Joanna James
With its tranquil waterways, majestic temples, and charming cafes, Siem Reap remains a true jewel of Southeast Asia. An innately cheerful city that welcomes travellers and tourists from around the world, Siem Reap has a lot to offer. Here are a few places and things to do during your time in Siem Reap, that will help you discover just how this Cambodian city effortlessly straddles both a vivid present and a glorious past!
A colourful and bustling street lined with bustling cafes, pulsing clubs, bars, and restaurants offering great food, Pub Street can be easily reached from resorts in the city such as the likes of Anantara Angkor Resort with absolute ease! Pub Street also happens to offer much more than just pulsing nightlife. If ones make an effort to explore The Lane and nearby Alley West, one will get the opportunity to explore art galleries, browse in bookshops, enjoy a cup of coffee at a quaint cafe and even shop for some souvenirs to take back home for friends and family.
Known locally as Psar Chas, paying a visit to Siem Reap's Old Market is among the more fun and popular Siem Reap things to do. An indoor market, Psar Chas is centrally located and lies just to the west end of the Siem Reap River. Upon visiting one can take in or even shop for farm fresh produce, aromatic spices and freshly caught seafood and meat offerings. Consider visiting the oldest Khmer market in the early morning. If you are keen to sample local dishes, make your way to the central food court. The market is located on 2 Thnou Street and is open to the public daily from 7 am to 8 pm.
Located along the idyllic Charles de Gaulle Boulevard, Angkor National Museum is renowned for housing over 1,000 artefacts dating back to the ancient Khmer empire of Siem Reap. An expansive museum, the Angkor National Museum is divided into eight galleries which include royalty, religion, and era. Some notable relics include pieces such as stone pallets from ancient Sanskrit and Khmer inscriptions, and traditional outfits of Siem Reap's form kings, queens, dancers, and warriors. The museum is open to the public from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm.
Home to Siem Reap's iconic Angkor Wat, the Angkor Archaeological Park is well worth exploring. The park is also home to over 40 Buddhist and Hindu temples, most of which were built during the 9th and 12th centuries. Today, the park stands as a symbol of ancient Khmer architecture, civilisation, and art. Plus, the Angkor Archaeological Park also happens to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1992.
Banteay Srey Buttler Centre also known as BBC is one of the most top and colourful spots to visit during your time in Oman. Home to the largest butterfly exhibitions in the whole of Southeast Asia, a visit is definitely a great way to take a break from visiting Siem Reap's many temples, and spend some quiet time in a beautiful garden filled with vividly beautiful butterflies,
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
