarm at that ungodly hour is to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat.
news without an agenda
Try The Week magazine today and get right to the heart of the issues that matter.
There’s no need for a guide, but they do know where to find the best views. We arrived in total darkness and were told to sit on the wall. The lake below us was only visible when a fish broke through the water, rippling in the moonlight, but soon the sky began to change from deep purple to the warmest pink, and the ancient towers of the temples came into view. Watching the blazing sun rise from this place was a magical experience that I will never forget.
Our guide, Dalign, spent the next four hours taking us around three of the most famous temples, highlighting some of the most interesting history and architecture. Between the wealth of information on the history of Angkor is his own experience growing up there in the shadow of the Cambodian Civil War and the Khmer Rouge. You can book an Angkor Wat tour through Journey Cambodia through Get Your Guide.
Things to See and Do in Siem Reap
Some people come here just to see Angkor Wat and don’t like this town. That would be a mistake. Siem Reap has so much to see and do. To get around, take a half-day rickshaw tour of town for about $20. This will be the perfect way to travel when it gets hot — and it’s really, really hot.
If you’re interested in all things military or the history of the Cambodian Civil War, head to the War Museum. In the exhibit, you’ll find tanks, weapons, grenades, and many other items left over from when the fighting stopped. Unlike other finer museums, the objects are there to be touched, held and really grasped, giving you a very personal look at the atrocities that took place here.
The Angkor National Museum will give you a deeper understanding of the Angkor Wat temple complex, dedicated to preserving the archaeology of the area and sharing the history of the Khmer civilization that built and lived within it. One of the newest attractions is the Angkor Eye, a 278-foot Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the entire town and Angkor temples.
You must also spend an evening at Phare Circus, a remarkable celebration of Cambodian culture and dance. It was founded in 1994 by nine young people returning from refugee camps who wanted to help underprivileged young people. The school now has 1,200 daily students, some of whom end up performing in the circus. The energy and talent on stage was unbelievable, and audiences of all ages were completely immersed in the story of the importance of rice fields told through song and dance. The site offers food and performances before shows, and there’s a shop selling locally made goods.
where to shop
Shopping in Cambodia is very easy, and there are plenty of interesting markets and shops to explore. The Made in Cambodia market is small but full of gems you’ll want to reserve room in your suitcase.
Both the Angkor Night Market and the Old Market are open late and both are centrally located where you can find almost everything. Siem Reap is also home to dozens of interesting boutiques, from Australian-owned Wild Poppy to Manava, which sells chic homewares made by Cambodian women.
Artisans Angkor is a museum, handicraft studio and shop that provides employment opportunities for locals. To help revive traditional crafts, we see how they create glorious silk fabrics, as well as intricate wood and stone carvings.
where to live
Designed by American architect Bill Bensley, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas are located in Siem Reap’s leafy French Quarter, near the Royal Gardens and only a 10-minute walk from the city centre.
Divided into two hotels, the resort prides itself on offering a truly personal service that is high quality but refreshingly eclectic. Pool Villa guests have a personal Bensley butler, and the Shinta Mani Spa at Khmer Tonics offers a rich menu of treatments based on traditional and modern healing rituals, using locally sourced natural products.
The real selling point is the modern and playful interior design, with its monochrome color scheme and quirky art adorning the walls and halls. Our room was large with a comfortable king size bed and sustainable, refillable toiletries. A dimly lit picture of Angkor Wat hangs from the ceiling above the bed, and it’s surprisingly nice to look at while I’m asleep.
There are two swimming pools: one is chic and minimalist, set in a courtyard adorned with greenery and plants, while the other is huge and soaks up the sun all day. Both have bars serving delicious cocktails to your recliner.
The hotel supports the Shinta Mani Foundation, which aids in the education and development of young people living in the area, and a percentage of every room price is donated to this.
where to eat
Dining in a hotel can feel like an escape, but not when this restaurant is so special. Kroya by Chef Chanrith is a unique dining experience inspired by the region’s rich heritage. We enjoyed six courses of premium Cambodian cuisine. Using local ingredients and knowledge, the chef has created a contemporary menu inspired by the dishes of his youth, and the result is fragrant, exciting and delicious. A particular highlight is the Tonle Sap Butter Catfish Soup and Stir-fried Kok Kong Scallops with Chilli Minced Pork. We sat on a swing table over a pond full of koi as tuk-tuks and scooters whizzed by, and our server, Yaya, helped make the experience even more enjoyable.
For more traditional local cuisine, head to Sambo Khmer Restaurant, whose specialty is Lok Lak, a spicy beef dish. Other must-trys are the amok – steamed fish curry wrapped in banana leaves – and the spring rolls.
You can also keep your budget down by dining every night at one of the food trucks parked by the river. Tables and chairs are available to comfortably enjoy street food and you will be surrounded by locals enjoying their dinner.
where to drink
If partying is your goal, Pub Street has to be your destination. The name was originally thought up by backpackers in the late 2000s, but its official name is 8th Street. Now it is the center of nightlife in Siem Reap. Crowds throng the hopping streets filled with bars, clubs and special fish pedicure spots that serve you a beer while you dangle your feet in the sink. Definitely worth a look.
If you’re looking for a little more relaxed entertainment in the evening, head to the river, where bars and restaurants line the banks. Sip on a cocktail while admiring the sunset from one of the many rooftops.
how to get there
Currently, there are no direct airlines flying from the UK to Siem Reap, but you can fly through most major cities in the region with airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways.
Jaymi McCann was a guest of Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas. Prices start at $150 for the Bayon Wing, $165 for the Shinta Mani Angkor and $615 for the Bensley Collection Pool Villas. All room rates include breakfast, subject to applicable service charges and government taxes and seasonality. Junction of Oum Khun Street and 14th Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia; shintamani.com
Subscribe to the travel newsletter for destination inspiration and the latest news and trends
