Boutique hotels , Holiday destinations
Vacation trip: Your holiday to Siem Reap in Cambodia
If you are traveling to Siem Reap or are on a tour of Cambodia, this city is a destination you really must have visited. As Cambodia's second largest city, it has a rich history and is known for the Angkor temple complex. In addition to the famous temples, you will find a variety of eateries, markets and cultural activities in Siem Reap. It is a place where both history and modern influences converge, making it a popular destination for travelers who want to learn more about Cambodia's heritage and contemporary culture. Discover what makes a vacation to Siem Reap so special!
Why a visit to Siem Reap is worthwhile
- Angkor Wat and other temples: The iconic Angkor Wat is one of the largest religious monuments in the world, by far the most famous temple and offers an in-depth look at the history and culture of the ancient Khmer Empire.
- Local culture and gastronomy: Enjoy authentic Khmer dishes and discover local arts and crafts in vibrant markets.
Natural beauty: Explore Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and admire its unique ecosystem. - Unique experiences: Visit traditional floating villages and discover the daily lifestyle of local people.
The history of Siem Reap and Cambodia
Siem Reap has a long and complex history. The city played a central role in the Khmer Empire (9th to 15th centuries), known for its impressive temples, including Angkor Wat. In the 16th century, Siem Reap got its name, meaning “Siam's defeat,” after a conflict between the Khmer Empire and the Kingdom of Ayutthaya.
During the French colonial period (1863-1953), Siem Reap was rediscovered by the French, who began the restoration of the Angkor temples and brought tourism to the region. In the 1970s, the city, like the rest of Cambodia, was hit by the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime, in which millions died. Since the fall of the Khmer Rouge in 1979, Siem Reap has undergone remarkable reconstruction and is now a major tourist center.
Stay in Siem Reap: the best hotels
There are numerous hotels in the center of Siem Reap and beyond that are worth visiting. Should you stay in the city for a longer period, as travelers ourselves we would dare to recommend staying in 2 or 3 hotels.
Best Siem Reap boutique hotels
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is one of the most iconic and historic hotels in the region. Opened in 1932, this luxury hotel has been a landmark of elegance and sophistication, welcoming travelers from around the world. The hotel features classic colonial architecture with modern amenities, offering a perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort.
Zannier Phum Baitang
Phum Baitang, also known as "The Green Village," is a luxury resort in Siem Reap renowned for its traditional Khmer architecture and tranquil setting amidst lush rice paddies. The resort features spacious villas, a spa, and an infinity pool, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking relaxation and a culturally rich experience.
Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Shinta Mani Angkor is a boutique hotel in Siem Reap that seamlessly blends sustainability and culture within its stylish design. Known for its commitment to eco-friendly practices and support of the local community, the hotel offers a luxurious and culturally immersive experience for guests.
Jaya House River Park
Jaya House River Park is a boutique hotel located along the banks of the Siem Reap River in Cambodia. The hotel is known for its peaceful ambiance, eco-friendly practices, and commitment to providing luxurious, personalized service. It's one of the best hotels in Siem Reap.
Eightfold Urban Resort
Eightfold Urban Resort is a luxurious hotel located in the city of Siem Reap, Cambodia. The resort offers an elegant blend of contemporary design and traditional Khmer elements, providing a serene and sophisticated atmosphere for guests.
Things to do near Siem Reap during your vacation
There are a lot of cultural temples around Siem Reap that you can visit during your trip through Cambodia. It is impossible to give all the tips but we list some of the things you must have done or seen during your visit to the city.
Angkor Wat
Visiting the temples of Angkor is a must for any traveler coming to Siem Reap. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the Angkor temple complex houses some of the most impressive and well-preserved structures from the Khmer Empire. The highlight of the temple complex is undoubtedly Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Built in the 12th century, this temple is a masterpiece of architecture and symbolism, with beautiful bas-reliefs depicting historical and mythological scenes.
It is a place where you can experience Cambodia's rich history and culture, and it is known for its impressive sunrises that create a very special experience.
It is an iconic place that should not be missed during your trip to Siem Reap.
Bayon Temple
The Bayon Temple is one of the most iconic and fascinating temples in the Angkor Temple complex in Siem Reap. Located in the heart of the ancient city of Angkor Thom, this temple is especially famous for its 54 towers, each of which is decorated with four gigantic faces. There are 216 faces in all, believed to represent the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, but they are also often thought to represent King Jayavarman VII, the ruler who had the temple built in the late 12th century.
What makes the Bayon temple special is its combination of religious and political symbolism. The temple served both as a Buddhist shrine and a symbol of Jayavarman VII's rule. The faces exude a serene calm, but also a sense of vigilance, as if they were watching the entire city.
