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    Siem Reap essentials

    / Last updated 09 Mar 2012

    Introduction

    In this gallery, we take a look at Siem Reap town, host to the nearby Angkorian temples.
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • ©Photo: Mark Bowyer
    • It's pretty hard for the town of Siem Reap to compete with the mighty temples of Angkor but it's a surprisingly charming base for for a few days of temple exploration. It's a great place to break up your stay and avoid temple fatigue.
    • The old market area is home to some spectacular shophouses that are now great little cafe and restaurant spaces. Perfect for a coffee and some reading up on the temples.
    • Blue Pumpkin is a popular bakery / cafe.
    • And the people are welcoming as they are everywhere in Cambodia
    • The somewhat controversial and overpriced Angkor National Museum is nonetheless a good place to get some essential context on what the Angkor kingdom was all about as well as its symbolism.
    • Angkor National Museum, Siem Reap
    • The old market, Siem Reap
    • The old market, Siem Reap
    • There are a number of Khmer owned businesses employing local craftsmen in making stunning Angkor styled wood and stone carved objects. This is Artisans d'Angkor
    • Artisans De Angkor
    • The journey to Ton Le Sap Lake at Kompong Phluk is well worth the effort. Allow 1/2 day and avoid the more popular Chnong Kneas fiasco.
    • Kompong Phluk floating village on Ton Le Sap lake.
    • Floating forest on Ton Le Sap near Kompong Phluk
    • Siem Reap is home to some serene old Buddhist temples. This is Wat Bo not far from the centre of town.
    • Wat Bo.
    • And then there's the eating and drinking - a Khmer style Tom Yam soup.
    • Upscale dining at the Nest.
    • Very often these simple eateries with their great spelling are some of the best.
    • Night market for dinner.
    • The alley is packed with fairly unimaginative but perfectly good Khmer style eateries in a great setting.
    • The FCC Angkor offers a more refined eating and drinking experience as do the Raffles Grand d'Angkor and the Hotel de la Paix.
    • There are plenty of watering holes to suit most tastes along Pub St.
    • Pub Street by night, Siem Reap - Temple Club
    • Pub Street by night, Siem Reap
    • Tuk tuks in the Old Market area.
    Quicklink - Introduction - Siem Reap