Cambodia siem reap. Siem Reap: Top Attractions & Points of Interest

The small Cambodian city of Siem Reap has recently become a kind of gateway to ancient world Angkor, cultural center Khmer Empire... It is this city that is the starting point for travelers who want to see firsthand the ancient temple complex, which contemporaries called the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Siem Reap is located in the northern part of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The first settlement on the territory of the modern city, with the exception of the ancient Khmer civilization, arose in 802. Name " Siem Reap"(Translated means" defeated by Siam») Most accurately reflects the rather long period of Thailand's rule in this territory.

Currently, Siem Reap is a fairly modern city in which several cultures are intertwined. This is especially noticeable in urban architecture: there are classical Khmer buildings, and old colonial buildings, and modern devices.

The main activity of Siem Reap is aimed at serving tourists. The city welcomes up to two million foreign visitors annually, drawn to the charming Khmer culture with its marvelous temples and exotic traditions.

Climate and weather

Siem Reap's climatic conditions are tropical. The weather in the city is hot all year round, with a clear division of the calendar year into two seasons. The first is the dry season. Its duration is about six months (November - April). At this time, the amount of rain is insignificant, and the average daily air temperature does not exceed +25 ° С.

The rainy season is from May to mid-October. These months are characterized by a sharp increase in air temperature, sometimes the average daily value of this indicator exceeds +35 ° С. At this time, more than 80% of the annual value of atmospheric precipitation falls.

The best time to arrive in Siem Reap is considered to be the period from September to May, when the weather is comfortable for tourists to adapt in the city. And a small amount of rain will not interfere with your excellent relaxation.

Nature

The nature of the surroundings of Siem Reap is striking in its virgin beauty.

The city is located on the banks of a small river of the same name, surrounded by a dense tropical forest. Various types of lianas, mangroves, palms grow here. The main inhabitants of this forest are monkeys and numerous species of exotic birds. Tigers and elephants can be encountered.

Two artificial reservoirs are considered to be real natural attractions of Siem Reap - Oriental and West... They were conceived to supply the city with water during severe drought. In the center of each of the lakes there is one island on which Buddhist temples have been erected. Unfortunately, at present, the Eastern reservoir is almost dry, and the Western one still contains a little water.

The magnificent lake is very popular among tourists. Tonle Sap... This natural body of water plays an important role in the life of Cambodians. Thanks to the annual spills Tonle Sap peasants harvest at least three harvests of rice a year. Locals revere Tonle Sap and for its fish-rich waters.

Near Siem Reap there is an amazing National park Phnom Kulen... On the territory of the reserve there is one of the largest waterfalls in Cambodia - Phnom Kulen... In the shade of the Cambodian jungle, you can watch several hundred tons of water rush down from a 25-meter height.

sights

Siem Reap opens the way for curious tourists to the unknown world of one of the ancient civilizations the world - Khmer Empire... The capital of this amazing state was the famous Angkor.

The discovery of this great cultural heritage belongs to French scientists who discovered an amazing temple complex near Siem Reap. The largest and most well-preserved temple Angkor is famous Angkor Wat... This complex is considered the national symbol of Cambodia, its cultural and spiritual center. Similar to the Great Wall of China and Indian Taj Mahal temples Angkor Wat are considered separate wonders of the world. No wonder in 1992 this stunning complex was included in the list World heritage UNESCO.

Attracts the attention of tourists and the majestic Bayon temple famous for the smiling Bodhisattva heads carved into the towers of 216. In addition to Bayonne in the town Angkor Thom where this stunning temple is located can also be seen baphuon temple famous Elephant terrace, "Heavenly palace" Phimenakas, South gate and many other ancient structures.

You can take a break from visiting the temples and structures of the ancient Khmers and enjoy truly magnificent insects in Cambodian butterfly garden... In a beautiful garden with numerous fountains, small pools with exotic fish, you will be surrounded by about a thousand bright butterflies belonging to 50 different species.

Siem Reap itself is home to many active Buddhist shrines and pagodas, which have gained popularity among pilgrims. The most famous is the shrine. Wat Bo built in the 18th century. There are a huge number of different Buddha statues here. Attention is drawn to the walls of the building, which are completely painted with images illustrating the life of the Great Buddha.

Small Siem Reap has an original of its kind Mine Museum... Its creator is a former sapper. The museum has a unique collection that tells about the minefields left after the war.

There is a silk farm not far from Siem Reap. For little money, the guide will take you on a delightful excursion, where you can see the process of growing silkworms, obtaining the finest silk threads, their dyeing, as well as the process of making unique products.

Nutrition

Developing tourist centre Cambodia Siem Reap has a sufficient number of restaurants and other gastronomic establishments that are happy to offer tourists treats of various world cuisines: Khmer, Chinese, Thai, Italian cuisine, French, Japanese cuisine, etc. Most of the restaurants are concentrated near the Old Market, as well as along the roads leading from the temple complex Angkor.

