Siem Reap is known around the world for housing Angkor Wat; the world’s largest temple, but Siem Reap has so much more to offer. The town that is dotted with cafes and souvenir shops is a perfect mixture of the cultural heritage of Cambodia and the modern lifestyle. With its roots dating back to 800 AD, Siem Reap is an explorer's heaven. Siem Reap welcomed us with Tuk Tuks and vast emerald green fields, with a lingering smell of Khmer cuisine. It is an interesting assortment of temples, museums, and bustling street markets. This second largest city in Cambodia should be added to the top of your bucket list.
Things to do in Siem Reap
1) Visit the temples and be a part of Temple Run
Angkor Wat
The largest temple in the world needs no introduction. It was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the first half of the 12th century, around the year 1110-1150, making Angkor Wat almost 900 years old. The temple complex, built in the capital of the Khmer Empire, took approximately 30 years to build. To be able to walk and touch history is an inexplicable feeling.
Bayon Temple
The one with smiling faces. It was built in the late 12th and early 13Th centuries as the state temple of King Jayavarman VII,
Ta Keo temple
This is the tallest temple in Siem Reap and the ones who are adventurous can climb up the top for a bird’s eye view of Siem Reap
Ta Prohm – The Tomb Raider Temple
This one happens to be my favourite. The temple is hidden in the heart of the temple like a pearl in an oyster. The labyrinth of green drowns you in fresh oxygen and boosts you to embark on your adventure. Also as you walk in the jungle you feel like you are a part of the “Temple Run” game haha.
Bantey Kdai
The temple that is usually skipped but deserves worth a visit. The untouched temple will give you a closer view of the ruins and the culture of Cambodia. Unfortunately, it is not the most well-maintained temple, I highly recommend it.
Logistics of your Temple Run :
- You can hire a Tuk Tuk driver, get a taxi or hire a bicycle to explore the temples of Siem Reap. There are a total of 12 temples that are open to tourists and are divided into two categories, the small circle and the big circle. The above-mentioned temples are from the small circle tour.
- You can tailor your tours accordingly with the driver. The big circle tour includes “Banteay Srei temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, Preah Khan temple built in the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII to honour his father, Neak Poan, Ta Som, Pre Rup that ends with a sunset view at Bakheng".
- Do not try to do all of them together. Remember that the temples are vast and it takes up a good five to six hours t explore one set. You can hire a private tour guide to expand your historical knowledge of the city.
- We paid 25$ for the Tuk Tuk, It is 20$ if you don’t take the sunrise slot and another 20$ for the tour guide.
- I highly recommend that you start as early as sunrise to avoid the crowds at Angkor Wat.
-The pass for all the temples is 37$ and is valid for 1 day. The ticket counter opens at 4.30 am. The pass is valid from Day 1 time of purchase to the 5 pm next day.
So, If you are in Siem Reap for 2 days, you need only a day pass.
Check out “Phare”, the Cambodian Circus
A blend of comedy, drama and acrobatics, the Phare circus is very popular amongst the tourist. We thoroughly enjoyed our time watching, laughing, and gasping at every stunt, joke and act performed. The organisation was founded in 1994 by 9 Khamer refugees that have now extended the family to over 1200 students and vowed to help them out of poverty and push them towards a better life.
Hike up the Kulen Mountain
The Kulen mountain is home to the river of thousand lingas, scared Wat Preah Ang Thom site and multiple waterfalls. You can either hike or hire a taxi to take you up to the sleeping Buddha. After your prayers and some rest, you can then swim under the waterfalls for a relaxing afternoon.
Shop to your heart's content at Siem Reap Night Markets
Don on your haggling hats and set out to experience the Asian style of shopping. As the sun sets, the tarps open up to thousand of souvenirs and handicrafts. From silver jewellery to unique buddha statues, you can find all of them on this street.
Party on the Pub Street
As a backpacker, it is rule of thumb. You set out in the day in search of history/experience and at the night the nocturnal animal walks in search of beer. So, look no further than the pub street. With cheap alcohol and great food, this is truly the place to end your nights.
Logistics of Cambodia
Visa
Indians can get E-Visa that costs 30$ approximately and take 3 working days to be approved.
How to get to Siem Reap?
Bus:
You can take a direct bus from the capital, Phnom Phen. You can take the day bus or the night sleeping bus. We took the day bus on our way to Siem Reap, and the sleeping bus on our way back. The buses are extremely comfortable and worth the money.
Price – 13$
Time – 4-5 hours
Taxi
While it is the more flexible option, it is almost 3-times the price and does not save much time.
Flight
Probably the most expensive and time-consuming way to arrive in Siem Reap from Phnom Phen.
But if you are anywhere else, you can fly out directly to Siem reap without stopping in the capital.
How to get around Siem Reap?
The easiest way to get around Siem Reap is by Tuk-Tuk. They are quick and cheap. If you need a contact for a Tuk-Tuk driver, I can give you the number of our driver upon request. He was kind and made us feel very safe.
Is Siem Reap safe for solo female travellers?
A big YES! We were two girls travelling and not even once did we feel unsafe. We wandered the streets late at night and it was safe.
Let me know if you have any further question about Siem Reap in the comments.
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