Need some advice for Siem Reap

i'm assuming that the main reason you are going to siem reap is to see the amazing temples? how much time you spend visiting temples obviously depends on you. some people have enough after 2 days, others (like me) cant get enough of them.

the most famous temples like angkor war, bayon, tha prohm and banteay srei are of course extemely touristy, but still a must in my opinion. i also like to visit "not so famous" temples like banteay kdei. not as spectacular as the before mentionned, but groups dont go there and the atmosphere is much more relaxed.

beng mealea outside of the general temple area is great. the temple is still quite untouristy and wild. also its a lovely drive through ricefields and villages to get there from siem reap.

i go to sieam reap for the temples. so other than eating great food (maybe do a cooking course if you like to cook), enjoying a massage and/or a fish spa, and visiting the markets, thats it for me in siem reap :-).

Kompong Phluk floating village is good. Go early to avoid crowds.

If you like walking you can also visit Phnom Kulen, a mountain with a temple on top and some waterfalls.

It is a difficult question to answer. I have been to Siem Reap twice and could not get enough of the temples...I could spend an entire week amongst them. For my money Banteay Srei is a must because it is so well preserved. I took the trouble to get there before sunrise and watched the temple become bathed in the glow of the early morning light. I was there way before the tourists arrived and captured some very special moments. My early arrival gave me the opportunity to step deep into the temple where tourists are not allowed (courtesy of the night security policeman who was a school friend of my guide)The drive there through the jungle is quite beautiful. Ton le Sap lake, the floating villages are special. Combine this with a trip to the Prek Toal bird sanctuary and climb to the top of the bamboo tree house/platform where the rangers keep watch over the sanctuary and monitor the numbers of various species. your boat slides through thick water vegetation and the birdlife is abundant. Kabul Spean is a tough walk up hill in the heat if you are in poor shape and the reason that not many tourists go there. Essentially set deep in the jungle and a sensational art gallery of carved riverbeds. The walk through the jungle is beautiful and so too the surrounding country when you get to the top. As a tip you might consider starting your time in the area with a trip to the National Museum. It gives you an insight into the temples and Siem Reap and for my money is one of the best. Enjoy!

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