A trip planning guide for Siem Reap means more than organizing a visit to Angkor Wat. This ancient city is home to numerous temples, floating villages, cultural performances, and bustling night markets. Below are some of the most unforgettable experiences when visiting Siem Reap.
Discover The Ancient Wonder Of Angkor Wat
A trip to Siem Reap would be incomplete without a visit to Angkor Wat. The largest religious monument and a symbol of Cambodia stands as testimony to Khmer culture. This 12th-century temple complex embodies sculptures and relief works expressing divine architecture, intended for the worship of Lord Vishnu. The sunrise views in this monument are breathtaking.
One gets to see the sculptures of ancient art in galleries and witness spectacular sunrises. A guide would be extremely helpful for a better comprehension of this monument. Half a day would be sufficient for a visit around here!
Walk Through The Royal Ruins Of Angkor Thom
Cambodia’s Angkor Thom was the final and most triumphant Capital of the Khmer Empire. Angkor Thom was surrounded by high brick walls and enormous gates and contained palaces, temples, and sacred open spaces. Bayon Temple, one of the most impressive architectural masterpieces of that era, has an intriguing aspect as well, as each of the great stone faces of Bayon bears an enigmatic smile.
Walking through the ancient roadways of Angkor Thom, one can appreciate what it was like during the height of the Khmer Empire when large armies invaded kingdoms, and pitched battles occurred frequently. Another noteworthy detour is either the Terraces of Elephants or the Terraces of Leper Kings, which both provide glimpses into the mists of time and the mystery that surrounded the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Explore Bayon Temple – The Temple Of Smiling Stone Faces
Bayon Temple is right in the center of Angkor Thom and is renowned for having 216 giant faces carved onto temple structures. Most historians believe that those giant stone faces symbolize King Jayavarman VII, who watches over his kingdom with kindness and intelligence. Walking around Bayon Temple can be a disconcerting experience with smooth faces staring down from everywhere.
Bayon Temple has sculptures of Cambodian daily life, such as fishing methods, kitchen scenes, trading scenes, and dancing scenes. Visitors love walking up to the upper levels using stairways for a closer look at those giant faces. A complex design makes for more interesting exploration. The lighting of the sculptures in the early morning and late afternoon sunsets looks great for photography. Bayon is a holy place and a work of art symbolizing religion and emotion.
Experience Ta Prohm – The Temple Embraced By Nature
Unlike other restored temples in Cambodia, Ta Prohm remains a largely uninhabited site where nature has taken back what was made by human hands. Bizarre tree roots entwine around moss-covered rocks in a manner that looks as if taken right out of a fantasy film. Ta Prohm first gained worldwide recognition for its role in ‘Tomb Raider,’ but more than anything else, this site remains magical because of its raw, almost chaotic quality. Walking amidst a series of compact passages with breached walls transports one to a forgotten land.
Most visitors claim that it is this temple that comes alive. This occurs as if Mother Nature is exhaling life through her roots. This is because one finds a natural concert consisting of birds, butterflies, and wind. Taking a trip during the early morning hours amplifies this mystifying atmosphere. Ta Prohm symbolizes a perfect example of time and Mother Nature molding history.
Discover Tonle Sap Lake – Floating Villages And Wetland Animals
Tonle Sap Lake is considered to be a life source for Cambodia when considering freshwater ecosystems. The largest lake in Southeast Asia changes seasonally with a huge amount of expansion and contraction. Taking a boat trip gives one the chance to see homes, schools, and markets in Tonle Sap Lake that exist only on water.
Tonle Sap Lake also has rare bird species. This occurs mainly around the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary. The pace of life in this place is also distinct. Here, life moves with a calming pace. This occurs because everything moves along with nature. The best time to visit Tonle Sap Lake is when one gets to witness the sun setting in its surrounding environment. This phenomenon occurs when sunlight reflects off the surface of Tonle Sap Lake. Visitors can also taste fresh seafood. This occurs because one gets to meet fishermen. Their culture can thus be understood.
Visit Retreat Phnom Kulen National Park
Located in Cambodia, Phnom Kulen is the birthplace of the Khmer Empire and is a very significant place for Cambodians to go to as a Pilgrimage site. The mountain has some very nice waterfall areas, hiking trails, and a few of the temples attached to the mountain are situated within the forest. One area of this Park with special interest is the River of a Thousand Lingas, which has various symbols carved into the stone, all located in a river area. The very top of the mountain has a large reclining Buddha that has been carved right into the rock.
The park is also a quiet retreat for those looking to get away from busy town life, with cool areas for swimming in the river surrounded by trees and vegetation, where many families picnic and relax. Visitors looking for culture and adventure would have an ideal vacation at Phnom Kulen.
