Siem Reap is a city known not only for the beautiful ruins of Angkor Wat, the world's largest
religious monument, but also for its countless works built in various colonial and unique east
Asian styles.
1. Siem Reap Travel - 9 top-rated
attractions in Siem Reap Cambodia
Siem Reap is a city known not only for the beautiful ruins of Angkor Wat, the world's largest
religious monument, but also for its countless works built in various colonial and unique east
Asian styles.
1. Must-visit places in Siem Reap
1.1. Explore the temples around Angkor Wat
The historic city of Siem Reap is located on the edges of Angkor Wat, one of the world's
most popular tourist sites. It was built between the 9th and 15th centuries by a succession of
kings, contains hundreds of temples, and is so huge that even after numerous trips, you'll
feel like you've merely touched the surface. Angkor Wat, with its bas-reliefs etched with
images from Hindu epics, is one of the most picturesque temples to visit.
This Siem Reap attraction is home to temples, historical sites, Tonle Sap lake and the most
popular tourist attraction in Cambodia.
You will experience a bizarre and magical sacred space when you visit here. What's more,
you can see the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Also, keep in mind that when you visit this complex,
you can visit the temples of Bayon, Baphuon, and Ta Prohm.
2. 1.2. The River of a Thousand Lingas
The next Siem Reap tourist attraction to add to your itinerary is Kulen Mountain and the river
of a thousand Lingas. This is a sacred site of the ancient Khmer people, renowned for relics
related with legends. Therefore, visitors from all over the world wish to come here to pray for
blessings.
3. 1.3. Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake, which is attached to Kampong Phluk floating village, is a very intriguing
Siem Reap check-in attraction that you may visit straight away. The most chilling activity
here is riding a boat around the lake, where you can completely appreciate the beauty of the
poetic space.
You also remember to stop by the reserve of rare birds on your journey around the lake. You
can also try renting a boat to explore all of the floating villages of Kampong Phluk, Chong
Khneas, or Kompong Khleang to the fullest.
4. 1.5. Phnom Kulen National Park
As an ancient and historical site considered by the locals to be the most sacred in
Cambodia, Phnom Kulen National Park will be a remarkable spot to visit in Siem Reap. After
traveling through the gorgeous scenery, you will reach a mountain peak. You can admire
and pray to a massive reclining Buddha there.
5. 1.6. Wat Damnak Pagoda
Under King Sisowath, Wat Damnak served as the royal palace. Until today, the pagoda has
worked as a center for Khmer studies, with a library containing over 11,000 documents. Not
only that, but this location is a popular tourist destination in Siem Reap due to the peaceful
and pure atmosphere it provides.
1.7. Ta Prohm Temple
In honor of his mother, King Jayavarman VII built Ta Prohm in the mid-12th century. This is a
big structure with architecture in the fashionable Bayon style of the time. Because of its
splendor, the temple was chosen as a setting for the film “The Burrowers”, and it is now a
must-see tourist attraction in Siem Reap.
6. 1.8. Cambodian Cultural Village
If you want to know more about Cambodian traditions, customs, and beliefs, you should visit
the Cambodian cultural village. It is home to thousands of valuable ancient statues and
artifacts. Furthermore, if you're lucky, you'll be able to see numerous intriguing events when
you visit this Siem Reap tourist attraction.
7. 1.9. Pub Street
If you are someone who enjoys nightlife, you can instantly head to Pub Street to rejuvenate
your Siem Reap Travel. During the day, you can only enjoy coffee and cuisine; but, in the
evening, you may unwind at bustling pubs and nightclubs. This makes Pub street become a
hot place in Siem Reap that is visited by many domestic and foreign tourists.
8. 1.10. Siem Reap Angkor Night Market
In addition to the bustling nightlife for energetic people, introverts can visit the Angkor Night
Market. Coming here, you can buy traditional Khmer gifts for yourself and your loved ones,
as well as eat wonderful and affordable street food. So, don't forget to visit this Siem Reap
tourist attraction.
9. 2. Siem Reap Travel Tips
2.1. Traveling to Siem Reap
The majority of travelers will arrive by plane in Siem Reap. Although flying is the fastest way
to get there, visitors heading to Siem Reap from major hubs such as Phnom Penh and
Bangkok can also take the bus.
This guide assumes you will arrive by plane or from a large hub such as Bangkok or Phnom
Penh.
BY PLANE: Passengers arriving by plane will land at Siem Reap International Airport (REP).
It's roughly 9 kilometers northwest of downtown. Tourists can take a tuk tuk to the city
center, but may also take a taxi or a van. The trip takes less than 30 minutes. Visitors can
also make transportation arrangements at the airport.
BY BUS: If you're on a tight budget, taking the bus to Siem Reap is a good option. It takes
longer than a flight but is substantially less expensive. Backpackers from Bangkok or Phnom
Penh will frequently go by bus.
2.2. Where to Stay in Siem Reap
There is no need to be concerned about a lack of quality accommodations in Siem Reap
because the hotel, motel, and homestay systems are nearly everywhere. However, you must
be concerned about running out of affordable rooms, so selecting and booking as soon as
possible is still the best option.
2.3. The best time to visit Siem Reap Cambodia
10. The weather in Cambodia has quite distinct rainy and dry seasons. However, when the
weather is cool and dry from November to May is the most suitable time to travel to Siem
Reap. Or if you want to join the famous festival atmosphere in Cambodia, come at the
following time:
- 13 – 15 April: Chol Chnam Thmay Festival – Traditional New Year;
- 13 - 15 April every year: Bom Chaul Chnam Water Festival;
- 24 - 26 November every year: Boating festival.
3. Specialties not to be missed when traveling to Siem Reap Cambodia
If you do not know what to eat when coming to this city, you can refer to this Siem Reap
travel guide for the complete journey to choose for yourself. Or right now you can pocket the
following list of delicacies:
- Fried crickets with chili
- Nam Vang noodles soup - a clear and delicious soup made with pork bones, pork, dried
squid and shrimp
- Fried ants with beef
- Fish amok
- Lam rice - rice in bamboo tube
- Tomyum Papaya Salad
- Nom banh chok fish curry noodles
- Jaggery beef cake - favorite dish of people in the Southwest Cambodia
- Jaggery tea
11. Above are some suggestions about the best Siem Reap tourist attractions that you must
definitely visit once in your life if possible. With top-rated places and affordable cost, this will
surely be a Siem Reap trip with many interesting experiences waiting for you.
So now are you planning to travel to Siem Reap, Cambodia? Be sure to check out the
cambodia tour package of Threeland Travel. Or if you want to experience more, there are
now Vietnam - Cambodia tours that are quite handy for tourists. Continue to follow
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