Why Stay in Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is the gateway to the ancient Khmer Empire's most magnificent creation — the Angkor temple complex. Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument, is just the beginning. The 400-square-kilometre archaeological park contains over 1,000 temples dating from the 9th to 15th centuries, hidden among jungle, dotted with ancient reservoirs, and carved with extraordinary detail.
Hotels in Siem Reap range from ultra-luxury resorts (Amansara, Shinta Mani) to charming boutique properties and excellent budget guesthouses. The Old Market (Psar Chas) area offers walking access to restaurants, bars, and the Pub Street nightlife district. Hotels along Charles de Gaulle Boulevard and Sivatha Road provide easy tuk-tuk access to the temples.
The temple complex rewards multiple days of exploration. Day one should focus on the famous trio — Angkor Wat (sunrise), Angkor Thom with the enigmatic Bayon temple faces, and Ta Prohm (the 'Tomb Raider temple' with trees growing through the ruins). Day two can explore the outer temples, including Preah Khan, Banteay Srei (the 'jewel of Khmer art'), and the more remote Beng Mealea.
Siem Reap itself has evolved into a surprisingly sophisticated small city. Excellent Khmer restaurants serve amok fish curry, lok lak, and num banh chok (Khmer noodles). The Angkor Night Market, Artisans Angkor workshops, and the Cambodian Circus (Phare) provide evening entertainment after temple-filled days.