A mystery land with thousands of legends and temples in Southeast Asia will be the first thing people mention about Seam Reap. Siem Reap is known for its rich history, stunning temples, and colorful culture, making it one of the most worthwhile places to visit in Cambodia.
The city serves as the gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park, home to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, and become a wonderful city for spiritual Buddhism, long-aged culture, and colorful life. Your Siem Reap travel will lead you to the most famous destinations: Angkor Wat, River of Thousand Linga, Phnom Kulen National Park, etc.
Siem Reap Overview
Though you are an adventurer, nature lover, backpacker, or even want to relax, Siem Reap can meet all your requirements! Following Asia Private Travels discover how unique the cuisine is, the colorful daily life, the vibrant atmosphere at the night market, the majestic nature, and the hospitable locals with us!
Step on our journey and open the new door of the world!
What to do in Siem Reap?
Angkor Archaeological Park
The first thing you need to do in Siem Reap is explore the Angkor Archaeological Park - One of the integral places when traveling to Siem Reap and Cambodia Tours.
This is easy to understand that the primary reason people come to Siem Reap is to explore this famous destination. It is home to numerous temples, reservoirs, causeways, and canals.
Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap
Angkor Wat
One of the most iconic temples in Siem Reap is Angkor Wat! On Angkor Wat tours, you can admire the largest religious monument globally and the crown jewel of Angkor Park. Its intricate carvings, grand architecture, and stunning reflection in the lotus pond make it one of the most photographed sites in the world.
In particular, contemplating the sunrise and sunset is a special chance to witness Angkor’s beauty in different lights! Moreover, exploring Beng Mealea, Wat Preah Prom Rath, Wat Kesararam, etc. to delve deeper into Cambodian architecture will be a good idea for Siem Reap travel!
Angkor Wat in Siem Reap
Floating Village
The next destination will be the cultural signature of Siem Reap, - local floating village. If you wake up early in the morning, a dreamy and homely scene will appear in front of you. To truly experience this culture, take a boat trip to one of the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, such as Kampong Phluk or Chong Khneas.
These villages provide insight into the daily lives of locals in a lively way! You can buy fresh fruits and goods here with the bright smiles of people. If you have ever come to a floating village in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam or Inle Lake Myanmar, you can easily compare the different cultures between these Southeast Asian countries!
Floating Village in Siem Reap
Bike Tour in Siem Reap
What about other activities? This is a great idea at Siem Reap, which has charming scenery, peaceful villages, and fresh air. Let's take a bike tour in Siem Reap with an experienced guide, riding along the countryside roads, which allows you to admire the daily lives of Cambodians and immerse yourself in wildlife.
Another interesting activity is taking a hot-air balloon ride for an aerial view of the temples. Floating high above the ground, you will get a bird's-eye view of the ancient temples, lush forests, and picturesque countryside.
Bike Tour in Siem Reap
Vibrant Night Life
In case you are interested in the vibrant atmosphere, go to Pub Street for nightlife! It's a bustling hub of restaurants, bars, clubs, and street vendors that come alive in the evenings. You can find a wide range of international and local cuisine, and it's a great place to socialize, enjoy live music, and dance the night away.
Besides, you should try Cambodian cuisine because of its unique taste. Siem Reap's streets are filled with food vendors offering delicious local snacks and dishes. From grilled skewers and fried noodles to fresh fruit shakes, you can explore the local street food scene. The Angkor Night Market is another popular spot to shop for souvenirs and handicrafts while enjoying street food.
Vibrant Night Life in Siem Reap
More and more exciting activities are waiting for you, let’s hop on the Seam Reap to explore all the mysteries!
What to eat in Siem Reap, Cambodia?
Cambodian cuisine, often referred to as Khmer cuisine, is a vibrant and rich culinary tradition deeply rooted in the country's history and culture. Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia's cuisine reflects a tapestry of flavors, influenced by its ancient traditions, tropical climate, and the abundant resources of the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake. The result is a unique and diverse culinary experience that tantalizes the taste buds and provides a glimpse into the soul of Cambodia.
As you can read above, the soul of Cambodian cuisine shows off in street food culture. The vibrant street food culture in Cambodia offers an authentic and immersive culinary experience. Stalls and vendors line the streets, offering everything from savory skewers to noodle soups and sweet treats like sticky rice cakes and coconut-based desserts. When you travel to Seam Reap you can not miss out on the night market with the variety of foods!