Enjoy The Beauty Of Kampong Phluk Floating Village
Kampong Phluk is a beautiful floating village surrounded by lush mangrove trees. Rising on stilts up to 8 feet tall in the dry season and being submerged by water in the rainy season in Siem Reap, the homes and businesses of Kampong Phluk are built using sustainable materials. Tourists can take boat excursions down canals to see how the locals fish, cook, and or build their homes above the water.
The mangrove boat ride provides a relaxing way to take pictures of this scenic area. In addition to seafood dining, many small temples can also be explored, as well as opportunities to learn about local conservation efforts. The slower pace of life in rural areas is a welcome relief from life in the city.
Stroll Through Siem Reap Night Market
The Siem Reap Night Market welcomes you to enjoy the vibrant colours of its lanterns and an abundance of locals and tourists strolling through its stalls as it continues to operate into the evening. The night market provides an opportunity to find locally made items such as silk scarves, wooden carvings, spices, and clothing, all while giving you the chance to improve your negotiating skills.
With an energetic atmosphere filled with laughter and music, travellers can indulge in traditional Khmer cuisine, including dishes such as Fish Amok, Grilled Frogs, and Banana Sticky Rice. After visiting the temples during the day, spa and massage services are easily accessible on every street corner, making it an ideal time to unwind. As many of the vendors explain how the crafts are created, each piece has added value due to the personal relationship created when purchasing from them.
Experience Siem Reap’s Nightlife On Pub Street
Once the sun goes down, Pub Street becomes the hub of activity in Siem Reap. You can enjoy delicious Cambodian cuisine and interact with other travelers while enjoying restaurants, rooftop lounges, and bustling bars. You will be entertained by street performers who add an energetic vibe to the atmosphere. Cocktails are available at affordable prices along with many international foods, making it popular with backpackers.
The night market, located in close proximity to Pub Street, offers handmade items and other souvenirs. You can either enjoy a drink or dance until dawn; Pub Street offers many opportunities for an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Visit The Artisan D’Angkor Handicraft Center
This is where artisans come together to keep alive the Cambodian arts. Visitors can explore this place and witness artisans carving wood and stone and painting delicate designs using lacquer. This is one of those places where one can witness how art has continued to be a part of Cambodian culture. This institution also serves to train young artists.
You can also explore a boutique with interesting souvenirs such as silk scarves, ornaments, sculptures, and other decorative objects that have a great level of detail. This would be a great place to look for gifts with a story.
Learn Pottery With Local Artists
Siem Reap provides a practical and enjoyable activity via Khmer Pottery workshops, where one can make their own ceramic pieces. Under the tutelage of expert artisans, one gets a chance to mold and carve designs using a traditional spinning wheel with a focus on ancient Khmer designs. This exercise proves to be soothing for those who undertake this activity.
After creating your ceramic piece and completing the firing and glazing of your finished product, you will receive a unique keepsake from the experience. The workshops are a wonderful way to learn more about traditional practices of making ceramics, and at the same time promote support for local artisans. It is a great opportunity for couples or families wishing to experience Khmer culture in a way that they may not have previously experienced.
Go For A Fish Foot Massage On Pub Street
If you’re looking for something truly unique and entertaining to do in Siem Reap, then a fun and unique experience would be getting a Fish Foot Massage. The tanks, which are located on many of the streets in Siem Reap, are filled with lots of tiny fish that gently nibble at your feet to remove dead skin cells. It may seem like an odd thing to do, but it has become a hugely popular activity for tourists visiting Siem Reap as the sun sets.
The cost of the fish foot massage is quite reasonable, and you will receive a complimentary beverage while you relax and take in the vibrant atmosphere of Pub Street. A fish foot massage is a wonderful way to reminisce about all of the wonderful things you saw while exploring the impressive temples during the day, and is a great way to continue enjoying the nightlife of Siem Reap!
See The Incredible Performance At The Phare Circus
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime and unique cultural performance by attending a circus show at Phare, The Cambodian Circus, located in Siem Reap. This well-known evening performance provides a creative platform for the creative depths of Cambodia to shine through traditional tales with an integration of live music, dance, and acrobatics, mixing traditional Cambodian culture with contemporary creativity.
The shows are entertaining for all age groups, including children, making them an excellent activity for both families and travelers alike. In addition to being an enjoyable night out, attending a Phare show adds to your understanding of Cambodian culture and supports young artists in Cambodia as well as the local/cultural community.
Final Thoughts
With its unique combination of historic sites and modern conveniences, Siem Reap is an excellent place for travelers looking for many things to do in Siem Reap. The experience will be rapid and diverse, while creating a lasting impression on you, as you build your own story about Cambodia through everything you do. Be sure to check out Seni World for more tips, suggestions on things to do, and trip ideas to enhance your travel experience.
Content Seniworld
Subscribe
Login
0 Comments
Oldest
