City: Siem Reap Province
Top Things to do in Siem Reap Province
Top 5 Things to do in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
Siem Reap, officially Siemreap (Khmer: សៀមរាប, "Defeat of Siam"), is a province (khaet) of Cambodia. It borders the provinces of Oddar Meanchey to the north, Preah Vihear and Kampong Thom to the east, Battambang to the south, and Banteay Meanchey to the west. Its capital and largest city is Siem Reap.
Restaurants in Siem Reap Province
1. Bayon Temple
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Heather G - Uckfield, United Kingdom
The 220 faces of this temple are just unbelievable. Where ever you turn around they are there looking down on you. It is worth going round the rear were you have the place to yourself. There are many areas to step over to enjoy it. A must go to.
2. Angkor Wat
Overall Ratings
5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Rachelle W - Los Angeles, California
More than 10 years ago, I took a south East Asian history class; The Khmer Empire and its wonders intrigued me! I have been wanting to come in years, and finally I made it this March!
Woke up at 4am, my family and I came early, and each got a three-day pass to the whole Angkor Wat historical complex. $62 for three days is a deal for us, because we planned and saw 15 different temples!
Starting at 5am, we waited by the library pool in front of Angkor Wat, waiting for the sun to rise. Around 5:45am, the sky lit up a little, and everyone stood up, holding up their cameras. For the next 45 minutes, the sun came out little by little, and it is definitely one of life time kind of experience. Don’t miss it! If you come from the US (and Europe possibly), you most likely have jet lag. Early rising wouldn’t be much of an issue :) Don’t miss the sunrise!
The temple - the Angkor Wat is the signature of the whole historical complex. It is actually the tomb of one of the Khmer kings. Almost all temples in SR as it’s surrounding areas are facing East, but this one is facing West, and reason is till today unclear. Some scholars say that because it’s a tomb, and facing the West means the end of a life cycle. Some do not agree. No conclusion has been reached.
Though most people rush to the architecture itself, I wouldn’t miss the leading bridge. One will find seven-head snake statues here and there at the end and mid point of the bridge. They are the Hindu gods of Naga (please correct me if I’m wrong), a important figure in the religion. Good picture opp :)
The complex itself has 5 towers, and one can climb up to the top of the towers. There is always a line but do wait to go up. The arts on top are not to be missed. If one comes before 7-7:30am, the wait tends to be less than 15 minutes. Recommend to spend 30-45 minutes on top and check out all the detailed art works. All the dancing goddesses on the wall are different! If one actually pays attention, one will see that their hair, dress, and facial expression are all different and unique. These ladies are the Kong’s dancers and reserve ladies (like concubines but may not have served the king in bed). These ladies came to the palace in their teen years and stayed till the king passed. Many of these arts show the lonely life in palace but close friendships among them :)
The murals are not to be missed!!! Please hire a guide if one can! These murals are famous battles between Khmer and its enemies. One can either read about the stories before hand or have a guide discuss the details.
Angkor Wat has so much to see and feel! 3-4 hour minimal recommended! Wear comfortable shoes and bring at least 3 bottles of water! It is hot and exhausting in March (still dry season). I run 7-8 miles a day, but I still found myself huffing and puffing after 5 hours of touring. Be prepared!
Have a fantastic time!
3. Ta Prohm
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Having undergone minimal restoration, stone pillars and carvings intertwine with massive tree roots and jungle in this stunning temple complex.
Reviewed By creaturecomforts2015 - Truganina, Australia
Talked about as the "Tomb Raider Temple" Ta Prohm is amazing and without doubt my favorite by far. Having seen this amazing place on TV many times did not prepare us for how amazing it really is. This ancient edifice has been saved from the jungle but is still part of it with giant trees and their roots growing through and in the buildings, making each an integral part of the other. Words escape me as to how I felt about this site.
Do not miss out, one for the bucket list.
4. APOPO Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By Cutleros - Coventry, United Kingdom
This is a fascinating visitor centre that explains the essential work being done to clear the thousands of mines and other munitions across Cambodia - by RATS Cambodia has more land mines than any other country and the most efficient means of detecting them is...MoreDear Cutleros, Thank you so much for your visit and taking the time to review us. It was a pleasure having you and sharing our experience with you. Best regards APOPO TEAM
5. Angkor Archaeological Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Home to Angkor Wat, 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 haileythegolden - Canada
You purchase tickets at the ticket building prior to entering the area. You get your photo taken as part of your pass the ticket is good for 3 days. Wear good shoes and wear appropriate clothes, shoulders and knees must be covered. Bring water as it is very hot. The temples are amazing, the enormous trees grow among the temples. Lots of termites hills. Bring good mosquitoe repellent with deet
