Organizing a Vacation in Siem Reap
Organizing a holiday in Siem Reap
Siem reap is the ancient capital of Cambodia and the second biggest city in Cambodia outside the contemporary capital Phnom Penh. Nearby is the forceful Mekong River that flows through China, Laos and then Cambodia out into the South China Sea.
The ultimate tourist attraction in Siem Reap is Angkor Wat and the other neighboring temples built almost 900-1000 years ago. There is a large collection of contrasting temples to keep you bustling during your vacation. Hire a tuk tuk driver or taxi as the best way to get around Siem Reap during your visit
Endorsed things to do in Siem Reap.
Angkor Wat – See the gorgeous temple dedicated to Vishnu, built by Suryavarman II during the 12th century. Walk throughout the 3.6km walls that surround this astonishing temple. Step indoors and scrutinize the bas-relief gallery walls filled with complex carving in sandstone inclusive of the famous “Churning of the Sea of Milk” The gallery walls alone are decorated with almost 1,000 square metres of bas-reliefs.
Dirt bike adventure tours (250cc) to Northeast Cambodia, to the sector termed Preah Vihea province. Driving dirt bikes through the country together with visits to Preah Khan temple in this area.
Quad bike tours. Learn the small villages and backroads around Siem Reap by quad bike. Half day and full day tours available.
Cooking classes with Paul Dubrule – Dig up how to complete local Cambodian dishes at the not for profit school that helps train neighborhood Cambodians in the hospitality industry. All proceeds go towards the training of over hundreds of scholars each year.
Apsara dancing – Tour one of the heaps classic dancing shows held most nights
Tonle Sap Lake – Discover the floating village on this alluring lake a minimal distance outside Siem Reap
Cambodian Landmine institution – take a Tuk tuk driver to go to see the museum run by Aki Ra, a former Khmer Rouge child soldier
Angkor Wat temple ticket.
A handy hint when getting your temple permission. Get your tuk tuk driver or taxi driver to drop you off to collect your day authorization or 3 day pass late in the afternoon. It is useful to know that if you enter the sites later than 5pm, your card won’t be marked until the next day. This gives you a complimentary sunset at one of the temples!
Angkor Wat Tour Guides
In Cambodia, excursion guides have to qualify to put in for for training, then study and successfully pass a government-approved exam before they can be issued with a license.
While your Tuk Tuk or Taxi can take you to all the attractions in Siem Reap and surroundings, most tourists find that an attendant who is able to go with them indoors the temples brings out the detail of the carvings and all the symbolism, tale and folklore that you would otherwise miss when visiting without one. We heavily suggest you book well in beforehand for this service, particularly through the High Season (Oct-Mar).
Angkor Wat Tours
These are just some suggested tours if your are visiting for 1,2 or 3 days and want to see as many of the temples around Siem Reap as possible.
1 Day tour of Siem Reap
Here for only 1 day then you really want to pack in as much as you possibly can. Get your permit the day before 5pm (approx 4.30pm) which entitles you to use it that twilight. Head up to Angkor Wat and have a quick look neighboring to get some idea of the scale of the place. Head up to Bakheng Hill for sunset but it will be teeming during peak season and the sun actually set behind you. sunrise is the best time for sunrise at Angkor Wat as the temple faces the West and the sun will rise up behind the temple towards the main entrance.
The Small Tour
Angkor Wat (then travelling north)
Phnom Bakheng
Angkor Thom (including Bayon, Elephant Terrace, Leper Terrace and Baphuon)
Chau Sey Tevoda
Thommanon
Ta Keo (then travelling north east)
Ta Nei (then travelling south)
Ta Prom (then travelling east)
Banteay Kdei
Sra Srang
Prasat Kravan
Back to Angkor Wat (total 17km)
The Grand Tour
Angkor Wat (then travelling north)
Phnom Bakheng
Preah Khan
Preah Neak Pean (then travelling east)
Ta Som (then travelling south)
Pre Rup
Back to Angkor Wat (total 26km)
Although you can use these as a guide, your responsible tuk tuk driver knows a lot ways to make sure you see as much as possible with whatever time you have available.
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