Siem Reap Tourism

If Angkor Wat is the reason one is visiting Cambodia, then Siem Reap will be the first stepping stone in the way. Though most of the footfall in Siem Reap is still owed to the Angkor Wat Archaeological Park, Siem Reap, Cambodia has its own contribution to make.  

Siem Reap Province of Cambodia borders the province of Oddar Meanchey to the north, Preah Vihear and Kampong Thom to the east, Battambang to the south and Banteay Meanchey to the west. The Tonle Sap freshwater lake demarcates Siem Reap in the south for a large part and remains seasonally inundated. This connects with the lower basin of Mekong River with a river of the same name and is home to an extensive biosphere reserve in this area. It is also where the floating village, the home to a Vietnamese neighborhood, floats.

The streets of the town bustle with the enthusiasm of temple visitors in the daytime. The mystifying appeal of Siem Reap Angkor Wat is the defining factor for Siem Reap tourism. In fact, the intricate stone bas-relief of the 12th-century temple is the central architecture in entire Cambodia. Its importance can be felt and understood in the fact that the flag of Cambodia has the figure of Angkor Wat right in the middle.

The fort-city of Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm and its crumbling yet visually intriguing exterior, Banteay Srei dedicated to Lord Shiva, Preah Khan, Bakong, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King and dozens of other small and big shrines make up most of Siem Reap city travel.

The night time is not a loss either. In fact, Siem Reap nightlife might be one of the liveliest one has ever seen. The lined up establishments of Pub Street and the Angkor Night Market make up for most of the nocturnal activities.

Other offbeat but soul-feeding activities would be to see the Circus of Phare. Influenced by the Canadian Cirque de Soleil, this organization performs an enchanting mixture of acrobats, drama, and humor to tell heartwarming or heart-wrenching tales of life.

Witnessing the local artisans create art and craft out of raw material, only using their hands and tools is another delightful experience. Seeing other artists at their work from up close, moreover trying to preserve a fading form of art and culture, which in this case is Khmer, is more rewarding than anything else. Moreover, most of these places like Angkor Handicraft Association or Angkor d’Artisans strive tirelessly towards the betterment and development of the local communities of workers, training new artists and giving them a chance at reviving their art as well as earning their living.