The town of Siem Reap (សៀមរាប), in northern Cambodia, is the primary access point for the Angkor Archaeological Park, just north of the city. It is quite laid-back and a pleasant place to stay while touring the temples. It is a nice compromise between observing Cambodian life and enjoying the amenities of modern services and entertainment, thanks to a large foreign community.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
The name "Siem Reap" literally means "Siam Defeated", commemorating a (possibly apocryphal) victory over invading Thais in 1549. These days, however, the only rampaging hordes are the tourists heading to the Angkor Archaeological Park. This once quaint village has become a major tourist town, full of things to do, places to eat and drink. New high quality tarmac roads and beautiful wide paved sidewalks have replaced the red dirt pot holed roads that were muddy in wet season, and dusty in dry season.
Travel to and around the Angkor Archaeological Park is extensively covered in its own article. The following is a discussion of travel inside Siem Reap. The city centre is fairly compact and flat, now with good quality and often wide, paved sidewalks. Though in places you can find them doubling up as motorbike and car parking lots. However, as Siem Reap has grown, many interesting neighborhoods have popped up that are further outside of the main downtown business district, and are a bit out of the way for pedestrians. Siem Reap is a popular place to cycle, with some scenic cycle paths painted green, or trails in forests near roads leading to and around Angkor Wat.
Most people come to visit Angkor Archaeological Park, which is thoroughly covered in its own article. The town has some worthwhile attractions and a number of beautiful modern Buddhist temples. 1 Angkor National Museum, 968 Charles de Gaulle Blvd (T Galleria department store, beside the museum, runs a free shuttle (a little train) from the Old Market, every 30 min from 10:30 except on W), ☏ +855 63 966 601, info@the-anm.com. Daily 08:30-18:00. A modern museum with exhibits covering the history of the Khmer Empire, and the art, architecture, clothing, and culture of Khmer civilization, with a special focus on the Angkor complex.
1 Angkor Pottery Center (3 km South of Old Market on Road 63), ☏ +855 12 755 286. Daily 08:00-17:00. Daily pottery classes for beginners as well as professionals in pottery making, carving and glazing by local potter, Mrs Paruth Hann. Make your own design and take your glazed pot home as a souvenir. An enjoyable experience whilst supporting an enterprise creating fair wage jobs for the poor village women in Siem Reap. US$7-20. 2 Samatoa Experience, 11, road 63, Phnom Krom, Siem Reap (8 km South of Old Market on Road 63), ☏ +855 92 51 9001. Daily 08:00-18:00.
Eating options span the full spectrum of tastes and budgets from the rudimentary Asian staples and pizza to authentic Khmer and sophisticated fine-dining featuring exotic local ingredients. The highest assortment of restaurants are in few blocks north of the old market, but there are appetizing alternatives along Wat Bo Rd and hidden in the surrounding neighbourhoods. Though Pub Street is better known for its bars, a handful of places serve great food, many with seating upstairs so you can escape the partying milieu on the street below. Crammed along The Alley is a wider selection of restaurants that offer a generally quieter and more intimate experience.
Coffee shop cafes with bookshelves with books for both kids and adults, and sometimes games, include Aris Café, Bayon Pastry School, Chocolate Gardens, footprint cafe, Peace Cafe, Pi Riel Coffee, Rukha Cafe (located opposite Apopo hero rats center, small a/c library attached to cafe building), Sister Srey Cafe (upstairs), Source Cafe, Temple Coffee n Bakery (Riverside). 1 Sister Srey Cafe, 200 pokambor St, Siem Reap, Siemreab-Otdar Meanchey (a one minute walk from the old market). Run by two Australian sisters. Located in an old colonial building. Excellent coffee. Wonderful atmosphere. (updated Oct 2018) 2 footprint cafe, Street 26, Wat Bo, ☏ +855 92 800 308. 07:00–22:00.
Most locals are decent people just trying to make an honest living, but a few shady characters try every trick to take advantage of visitors' good will. Be alert to deceptive dealers but don't let suspicion ruin your trip. Convenience stores have been known to give incorrect change and pocket the rest. Check your change before you walk out of the store and point out any short changing. Most likely they will admit to their "mistake" and give you the right change. Street vendors and beggars in competition for generous travellers' handouts have developed cunning, if underhanded, techniques to get your attention (and money).
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Siem Reap typically sees ~33°C daytime highs and 26 rainy days.
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