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Welcome to Siem Reap, the gateway to the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor and a hub of vibrant culture and history. Whether you’re planning to marvel at Angkor Wat at sunrise, explore hidden jungle temples, or soak in the lively atmosphere of Pub Street, this page has you covered. Discover our top accommodation picks, the best tours to enhance your experience, and practical tips to make the most of your visit to this unforgettable destination.
Angkor Wat Guided Small Crowd Sunrise Tour:
Experiencing the sunrise at Angkor Wat is a highlight of any visit to Siem Reap. This small-group tour begins with a pre-dawn hotel pickup, allowing you to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat before the site becomes crowded. Following this, the tour explores significant temples within the Angkor complex, including the jungle-enveloped Ta Prohm and the enigmatic Bayon Temple, renowned for its serene stone faces. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you'll gain insights into the rich history and cultural significance of these ancient structures. Given its comprehensive itinerary and the unique experience of observing Angkor Wat at dawn, this tour is highly recommended for travelers seeking an in-depth exploration of Cambodia's heritage. For more details, you can visit the tour page:
Full-Day Kulen Waterfall and 1000 Lingas Tour
A well air-conditioned and looked after bus came to pick us up from our hotel. We were last to get onboard and the small group entailed of two friends and two other couples. A special shout out to the Americans on this bus (everyone but ourselves) for making our day very enjoyable. Guided tours in foreign countries are definitely the best way to meet new friends.
Our journey to the top of the mountain to find the reclining buddha (Preah Ang Thom Pagoda) began at the 1000 Lingas (stone carving waterfall river?). The Buddhist-Hindu carvings were embedded into the river which was a pretty cool sight. A refreshing swim in the waterfall after the (1 hour something car journey) was also refreshing and exciting. Definitely got the banter going in our group anyway.. :D!
We found the reclining Buddha (Preah Ang Thom Pagoda) stop extremely interesting because our guide Narath used this stop to educate us on the history of Cambodia, the Kulun mountain range and the 1000 Lingas as we were too busy frolicking around earlier on. We found Narath to be very knowledgeable and was a very proficient English speaker.
This day sticks out to us the most, when thinking back to our time in Siem Reap. The great company, knowledgeable guide, natural waterfalls and cool Hindu-Buddhist artifacts? will be forever remembered.This guide was around 9 hours long, DO NOT FORGET YOUR SWIMWEAR! YOU WILL REGRET IT!
Damnak Lounge l Street 06, Krous Village, Sangkat Svay Dang Thom, 17252, Cambodia
Damnak Lounge, at Lotus Blanc Resort, serves a blend of European and Cambodian food. The fancy décor and big windows make it feel luxurious.
We Recommend: Lamb chops, Damnak fish broth, and bor bor poth dessert.
Cuisine Wat Damnak l City, Wat Damnak market, street, Village, Krong Siem Reap 93108, Cambodia
Cuisine Wat Damnak combines authentic Cambodian flavors with French cooking techniques to create unique Cambodian dishes.
It is extremely hard to get a booking here so please do try and book as far in advance as possible. Highly Recommend.
We Recommend: The Tasting Menu - The slow-cooked beef cheek was a highlight for me!
Weather:
The absolute best time to visit Siem Reap in our opinion is from November-February. Although this is known as the 'high season' its the best time to visit in relation to the weather. If you do not like crowds you could opt for visiting between June to October, I would personally completely avoid visiting in Cambodian summer time April & May.
Safety:
Cambodia in general is largely a very safe country to visit. Over the years we have heard/spoken to other travellers that have warned us of the land mine threat. We did not hear/see any problems whilst in Cambodia. However we would advise to keep on 'well used roads/tracks' when visiting more rural areas.
Transport:
Cambodian tuk-tuks (remorks), motorcycle taxis and bikes are available everywhere at affordable prices. You can also use the app 'PassApp' for a normal taxi - seems to be there Uber/Grab/Bolt/Freenow equivalent. We found transport in tuk-tuks to be way cheaper than Thailand.
During our time in Siem Reap, we chose to stay at the charming Heritage Suites Hotel, a boutique property ideal for couples seeking a tranquil and romantic retreat. This elegant hotel offers a peaceful atmosphere while maintaining a convenient location near Wat Po Lang Ka. Guests will also appreciate its proximity to key attractions, with the Old Market area just a 5-minute tuk-tuk ride away and the iconic Angkor Wat reachable in 15 minutes. Heritage Suites Hotel is an excellent choice for those looking for a refined and intimate stay in Siem Reap.
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