Spectacular Khmer culinary ceremonies can be seen in hotel restaurants Grand D "Ahgkor and Sofltel... Here you can taste dishes of both national Khmer cuisine and European cuisine.

Those who like to eat in an unusual setting, for example, next to crocodiles, should definitely visit the restaurant. DeadFish... There are several originally designed multi-level halls at the clients' service. In this institution you can taste dishes of Khmer, Thai and European cuisines.

There are many pizzerias in Siem Reap where you can enjoy the usual European pizza, as well as delicious pasta and sandwiches. The most popular establishments of this kind are Happy special pizza and Happy Herb Pizza.

The cost of food in Siem Reap restaurants does not exceed $ 15. In most of the city's gastronomic establishments, you can have a tasty and hearty lunch for only $ 6-10 per person.

Residence

As a rule, tourists who come to Siem Reap do not have any questions about accommodation. There are numerous hotels and hotels in the city. Many of them have a high level of customer service.

Some of the most popular hotels in Siem Reap among tourists are Amansara Hotel, Angkor Century Resort & SpaandVictoria Angkor Resort & SPA... The clients are provided with spacious comfortable rooms with a private bathroom, cable TV, air conditioning and even the Internet. Accommodation in such hotels costs from $ 150 to $ 350 per night.

Smaller guesthouses scattered throughout the city are considered a cheaper option. Rooms in these establishments are also cozy and equipped with everything necessary for a pleasant stay, and the cost of living differs significantly from high-class hotels. For a single room you will have to pay about $ 60-90.

Entertainment and recreation

In addition to a wide excursion program in ancient cities Angkor Siem Reap offers tourists a huge range of entertainment options.

One of the most popular activities here is elephant trekking through the picturesque surroundings of the city. You can make such a fascinating journey up close Bayon Temple as well as South gate Angkor Thoma... Evening elephant trekking at the top promises a lot of impressions Phnom Bakeng with a stunning view of the ancient Angkor Wat in the rays of the setting sun.

A walk to the crocodile farm will be interesting. Here tourists can see about a hundred crocodiles, as well as deer, lizards and even a gibbon.

Excursions around Lake Tonle Sap... Many tourists stay here for more for a long time to go fishing.

Siem Reap is renowned for its amazing spas. V expensive hotels equipped with its own massage centers, which offer clients Japanese, Thai, acupressure and, of course, classic Khmer massage. The average cost of such a procedure ranges from $ 3 to $ 8 for 15 minutes.

By day, the whole of Siem Reap lives with organizations tourist routes into a beautiful ancient Angkor, in the evening the city is transformed beyond recognition. The central streets are filled with noise and fun. Most of the nightclubs, discos and bars are concentrated in the street area Pub Street... Almost all of Siem Reap's establishments are open until early morning.

Purchases

Siem Reap guarantees foreign tourists not only a rich excursion and entertainment program but also great shopping. The city has a huge number of small souvenir shops, as well as several large tourist markets. Are very popular Old market, Central and Night market... Here you can find everything your heart desires - from food to rubies and sapphires mined in the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Shops abound Psar Leu district where you can buy various souvenirs, precious stones, carved wooden products, silk clothes at quite reasonable prices. Jewelry and precious metals and stones are very popular. In Siem Reap, you can buy such products at a better cost than, for example, in neighboring Thailand.

When buying carved stone objects you like, ask the seller to issue a special certificate, which confirms that this item was not stolen from their ancient temples, but was legally purchased.

The famous Cambodian silk is highly valued by connoisseurs. Craftsmen usually sew shirts, sarongs, pillows, bedspreads and other household items from it. European fashionistas will not fail to buy a wonderful Cambodian silk scarf krama, which will become an irreplaceable accessory in the look of a modern woman.

Transport

Siem Reap has a highly developed transport system... Near the city (only 7 kilometers) there is an international Angkor airport which accepts direct flights from Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Singapore, Vientiane, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul and others major cities Asia.

It should be noted that there are no direct flights from Russia to Siem Reap. The best option to travel to this magical Cambodian city would be a flight with a stopover in Bangkok or Hanoi.

There is an excellent regular bus service between Siem Reap and other cities in Cambodia. A major highway connects the city with Phnom Penh and the Thai border.

The capital of the Kingdom of Siem Reap is also connected by speed boats and ferries. For such an exotic trip along the main waterways of Cambodia, you need to pay about $ 25.

Moving around the city itself is best done by motorbikes or tuk-tuk. The average price for a trip is around $ 1.

Wealthy tourists prefer taxis. True, this type of transport is distinguished by its high cost. A trip to the city center will cost $ 5-7.

The practice of renting a car with a driver is widespread. For a day of using such a convenient service, you will have to pay about $ 35.

