Why Visit Siem Reap: 9 Must-See Places for a Unique Experience

Siem Reap is famous for the Angkor Wat complex, one of the most impressive architectural wonders of Khmer civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why visit Siem Reap? When thinking of Cambodia, the image of Angkor’s ancient and mysterious temples probably comes first to mind. Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor Wat complex, attracts visitors not only with its ancient beauty but also for many other reasons that make it an ideal destination for all. Here’s why you should choose Siem Reap for your next vacation.

Overview of Siem Reap

Siem Reap is located in northwestern Cambodia, and the name “Siem Reap” literally means “the defeat of Siam.” Back in 1949, this area witnessed a conflict between the Khmer Kingdom and Siam, which ended with Siam’s defeat. That’s how King Ang Chan (1516–1566) named the town “Siem Reap.”

Siem Reap is best known as the gateway to the Angkor Wat complex, a remnant of ancient Khmer civilization, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to Angkor Wat and other ancient Khmer monuments, Siem Reap and Cambodia have developed their tourism industry, attracting numerous visitors from around the globe.

Why Visit Siem Reap?

1. Explore the Marvel of Angkor Wat

No trip to Siem Reap, the land of Angkor temples, would be complete without a visit to the majestic Angkor Wat architectural complex. As Cambodia’s primary tourist attraction, Angkor Wat is not only a national pride but also one of the largest religious monuments in the world. With its unique architecture and finely sculpted bas-reliefs, this temple narrates the story of ancient Khmer civilization, drawing millions of visitors from around the globe, including many French tourists passionate about history and culture.

2. Experience Unique Khmer Culture

Siem Reap is not only famous for its remnants of the ancient Khmer civilization but also for offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in Khmer culture. From traditional Apsara dances to street art performances, Siem Reap allows for a complete cultural immersion.

Chol Chnam Thmay – Cambodian and Khmer New Year celebration

3. Tranquil and clean

Siem Reap is renowned for its tranquil and clean environment, offering a refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle of many other tourist destinations. The city’s serene ambiance is enhanced by its well-maintained streets and green spaces, creating a peaceful atmosphere for visitors. Whether you’re strolling through the charming markets or relaxing at a café, you’ll appreciate the cleanliness and calm that pervades Siem Reap. This peaceful setting not only enhances your travel experience but also allows for a more enjoyable exploration of its many attractions.

4. Enjoy a Pleasant Climate and Ideal Travel Period

Why visit Siem Reap? Although Cambodia has a rainy season, the majority of the time the weather in Siem Reap is sunny all year round. The best period to visit is from December to May, when you can enjoy dry and warm conditions. This is ideal for tourists who want to escape the cold winter back home, as a trip to Siem Reap during this time ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

5. Discover Nature at Tonle Sap

Tonle Sap, located just a few kilometers from Siem Reap, is one of the largest freshwater ecosystems in Southeast Asia. It not only provides life for many Khmer and Vietnamese communities but also serves as an ideal destination for nature lovers. Tourists can join boat tours, admire sunsets, and experience the peaceful life of fishing villages. It’s a unique and different experience compared to European destinations.

Tonle Sap

6. A Perfect Blend of History and Modernity

Siem Reap is a harmonious blend of past and present. Beyond its ancient temples, the city offers modern neighborhoods with restaurants, bars, and craft shops. It’s a place where you can enjoy international cuisine, shop for souvenirs, and embark on authentic off-the-beaten-track adventures. These adventures allow you to step back in time with visits to historical monuments, providing a unique experience that combines both contemporary and traditional worlds in a single trip.

7. Affordable Travel Costs

One of the reasons tourists should choose Siem Reap is that it offers hundreds of sightseeing opportunities at very reasonable travel costs. From airfare and hotels to meals and leisure activities, everything is affordably priced. This allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in the many attractions and experiences Siem Reap has to offer without worrying about the budget.

