Siem Reap Province or better known as simply Angkor Wat is a must see destination for those who are visiting Cambodia. We have a selection of packages departing from the Kingdom's capital Phnom Penh or a short duration visit from Bangkok, Thailand.

Siem Reap meaning "Siem as in Siam, the ancient word for Thailand and "Reap" meaning defeat. The name Siem Reap is derived from the event of when the Siamese defeated this province many centuries ago. It is here where the famous Angkor Wat Temple is located.

Most people today understand that the main attraction of Angkor is Angkor Wat whilst this is correct to a point the total area is actually 200 square kilometres where there are now 40 accessible sites to be visited. There are still many many sites to be discovered which have either entered into a complete ruined state or have been engulfed by the jungle. I personally feel that you should visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Phnom Bakheng.

Siem Reap has a very good selection of quality hotels and we have featured the main ones on our site that have been personally inspected and contribute to a fabulous visit in Siem Reap. My advice is that a maximum stay of 3 days is sufficient.

Angkor Wat is the World Heritage and is the largest monument in the world, with a value of stone equaling that of the Cheops Pyramid in Egypt. Angkor Wat was built by King Suryavarman 2, the 11th century and was dedicated to Brahmanism.
It is 6km from Siem Reap city and covers an area of 200 hectares.

Angkor is the world's largest religious area, there are more than 100 stone temples build by Khmer Kings since 9th -13th Century. Angkor is located in Siem Reap Province, 315km north west of Phnom Penh. The majestic temples of Angkor belong to the classic period of Khmer art and civilization. Today, a millennium after the Khmer Kings built these temples, the temples still stand solitary and alone in the jungle. The entrance fee into Angkor is USD$20 for a full day pass or USD$40 for a 2 day pass. A three day pass is also available for USD$40. Don't loose your pass as they are checked at the entry to each temple site.

Angkor Wat
Visually, architecturally and artiscally breathtaking, simple as that. Angkor Wat is a massive three tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive like towers and took 37 years to construct. Angkor Wat is a temple mountain constructed in the form of Mt Meru, the centre of the universe from Hindu Mythology. Generally speaking it is quite easy to walk around the temple but I suggest you wear comfortable walking shoes as some of the steps are quite steep.

I found that the best way to view Angor what is from the left side. As you enter the main gate having crossed the moat you can walk along the causeway and you will pass two ancient buildings which were the Kings libraries, there is one on either side, left and right. About 100 metres futher you will see on the lft hand side a small lake, turn here and walk along the lake. Now stop, gaze into the lake and you will see the most incredible reflection of Angkor Wat, it is truly amazing.

The best time to visit Angor Wat is about 3 pm in the afternoon or very early in the morning as in sunrise. The main reason being is the heat is so intense as the temples are all made from stone and make it a very hot experience. Make sure you have a bottle of water with you and if it is not enough there are many stands all selling drinks and souveniers under the shade of very old ancient trees. For some reason everything seemed to be $1!

Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom (Big Angkor) is a 3 Klm squared walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian empire. After Jayavarman VII recaptured the badly damaged Angkorian capital from the Cham invaders in 1181, he constructed Angkor Thom as his new capital city. He began with the existing structres such as Baphuon and Phimeanakas and built a grand and enclosed city around them, adding the outer wall and moat and some of Angkor's finest temples including his very own state temple, Bayon which is set in the centre of the city. There are actually five entrance gates to the city, one for each cardinal point and the Victory Gate which leads to the Royal Palace area. You will clearly see that each gate has massive carvings of elephant heads and trunks on either side.

Phnom Bakheng
The construction of this mountain temple on Phnom Bakeng (Bakheng Hill), the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area, marked the move of the capital of the Khmer Empire from Rolous to Angkor. It served as Yasovarman I's state temple at the center of his new capital city Yasodharapura. The foundation of Bakheng is carved from the rock edifice rather than the laterite and earthfill of other temples.

Bakheng's hilltop location is an absolute must for sunset. The climb to the top is quite strenuous and needs time and a pair of good walking shoes. You may choose the Elephant ride to the top but it is expensive at USD$15 per person going up and USD$10 per person coming down. The view is just stunning as it is here you will see glimpses of Tonle Sap Lake and a distant glimpse of Angkor Wat in the Jungle.

The Tonle Sap Lake is about a 30 minute drive, south of Siem reap and is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, cyclically swelling from 2500 klm squared to 12,000 Klm squared in the wet season. Floating fishing villages dot the semi submerged forest that lines the flood plane rim of the lake offering a tremendous opportunity to view rural Cambodia and the unique ecosystem rich with bird life and other wildlife.

I found that a two hour boat trip was sufficient time to see and experience this natural wonder and bird sanctuary. It is a wothwhile visit.

Siem Reap is a small town but the choices for eating out are endless and the town is well served by local restaurants as well as hotel restaurants. I would suggest that on your fist night in Siem Reap you eat dinner at your hotel and view the cultural show. Most hotels provide a dinner and show and it should not be missed.

Chao Pra Ya
A fabulous restaurant offering both Thai and European cuisines and of course some local Khmer dishes. The choice is yours whether to dine inside in air conditioned comfort or outside amongst all the fairy lights which alone creates a fabulous atmospere. There is a buffet available or you may select ala carte. I had ala carte and found it expensive for what we had but the food was great as was the atmosphere. Angkor Beer is the local brew and is very tastey indeed, one is not enough.

Angkor Cafe
Brilliant location opposite Angkor Wat. The restaurant is combined with an upscale souvenier shop, lending a stylish and polished atmosphere. The restaurant is air conditioned and also has outside seating. Breakfast and lunch are the main meals but they will also open for dinner if there is a group of you. The perfect spot to break your day of touring Angor Wat.

Ginga Japanese Restaurant
A great place if you enjoy good quality Japanese food. Located on the raod to Angkor Wat and is open for lunch and dinner. They also have a restaurant in Phnom Penh which is very popular. I would recommend the Bento Boxes, these are value for money and well prepared.

Little India
If you enjoy an Indian meal then this is for you. Both inside and curbside seating, located 50 metres from the old market. The food is inexpensive and home made breads are a specialty. Special orders are welcome and it is a very popular spot with the locals.

Sawasdee Thai Restaurant
Open air and a garden setting is available. The food is reasonably priced and the service is excellent. The restaurant has MSG free cooking and offers a good vegetarian menu. Take time out for a pre dinner drink at the Volcano Bar. There is nightly live local traditional music also which is pleasant.

Angkor Hotel, a hotel built and strongly inspired by the rich heritage of Khmer culture, a hotel reminiscent of the Angkorian era yet blended with the comfort of a modern hotel. This is great value and a suitable hotel to base yourself from whilst seeing the many sites of Angkor. A good three star property.

Angkor Century Hotel is a leading four star hotel which has a great location and superb facilities. One of the best features is the swimming pool which is fabulous after a days site seeing. The rooms are large and very well appointed and there are five food and beverage outlets to choose from. You must experience the dinner with cultural show as it is really first class. The Angkor Century Hotel is one of the best four star hotels in Siem Reap.

Grand Hotel D'Angkor, a Raffles property which is without doubt the best in Siem Reap. This fine old world, five star hotel excudes old world charm with modern facilities which ensures your stay is an enjoyable one. The elevator was built in 1929 and was restored to its original state, it is quite an experience to use. The hotel is expensive but rates are inclusive of breakfast and dinner. Fabulous rooms, great food with impecable service, a unique and relaxing Spa facility and simply unique. This is a must for five star travelers.