Connection

The communication system in Siem Reap is quite outdated. There are no street vending machines like in Phnom Penh. But you can call the provinces and even abroad from hotels and specialized call centers. Such a call costs about $ 3. Interestingly, on weekends and holidays there are separate tariffs that are 20% cheaper than usual.

Almost the entire population of Siem Reap prefers cellular communication, which is provided by nine operators at once. mobile connection in Siem Reap it is considered the most profitable because calls have a low cost. On-net calls start at $ 0.01 per minute, and calls abroad can be $ 0.07.

Fans of wandering around the endless expanses of the worldwide network will find several Internet cafes in Siem Reap that provide all types of network services. Most large hotels also provide internet services. In addition, almost all cellular operators offer their customers mobile Internet services. The tariff without traffic restrictions has gained particular popularity, the cost of such an unlimited Internet is about $ 88 per month.

Safety

The security level in Siem Reap is quite low. Throughout the city, you can find annoying beggars and homeless people who want to profit from foreign tourists. Pickpocketing rates are considered high in Siem Reap. Many tourists fall prey to local pickpockets and scammers. For their own safety, foreign citizens should adhere to some rules: leave all valuables and items in the hotel, take with them only the amount of money that is needed. Don't brag about expensive jewelry on the street. When riding a tuk tuk, be sure to hold your bag tightly.

During the rainy season, when the weather is incredibly hot in the city, there is a high risk of intestinal infections. Therefore, before eating fruits and vegetables, be sure to rinse and boil the water.

Business climate

Developing Siem Reap has good prospects for business development. Today, many investors are investing huge amounts of money in the development of tourism infrastructure. The construction of hotels and hotels is distinguished by high profitability, shopping centers and entertainment facilities. Large volumes of investments are aimed at organizing companies engaged in leisure activities for tourists (organizing tourist routes to ancient cities Angkor, as well as entertainment).

The property

Currently, the real estate market in Siem Reap tends to gradually decrease supply in relation to demand. Many buyers pay attention to living quarters in order to subsequently organize a private hotel or guesthouse there. The average cost of real estate in this Cambodian town is about $ 300 per square meter.

Recently, the Kingdom's authorities adopted a bill according to which foreign citizens were given the opportunity to purchase real estate in the country, and until recently they could only rent housing on long term, sometimes up to 99 years old.

In shops and markets in Siem Reap, you can pay in both national currency (riels) and US dollars. Interestingly, locals prefer the latter currency.

In the process of purchasing a product, a separate place is allotted to the bidding process. Local sellers are often willing to drop the price of their products several times.

Care must be taken when purchasing jewelry and carved stone products. Such acquisitions must be accompanied by the issuance of an appropriate certificate, which may be requested by customs officers upon return home.

WE GO TO HOLIDAY:

Is the answer helpful?

Siem Reap Monthly Weather:

Month	Temperature		Cloudiness	Rainy days / Precipitation	Number of solar hours per day
Month	In the afternoon	At night	Cloudiness	Rainy days / Precipitation	Number of solar hours per day

January	31.7 ° C	22.8 ° C	21.7%	1 day (12.4 mm.)	11h 27m.

February	33.8 ° C	24.7 ° C	15.7%	1 day (11.4 mm.)	11h 42m.

March	35.7 ° C	26.8 ° C	21.9%	2 days (27.8 mm.)	12h 3m.

April	36.6 ° C	27.7 ° C	26.1%	5 days (72.2 mm.)	12h 25m.

May	35.7 ° C	27.4 ° C	36.7%	9 days (116.5 mm.)	12h 44m.

June	33.5 ° C	26.1 ° C	45.0%	13 days (166.0 mm.)	12h 54m.

July	32.1 ° C	25.2 ° C	50.8%	18 days (204.8 mm.)	12h 49m.

August	32.2 ° C	25.4 ° C	49.9%	17 days (209.6 mm.)	12h 33m.

September	32.2 ° C	25.3 ° C	48.9%	20 days (263.1 mm.)	12h 12m.

October	32.4 ° C	25.0 ° C	38.8%	16 days (229.7 mm.)	11h 50m.

November	32.4 ° C	24.2 ° C	31.6%	7 days (78.8 mm.)	11h 31m.

December	30.8 ° C	22.3 ° C	27.7%	2 days (26.4 mm.)	11h 22m.

* This table shows the average weather data collected over more than three years

USEFUL TIPS:

Helpful advice?

Is the review helpful?

Siem Reap was once a small village specialized in trade and fish. Now the local government is doing everything it can to expand and improve living conditions. To date, many hotels have been built in Siem Reap, entertainment centers and parks, but to see the real Khmer life, you need to go to the villages on the outskirts. You also need to go to Tonle Sap Lake, there is a unique opportunity to visit floating villages and get acquainted with the way of life of the population. Everyone will be happy to show how they make a living by fishing, what they eat and where their family members sleep. If you like the tourist, he will definitely be invited to dinner. This unique walk will leave behind a lot of impressions and emotions.

