Siem Reap

Siem Reap reviews

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• Siem Reap: More than just Angkor Wat

  There is so much information out there about Siem Reap so I will try to not repeat too much that you most likely already know. Obviously, Angkor Wat is amazing. Going for sunrise at Angkor Wat temple is a must-do. It’s hard, but get your butt out of bed at 5:00 – it’s a spectacular view to watch the sky lighten behind the temple as the sun comes up!! Get there early to get a front row spot!
  
  Our tuktuk driver suggested saving Angkor Wat for the last temple to visit (aside from sunrise) and we agreed, but after the fact, I would not advise this. I wouldn’t go there first either, or else some of the other temples will pale in comparison. After our visit, we decided that at the beginning of day 2 would have been the best time to visit. For us, our faves were Ta Prom, Bayon (particularly in the late afternoon) and Preah Khan.
  
  Siem Reap is a tourist town. You will not see many Cambodians in their daily life unless you venture outside the tourist area (in comparison to Phnom Penh, where they are not segregated from the tourists). The Old Market has some great deals on souvenirs and clothes, but for real gems hit up the Midnight Market, just a few blocks away (beside the noon-night market). That’s where the real beautiful souvenirs are found!
  
  Also make sure to spend an evening at Temple Club. They have cheap drinks and a free Apsara dance show every night. The costumes are beautiful and the dancers are so talented! It’s a great way to relax after a long day of templing and to catch a glimpse of some traditional Khmer culture.
  
  We stayed at a hotel called Wat’s Up, which was pretty decent. We paid 6 USD per night for a double room with cable tv, AC, fan, private bath and hot water. Apparently there are a few brand new hotels in the same area that are the same price but nicer (according to our tuktuk driver) but they were all full when we arrived. I think the brand new one was called Lodge 10 or something like that.
  
  It seems like they have spent much time and money to keep Siem Reap beautiful and clean. While this may not be traditional Cambodia, it’s lovely. Many people come for Angkor Wat and forget about the rest of it. Spend some time walking along the river and going outside the typical tourist streets. Siem Reap is one of those cities that we would have spent an extra day or two at if our schedule hadn’t been so full.
  

  • Sights & activities
  • History & culture
  • Scenery & environment
  • Eat & drink
  • Traveller's scene
  • Romance
  • Value for money
  • I'll be back (or not)

  By dano_b (dabbler)
  Written on 11th March, 2010 after a visit to Siem Reap in January, 2010

  Also reviewed by dano_b: Battambang, Don Dhet, Luang Prabang, Phnom Penh,

• Siem Reap - what theme do you want?

  Siem Reap has evolved radically during the last few years. From an awakening rural centre at the gateway of Angkor, it became - especially during 2007-08 - a boom town; a tourism klondike with the number of accommodaiton beds growing, seemingly, exponentially. In 2009 the world economy shrunk and so did tourism numbers.
  
  Siem Reap is a relatively wealthy town, thanks to the tourist dollars, but it resides in one of Cambodia's most acutely poor regions. This fact, combined with the presence of the awe-inspiring collection of Angkor temples gives the destination several facets to its personality. Old: new. Rich: poor. Westernised: traditional. Digital: manual. As a destination it can offer any theme you're looking for.
  
  Looking for a five star, zen massage, fine dining sojourn? Here it is. Some of the hotels are gob-smackingly opulent, and for a local who earns at the poverty mark (at least 30% are below this mark) of $30 per month, then a room-rate equivalent of a year's farming income is beyond comprehension.
  
  Looking for a backpacker destination full of clubs, bars, temples and adventure? You can't beat Siem Reap for all these things. Like all of Cambodia (median population age - 21 compared to 36 in the UK)this is an essentially young place - with clubs, bars, cafes, guest houses, hostels and restuarants that are all very affordable, though they split between the totally westernised Bar Street where security guards stop locals from entering) to the more laid-back more truly local places which are worth checking out.
  
  The poverty of the region presents, or confronts, tourists with the third main theme here - and many visitors end up deciding to visit local schools, orphanages or similar enterprises mostly notable for their heart, their hope and their sheer lack of resource.
  
  This is a personal note, but I've been back a few times, and it seems to me that the things one remembers best about Siem Reap are, first - the temples of course: their story is just astounding. But secondly the people. No, maybe I have that the wrong way round.
  
  If you plan the zen-spa theme, or the Bar Street backpacker experience, well good on you. But if you step outside of your comfort zone in this town, and put yourself in a position of working alongside locals - you'll help them in their goals, and be amply rewarded at a visceral, emotional level that can be quite profound.

  • Sights & activities
  • History & culture
  • Scenery & environment
  • Eat & drink
  • Traveller's scene
  • Romance
  • Value for money
  • I'll be back (or not)

  By DuncanStuart (dabbler)
  Written on 9th February, 2010 after a visit to Siem Reap in April, 2009

  
  

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