Siem Reap

More than just a gateway to the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap is an adorable and a charming town with a bunch of other activities for visitors to experience. Endless amounts of cheap beer give it a fun party atmosphere. Siem Reap is rapidly developing due to the surge in recent tourism and it could have easily turned into a cheesy trap, but it maintains its chic, relaxed vibe.

Where To Stay
Siem Reap is a small area, concentrated around central Pub Street. Staying nearer to Pub Street keeps you close enough to be able to walk to most shops, bars, restaurants, and around the town.

What To Do

• Angkor National Museum
  I have this attraction listed first for a reason. Visit this museum to learn more about the powerful past of Cambodia and how the massive temples came to be. Entrance to the museum is 12 USD and the hours of operation are 08:30-18:00. Descriptions of the displays are in English throughout the entire museum.
• Angkor Wat
  This massive temple is the main reason many people travel to Cambodia. Located just ten minutes from Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is the largest temple in the country and is where this historic area derives it name. Angkor Wat is absolutely divine and a must see! Entrance to Angkor Wat for one day is 20 USD, three days is 40 USD and the 7-day pass is 60 USD. (Hire a Tuk-Tuk driver to take you around all of the temples for around 15 per day).
• Angkor Thom
  Angkor Thom is a huge complex that includes Bayon Temple (the temple with the many faces), Elephant Terrace and many other temples. Entrance to Angkor Thom is included with the purchase of entry to Angkor Wat.
• Ta Prohm
  Also known as the “Tomb Raider Temple,” Ta Prohm gives visitors insight to how the temples looked when they were rediscovered in the 19th century. Nature has blended with former civilizations and is truly remarkable. To avoid crowds of tourists and to snap some great photos, arrive here early in the morning. Entrance to Ta Prohm is included with the purchase of entry to Angkor Wat.

• Le Tigre de Papier Cooking Class
  This in-depth and enlightened cooking class, with a group no larger than 6, includes a trip to the Old Market, where the instructor purchases fresh produce for the class, individualized instructions on the Khmer technique of cooking, and hands-on experience in the kitchen. At the end of the class, everyone gathers to eat their creations at dinner in a fun and lively atmosphere. This is one of the highlights of my time in Cambodia. The fee for the cooking class is 14 USD.
• Pub Street
  Pub Street is a well-lit and eclectic street in Siem Reap jam-packed with entertainment and many bars and restaurants. To treat your feet after a long day of walking around the temples, fish pedicures can be purchased. Sink your feet into the fish tank, and relax as the fish gently “massage” your feet by eating the excess dead skin. Check out the creatively named Angkor What? bar during happy hour for some great discounts. The party lasts until dawn.
• Aspara Dance
  Seeing a traditional Aspara dance, with the distinct hand and finger movements combined with Khmer music is enchanting. Some of the restaurant/bars located along Pub Street offer dinner shows during the evening.

• Old Market Siem Reap
  The Old Market is a great place to buy some souvenirs or spices. Many different types of spices can be purchased at the market for 1 USD.