Siem Reap Tourism And Travel Guide

Siem Reap forms a part of the northern hemisphere of Cambodia and is the main entry point for the Angkor Archaeological Park. The name Siem Reap translates to the defeat of Siam, marking the conflictual past reign of the Khmer empire in the city. Siem Reap has now become an upcoming commercial and industrial location in Cambodia, with its marvelous blend of urban and old-world cultural practices. Tourist spots such as Angkor Silk Farm, Apopo Visitor Center, and Cambodian Cultural Village provide a sneak peek into the cultural and religious fervor of Siem Reap. Let us browse through this travel guide to know more about the tourism prospects of Siem Reap.

By Air:

Siem Reap International Airport lies closest to Siem Reap, located around 8 km away from the heart of the town. With numerous international and domestic air carriers plying in and out of this airport daily, it offers the quickest means to get to Siem Reap. Some of the prime airlines operating along this route include Jetstar Asia, Bangkok Airways, Vietnam Airlines, and Cambodia Angkor Air.

By Road:

By virtue of the well-built internal roadways connecting to Siem Reap, bus transporters enjoy comfortable travel to the city. The town has buses plying in from Bangkok and other domestic hubs such as Phnom Penh and Battambang. The prime carriers operating vehicles here include Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Capitol Tours, and Phnom Penh Sorya Transport.

By Water:

Owing to its proximity to the Phnom Penh International Port, Siem Reap experiences excellent connectivity to international hubs. Tourists can travel to this city on luxurious cruises that glide through scenic waterways. Prime water transport providers such as Hang Chau Speed Boat and Cawaco hydrofoil run their boats along this route.

Coastal proximity means that Siem Reap witnesses seasonal changes based on the monsoon winds. Two of the significant seasons experienced in the city include the dry season and the wet season. Let us look at how these seasons allure tourists to this beautiful city.

Dry Season (October to Early May):

Siem Reap's dry season is an apt time for tourists to explore the city's breathtaking holy shrines. The bright and sunny atmosphere of December and January usually attract a truckload of visitors to the town. Tourists can either venture into the floating villages at Tonle Sap River or ride an E-bike or a cycle through the city's vibrant roadways.

Wet Season (Early May to September):

The humid and rainfall-laden weather of the wet season in Siem Reap makes it an offseason for visiting tourists. Although the city receives heavy rainfall, its temples turn picturesque with greenery flourishing across their campuses. The grandeur of Angkor Wat provides visitors with a stunning view of its beauty during the dry season.

Grandeur Holy Shrines:

Without a doubt, the most significant religious structure in all of Asia, Angkor Wat forms a sight to behold for its devotees. Apart from this majestic holy shrine, several other religiously and architecturally admired temples include Ta Prohm Temple, Baphuon Temple, and Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm. Incredible Buddhist and Hindu stone sculptures adorn the walls and campuses of these holy shrines.

Discover Ancient Cultural Heritage:

Siem Reap hosts busy market areas, ancient structures, and cultural villages that offer a glimpse into the colorful people culture of the city. Places like Cambodian Cultural Village offer a peek into the art and dance forms practiced here. Also, a visit to the floating villages around Tonle Sap River allows tourists to mingle with welcoming locals.

Unique Nature Reserves:

Exciting nature reserves such as Phnom Kulen National Park reside within Siem Reap's boundaries. Blessed with stunning waterfalls and spectacular age-old temples from the Khmer empire, the national park offers tourists with an apt picnic site. It is a pleasing experience to spend time amidst the tranquil waterfalls and refreshing wilderness.

Cambodian cuisine includes frequent use of food items such as garlic, palm sugar, fish sauce, galangal, sticky rice, and coconut milk. Traditional Amok forms an integral part of Khmer food found in the city, prepared by steaming cooked fish curry. One such famous restaurant, Khmer's Kitchen, provides tourists with sumptuous Khmer dishes such as Lok-Lak, which is nothing but deliciously fried beef. These cuisines are available at low prices, offering tourists with low-budget options for quenching their hunger. Some popular restaurants around include Angkor New India Restaurant.

Some of the exciting items that tourists can take home from Siem Reap include Cambodian artisanship such as silverware, ceramics, stone carvings, silk, and lacquer figurines. On the other hand, chic and upbeat art galleries, fair-trade centers, and fashion boutiques located in the heart of the city offer tourists with pristine and original jewelry, apparel, and handicrafts that provide value for tourists' money. Siem Reap's bustling outdoor markets additionally provide visitors with popular Cambodian cuisines such as Bai Sach Chrouk, Lok-Lak, and Amok.