Siem Reap
Famous for Angkor Wat and many other iconic temples, Siem Reap is the second largest city in Cambodia and thriving hub of culture and history.
Our favourite place in all of Cambodia (this is definitely a common consensus among everybody that travels here). Siem Reap is a place we know we will keep returning to for the rest of our lives. It's the gateway to the ancient world, a city that exists in the shadow of the monumental Angkor Wat. Once a quiet cluster of villages, it's blossomed into a world-class destination that manages to feel both grand and intimate. By day, the city is a staging ground for explorers venturing into ruins of the Khmer Empire; by night, it transforms into a glowing hub of night markets and neon-lit celebrations.
Things to do:
- The temples - duh! Get a three or seven day pass - one definitely isn't enough! We recommend the hostel 'Onederz' for the sunrise and sunset tours. Don't worry, you don't need to stay in the hostel to join these tours, but they are some of the most packed and affordable options we came across. We'd recommend spending two days doing the sunrise and sunset tour respectively, and the rest of the days exploring on your own. Hiring a tuk-tuk and driver for the day is an affordable and fun way to see the area!
- A Floating Village Trip: Take a boat out to Kampong Phluk or Chong Kneas on the Tonle Sap Lake. You’ll see entire communities—schools, markets, and homes—built on stilts or floating on the water. Truely magical.
- Pub Street & The Night Market: After the sun goes down, head to the city center for $1 beers, foot massages, and endless street food. It’s chaotic, loud, and the perfect place to unwind after a long day of temple trekking.
- Phare, The Cambodian Circus: A spectacular nightly show featuring high-energy acrobatics and theater. Like the one in Battambang, it supports local arts education and tells moving stories of Cambodian life.
- The Landmine Museum: A small but impactful museum founded by a former child soldier. It provides a sobering look at the history of landmines in Cambodia and the ongoing efforts to clear the countryside.
- APOPO Visitor Center - Learn all about the hero rats that help detect landmines! A fascinating and inspiring look into the work being done to reduce the number of casualties that occur in Cambodia every year due to landmines.
Monk Blessing at a Pagoda: Visit a local temple like Wat Damnak for a traditional water blessing. It’s a peaceful, spiritual experience that offers a deeper connection to Khmer culture.