To go on a journey from comfortable Thailand to unknown and even a little frightening Cambodia, curiosity made me feel like it. And a burning desire to see firsthand the grandiose temple complex of Angkor. In a word, I wanted something exotic that would be more exotic than Thailand.

And now, on an unbearably hot April Thai morning, my friend and I plunged into a minibus, which was supposed to take us to the border with Cambodia. What awaits us in Siem Reap, and what our Cambodian three days will become - we did not know.

The first strong shock awaited us immediately after our passport was stamped and released from the border zone. We set foot on the land of Cambodia, and were immediately attacked by a cloud of local children, small and small. Little earners followed the tourists in the hope of getting their "one dollar", and the tourists, in turn, dashed to get into a taxi faster in order to finally get to their hotel and wash off the road dust.

tour cost

My friend and I are not terrible tourists, we independently went from Pattaya on a city bus to Cambodia and at the same time practically did not own English language! The trip took us 3 days.

In Pattai, at the North Station, they bought tickets for a regular bus for 600 baht (1 ticket - 300 baht) to the border with Kombodia (border town in Cambodia - Poipet). As the bus stopped a couple of kilometers from the border, we had to hire a local tuk-tuk (motorcycle with a sidecar) for 120 baht. We made a visa directly in Poipet, at the visa center. We brought photographs for a visa with us. The visa cost $ 20, plus we were charged an additional 100 baht, allegedly for helping us fill out the questionnaire. After crossing the border, we took a free bus to the mini station from which minibuses depart to Siam Reap. Then we got to Siam Reap by minibus and paid $ 5 per person for the trip. The minibus driver drove into Siam Reap and dropped us off on some street, where we could immediately hire a tuk-tuker to move around the city and temples, so we did, we found ourselves a tuk-tuk driver named Pi. Pi took us to a few hotels, we chose which we liked best and stayed there. For two days in a double room in a hotel with a pool and Wi-Fi, we paid $ 44, which is a very reasonable price! We went back on a direct tourist bus from Siam Reap to Pattaya, the ticket cost was $ 27.

The most famous excursion in Cambodia is the large Ankor temple complex.

Tickets were purchased right in front of the entrance. A convenient system has been thought out, there is a ticket for 1 day, a ticket for 3 days and a ticket for 7 days. We purchased a ticket for 3 days, paying $ 40 per person. Since the ancient city of Ankor is located a few kilometers from the city of Siem Reap, and the territory of the temple complex is huge (about 30 km2), we immediately found a guide on a tuk-tuk in Siem Reap. We were very lucky with him, he knew a little Russian, helped us find a hotel, buy back bus tickets, and accompanied us around the temple complex. We paid $ 45 for all this. In the evening, he took us to the hotel, the next day he drove us to most of the temples (while he correctly made the route and we did not intersect with the main flow of tourists), and the next morning we visited the remaining temples with him and he took us by bus to Pattaya.

Food and groceries

The most popular commodity in Kombodji is drinking water. It is disgusting to wash with the water that flows in the water supply system, much less drinking! A 0.5L bottle of non-carbonated water costs between $ 1 and $ 5. Depending on the place of purchase.

For a small pizza in a cafe at the hotel, we paid about $ 3. In principle, food is at reasonable prices, and the choice is huge where you can eat. It is very convenient in supermarkets that you can pay at the checkout in US dollars and local money.

Souvenirs and other goods

We bargained on the market for a long time and were able to buy ourselves decent T-shirts for $ 2-3. I bought a warm scarf for $ 4. Quite cheap.

Total money spent on vacation

With the development of tourism, tourism infrastructure began to be created in Siem Reap. Today the city has hotels of various levels and price categories, and 6 km from Siem Reap is located international Airport, the largest in Cambodia.
I visited Cambodia and Siem Reap with my wife in 2011, the country left a very vivid impression.

How to get to Siem Reap

To buy an air ticket at the best price, it is best to use the air ticket search systems, which include the largest number of airlines and ticket agencies.

How to get to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh)

Getting from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is easy. The easiest way to do this is by bus, the journey takes about 6 hours. There is no single carrier in Phnom Penh in Siem Reap, this function is performed by many companies. You can buy bus tickets to Siem Reap at hotels and guest houses or travel agencies.
There is also an option along the Tonle Sap River, but it is less convenient, but more romantic.

How to get to Siem Reap from Thailand

Many travelers and tourists, being in Thailand, combine a visit to this country with a trip to Cambodia. In most cases, Siem Reap comes from Pattaya and Bangkok.