8. Unique and Rich Cuisine

Khmer cuisine is a must-try experience when visiting Siem Reap. With flavorful dishes like amok, lok lak, and enticing street food, French tourists will have the opportunity to discover new and exciting flavors. The combination of spices and refined cooking techniques will make your meal as memorable as a true culinary journey.

Read more: Cambodian Cuisine: Top 10 Unmissable Cambodian Food

Amok is one of the most famous delicacies and is considered the quintessence of Cambodian cuisine.

Best Time to Visit

Siem Reap’s climate is marked by two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. Siem Reap can be visited at any time of the year, but the ideal period is from December to mid-May. This is the dry season, with sunny weather, perfect for tourist activities and explorations, making it also the peak tourist season in Cambodia.

From mid-May to November is the rainy season, with humid weather that can sometimes disrupt travel. However, this period offers lower prices for accommodation and tourist services compared to the peak season.

Must-See Attractions in Siem Reap

1. Visit Angkor Wat

A symbol of Cambodia, Angkor Wat is dedicated to the god Vishnu and is renowned as the best-preserved temple in the region while continuing to serve as an active religious center. For a convenient visit, consider using Cambodia car rental with driver services to explore this iconic site and more with ease.

The main temple at Angkor Wat

2. Visit Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom, another main temple in the Angkor complex, stands out with its mystery and antiquity, contrasting with the grandeur of Angkor Wat. It was the largest and oldest capital of the Angkor Empire.

Entering the Angkor Thom enclosure, you can admire impressive architectural monuments such as the Bayon Temple, Baphuon Temple, Phnom Bakheng Temple on the hill, and the Elephant Terrace, all showcasing the genius of the ancient Khmers.

3. Visit Bayon Temple

Located within the Angkor Thom enclosure, Bayon Temple is distinguished by its bas-reliefs depicting benevolent faces, intricately sculpted. This temple features a blend of ancient Buddhist architecture with unique Hindu elements, with 54 towers of varying sizes, each adorned with a face of the deity Avalokitesvara (Quan Âm), looking in the four directions of Cambodia, symbolizing the deity’s observation of the world.

4. Preah Khan Temple

Facing Preah Khan Temple, you’ll be captivated by the ancient architecture of this over 800-year-old temple, combining elements of Hinduism and original Buddhism, giving it a sacred and solemn aura. Besides its architectural beauty, Preah Khan also serves as a witness to the fall of the ancient Khmer Empire and spiritual events, having been the site of the execution of thousands of Khmer prisoners and the death of a Cham king, earning it the nicknames “Blood Lake” and “Sacred Sword.”

Preah Khan Temple

5. Ta Prohm and Ta Som Temples

These two temples stand out in the Angkor architectural complex with the twisted roots of ancient trees surrounding them, creating a wild, mysterious, and ancient atmosphere.

6. Prasat Kravan

This temple, the most purely Hindu in the Angkor Wat complex, was built in 931 to worship the supreme deities of Hinduism: the destroyer god Shiva, the protector god Vishnu, and the creator god Brahma. This temple was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

7. Koh Ker

Located 140 km east of Siem Reap, Koh Ker was the ancient capital of Angkor before Angkor Wat was built. Hidden in the forest for thousands of years, Koh Ker was discovered almost intact.

8. Elephant Terrace

One of the ancient monuments in the Angkor complex, built around the 10th century, the Elephant Terrace still retains a finely sculpted stone wall and elephant-shaped columns, attracting many visitors.

9. Tonlé Sap

Tonlé Sap, located 25 km from Siem Reap, is one of Cambodia’s most famous destinations. It is home to Khmer and Vietnamese communities, with a rich and varied ecosystem, and a picturesque and wild fishing village landscape that attracts tourists for a visit and immersion in nature.

A fishing man on Tonlé Sap River at sunset

Why visit Siem Reap? Siem Reap is not only an attractive destination with its famous historical monuments but also a place offering a rich cultural and culinary experience. To make your memories of Siem Reap truly special, contact us to arrange a Cambodia tour.

Read more: Essential Travel Guides for First-time Travelers to Cambodia