Joanna James
Home to fascinating museums, well-preserved colonial buildings, and stunning lakeside parks ideal for enjoying a spot of birdwatching or picnicking, the quaint and laid-back resort of Siem Reap has much to offer in terms of tradition, culture, and cuisine.
Home to Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat Temple, the Angkor Archaeological Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992 and is a definite must-visit attraction during your time in Siem Reap. The park is open to visitors from 5 am to 6 pm. However, to beat the harsh mid-day heat of the tropics consider visiting during the morning or late afternoon. Prominent sights to factor in while at the park apart from the temple are a sculpture of a five-headed horse, the terrace of elephants, and the Khmer dancers and warriors. Best hotels in Siem Reap such as the likes of FCC Angkor by Avani Official Site will be happy to arrange for a guided tour upon the request of their guests.
A sprawling 21-hectare theme park in Siem Reap, the Cambodia Cultural Village beautifully showcases the local way of life alongside various customs and practices of various ethnic groups that call the country home. Here one can learn about the local cuisine, watch traditional dances, and even see what a traditional Cambodian wedding ceremony entails.
A bustling open-air market, Siem Reap Old Market also known locally as Psar Chas sells everything from fresh vegetables, fruits, and seafood. Apart from its fresh produce, the market has plenty of stalls selling various souvenirs, trinkets, and other household items. The Siem Reap Old Market also happens to be the oldest Khmer market in the town and is a great place to truly immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. Don’t forget to make your way to the food court where you can sample various rice dishes, Cambodian soups, and local sweets and desserts.
A brash and colourful road lined with pulsing clubs, great restaurants, and iconic bars, Pub Street is your go-to location to get in a fill of Cambodia’s thriving nightlife scene. Beer enthusiasts will be delighted to know that the street is filled with some great beer bars selling various draughts of craft beer. Apart from the nightlife establishments, Pub Street is also home to some art galleries, cute cafes, and various souvenir shops that are worth taking in. Keep in mind that Pub Street comes alive after dusk, with the street closed to vehicles and becoming a pedestrianised zone.
Tonle Sap Lake is home to over 100 varieties of water birds and 300 species of freshwater fish, tortoises, and otters. It’s a great place to enjoy long lazy picnic lunches on the banks of the expansive lake along with birdwatching sessions. The best time to visit the Tonle Sap Lake to enjoy all these activities is during the wet season which stretches from June to November.
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.
