Siem Reap
is a gateway to an ancient world
Welcome to Siem Reap
The life-support system and 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.
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Siem Reap activities
Angkor Wat , The Royal Temples Private Day Tour from Siem Reap
After hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, your private tour of the Angkor temple complex starts at the South Gate of Angkor Thom City, where 54 demons line the road. Not far from Siem Reap, the UNESCO-listed archeological park includes countless remains from the 9th to the 15th centuries built by the former Khmer Empire. Just let your private guide know your specific interests so he or she can include them in your flexible itinerary.First, explore the Bayon, the centerpiece of the ancient walled city, known for its decorative Khmer temple. Your guide points out distinctive features such as the more than 200 serene and massive stone faces that tower around the central peak. Your informative tour continues at the Baphuon, a three-tiered temple built in the mid-11th century and fully restored in 2011. Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, it was converted to a Buddhist temple in the late 15th century. You’ll spend approximately two hours in Angkor Thom, including the Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas as well as the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of Leper Kings. Then enjoy lunch in front of the majestic Angkor Wat before entering this magnificent temple, easily the most famous and best-preserved of all structures within the complex. Spend most of the afternoon meandering with your guide through this architectural masterpiece, unrivaled in its beauty. Built in the 12th century, the Khmer ceremonial structure is believed to have functioned as a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II. Take a look at the enormous moat and reflection pools, and wander through the galleries to find an astounding array of ornate bas-reliefs (carvings) that depict scenes from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.Afterward, you’ll be transported by private vehicle back to your hotel in Siem Reap.
Siem Reap to Angkor Temples Full-Day Bike Tour Including Lunch
Begin your full-day tour at a bike shop in Siem Reap, where you’ll meet your small group and get fitted with your quality mountain bike and helmet. Then, follow your experienced guide on a small road alongside the river until you reach Angkor Archaeological Park. At the gate, you can purchase an Angkor Pass for admission to the UNESCO World Heritage site.Your first stop is the amazing Angkor Wat, a monumental temple among myriad ruins built by the former Khmer Empire during the 9th to the 15th centuries. Admire the reflection pools and galleries showcasing elements of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. After stopping for refreshments, cycle the main circuit road to Angkor Thom, riding past 54 sculptured gods and demons, and then spend the rest of the day on charming, quiet trails around more majestic structures in the ancient walled city. Take time to visit Bayon Temple, famous for its 200 or so stone faces, and explore the Terrace of the Elephants while lunch is prepared.After you devour tasty Khmer dishes, ride with your guide to Ta Prohm, commonly known as the jungle temple, with tree roots attempting to reclaim the ruins. Stand in awe of the otherworldly atmosphere as you take advantage of numerous photo ops.Departing the Angkor complex, hop back on your bike to follow a red dirt road and several small paths back to Siem Reap, pedaling through local villages in the countryside until you arrive at your starting point by late afternoon.Please note: This bike tour covers a distance of approximately 15–18 miles (25–30 km). The ride is mostly on flat paths and small roads without hills, with some small dirt trails unsuitable for beginning riders.
Full-Day Temples of Angkor Small Group Tour
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Siem Reap ProvinceGet picked up from your Siem Reap hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and head straight for the ruins. As you motor toward Angkor Wat, learn about its history as the world's largest religious monument, replete with Hindu-Buddhist architecture that took 30 years to complete. Follow your guide inside, glimpsing intricate stonework as you wander galleries that have been shockingly well-maintained.Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Bayon Temple, Siem Reap, Siem Reap Provincesee the gate of Angkor Thom with its rows of 54 figures. Marvel while touring the temple at Bayon amidst hundreds of ancient stone faces, and explore the Terrace of the Leper King, as well as the Terrace of the Elephants. Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Ta Prohm, Siem Reap, Siem Reap ProvinceEnjoy lunch at your own expense, and then pay a visit to Ta Prohm—a temple set in the midst of the jungle. Wander the maze-like ruins of this ornate worship site, marveling at the fig trees that threaten to overtake the edifice. Absorb a late afternoon breeze and enjoy the peaceful, rural atmosphere before heading back to your hotel.Duration: 3 hours
Tonle Sap Cruise Small-Group Tour
Travel by remork (tuk-tuk) through the outskirts of Siem Reap to the Tonle Sap Lake. Board your boat and cruise through Tonle Sap, observing life on the lake as you travel past floating fishing villages that have their own schools, shops, hospitals and even crocodile farms!The lake is home to rare and endangered water birds and is unique for its flow of water, which changes direction twice a year. With the change in seasons, the lake has the ability to expand and shrink dramatically. At the height of the wet season, the lake can be more than 7,400 square miles (12,000 square kilometers) and provides half of the fish supply for Cambodia. On the return journey to Siem Reap, take the back roads into town and get a glimpse of daily rural activities, such as rice planting and harvesting, duck farming, and making the popular but smelly fish paste. Stop at a local Buddhist temple, chat with the villagers and try the local snacks.
