Category: Travel

Discover the vibrant lifestyle of Cambodia with the Angkor Times’ “Living in Cambodia” blog. Get the latest blogs and updates on everything from shopping and dining to travel and tourism. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, explore insights on the best places to shop, top travel destinations, and tips for enjoying all that Cambodia has to offer. Stay connected with the culture and everyday life in this fascinating country.

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Kun Kanha
Kun KanhaExperienced
Asked: March 9, 2021In:

Siem Reap is most famous for its massive temple complexes, which is why tourists visit. However, the town has way more to offer than just temples. This 3 day Siem Reap itinerary will show you how to plan the perfect ...Read more

Siem Reap is most famous for its massive temple complexes, which is why tourists visit. However, the town has way more to offer than just temples. This 3 day Siem Reap itinerary will show you how to plan the perfect trip to Siem Reap. It lays out how to visit the majority of Siem Reap’s attractions in a short amount of time without rushing through them.

Visiting Siem Reap

Visiting Siem Reap

Day 1

1st Day after arrived Siem Reap you may think about Angkor Wat temple. Your day will begin very early in the morning, as I suggest getting there around 4 AM. It will take less than 30-minutes to go from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat. Your day will start by watching the sunrise. Next, you will explore the Angkor Wat Temple Complex before a quick lunch. Your afternoon will be spent discovering two more temples, Ta Prohm Temple and Ta Som Temple. You will spend the end of your first day watching the sunset at Phnom Bakheng before enjoying an Apsara Dance show at Smile Angkor Theatre. After finished your 1 day you can spend night time at Pub Street that’s a popular in Siem Reap. It contains bars, restaurants, coffee and concert, especially you can buy some handmade stuff that has Cambodian clothes or any jewel.

Related: What’s there to do in Siem Reap besides Angkor Wat?

Day 2

On your second day, you are going to experience a different side of Siem Reap. You will have a chance to see its beautiful natural spaces and learn more about the locals.You will have to wake up quite early, but not as early as on the first day. You will start your second day in Siem Reap visiting Banteay Srei Temple. Then you will have a chance to explore the breathtaking Phnom Kulen National Park which features temples and magnificent waterfalls.You will then be heading to Beng Mealea Temple, a temple hidden deep in the jungle. Next, you will visit Kompong Phluk Floating Village where you can explore the area and learn about the village’s people.After a day full of exploration, you are going to relax at Angkor Night Market. Here you will have your dinner and be able to shop for traditional souvenirs.

Day 3

Last but not least, our third day in Siem Reap. After 2 days action-packed full of temple-hopping activities, I think it is best that we leave our third day to be a day to treat yourself as a tourism. if you want to see local art performers performing Cambodian-style theater, music, dance, and acrobatics you will love the 1-hour Phare Circus Show where modern artists come together to perform a blend of all those things, and more.

3 Days in Siem Reap

3 Days in Siem Reap

Related: Is Cambodia expensive for traveling?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Siem Reap itinerary
Kun Kanha
Kun KanhaExperienced
Asked: March 7, 2021In:

Siem Reap is the best spot for those who want to visit Cambodia. It is situated in the north of Phnom Penh and is famous for being the location of the ancient city of Angkor. Siem Reap, Cambodia is one of ...Read more

Siem Reap is the best spot for those who want to visit Cambodia. It is situated in the north of Phnom Penh and is famous for being the location of the ancient city of Angkor.

Siem Reap, Cambodia is one of the most unique places I have ever visited. There is so much to do: from visiting an amazing temple complex (Angkor Wat), to the floating villages, to visiting the many markets. However, you should not attempt to visit Siem Reap without first getting an idea of the different things you can do while you are there. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your time, so you can make the most of your trip.

1. Angkor National Museum

Angkor National Museum

Angkor National Museum

Angkor National Museum houses 1,000 artefacts from the ancient Khmer empire. Located along Charles de Gaulle Boulevard, the expansive museum is divided into 8 galleries that are themed by era, religion and royalty. Displays include relics from the pre-Angkorian periods of the great Khmer kings Funan and Chenla, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, stone pallets with ancient Khmer and Sanskrit inscriptions, as well as traditional costumes of former kings, queens, warriors, and Apsara dancers. Visitors are advised to visit the Angkor National Museum prior to the temple site as there are many touchscreen displays, videos and informative commentary on the Khmer civilisation and the majesty of Angkor, helping you to better understand the amazing temple ruins.