Street food culture in Cambodia
At the heart of Cambodian cuisine lies the humble yet indispensable grain - rice. Cambodia is known as the "Land of Rice and Fish," and this is evident in the prevalence of rice in almost every meal. It's commonly served steamed, forming the base for various dishes, from soups to curries.
As we know, with its numerous rivers, and lakes, and proximity to the sea, fish and seafood are integral to Cambodian cuisine. "Amok," a steamed fish curry with coconut milk and spices, is a Cambodian dish that showcases the harmonious marriage of flavors in the country's culinary tradition.
"Amok" - a steamed fish curry with coconut milk and spices
You may feel weird because the ingredients of street food are very typical of insects, but it’s a must-try when you are on your Cambodia trip!
When to visit Siem Reap?
If you wonder what the best season is to visit Siem Reap, here is some detailed information. Cambodia has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
From November to April, this is the most popular time to visit Siem Reap because of the pleasant weather. Days are typically warm and sunny, and the nights are cooler. There is very little rainfall during this season, and the skies are clear. This dry season is a good time for sightseeing, temple exploration, and outdoor activities; and also the ideal time for taking hot air balloon rides and enjoying outdoor dining and nightlife.
The dry season in Siem Reap
During the rainy season (May to October), the weather sees regular rainfall, particularly in the form of afternoon downpours or occasional storms. The countryside becomes lush and green, and the temples are surrounded by vibrant foliage. However, the landscape is at its most beautiful during this season. You may think it’s good enough to travel, but visiting lush landscapes, taking photos, and enjoying Siem Reap with fewer tourists is the best choice ever!
If you want to immerse yourself in the traditional festival atmosphere of the Khmer people, you can travel during important festivals such as:
- Chol Chnam Thmay Festival - Cambodian traditional New Year takes place from April 13 to April 15 every year.
- Pchum Ben (Festival of Ancestor Spirits) takes place in September.
- Angkor Festival is held in November and December - the most influential event in Southeast Asia.
- The Angkor Wat half marathon takes place in December.
The raniny season in Siem Reap
No matter what season you travel to Siem Reap, Asia Private Travels promises to give you an unforgettable experience!
How to get to Siem Reap?
Transportation to Siem Reap, Cambodia, is relatively accessible, with options including flights, buses, and private transfers.
By air
The most convenient way is to fly into Siem Reap International Airport. The airport is well connected to several Asian cities, including Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Vietnam and more. Once you arrive at the airport, you will be a short drive away from the city center.
By bus
From Bangkok to Seam Reap: There are direct bus services from Bangkok to Siem Reap. The journey takes approximately 8-9 hours, including border crossing procedures at Poipet. Some well-known bus companies for this route are Nattakan and Giant Ibis.
By boat
You can travel from Vietnam to Siem Reap by boat. You will have to go by bus from Vietnam to Phnom Penh, then from here take a boat to Siem Reap. This is less popular and is only suitable for the flood season from August to March.
The most common and efficient way to reach Siem Reap for international travelers is by air, while bus services offer an economical option for regional travel within Cambodia. During a trip to Siem Reap, most tourists choose to travel by tuk-tuk because it is cheap, cool, and safe. Moreover, traveling by tuk-tuk helps you see the streets and people's lives realistically, but you will easily get dusty because of constantly moving on the road. This will be a disadvantage if you have prepared nice clothes for the trip.
To make sure you will have a perfect trip and full experience in Siem Reap, let Asia Private Travels help you find the most suitable option in the Cambodia tour package!
Where to stay in Siem Reap?
Siem Reap offers numerous types of accommodation; whether you're looking for luxury resorts, boutique hotels, budget hostels, or something in between, you will definitely find plenty of choices.
Luxury resorts in Siem Reap
Siem Reap tourism boasts numerous high-end hotels and resorts that offer top-notch amenities, spa services, fine dining, and beautiful pool areas. So you do not need to worry about anything! Another choice for you is boutique and heritage hotels which allow you to enjoy unique designs, personalized service, and a more intimate atmosphere. Mid-range hotels and guesthouses are also good options for budget travelers, so they will not break the bank!
Boutique hotels in Siem Reap
If you have any questions about accommodations in Siem Reap, do not hesitate to ask us. Asia Private Travels is honored to answer your questions!
I guess we can say that Siem Reap is not just about the past, it is a city teeming with life and vivacity. We hope that the article will support your upcoming plan for this beautiful land. Don’t forget to check out the Cambodia tour and the Indochina tour on Asia Private Travels’ website.
If you are hesitating about anything, feel free to ask us now!
