Location: Siem Reap
Top Things to do in Siem Reap
10 Ancient Ruins in Siem Reap That You Shouldn't Miss
When the morning light washes over the overgrown temples and ruins of Angkor Wat, a simple Siem Reap sunrise becomes a profound event. The ancient structures are contained within one of the largest religious complexes in the world. The complex and the 12th century Angkor Thom royal city are considered the main reasons to visit Siem Reap. Get a lesson in national history at the Cambodian Cultural Village, and a lesson in bargaining at the Angkor Night Market, a bonanza of shopping stalls, food vendors, and bars.
Restaurants in Siem Reap
1. Angkor Wat
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48,121 reviews
Reviewed By carolsD3992WS - Halfmoon Bay, Canada
Watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat was special and we were amazed learning the history of this UNESCO World-Hertiage Site that has elaborate architecture and intricate carvings of daily life that defy the construction and engineering skills of the times.
2. Angkor Thom
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,614 reviews
This magnificent inner royal city was built by the end of the 12th century and is renowned for its temple grounds and towering southern gate.
Reviewed By BradJill - Hong Kong, China
Angkor Thom was the last great Khmer capital and the zenith of this ancient civilisation. The walled complex measures 10 square km and includes impressive entrances such as the famous South Gate which demonstrates the unique architecture of this time period in the form of a smiling stone face in the tower overlooking a causeway lined with collection of demons and gods both holding a 50 metre long Naga - seven headed snake figure. There are other impressive entrances, most notably the Gate of Death and Gate of Victory on the east side of Angkor Thom. Within the complex, you will also find the second most famous of the Angkor temples in Bayon Temple. North of Bayon, visitors can explore the grounds of Baphuon and Phimeanakas temples as well as the very interesting Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. Note: Most who are taking in the Short Circuit route through the Angkor Archeological Park will enter Angkor Thom from the South Gate after visiting Angkor Wat to the south. You then visit Bayon and the other attractions mentioned above. In the end, we very much enjoyed the South Gate entrance, Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants. These we would consider Must-Sees in Angkor Thom. The rest can be visited depending on the amount of time you have available.
3. Ta Prohm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19,276 reviews
Having undergone minimal restoration, stone pillars and carvings intertwine with massive tree roots and jungle in this stunning temple complex.
Reviewed By lynnem232
An amazing Temple and not too far from the city of Siem Reap. The location for the Lara Croft Tomb Raider movie, this temple is being reclaimed by nature and the sight of these magnificent trees enveloping the temple is awesome in the true meaning of the word. If you can only see one temple during your visit to Siem Reap this would definitely be my choice.
4. Bayon Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20,652 reviews
Reviewed By M9625HWjamesm - Windsor, United States
Take your time, make sure you have either a guide or an in depth guide book, and consider making a second visit....it's amazing and worth every minute you spend there. Go in the morning when all the large groups are still at Angkor Wat.
5. Angkor Archaeological Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,125 reviews
Angkor Wat, the one of the largest religious complexes in the world, and a stunning array of 9th to 13th century temples built by the kings of the Khmer Empire. The Angkor Archaeological Park is breathtaking, and still the principal draw for every visitor to Siem Reap.
Reviewed By eib2017
What an incredible place to see! Any one of the temple ruins would have been a wonder on its own and it seems almost unfair towards the smaller temples that the bigger ones get all the limelight. I hired a bicycle for a day and cycled both routes and I would recommend doing that to anyone who has a reasonable level of fitness and likes having some freedom of movement. (It's also by far the cheapest option.) But most people seem to hire a tuk tuk for a day. It's not expensive and you also have the option to go wherever you like - the tuk tuk driver is at your disposal for as long as you've hired him. Every tuk tuk driver in the city seems to offer tours, so don't bother wasting money to book a tour online. I don't recommend a van tour. It's generally the most expensive and it robs you of the pleasure to slow down as you pass some magnificent ruins and appreciate them briefly (or even stop and see them properly) on your way to the larger and more touristic ruins. Finally, I only bought a day pass because my time in the city was (unfortunately) limited. But the three day pass is DEFINITELY worth it. You will want to go back.
6. Viti's Tuk Tuk & Car Driver
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 275 reviews
I have grown-up in Cambodia surrounded by its historic ancient sights, beautiful scenery, and the timelessness of its world history. I have been working in the tourism industry my whole life to support my family. I do this by guiding travelers, helping them experience Cambodia, and making sure my travelers have a great time! Contact me with the links below so we can get started!
Reviewed By rudyl760 - Melbourne, Australia
Mr Viti and his assistant Mr Tom were both very friendly, approachable and fun! All arrangements for the itinerary was professionally handled by Mr. Viti via WhatsApp. There was always a cold bottle of water and a cool towel, very necessary on these hot Cambodian days!! They were also very informative and went to a couple of extra sites for me without complaint!! Highly recommended, and I hope to use them again next time I am in SIem Reap!!
7. Super Tuk Tuk - Mr. Chan Theoun
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By ZanetaNajgebauer
I highly recommend my friend :) He was amazing, took us to all the places we wanted to visit and also showed us some extra good spots! Always on time, good contact. Hopefully see you again Chan :) Żaneta & Rafal
8. Preah Khan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,105 reviews
Reviewed By ECWorld - Hong Kong, China
I did twenty odd temples in 4 days so they were beginning to look and feel the same - but this was one of the very best in my opinion. Even larger than Ta Prohm, this large temple maintained the same raw unrestored feel as its more famous counterpart (both built by Jayavarman VII). Beautiful carvings lurked, and there were a lot of interesting features including a much photographed stupa as well as a two-storey structure off to one side of the temple. Making the temple even more interesting was that also built as a Buddhist temple, it had a iconography which had both Buddhist and Hindu elements. I spent lots of time just roaming around the ruins - it was just a fascinating experience.
9. Bakong
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 532 reviews
Built in the late 9th century by Indravarman I, this is the state temple dedicated to Shiva as Indreshvara.
Reviewed By jalaliqbal - Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
its a nice and big temple. i heard from the guide that maybe it is the oldest in the park. the temple is a Hindu temple and dedicated to Lord Shiva, may be.nice big one with a big court yard infront.
10. Naga
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
"Nagas" are divine or semi-divine deities of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. They are half-human half-serpent beings that live in the nether worlds and can, eventually, take a human form. While visiting Cambodia, and specially the "Angkor Archaeological Park", you will certainly see many five, seven or nine-headed "Nagas", depicted as guardian statues, carved on balaustrades and causeways at many temples and monuments. At "Phimeanakas" temple, for instance, an old Khmer legend tells that at its top, known as the "Golden Tower", lived a nine-headed "Naga". Every night, it would appear in the form of a beautiful woman and the King should sleep with her, before seeing his wives and concubines. If he failed to do so, a great disaster would occur. But if the "Naga/Woman" did not show up, the King would die soon. Amazing legends of the Khmer culture. You'll see "Nagas" everywhere in the Angkor complex. Take as many pictures as you can and may the "Nagas" protect your journey in the beautiful Kingdom of Cambodia! Enjoy!