How to get to Siem Reap from Bangkok
1.Air flight, in principle, you can fly away for an amount in the region of $ 100. The flight time is about an hour, well, add another road to the airport and 2 hours before departure you have to be at the airport.
2.For a taxi, prices start at about 3000 baht and take about 4 hours.
3.Bus tickets can be bought, for example, on Khaosan Road, at any of the travel agencies, of which there are a lot. Alternatively, you can take a public bus from Mo Chit station. Buses leave every half hour, tickets are sold on the ground floor of the station (inside the building) in booth number 23. The fare is 212 baht. (subject to change).
Road from the border to Siem Reap
From Thailand you will be brought to the border town on the Thai side of Aranyaprathet, on the Cambodian side there will be the city of Poipet. From Aranyaprathet to the Cambodian border, you can take a tuk-tuk, the price is about 100-150 baht. The shuttle-bus also goes to the border with the inscription "free", exactly in quotes. All they need from you, as well as tuk-tukers, but they will still take money from you, is to take it to agencies that issue a visa for a certain fee. After passing the checkpoint, you will be "put" on a free bus that will take you to the bus terminal, from where you will have overcome the last 160 km. To Siem Reap, for about $ 10.
There is an option get from the border to Siem Reap by taxi, the price in 2013 was $ 30-35, but you have to bargain well.

How to get from Pattaya to Siem Reap
There are three main ways to do this.
1. By taxi - the easiest and most expensive way.
2. Order a transfer at the Pattaya tour agency. The price is about 500 baht for 2011. The journey takes 3-4 hours. In my opinion, this is the best way: price, comfort and effort. The minibus will pick you up directly from the hotel.
3. By bus that departs from the North Road bus station near Sukhumvit Road. Bus passing from Bangkok ticket price 250 baht. You can buy a ticket in advance. The bus brings you to the city of Aranyaprathet, bordering Kombodja.
Personally, I ordered a transfer at the agency in which a Russian guy worked and he gave us the whole alignment of how and where to go at the border.

We traveled to Siem Reap from Pattaya by ordering a transfer from one of the travel agencies. On the way we were brought to this cafe. where they offer to issue a visa to Cambodia "without problems", but the price is several times higher. In fact, there are no special problems when applying for a visa at the Cambodian border.

Border between Cambodia and Thailand

Now in Cambodia

How to get to Siem Reap from Vietnam

Siem Reap can be reached by plane from the main cities of Vietnam directly. While in Ho Chi Minh City, you can also get to Siem Reap by bus, the journey will take 12-14 hours. Most likely there will be two transfers on the border of Vietnam and Cambodia and in the capital of Cambodia Phnom Penh. Tickets can be bought at travel agencies in Ho Chi Minh City.

Attractions, what to see and do in Siem Reap

The main attraction of Siem Reap, of course, is Angkor, which is located 6 km from the city itself.

In addition to Angkor, the city has a number of other places worth visiting.
Siem Reap has several interesting temples that Buddhists call Wat Wat.
- it's big and very beautiful temple, which is located practically in the center of Siem Reap.

On the walls in Wat Preah Prom Rath there are paintings depicting the life of the Buddha.

Reclining Buddha statue at Wat Preah Prom Rath.

This is one of the oldest and most revered temples in the city; 19th century murals have been preserved on its walls.

Wat Bo is one of the oldest and most revered temples in the city. Wat was created in the 18th century, with paintings from the 19th century preserved on its walls.

12 km. from Siem Reap on a mountain with a height of 140 meters are the ancient ruins of a temple that was built by Yasovaraman I in about the 10th century.

Stairs to Prosat Phnom Kraom.

Ruins of Phnom Krom

Near the ruins there is a very picturesque small Buddhist temple, and from the mountain itself there are beautiful views of the entire area.

From Mount Phnom Kraom you can see the whole area.

On Phnom Kraom, you can order a table with champagne or something stronger, which will stand right on the grass, and you will meet the sunset in such a romantic atmosphere.

Angkor National Museum The museum tells about the history of Khmer culture and civilization. The museum is very modern and interactive, with eight halls, each dedicated to a different theme. Opening hours: daily from 8:30 to 18:00. The entrance is paid $ 12.

Cambodia Cultural Village In this theme park-museum, you can get acquainted with the life and life of the numerous peoples of Kampogia since ancient times. In fact, the park has 11 villages belonging to different cultures living in the territory of the Kingdom of Cambodia. In each of the villages you can watch traditional performances, including wedding ceremonies, acrobatic and dance shows, elephant shows, as well as the traditional Apsara dance. There is even a wax museum here that tells about historical events and famous personalities, from ancient times to modern times. The village has a traditional restaurant. Opening hours of the cultural village from 9:00 to 21:00. The entrance is paid $ 11, for children it is free.

