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Adult couple of tourists visiting the temple ruins of Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia

© Matteo Colombo / Getty Images

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Overview

Gateway for the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap (see-em ree-ep; សៀមរាប) was always destined for great things. Visitors come here to see the temples, of course, but there is plenty to do in and around the city when you're templed out. Siem Reap has reinvented itself as the epicentre of chic Cambodia, with everything from backpacker party pads to hip hotels, world-class wining and dining across a range of cuisines, sumptuous spas, great shopping, local tours to suit both foodies and adventurers, and a creative cultural scene that includes Cambodia's leading contemporary circus.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Entrance to Angkor National Museum, Siem Reap, Cambodia.

    Angkor National Museum

    Siem Reap

    Looming large on the road to Angkor is the Angkor National Museum, a state-of-the-art showpiece on the Khmer civilisation and the majesty of Angkor…

  • Cambodian people making crafts in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Artisans d'Angkor, an artisan group trained by the Chantiers-Ecoles de Formation Professionnelle.

    Artisans Angkor – Les Chantiers Écoles

    Siem Reap

    Siem Reap is the epicentre of the drive to revitalise Cambodian traditional culture, which was dealt a harsh blow by the Khmer Rouge and the years of…

  • Apopo Visitor Centre

    Apopo Visitor Centre

    Siem Reap

    Meet the hero rats that are helping to clear landmines in Cambodia. Apopo has trained the highly sensitive, almost-blind Gambian pouched rat to sniff…

  • Bayon Information Centre

    Bayon Information Centre

    Siem Reap

    This exhibition introduces the visitor to the history of the Khmer empire and the restoration projects around Angkor through a series of short films and…

  • SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA - FEB 14, 2015 - Traditional Cambodian basket dance from rural village, Banteay Srei Cambodia; Shutterstock ID 325662506; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; GL account no.: 56530; Netsuite department name: Online Design; Full Product or Project name including edition: Digital Content/Sights

    Cambodian Cultural Village

    Siem Reap

    It may be kitsch, it may be kooky, but it’s very popular with Cambodians and provides a diversion for families travelling with children. This is the…

  • Stupas in garden at Wat Dam Nak.

    Wat Dam Nak

    Siem Reap

    Formerly a royal palace during the reign of King Sisowath, hence the name dam nak (palace), today Wat Dam Nak is home to the Center for Khmer Studies (www…

  • Colourful Buddhist wall paintings inside main pagoda of Wat Thmei.

    Wat Thmei

    Siem Reap

    Wat Thmei has a small memorial stupa containing the skulls and bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge. It also has plenty of young monks eager to practise…

  • Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm

    Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm

    Siem Reap

    Located just west of the royal residence is this shrine. Said to represent two Angkorian princesses, these sacred statues were originally housed at the…

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