Siem Reap is a beautiful city that has everything you need to spend a few days exploring. It is the main jumping-off point for Angkor Wat, which is one of the biggest attractions in Cambodia.
The city center is a crowded and bustling area with plenty of small shops, markets and restaurants. Its nightlife is centered around Pub Street, which features bars and restaurants open until late.
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is one of the world's most impressive monuments and a must-visit while in Siem Reap. Its ancient crumbling structures are a testament to the regal past of Cambodia, dating back to the 9th century.
Located about 7km (4.3 miles) from the town of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is home to one of the world's most beautiful temple complexes. Spend the day exploring this vast landscape, tucked amid towering trees and quiet clearings.
Another activity you shouldn't miss is visiting a bird sanctuary in nearby Prek Toal, which is home to thousands of water birds. These migratory species are among the most endangered in Southeast Asia and this sanctuary is an important breeding ground.
Angkor Archaeological Park
Angkor is home to many of the ancient structures in the Khmer empire that were built between the 9th and 15th centuries. These buildings exemplify cultural, religious, and symbolic values and contain high architectural, archaeological, and artistic significance.
UNESCO and local authorities at the site are working to create a sustainable plan for its future. This management strategy must ensure that visitors can have access to the site without negatively impacting it.
Located just outside of Siem Reap, the Angkor Archaeological Park is home to some of the most famous sites in Cambodia. These include Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple.
Angkor Night Market
If you want to shop for authentic Cambodian souvenirs, the Angkor Night Market is an excellent choice. Established in 2007, this is the first night market to open in Siem Reap and it aims to support local handicrafts while creating jobs for Cambodian people.
It has a mix of thatched hut style stalls that are set in a lush garden and largely reflect the Khmer culture and heritage. The stalls feature a range of traditional products, from stone carvings to silk paintings and recycled handbags.
The market also hosts live performances and offers a variety of traditional food and drinks including Sombai rice wine, which is infused with cinnamon, mangoes and star anise. There are also bars and restaurants in the vicinity for a night out.
Pub Street
Siem Reap Pub Street is a must-visit destination in this Cambodian city. This famous street is home to many restaurants, bars, nightclubs, street food stalls and massage parlors that are packed with tourists throughout the night.
You can find a variety of restaurants in Pub Street, serving both Western and Khmer dishes. There are also several shops that sell souvenirs made in Cambodia.
Moreover, you can find some street performers who perform traditional dances and singing in front of the crowds. They can be seen performing throughout the evening.
There are also several bars in Pub Street, including The Red Piano and Banana Leaf. These bars serve a wide range of cocktails and drinks, and you can even try a Crocodile burger if you are into it!
Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake is the largest fresh water body in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve. This stunning, spouting lake is surrounded by forest that floods in the rainy season and recedes in the dry.
It is also home to a wide range of fish species and more than 100 different varieties of birds. As well as being an important spawning and breeding ground for fish, the flooded forests provide critical habitat for migratory birds and are one of only two South-east Asian breeding sites for globally threatened bird species (the other is Prek Toal in Thailand).
The Tonle Sap Lake is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Cambodia. The best time to see the lake in its full glory is during the rainy season from June to October, when the plains and forests flood and villages magically float on the water.