War Museum (Siem Reap War Museum) On the Road from Siem Reap to the airport there is a military museum. Under open air large exhibits are exhibited - tanks, helicopters, airplanes, many of which are already overgrown with grass and are in not very good condition. Some of the vehicles were most likely moved here after they were knocked out. The entrance to the museum is paid $ 3.

Crocodile farm. Just like in Siem Reap itself, you can buy crocodile leather products, only an order of magnitude more expensive. Sellers attribute this to a guarantee that they do not have fakes.

Apart from a gift shop and crocodile enclosures, there is nothing else on the farm.

Siem Reap hotels where to stay

Today in Siem Reap there is a large selection of accommodation for every taste and budget, from $ 5 to $ 200 per night. To choose a hotel or guest house in the city, it is better to use the hotel search engines, which include the largest number of booking agencies. You can use the hotel search form on the website, which includes more than 100 hotel booking systems, including the well-known leaders in this segment, booking.com and agoda.com. Before booking a hotel, check its location and what amenities are available.

And in this hotel we lived in a double room with all amenities, for only $ 7 per day.

A coconut tree was growing right in front of our window.

Transport

In Siem Reap public transport, as such is not. Transport is presented in the form of tuk-tuk and taxi. As elsewhere in Asia, you should bargain, the price can really be brought down several times. A trip within the city will cost $ 0.5-1. Most places in the city itself are not difficult to reach on foot, as the city is not big at all. Many hotels rent bicycles from $ 1 to $ 5 per day, and some are free at all. But do not forget about the heat, if you already went on a bike, bring enough water with you.
For sightseeing, it is better to rent a vehicle for a day or several days. In 2011, I hired a driver in a Japanese car with air conditioning for 3 days and he took us not only to the sights but also wherever we wanted, for $ 95 (for some reason he did not bargain). Later I learned that renting a car with a driver for the whole day starts at $ 25.

Cafe in Siem Reap

Like 0 Bad 0

In the north of Cambodia there is a small but popular town among tourists. It is called Siem Reap, which means “victory over Siam”. Its population is 200,000.

The city was founded in the ninth century. Now there are many hotels, restaurants, shops, banks, bars, cinemas, an international airport. In general, in Siem Reap everything is done to make travelers feel comfortable and do not need anything. There are no skyscrapers in the city, most of the buildings are two to four stories high, Siem Reap does not look like Big city, people feel comfortable in it.

One of the most valuable and important attractions is located five kilometers from the city. East Asia... Angkor Wat is a temple complex. It used to be the capital of the Khmer state.

Legend has it that the temple was built by the son of God, after seeing his father's dwelling, he wanted the same beautiful buildings stood on the ground. There is a moat around the temple. Five towers of the structure can be seen from afar. Their shape is extraordinary. The towers are famous, they have become a symbol of the country. You can see their images on the coat of arms and flag of the country. There are many sculptures on the territory of the temple.

Silk fabric has long been considered noble. There is a silk farm not far from Siem Reap. Here visitors can see the fabric production process. The guide will tell you about each stage of fabric making, you will see the workshops, learn how to dye silk, paint on it. Natural fabric dyes are made near the farm. Also nearby there is a shop with souvenirs, various things and clothes.

There is a farm in the south of the city. It was opened in the second half of the 20th century, for ten years it was a zoo. Then the farm became private property. They do not fight here to preserve and increase the population of animals; the owners of the farm have commercial interests.

At the crocodile farm, tourists can see exotic animals. There are about three hundred of them here. Moreover, the production of crocodile leather is located here. There are swimming pools on the farm for their habitation. You can add unforgettable memories to your trip by feeding the predators with duck, chicken or fish. This can be done for a fee. There is a shop next to the farm that sells various crocodile leather goods such as belts and bags, as well as stuffed animals.

The ruler Jayavarman VII had a large army of elephants. She put into fear all the enemies of the king. The ruler decided to make a terrace in their honor. This site used to host parades and ceremonies. Now this place is valued as an architectural monument of the twelfth century. There are many sculptures and images of elephants on the terrace. Also here you can find images of war scenes and sculptures of horses. Travelers can take wonderful memorable photos here, plunge into the old era and foreign culture.

Bayon is a large temple glorifying Buddha. It was built in the twelfth century. The temple consists of stone blocks, like heads, there are three terraces in it. Statues of lions stand near the walls of the building. On the walls of the terraces, you will see images of historical events, everyday life, scenes from mythology.

The central tower symbolizes the center of the world. Previously, there was a statue of Buddha on it, but only its remnants have survived to us. Apart from the central tower, there are 52 towers on the territory of the temple, but they are not so high. The temple is a very valuable and important legacy of the country.

The temple did not reach us in the form in which it was created, since the building material was of poor quality. Now it is in a dilapidated state. The temple is believed to have been founded in the twelfth century. The temple represents several architectural trends. Today the temple is recommended.

