Siem Reap - home to Angkor Wat

Siem Reap and Angkor Wat

Siem Reap in the north of Cambodia is home to the world famous, awe inspiring and magnificent temples of Angkor Wat. A trip to Cambodia is not complete until you have visited this magnificent complex. The area was once the capital of the Khmer empire which extended north into what is now Laos and Thailand, west towards Burma and east to Vietnam. Old temple complexes dating back more than a thousand years can be found all throughout Cambodia but 'Angkor Wat' only a few kilometres from Siem Reap town was the centre. It is hard not to be impressed by these amazing structures - the magic of the carvings, the forests that envelope some of the temples, the moats that surround them and the artist workmanship of these sculptures and buildings, makes for a fascinating trip back in time. Indeed it is hard to believe that Cambodia was once so dominant in the region when compared to the overwhelming poverty it now faces

To really make the most of this area, three or four days is recommended. Guests may choose to spend the morning and lunch at the complex returning back to their hotel early afternoon for a swim or a rest. Alternatively, an early start, back for lunch and then a few more hours in the afternoon ensures you miss the midday heat

Day, three day or week passes can be purchased and entry to all temples in the immediate area are guaranteed (there are temples in adjacent provinces which will require additional payment for those that are temple or architectural buffs)

To give the brain a break from carvings and temples, there are many other things to do and see in Siem Reap including visiting various museums (the interactive land mine museum, war museum), the Tonle Sap lake, Siem Reap Cultural Centre and for those who like shopping, there is plenty to look at and buy. Three days can easily be filled and for those in no rush, 4 or 5 days might be more suitable

We recommend the Angkor Village Hotel or Angkor Village Resort as perfect places to stay when in Siem Reap. They offer comfort and charm that will be welcome at the end of a long day of exploring temples! We can arrange transfers to and from Phnom Penh as well as special rates for our guests. For those who wish to stay elsewhere, there are many, many hotels and guesthouses in Siem Reap. In the past few years the town has simply exploded so there is accommodation for all

Travel to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh includes a 30 minute flight, 5 - 6 hour bus ride and 5-6 hour boat trip (commercial boat). Cambodia Uncovered can provide transport on Neang Niak for those who are adventurous and interested in a great time. Depending on the season, it will take 3 to 4 days to reach Siem Reap. Due to the lack of clean hotel accommodation once past Kampong Chhnang, guests would be required to sleep at least one night on the boat (glorified camping) so only those with a real sense of adventure would be wise to take this trip

For those who want to visit Battambang in the north west of Cambodia, it is possible to take a boat trip to Siem Reap - but only during the wet season (about 5 or 6 hours). It is a beautiful trip and surpasses the bumpy road trip (but if the water level is high enough (don't go late in the dry season or very early wet season otherwise you might be getting out to push the boat)

Around Cambodia     Home