Siem Reap: what to see and best touristic spots

September 20, 2019

At Siem Reap you can find the ancient site of Angkor, Unesco's World Heritage and one of the main touristic spots of Cambodia.

The second most important city of Cambodia after Phnom Penh, here is Siem Reap, visited mainly because it is the access point to the wonderful archaeological complex of the temples of Angkor, the eighth wonder of the world. In Angkor, in addition to visiting the archaeological ruins, you can witness Apsara dance performances, the Khmer court dance.

Actually, Siem Reap has other attractions to offer the visitor: a lively night market and plenty of live music venues on Pub Street, for example. Also you can take part in a cooking class to learn local cuisine under the supervision of a chef. The lesson begins by choosing together the fresh products at the market and ends with the tasting of cooked products.

If you are traveling to Cambodia soon, surely your itinerary will pass through Siem Reap. Here are our tips on what to see.

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Angkor Wat in Siem Reap
Angkor Wat

Angkor

Angkor, the marvelous archaeological site and UNESCO heritage, is undoubtedly the most important attraction of a trip to Cambodia. The visit of the former capital of the Khmer empire can start from the exploration of the Pre Rup mountain temple, continuing towards Banteay Srei, the Khmer art gallery, similar to Banteay Samre.

Ta Prohm temple is almost completely wrapped in vegetation and was the filming location of some scenes from the movie Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie.

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Ta Prohm temple in Siem Reap's Angkor Wat
Ta Prohm temple

Angkor Wat is the most famous temple in the Angkor complex and a symbol of the splendor of this civilization.

The tour continues with the Angkor Thom, another archaeological complex in the area, and Bayon, a temple with huge statues of mysterious heads. The pyramid-shaped Baphuon temple depicts the legendary Mount Meru.

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Statues of Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Statues in Angkor Thom

The Mine museum

The Cambodia Landmine Museum offers an insight on the tragic history of modern Cambodia, torn by wars that have left land mines scattered throughout the land.

You will learn about a Cambodian child soldier, Aki Ra, who also founded the NGO Cambodian Self Help Domining. The proceeds of the museum are donated to an orphanage, a center for the rehabilitation of the victims, a local school and mine clearance projects.