In the "Cultural Village" visitors will see more than ten villages. The place will acquaint you with the life, history, architecture and culture of the peoples of the country. There is a wax museum here. He demonstrates famous people countries: kings and queens, monks, generals, dancers, movie stars. Moreover, the museum displays various historical scenes, miniatures architectural monuments: palaces, temples.

In the museum, you will learn about the history of the country from antiquity to the present day. It also hosts music and dance performances.

The tunnel is located in the "Cultural Village". Its location is under a rock. In the tunnel, hell is shown as the Khemer imagined it. People who have committed many sins during their lifetime get here. During the excursion, visitors will learn for what sins and what punishment sinners are subjected to.

Previously, artisans created magnificent temples, which still amaze travelers with their splendor. The goal of the school is to grow new masters. The school is attended by people who have no education and a large fortune, they are taught free of charge. The school hopes to revive a forgotten tradition.

After driving fifty kilometers from the city, you will see a mountain. There is a beautiful waterfall here. And next to it there is a small temple. It was built in the 9th century. There is also a statue of Buddha. A colorful forest and a river will also open before the eyes of travelers. A magical view opens from the mountain, which will not leave anyone indifferent.

There is a temple 25 kilometers from the city. It was erected at the end of the tenth century and consists of three towers. There is a moat next to the building. Despite the fact that the temple is quite small, it should not be overlooked.

The material for the construction of the masterpiece was pink sandstone. The selected material is quite durable, so the architectural monument has been well preserved to this day.

A large number of fruits are sold in the main city market. Their prices are inexpensive, so they are in high demand among travelers. Here you can also buy souvenirs, shoes, clothes, accessories and jewelry.

River Kbay Spean

There is a river near the city. It flows through the jungle. The place is unique. At the bottom of the river, travelers see many cut-out pictures. There are images of animals and gods here. The creation of the monument dates back to the time when this place the Indians arrived. If you walk along the river, you can see a waterfall.

The airport is located eight kilometers from the city. You can come here by taxi. Tickets are sold in the building. From here it is convenient to go on excursions to various attractions. This airport is the largest in the state. Tickets can be bought here for both international and domestic flights. The halls of the building are spacious, the airport itself is comfortable. There is also a small garden, shops, bookshop, cafe.

When French colonization ended in the country, the inhabitants were very pleased. The population to this day believes that they owe this event their modern history... The monument is a symbol of freedom, liberation from colonization. There is a copy in Siem Reap, the original monument is located in Phnom Penh.

The structure is a modern interpretation of the old Khemer structures. The monument includes several tiers, on the edges of each of them are the heads of cobras. The height of the monument is twenty meters. There are spotlights next to the monument, so in the evening the monument is especially beautiful. During the holidays, a flag is hung on the monument.

The supermarket is located in the city center in a multi-storey building. It was built in 2011. There are shops on the first floor of the building, there are more than a hundred of them. Restaurants and rooms are located on the second and third floors. From the last floor opens beautiful view to the city. On the balconies of the building, there are flowerbeds with exotic plants. The supermarket is very popular with travelers and locals alike.

Location: Wat Bo Road.

There is a plantation not far from Siem Reap. Lotuses are fabulously beautiful flowers. They attract tourists with their beauty. But locals are not interested in the wonderful appearance of flowers, but in their benefits. The flower seeds are used as a sweetness. The flower leaves are used as packaging material. And lotus roots are the raw material for flour.

Siem Reap, Siem Reap or Siem Reap are perhaps the most popular cities in Cambodia. And all because just a few kilometers from the city there is a grandiose temple complex ancient city Angkor. Siem Reap serves as a small addition to the sightseeing of Angkor. We spent three days in this city and got to know it well. Despite the fact that there is no sea here, I would gladly live a little and travel around the districts. Perhaps I will still carry out this venture.

Let's walk around the city together and I will introduce it to you a little.

In the 19th century, Siem Reap was known as an ordinary village. With the arrival of French explorers who rediscovered Angkor, Siem Reap began to grow and develop as a tourist destination. In 1975, the population of Siem Reap (like the rest of Cambodia's cities) was evicted by the Khmer Rouge into the countryside. Due to the long civil war, the city was in decline and began to slowly recover as a tourist center only in the middle of 1990.

Today Siem Reap is a fast-growing city in Cambodia, which, thanks to Angkor, has turned into a vibrant tourist center. The flow of tourists is enormous and this is undoubtedly creating a certain international influence. Siem Reap residents are fluent in English and French. As strong as the influence was, the people of Siem Reap have retained much of the city's traditional look and culture.

The houses in the city center, as well as in the center of Phnom Penh, are not high, which creates an atmosphere of coziness and a genuine Asian flavor.