In addition to the iconic faces, the Bayon Temple also has impressive bas-reliefs depicting daily life in the ancient Angkor Empire, as well as historical events, such as battles and royal ceremonies. These reliefs offer valuable insight into Khmer culture and history.
A visit to the Bayon Temple is a trip back in time, where visitors can admire the complexity and beauty of Khmer architecture and art. It is an absolute must-see while vacationing in Siem Reap.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is one of the most unique temples in the Angkor complex, offering a different experience from that at Angkor Wat or the Bayon temple. While Angkor Wat is known for its impressive architecture and Bayon for its mysterious faces, Ta Prohm is famous for the way nature has taken over the ruins.
Built as a Buddhist monastery and university, Ta Prohm is distinguished by the massive roots of trees that hug and break through the temple's walls and structures.
In addition, Ta Prohm has become known worldwide for the movie Tomb Raider, in which the temple served as a key filming location. The iconic scenes in which the protagonist, Lara Croft, moves through the overgrown ruins have given the temple an almost mythical status.
This film contributed to Ta Prohm's popularity and put it on the map as one of the most photographed temples in Angkor.
Tonlé Sap Lake
From Siem Reap, a visit to Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia is highly recommended. It is an essential part of Cambodia's ecosystem and livelihood. The lake is known for its unique hydrological cycle, in which water levels and surface area vary dramatically between the dry and wet seasons. During the wet season, when water from the Mekong River flows into the lake, the surface area of Tonlé Sap can grow from about 2,700 square kilometers to as much as 24,000 square kilometers. This phenomenon makes the lake a crucial source of fishing and agriculture for local people.
Around and on the lake are several floating villages, where thousands of people live. These villages are literally built on the water, with houses, schools, markets and even temples all resting on floating platforms. The residents of these villages often rely on fishing as their main source of income and food. The unique life on the water attracts many tourists, who get the chance to experience the culture and daily life of the people in these floating communities.
A visit to Tonlé Sap Lake and the floating villages offers a fascinating insight into a way of life that is closely tied to the natural environment. Visitors can tour the villages by boat and learn more about the challenges and traditions of the communities living here.
Five provinces border the lake: Siem Reap, Battambang, Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, and Kampong Thom.
Pub street and Night market
Pub Street and the night market are two of the most crowded and popular destinations in Siem Reap itself, perfect for a night out or getting to know the locals in downtown Siem Reap.
Pub Street is the beating heart of nightlife in Siem Reap. A quiet street during the day, it comes alive at night with a wide range of bars, restaurants and clubs. The street is perfect for those looking for a fun atmosphere, live music, and a place to relax after a day of adventure at the temples.
Next to Pub Street you will find Siem Reap's busy “Night markets,” including the famous Angkor Night Market and the Siem Reap Art Center Night Market. These markets are the ideal place to discover local products, from handmade jewelry and clothing to artwork and souvenirs. It is also a great chance to sample local cuisine with stalls offering all kinds of street food, such as fresh spring rolls, Cambodian amok and even fried insects.
Important things to know about Cambodia
Cities in Cambodia
The most famous and largest cities in Cambodia are:
- Phnom Penh: this is the capital of Cambodia, over 1.5 million people live here.
- Siem Reap: the most well-known city in Cambodia and also the main tourist attraction.
- Battambang: the 2nd largest city in Cambodia. Battambang is also known for its well-preserved French colonial architecture.
3 travel tips for a pleasant stay in Cambodia
- Clothing tips: Cambodia is a very religious country and the temples are sacred. It is appropriate for women to wear clothes over shoulders and knees while visiting the temples.
- Khmer Rouge period: years ago, 1/3rd of the population was killed or murdered by Pol Pot's regime. Because of this, Cambodia is still very much behind in knowledge and development. Speaking about this period is taboo, so be sure not to constantly ask locals and guides info about this period.
- Scams and scams: because Cambodia is a relatively poor country, scammers and scammers are very active. Often children and young mothers are also used for these practices. So be very careful who you buy things from and preferably do not buy anything from children.
Your vacations to Siem Reap in Southeast Asia
A vacation to Siem Reap offers an unforgettable mix of culture, history and adventure. From the impressive Angkor temples to the busy city life, Siem Reap has something for everyone. Explore culture and nature, enjoy local cuisine, or unwind at one of the beautiful resorts & hotels, this destination has it all.
A trip to Siem Reap is an experience you won't want to miss, a must-visit during a tour of Cambodia.
Mr Gwen
As a husband, dad of 2 children and employer, holidays are important to Gwen. Enjoying everything from small-scale boutique hotels to luxury holidays in beautiful resorts is therefore one of his favourite hobbies.
