Visiting Siem Reap
If there’s one place you need to visit during your trip to Cambodia, it’s Siem Reap. This northern city still retains it’s small world charm, but it’s a vibrant tourist hub that offers a variety of sightseeing opportunities. We spent just over a week here, and there was plenty to keep us occupied during our stay. There’s a vast assortment of markets, bars, and restaurants, and when you venture away from the tourist throb of Pub Street, you get to see a different side of this city.
Visiting the Temples of Siem Reap
You have to see the temples! No trip to Siem Reap is complete without at least a one-day tour of this famous archeological site, but I would recommend a three-day pass. There’s only so many temples you can see one day, so by spreading your sightseeing over multiple days you can really appreciate the beauty and historical significance of Siem Reap’s jewel in the crown. The great thing about this three-day pass is that it’s valid for seven days so you can can have a break between your temple days.
My Tour of Siem Reap’s Temples
My virtual tour of the Angkor Wat Archeological site, will provide you with tips and advice to get the most out of your temple experience.
The Baphuon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants at Angkor Thom
My Tour of Siem Reap’s Museums
Not quite as enjoyable as the temples, but equally important, is getting a better understanding of the more recent history and the impact the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge had on this country. We visited the War Museum and the Land Mine Museum, which gave us a deeper insight into the impact this war had on the Cambodian people. When you see how little most Cambodian’s have, and how happy they seem to be, it’s really put into perspective what a feat of human resilience is in play in this country.
Visiting Siem Reap’s Land Mine Museum & Butterfly Museum
- The close proximity of the Butterfly Museum to the Land Mine Museum provides you with an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the Land Mines while you enjoy the beauty of nature. Unfortunately it was raining on the day we visited, and the butterflies were sleeping to keep out of the rain, so although we sat there for an hour waiting for the rain to stop, we ended up leaving because the storm just wouldn’t let up.
My Tour of Siem Reap’s Markets
There’s a good mix of markets in Siem Reap, some that are mainly frequented by locals, and others that are targeted at the tourist trade. I’m a bit of a market-geek, and they’re usually number one on my sightseeing list – no matter where I am in the world.
- BB Angkor Night Market Market and Angkor Night Market located at the end of Bar Street
- Noon Night Market
- Siem Reap Art Center Night Market
- Made in Cambodia is an eco-friendly market operated by independent artists and designers.
- Phsar Chas (Old Market) is located in Siem Reap old town centre and is the most accessible.
- Phsar Leu Thom Thmey (Upper Market) is located on National Route 6 and is Siem Reap’s biggest market.
- Road 60 Market located adjacent to Angkor Archaeological Park Ticket Office, is set up along the roadside.
Wandering Siem Reap’s Neighborhoods
When it comes to making the most of your time in Siem Reap, it’s essential that you venture further than Bar Street to really get a sense of what the city has to offer. You can wander over the river to get away from the tourist crush, but there’s still plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from.
Take a Day Trip to the Floating Villages
There’s a few different floating village locations you can visit that are within easy reach of Siem Reap. Some are more eco-friendly than others, so if you want an authentic experience, choose wisely.
Additional Siem Reap Travel Resources
https://www.itsallbee.com/2016/05/things-to-do-in-siem-reap-temples-pub-street/
This is a very detailed and useful post! I was there last year but didn’t know about half the things!
Thanks Arunima … well you can always go back for another visit!
Wow what a complete guide on Siem Reap with all useful information. I have added Siem Reap to my bucket list as it has so many interesting temples. Even visiting those floating markets from here must be really wonderful thing to do. Also I would love to wander around night markets or some authentic markets of this area. Thanks for complete guide on Siem Reap.
I never miss an opportunity to visit a local market. No matter how many I go to there’s always something unique or different about each one sometimes it’s the things on sale and sometimes it’s just the people you meet.