Cambodia
Siem Reap is best known as the home of the amazing Angkor Wat temple complex (which lies just 5 km outside the city). Siem Reap has many more temples which anywhere else would get prime billing. Since Cambodia reopened to tourists after decades of war and brutal rule Siem Reap has become a tourism mecca. There are many good hotels, places to eat and shop, day trips and ways to relax and enjoy Cambodia.
Angkor Thom is not as well know as Angkor Wat but is another site that should not be missed. Ta Prohm, with amazing trees growing on the temple building themselves, is another must see destination.
More Siem Reap attractions
- Banteay Srei - about 45 minute by taxi outside Siem Reap. It is a smaller site than many others and offers unique red sandstone carving. It is a world heritage site.
- East Mebon - 10th century temple to the Hindu god Shiva and honors the parents of the king.
- Banteay Samre
- Beng Mealea - 80 km outside Siem Reap
- Pre Rup - many suggest this as a good stop to view sunsets.
- 3 temples (Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko) 11 km southeast of the Siem Reap, comprise theRoluos group of monuments cover 3 km east of the Great Lake.
- Thomanon -
- Preah Khan
- Angkor National Museum
- Baksei Chamkrong
- Phnom Kulen National Park (60 km away from Siem Reap)
- Floating village of Chong knee
- Kompong Phluk (lake village on stilts) - some people enjoy it some don't like the pricing due to monopoly on boats etc..
- Kbal Spean (Kabal Spean) - short hike, 2 km, to small waterfall and carvings. In the general area of Banteay Srei (I think).
- Ta nei
- Takeo temple
- Neak Poan
- Wat Athvea and Wat Preah Inkosei
- Banteay Kdei (one of the less popular site, people selling good setup inside the site)
- Chau Say Tevoda (small - maybe spend 15 minutes), right next to Thomanon.
- Frangipani Spa
- Traditional Khmer Dance at ACODO Orphanage
- NGO Artisans d'Angkor
- Cambodia Landmine Museum
- Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre - can be combined with visit to Banteay Srei and the Landmine Museum
- Khmer Ceramics Centre
- Angkor Night Market
I think the museum is definately worth a visit (I like museums). The museum larger than the one in Phnom Penh and nicely laid out (it is air conditioned). They have quite a few nice pieces. The museum probably have more than Phnom Penh but the capital city has taken the largest and most impressive pieces, I think. It could be skipped if you are short on time, but likely you can just fit it in some day (especially if you want to get out of the rain or heat).