2. Culture Village

Cambodian cultural village in Siem Reap

Cambodian cultural village in Siem Reap

Cambodia Cultural Village is a 21-hectare theme park in Siem Reap that showcases the traditional Cambodian way of life and the local customs and practices of the various ethnic groups in the country. The park first opened to the public in late 2003. It’s now home to more than 10 villages, showing off the different cultures and characteristics of 19 Cambodian races. The shows include Apsara dances, traditional wedding ceremonies and circus acts.

Related: Top 5 Amazing Places to Visit in Cambodia

3. Peace coffee yoga class

Peace coffee yoga class in Siem Reap

Peace coffee yoga class in Siem Reap

Besides, culture, temple, or village Peace Café is a great place to try Hatha Yoga, where classes are offered every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. The times for the Monday and Wednesday classes are from 5.30pm to 7pm and Sunday classes are from 9am to 10.30am. There is a fee for the classes, and students must bring their own mats.

4. Pub street

Pub street in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Pub street in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Pub Street is a brash and colourful road that’s lined with iconic bars, clubs and restaurants in Siem Reap. It’s such a popular attraction almost certainly for the US$0.50 draught beers that most of the bars offer. On Pub Street, you’ll also find quaint cafés, souvenir shops, art galleries and more, making it more than just a bustling nightlife hub. Pub Street gets busy from soon after 5pm when it’s closed to vehicles and becomes a pedestrianised zone. The party only stops at about 4am the next morning.

5. Siem Reap crocodile Farm

Siem Reap crocodile Farm

Siem Reap crocodile Farm

Siem Reap Crocodile Farm is a commercial crocodile farm that’s open to the public. They have over 1,000 South China crocodiles, ranging in age from 1 year to 50 years old. They also have a store selling leather handbags, wallets, belts, etc. made from crocodile, stingrays, and snakeskin. Note that this is not a zoo, and the crocodiles are raised solely for their high-grade leather (their meat is considered a delicacy, too). Entry costs about US$0.50 for Cambodians and US$3 for foreigners.

Related: Where should I stay in Cambodia?

 

 

 

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Kun Kanha
Kun KanhaExperienced
Asked: February 28, 2021In:

Siem Reap is a great city to explore on foot. It is generally safe although there are odd incidents of bag snatching. Take the usual precautions such as leaving your passport and valuables in the safe at the hotel, and ...Read more

Siem Reap is a great city to explore on foot. It is generally safe although there are odd incidents of bag snatching. Take the usual precautions such as leaving your passport and valuables in the safe at the hotel, and walk with a group of friends, especially late at night.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

Related: Where should I stay in Cambodia?

Even though it’s safe for travel in Siem Reap, tourists should careful with the below points

The biggest problem is bag-snatching when pairs of kids on motor scooters zoom up behind the unsuspecting then grab their bag and speed off with the loot. They are quite happy to do this whether you’re walking, cycling, or on the back of a moto, making it incredibly dangerous for the victim.

Most importantly, if you don’t want to lose it, don’t carry it. Whether it’s credit/debit cards, passports, or jewelry, keep it in the safe at your hotel. Only carry cash, and for the things that you have to carry, like your phone or camera, make sure they’re insured.

There are a lot of commission scams in Siem Reap that involve certain guesthouses and small hotels paying moto and taxi drivers to deliver guests. Ways to avoid these scams include booking ahead via the internet and arranging a pick-up, or sticking with a partner guesthouse if you are coming from Phnom Penh. Alternatively, just go with the flow and negotiate with the hotel or guesthouse on arrival.

Related: Is Cambodia safe to live?

Finally, I think Siem Reap is safer more than dangerous, although it has bag snatching, scams, not all Cambodians are bad, just a small amount that they disrespect the rule.

 

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siem reap
Kun Kanha
Kun KanhaExperienced
Asked: February 24, 2021In:

Outside of the mystifying temple tours, this northern city has a lot to offer in terms of culture, history, and wild holiday antics. Dive into cooking classes and pottery-making lessons, visit war museums to learn about the areas affected by ...Read more

Outside of the mystifying temple tours, this northern city has a lot to offer in terms of culture, history, and wild holiday antics. Dive into cooking classes and pottery-making lessons, visit war museums to learn about the areas affected by landmines, and then mingle with other travelers at some local pubs where you can find amazing Western food and low-priced draft beer.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

1. The Old Market

Get the local experience at The Old Market, or as the locals call it “Psar Chaa”. Built in the 1920’s, here is where residents of Siem Reap come to get their produce, grains, and meat for home cooked meals.

2. Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

Butterfly enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families with kids- here is an experience that you don’t want to pass up while in Cambodia. This butterfly sanctuary and conservation center is the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with your favorite insects.

Related: Top 10 Cultural Activities in Siem Reap, Cambodia

 3. Angkor Pottery Center

Learn the basics of pottery making techniques just like the ancient Cambodians from Angkorian times. Spend the day at the Angkor Pottery Center with English-speaking pottery teachers where you’ll learn to make pots, vases, and bowls. Get ready to get your hands messy while you sit at the pottery wheel and spin wet clay to form beautiful and functional pieces. You’ll fire them in a ceramic oven where they harden and become the best souvenirs to take home. This is a fantastic cultural experience and an all-around fun time in Siem Reap.

4. Kulen Nature Trails

Talk to a tuk tuk driver to help you find a guide for the Kulen Nature Trails. These rainforest trails offer hidden gems in the rainforest such as ancient temples, respected monasteries, and rushing waterfalls. You’ll walk along a gorgeous river and under cool, shady trees making for a much-needed escape from the heat.

Related: What do people in Cambodia do for fun?

5. Cycling Tour

One of the best ways to see the true Cambodia is on a cycling tour in the countryside. Take the “Off the Beaten Track” tour with Butterfly Tours Asia where you’ll ride through the villages of Siem Reap, gaining insight into how rural Cambodians live their day-to-day life.

6. Wander Pub Street

With so much culture, history, and ancient architecture to take in during the day, you might just want to let off some mindless steam at night. For a relaxed evening of western food and a wild night of Angkor beers on tap, head to Pub Street.

Related: Top 5 Day Trips from Siem Reap, Cambodia

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Kun Kanha
Kun KanhaExperienced
Asked: February 24, 2021In:

Siem Reap is known around the world as the home of Angkor Wat, so most people visit the city to explore Cambodia’s most famous temples. There are enough temples in and around the city to fill a week-long trip, but ...Read more

Siem Reap is known around the world as the home of Angkor Wat, so most people visit the city to explore Cambodia’s most famous temples. There are enough temples in and around the city to fill a week-long trip, but there’s only so many temple visits you can manage before getting ‘templed out’. So what else is there to do in Siem Reap beside Angkor Wat and the many temples?

Angkor Wat Temple, Siem Reap

Angkor Wat Temple, Siem Reap

1. Visit the floating villages

Visiting the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake is a great way to immerse yourself in Cambodian culture. You can travel by traditional wooden boat through the floating communities, and see fish farms and local markets.

2. Visit the war museum

Siem Reap’s war museum is an eerie outdoor collection of the tanks, planes, mines, bombs and guns used in the Civil War. The field that houses the war display was once a killing field, which makes the museum a little more hard hitting.

3. Take a trip to Phnom Kulen National Park

Phnom Kulen is quite a way out of the city, but it’s definitely worth it. You can hike up the mountain, and visit the temple at the top. You can also join the locals and go for a swim in the waterfall. It’s one of Cambodia’s most beautiful national parks, and there’s plenty to see and do there. You could also combine it with a visit to the River of A Thousand Lingas.

Related: 9 Best Things To Do in Siem Reap, Cambodia

4. Party on Pub Street

Siem Reap’s Pub Street is perfect for those that want to party. There are bars with free pool, free beer pong tables, and club-type bars with dance floors and blaring music. So whether you want to dance, play drinking games, or just enjoy a drink with friends, Pub Street is the place to go.

5. Go on a food tour

If you consider yourself a foodie, you need to go on one of Siem Reap’s food tours. You’ll get the chance to taste the flavours of Cambodia, and learn about the local delicacies.

There are different types of food tour, including vegetarian food tours, and even if you’re a little fussy, you don’t have to try everything if you don’t want to.

6. Go to a dinner and dance show

The Aspara dance is a famous dance from Cambodia, and a big thing in Siem Reap is dinner and dance shows. You pay a set amount for a buffet dinner, and whilst you eat you get to watch a live dance performance.

Related: What are famous tourist attractions in Cambodia?

7. Go horseback riding

Whether you’ve ridden before of not, horse riding through the countryside is a great day trip. You can master the skill of horse riding, if you haven’t before, and take in stunning views of rice fields, rural villages and temple ruins whilst feeling like a cowboy.

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angkor watdance showfloating villagesfood tourhorseback ridingPhnom Kulen National ParkPub streetsiem reapwar museum