Things To Do In Siem Reap

Siem Reap is the number one tourism hotspot in Cambodia, thanks to its varied list of exciting destinations to visit. If the city can woo visitors with its array of sacred temples, then it can also allow tourists to indulge in the vibrant nightlife. Tourists can visit holy shrines such as Angkor Wat, spend time at insightful museums, explore picturesque nature reserves, or venture into cultural centers. The city beautifully mixes up metropolitan vibes with ancient cultural arts. Let us look at the exciting things tourists can do while in Siem Reap.

Angkor Wat is the most significant holy shrine in Siem Reap, forming the center of attraction for the tourists that visit the city. It is a breathtaking visual perception to spot the five lotus-shaped towers of the temple that touch dizzying heights of about 65 m. Initially, the temple was dedicated to Lord Vishnu; however, during the 14th century, the temple was converted into a Buddhist shrine. Surrounded by a 200-m-wide moat, concealed sculptural paintings, and magnificent Buddhist carvings, Angkor Wat is a symbol of the impressive architectural intelligence of the past Khmer community.

The Cambodian Cultural Village is an art hub that provides tourists with a glimpse of the eccentric cultural followings of the locals of Siem Reap. A visit to the cultural village starts with a tour of the wax museum that comprises shelters belonging to Chinese, Khmer, Kreung, and Cham people. The museum also houses scaled-down replicas of Cambodian buildings that form a part of its national heritage. The cultural village allows tourists to watch exciting performances put forth by expert performers and dancers during the afternoon, adding to the refreshing artistic vibes that reach tourists.

Phnom Kulen National Park is nestled approximately 45 km northwards of Siem Reap atop one of the most sacred hillocks in Cambodia. While more than 55 age-old holy shrines adorn the peak of this mountain, the mountain base hosts a Buddhist pagoda from the 16th century and a splendid sandstone sculpture of Lord Buddha. Apart from these structures, tourists can also spend rejuvenating time around the waterfalls surrounding the hillock. These waterfalls form a perfect picnic spot and boast of multi-tiered rocky areas and gushing waters that tourists can swim in to unwind from their busy daily routines.

Pub Street is a radiant roadway of Siem Reap that is studded with bustling bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. This street forms the center of attraction when it comes to nightlife in the city. The draft beers offered at these iconic bars are famous all around Cambodia. Situated parallel to Pub Street, the Lane and Alley West are two more streets that exuberate exciting nightlife in Siem Reap. These roads have cafes, cocktail bars, souvenir shops, and art galleries spread across their expanse. Exploring the streets on foot, tourists can safely indulge in bar hopping antics throughout the night.

Apopo Visitor Center provides tourists with an opportunity to know more about the lengthy conflictual history of Cambodia and the effect of landmines on human communities. Visitors can watch a video to gain a gist of the work that Apopo carries out and also meet and greet with the brave rats that help detect and defuse destructive landmines. The center has uniquely trained these Gambian pouched rats to pick up the smell of mines and provide rapid detection of landmines around the city. It is an intriguing prospect to watch these intelligent creatures go about their business.

Maintained by Les Chantiers Écoles, Angkor Silk Farm is a production house for some of the most creative interior designs, accessories, and clothing works in Cambodia. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the different stages involved in the creation of silk. Some of the production stages that the tourists can run through include raising mulberry trees, nourishing silkworms, dyeing of silk, and weaving of the silk. Visitors can avail free tours of Angkor Silk Farm, with shuttle buses ready to travel to and fro at around 9.30 AM and 1.30 PM. These buses provide tourists with convenient access to the silk farm.

Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm is a sacred temple situated westwards of the royal palace. This temple comprises two majestic statues that ideally characterize two ancient Angkorian princesses from yesteryears. The temple was filled with these remarkable sculptures in 1990 to protect them from raiders. It is considered to be a good luck charm for newlywed couples who take blessing from the Gods at Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm. Evenings around Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm are mesmerizing with the sight of fruit bats preying on insects and the fragrance of incense surrounding the area.