Siem Reap is the most visited city of Cambodia , especially visited by people who would like to see Angkor Wat.
When To Go :
While it is a neighbour of Thailand , you can visit Cambodia in same periode like November – December – January – February .
How To Go :
There is an airport in Siem Reap ; Siem Reap Angkor Wat International Airport , located 45km away from city center. There are not direct flight from many countries but 1 hour for a direct flight from Bangkok. I used train from Bangkok Train Station (Not the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central train Station) and arrived at Ban Khlong Luek Border Station after a 4,5 hour ride. Train ticket is quiet cheap. After waiting for a short time on the border , we get the viza to enter to Cambodia for 35$. Once you pass the border , you will be disturbed by people who offer to bring you to Siem Reap. Most probably you will get a bus ticket for around 500 Baht from border to Siem Reap. You will finish the journey in around 5-6 hours which must be normally 3 hours. Bus will pass the main road in Siem Reap , so you will have some walking after the bus. If you have a big company , you can rent a private car from border to Siem Reap , will be cheaper per person and more comfortable.
Where To Stay :
Hotels are really cheap in Siem Reap , even you can stay at a very good hostel for 4$a night.
Things To Do In Siem Reap :
1-) Angkor :
Angkor is an ancient city located 6km north of Siem Reap , former capital of Khmer Empire. Now you will only find temples in the area. It seems not possible to finish whole area in 1 day. But i will advise to visit most important places to visit if you don’t have much time. First , you will need to start your day so early in the morning. You can buy your ticket in ticket office , there is not an exact entrance point for Angkor but your tickt will be controlled in many different checkpoints. You can buy a 1 day ticket for 37 $ or 3 days ticket for 62 $. For more details ; https://www.angkorenterprise.gov.kh/
a-) Angkor Wat :
Angkor Wat is known as the largest and most important temple in Angkor. Actually it is the biggest temple in the world and a hindu-buddhist temple. This is the frst temple to visit in Angkor and also best place to watch the sunset. It was built in 12th century and you can see the motives showing wars from the Hindu and Buddhist legends. You will need around 2 hours to finish it completely.
b-) Bayon Temple :
Our next stop is Bayon Temple which is 15 mins from Angkor Vat by car or scooter. It is the second largest temple in Angkor , famous with huge stone faces on the building , also located in a fortified area and water outside of fortress that shows it like a middle age castle.
c-) Ta Prohm Temple :
Another must see in the area is Ta Prohm Temple which is located 10 mins from Bayon Temple. You will see amazing scenes of the temple in which trees grow up crumbling walls. With its extraordinary looking , i think Ta Prohm is the most important place to see in Angkor. Even Tomb Raider in 2001 was filmed here.
Note : There are many other temples in Angkor , i just wanted to explain the most important ones because you may have a limited time. Another important temple which i visited , Banteay Srei , located 25 km from Ta Prohm Temple.
2-) Pub Street :
Siem Reap is a very little city that there are not many things to do. In the evening you can spend your whole time in pub street.
Note: Tonle Sap Lake is another popular place to see , especially the village on the lake.
FOOD
Food is also quiet cheap in Siem Reap. You can have a meal for around 4-5$. Khmer Steak is worth to try. There are 7 Eleven markets in Siem Reap too like in Thailand. The best ever Hibiscus Sabdariffa was offered in Noni Tree Hostel. Even if you don’t stay there , i would definitely stop by and try it.
Comments