Things To Do In Siem Reap, Cambodia - VietnamAndCambodiaTours

Siem Reap is a province located in the northwest of Cambodia, 314km away from the capital, Phnom Penh. In the past, Siem Reap was the capital of the Angkor Empire of the Angkorian era. Therefore, to this day the area still preserves almost intact the monumental historical architectural works.

Traveling to Siem Reap is to explore the “land of relics” because more than half of this province’s area is temples, conservation areas of Cambodian culture. Here, you not only admire the famous wonders of the world but also enjoy various forms of music, art, immerse yourself in traditional festivals, and experience unique cuisine with the cultural imprint of the Khmer people.

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The best time to visit Siem Reap

Siem Reap has a tropical climate quite similar to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, with year-round hot weather and daytime temperatures usually not dropping below 30 degrees Celsius. The dry season from November to April is the ideal time for you to travel and explore Angkor. It’s best to avoid the rainy season from May to October if you don’t want to be affected by the weather during your exploration.

To prepare for your trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, see: How To Prepare For A Trip To Vietnam And Cambodia

Useful information for traveling to Siem Reap, Cambodia

If you want to immerse yourself in the traditional festival atmosphere of the Khmer people, you can travel during important festival occasions such as:

Chol Chnam Thmay Festival – Cambodian traditional New Year celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of April every year. Traveling during this time, you can participate in the lantern releasing ceremony and the Bom Chaul Chnam water throwing festival.
Pchum Ben Festival takes place in September.
Angkor Festival is held in November and December. This is also the biggest event in Southeast Asia, so it would be a pity if you miss it.

Currency

The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel (KHR), but the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted here, and sometimes goods are priced in US dollars. It’s advisable to carry some cash in various denominations for easy spending.

Getting around Siem Reap

There is no public transportation system in Siem Reap. Therefore, during your time in Siem Reap, you can choose to get around by taxi, bicycle, motorcycle taxi (xe ôm), or tuk-tuk for shorter trips. Most tourists often opt for tuk-tuks as they are cheap, breezy, and quite interesting.

Attire

When visiting temples, such as the Angkor Wat complex and others, dress modestly to respect the local culture and religion. For men, you can wear shorts and a T-shirt, while for women, avoid wearing too short shorts and tank tops.

You should also wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing quite a bit of walking.

You should choose formal attire when visiting temples

Accessories to bring along

Exploring the Angkor complex can take an entire day, so it’s a good idea to bring a power bank to charge your phone when needed.

A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential items when touring the Angkor complex.

Accommodation in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is not short of resorts, hotels, guesthouses, homestays, and dormitories scattered along its streets. Based on the experiences of many travelers, you can choose to stay:

Near Pub Street, the Angkor Night Market, and the French Square if you want to walk to the entertainment spots in the city.

Near the riverside area if you want to be close to the city but still desire a peaceful atmosphere and seek budget-friendly hotels or guesthouses.

In the outskirts of Siem Reap if you need a quiet space but don’t want to be too far from the city.

Must-see attractions when traveling to Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat seems to be the first destination for most tourists visiting Siem Reap. This temple is the largest cultural monument in the world with incredibly impressive architecture. Despite being built in the 12th century, Angkor Wat still preserves 3,000 intact carvings and many valuable relics.

Bayon Temple

Located within the Angkor Thom complex, the temple features intricately carved stone faces.

Preah Khan Temple

Standing before Preah Khan, you will be fascinated by this ancient temple, which is 800 years old, with its architectural style blending Hindu and Buddhist influences. This temple is also a witness to the collapse of the ancient Khmer empire and spiritual events as it was the site of the execution of thousands of Khmer prisoners and the death of a Cham king.

Ta Prohm and Ta Som Temples

These are two special temples within the magnificent Angkor architectural complex, with the massive roots of ancient trees enveloping the structures, creating a wild, mystical, and venerable atmosphere like never before.

Tonle Sap Lake and Kampong Phluk Floating Village

Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and was recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve in 1997. It is also home to the largest freshwater fish population in the Mekong River basin and provides a significant source of fish for Cambodia. Here, you can immerse yourself in the serene natural scenery and explore the life of the Kampong Phluk floating village, where Vietnamese and Cham communities coexist.

Phare Circus

This is Cambodia’s famous circus where you can experience the most spectacular entertainment. The performances combine dance, comedy, music, and acrobatics to tell the story of Cambodia in a unique way. An exciting circus performance is sure to be a memorable experience in your Siem Reap trip.

War Museum

The War Museum is the largest museum in Cambodia, offering insights into the Khmer Rouge civil war in 1975 and the Vietnam War in 1979. The museum houses millions of unexploded mines found after the war and many valuable historical artifacts such as T-54 tanks, MiG-19 jet fighters, and Mil Mi-8 helicopters. Some of these war machines were used in World War II.

Conclusion

Siem Reap with its outstanding historical and cultural value, deserves to be the top destination not to be missed in Cambodia. Every traveler who has ever set foot here retains unforgettable memories in their minds.

The information we provide is just a small part for your reference. If you are interested in exploring Siem Reap tours, please contact our travel consultants via email, WhatsApp, or phone.