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Siem Reap

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.

Angkor is a place to be savored, not rushed, and this is the base from which to plan your adventures. Still think three days at the temples is enough? Think again with Siem Reap on the doorstep.

Explore Siem Reap

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Siem Reap.

  • Museum

    Angkor National Museum

    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…

  • Visitor Centre

    Apopo Visitor Centre

    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…

  • Buddhist Shrine

    Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm

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

  • Farm

    Angkor Silk Farm

    Les Chantiers Écoles maintains the Angkor Silk Farm, which produces some of the best work in the country, including clothing, interior-design products and…

  • Arts Centre

    Cambolac

    Cambodia has a long tradition of producing beautiful lacquerware, although the years of upheaval resulted in some of the skills being lost. Cambolac is a…

  • Landmark

    Angkor Conservation

    Angkor Conservation is a Ministry of Culture compound that houses more than 5000 statues, lingas (phallic symbols) and inscribed stelae, stored here to…

  • Gardens

    Senteurs d’Angkor Botanic Garden

    The botanic garden of Senteurs d’Angkor is a sort of Willy Wonka’s for the senses, where you can sample infused teas and speciality coffees in the on-site…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Wat Bo

    This is one of the town’s oldest temples and has a collection of well-preserved wall paintings from the late 19th century depicting the Reamker, Cambodia…

  • Museum

    War Museum

    The unique selling point here is that the museum encourages visitors to handle the old weapons, from an AK-47 right through to a rocket launcher. We're…

  • Museum

    MGC Asian Traditional Textiles Museum

    This museum showcases the best in Asian textiles from around the Mekong region, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and India. There are a variety…

  • Cultural Centre

    Cambodian Cultural Village

    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…

  • Sculpture

    Miniature Replicas of Angkor’s Temples

    One of the more quirky places in town is the garden of local master-sculptor Dy Proeung, which houses miniature replicas of Angkor Wat, the Bayon, Banteay…

  • Museum

    Bayon Information Centre

    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…

  • Museum

    Angkor Panorama Museum

    Donated by the North Korean government, this stylish building conceals an incredible panoramic painting that is 13m high and 123m around. The detail is…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Wat Dam Nak

    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…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Wat Athvea

    South of the city centre, Wat Athvea is an attractive pagoda on the site of an ancient temple. The old temple is still in very good condition and sees far…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Wat Thmei

    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…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Wat Preah Inkosei

    This wat north of town is built on the site of an early Angkorian brick temple, which still stands today at the rear of the compound.

  • Buddhist Temple

    Wat Preah Prohm Roth

    A traditional Buddhist temple in the heart of Siem Reap, this is the easiest one to explore for the casual visitor.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Siem Reap.

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