Siem Reap is located in the central part of Cambodia on the Indochina Peninsula. Just a few kilometers from the city is the main attraction of the region – it is the temple complex of Angkor Wat Khmer Empire. Millions of tourists from all over the world come to see this amazing monument every year. With the discovery of this attraction at the end of the 19th century, tourism began to develop in the city, and the first hotel was opened in 1923.
Siem Reap is a provincial tourist city, focused on receiving tourists who come to see the main attraction of Cambodia – the temple complex. The city is the capital of the province of Siem Reap and the fastest growing city in the country.
Siem Reap, Cambodia: How to get there?
Siem Reap is one of the few small cities in the world that has its own large international airport. However, international flights here are served only from the closest countries of Asia – Korea, Thailand, China, Vietnam, as well as from the capital of Cambodia – Phnom Penh.
You can also get to Siem Reap by bus from the states bordering Cambodia and from the capital of the country. There is a well-established bus service between the cities, every day several dozen buses run along this route. Tickets cost from 8 to 15 dollars, you can buy them both at the bus station and in advance on the Internet. The journey takes about 6 hours.
Sightseeing in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Wat Temple Complex
Actually, Angkor Wat is the main goal of most tourists coming to Cambodia. The largest temple complex of the planet and one of the most beautiful creations of mankind in its entire history – all this is Angkor Wat. This is the clearest example of traditional Khmer architecture, which has experienced both Indian and Chinese influences. Angkor Wat was built for 30 years from 1112 to 1152.
On the territory of the temple complex, there are several temples: Ta Prohm temple, Angkor Thom, Bayon temple, Phnom Bakheng, Baksei Chhamkrong temple, Thma Bai Kaek poorly preserved and the unfinished Prasat Bay temple. It is worth noting that a full inspection of the temple complex may take from 5 to 8 hours. Therefore, in some cases, a visit to Angkor makes sense to divide into 2 days.
Landmine museum
The landmark is located on the territory of Angkor National Park, 7 km south of the Banteay Srey temple. This museum was founded by a sapper soldier. Here are dozens of deactivated mines that were found in different parts of Cambodia. The exposition of the museum is extremely simple: a mine or its unique photo, data on how it was going to be applied and the consequences to which it could lead. The museum is open on weekends from 7:30 to 17:30. Entry fee – $ 5 per person.
Phnom Kulen National Park
If you love beautiful nature, then be sure to visit this park. It is here that there are famous waterfalls in all of Cambodia, it was here that the Khmer Empire originated 1100 years ago. There are several Siem Reap attractions in the national park:
- Statue of a reclining Buddha (8 meters). This place is considered sacred to the local population.
- The ruins of a Khmer temple are the remains of a terrace of an ancient structure.
- The Siem Reap River, on either side of which is located a thousand sculptures of Lingam and Yoni.
- In the river and waterfalls (in certain areas) you can swim, so do not forget to bring changeable clothes.