As expected tourist town, in Siem Reap there are many comfortable hotels and budget guesthouses, travel agencies offering a variety of excursions, shops and supermarkets, spa-salons. In the evenings, you can relax in the cafes or restaurants on Pub Street. Pub Street is a mini version of Khao San Street in Bangkok or the main streets in Nha Trang.

During the day, tourists have a cultural program around Angkor, and in the evening they can relax and unwind in the city.

Siem Reap Central Map

Nearly all hotels in Siem Reap have tourist information stands where you can get useful guides to Angkor's temples Siem Reap Angkor Visitors Guide and Siem Reap Siem Reap Pocket Guide free of charge.

Although there is a local currency in Cambodia, the calculation is everywhere in the dollar. You will receive Cambodian riels for change, we have not changed money anywhere on purpose. Even when withdrawing from an ATM, you have a choice: dollar or riel.

We spent every evening outside with Pub Street bars. There is a cafe for every taste. Khmer cuisine has sunk into my soul very much. My favorite is chicken amok. Chicken cooked in curry sauce, served with rice, of course. The cost of the dish is somewhere around $ 3.5-5.

Above, amok, and below in the photo is an ordinary American burger :-)

Pub Street is lit up in the evening, and music sounds from every cafe

A fun ad for an italian cafe

Soft, cozy and atmospheric

Pub Street is more deserted during the day

And you can find such "sweets" here

I'm a market lover and we couldn't get past the Old Market. It's right next to Pub Street. You can buy any souvenir. This is where I had the deal of the century! I really liked one silver bracelet, but I was not ready to give $ 25 for it. Gleb even joined my bargaining with a Khmer girl (he doesn't like bargaining at all). We discussed the price for about 10 minutes, in the end I got the bracelet for $ 5 Now here are doubts - is it silver ?! But in water it has not oxidized yet and has not changed color.

Figurines, paintings, magnets, key chains - souvenirs for all occasions

I could not get away from these pictures! Local artists carve this beauty out of cowhide. Next time I will definitely take one with me!

If you want a more relaxing stay, I advise you to take a look at the nearby Passage street. Enter the name on google maps, it will show you quickly. This street was recommended to us at the hotel. The prices are slightly lower there and the noise is less.

Cafe in a colonial-style building. It's all from the French

I did not notice much dirt and debris in the center of Siem Reap. Perhaps I have been living in Asia for a long time and this picture has become familiar to me))) Although I can say that “garbage reform” is needed in Cambodia. Compared to Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia seemed dirtier to me. Trash is cleaned here, but no one washes away the dirt with water, which remains and in some parts of the city there is a very strong smell. But all this is erased from the beauty seen! Is that in Sihanoukville it was most noticeable, but more on that in the next article.

If you have one day off, I advise you to just walk around the city. Our hotel was 2 $ drive from Pub Street, in my opinion somewhere 1-2 km. Since we were in Siem Reap for 3 days, 2 of which we spent in Angkor, it was very interesting for us to learn a little about the city.

During a break between Angkor, we explored the city. They took a tuk-tuker near the hotel to bring us to the center, and then went for a walk.

We moved a little from Pub Street and saw a very beautiful street. The feeling was that we were somewhere in Europe, and not in Cambodia. Everything is clean and tidy, the lawns are mown, frangipani trees and palms-palms-palms are planted everywhere.

And you can't say that this is Asia. Only knock knock gives everything

Leaving the temple, we found ourselves on the embankment. Someone wrote that the smell there is not very good, I did not feel it at all (we were in January). There is a small path and benches along the embankment.

It will take 2-3 hours to get around the center, everything is very close. The last time I had this feeling was in historic center Valencia. Everything is in the palm of your hand: a step to the right, a step to the left, and you have already gone around everything. I love these cities.

On google maps, we found a store with Duty goods Free. I wouldn't be me if we didn't get there))) This is a three-story building 15-20 walk from Pub Street. Everything here is for the Chinese! Signboards, announcements in Chinese and Chinese are darkness, which sweep away everything.

If the store does not have a sign about the promotion, then the sellers will definitely tell you that today they have discounts of 30-50%

The only thing, we did not make it to the Angkor Miniature Museum. It is located near Duty Free. I liked that we walked around the whole city without haste and running, took a bunch of photos and returned to the hotel happy.

If time permits, check out Koulen Restaurant and Live Performance. The buffet starts there at 18:00 pm, and the Apsara show - national Khmer dances - starts at 19:30. We missed the time a little and did not have time for the show. Entrance fee is $ 12 per person. I also read reviews that the food there is not very good, many complain about the lack of seafood and the poor choice of meat. Therefore, it is better to tune in to the show, and not to the opportunity to eat.

From Siem Reap we have very warm and tender memories! In the next article I will tell you how we went to Lake Tonle Sap, but did not get to the floating village, and instead discovered the suburb of Siem Reap and found some explosive places!

Did you like the article? Share it

Print article