Siem Reap to Angkor Wat Sunrise Discovery Full-Day Bike Tour
Start your full-day tour with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Siem Reap, and purchase an Angkor Pass upon entry to the archaeological park. You’ll meet the rest of your small group at the iconic Angkor Wat, where your guide will pick out the perfect spot to watch the dawn break. If the weather cooperates, watch the sun rise behind the monumental temple to provide the most stunning of silhouettes. Even in the wet season, this is a magical time to see Angkor.As the early crowds thin, take an unforgettable walk through the temple, where the morning light and cool temperatures present Angkor Wat at its best. After your guide provides an overview of Angkor, get fitted with your quality mountain bike and helmet for a short ride to breakfast, provided just outside the temple area in peaceful surroundings.After a delicious breakfast spread, the rest of your day is spent riding around hidden back trails past ruins in the Angkor complex. With your guide, visit some of the best kept secrets and premier sites including the Bayon, Ta Prom and the Elephant Terrace. As the day heats up, stop for lunch by a small reservoir called Sra Srang, enjoying delectable dishes of Khmer cuisine. Then return to Siem Reap by minivan, with drop-off at your hotel in the afternoon.Note: This bike tour covers a distance of approximately 15–18 miles (25–30 km). The ride is mostly on flat paths and small roads without hills, with some small dirt trails unsuitable for beginning riders.
Cambodian Village Cooking Class
Try your hand at making delicious and authentic Cambodian meals, and learn the tips and tricks of the country’s traditional cuisine from your expert local chefs. Leaving from Siem Reap aboard a tuk tuk, you’ll arrive at a rural village after a short trip outside the city. Each cooking class starts with a visit to a local family. Along the way you'll learn about the herbs and vegetables that are grown at most Khmer households and are used in daily cooking. Then, visit a local family's home and take the opportunity to learn about food preparation in a Khmer home. Following this visit, head to a nearby pavilion to get your cooking class started. Together with your chef and guide you will create several dishes that you can then re-produce at home. Learn about the typical ingredients in Cambodian cooking and get the opportunity to experience Cambodian cooking first hand. Classes are completely hands-on. Everyone will have his or her own cooking station and equipment. Classes include a number of Cambodian different dishes, and a recipe card will be provided. At the end of the class you can sit back in the wooden pavilion, perched over a charming pond filled. Your dishes will be served to you one by one, letting you enjoy and compare dishes. After you have enjoyed your meal, a waiting tuk-tuk will return you to the centrally located tour office. Learn to create some (or all) of these delicious dishes! Morning Class Menu: Cambodian Mango Salad – Using fresh and light ingredients, this is a salad everyone will enjoy. A perfect tropical feast. Fish Amok – Amok is on every visitors 'must do' list. Cooked in a young coconut, Amok is a smooth curry that can be made with either fish, chicken, or tofu. Sticky Rice Balls with Palm Sugar and Grated Young Coconut Afternoon Class Menu: Prahet Chien – Minced fish on sugar cane Cambodian Curry – Unlike its Thai neighbor, Cambodian foods do not tend to be hot and spicy, relying instead on layers of fragrant spices. Nom Tong Noun – Khmer brandy snaps This delicious, slightly sweet treat is impossible to resist.