May 7th, 2019 | Updated on April 8th, 2023
The town of Siem Reap in northern Cambodia is the primary gateway for the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Source: Wikitravel
1. Angkor Wat
The traveller’s first glimpse of Angkor Wat, the ultimate expression of Khmer genius, is matched by only a few select spots on earth. Built by Suryavarman II (r 1112–52) and surrounded by a vast moat, Angkor Wat is one of the most inspired monuments ever conceived by the human mind. Stretching around the central temple complex is an 800m-long series of bas-reliefs, and rising 55m above the ground is the central tower, which gives the whole ensemble its sublime unity.
2. Ta Prohm
The so-called ‘Tomb Raider Temple’, Ta Prohm is cloaked in dappled shadow, its crumbling towers and walls locked in the slow muscular embrace of vast root systems. Undoubtedly the most atmospheric ruin at Angkor, Ta Prohm should be high on the hit list of every visitor. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it has been swallowed by the jungle, and looks very much the way most of the monuments of Angkor appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them.
3. Bayon Temple
Take a relaxing bike ride around Angkor complex, Biking off-road to explore magnificent sunset, A visit to a combination of Buddhism and Hinduism temple, Bayon. Get a deep understanding of Cambodian historical complex in Angkor Empire.
4. Banteay Srei
Considered by many to be the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art, Banteay Srei is cut from stone of a pinkish hue and includes some of the finest stone carving anywhere on Earth. Begun in AD 967, it is one of the smallest sites at Angkor, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in stature. The art gallery of Angkor, Banteay Srei, a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, is wonderfully well preserved and many of its carvings are three-dimensional.
5. Angkor Archaeological Park
Sunrise+Small CircuitPass By Cambo First TravelAngkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire of the 9th to the 15th centuries, including the largest Hindu temple and the Buddhist temple. The most famous is Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. Behind those temples, it has 91 temples still remain. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992, it would be the perfect time to visit to explore in the ancient city.
Pass By: Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Siem Reap Province- At 4:30 am, we’ll pick you up at the hotel- Destination: Angkor Wat Sunrise + Small Circuit- Duration: Full-day-tourTour Detail- To watch the sunrise over the Angkor Temple to disclose the natural beauty of this area. Roam around and gaze across at the amazing scenery and unrivaled architecture.
6. Preah Khan
The temple of Preah Khan is one of the largest complexes at Angkor, a maze of vaulted corridors, fine carvings and lichen-clad stonework. It is a good counterpoint to Ta Prohm and generally sees slightly fewer visitors. Like Ta Prohm, it is a place of towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Preah Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation thanks to the ongoing restoration efforts of the World Monuments Fund (WMF).
7. Cambodia Landmine Museum
Established by DIY de-miner Aki Ra, this museum has eye-opening displays on the curse of landmines in Cambodia. The collection includes mines, mortars, guns and weaponry, and there is a mock minefield where visitors can attempt to locate the deactivated mines. Proceeds from the museum are ploughed into mine-awareness campaigns. The museum is about 25km from Siem Reap, near Banteay Srei.
8. Angkor National Museum
Looming large on the road to Angkor is the Angkor National Museum, a state-of-the-art showpiece on the Khmer civilisation and the majesty of Angkor. Displays are themed by era, religion and royalty as visitors move through the impressive galleries. After a short presentation, visitors enter the Zen-like Gallery of a Thousand Buddhas, which has a fine collection of images. Other exhibits include the pre-Angkorian periods of Funan and Chenla; the great Khmer kings; Angkor Wat; Angkor Thom; and the inscriptions.
9. Angkor Silk Farm
Les Chantiers Écoles maintains the Angkor Silk Farm, which produces some of the best work in the country, including clothing, interior-design products and accessories. All stages of the production process can be seen here, from the cultivation of mulberry trees to the nurturing of silkworms to the dyeing and weaving of silk. Free tours are available daily. A free shuttle bus departs from Les Chantiers Écoles in Siem Reap at 9.30am and 1.30pm.
10. Pre Rup
Pre Rup, built by Rajendravarman II, is about 1km south of the Eastern Mebon and is a popular spot for sunset. The temple consists of a pyramid-shaped temple-mountain with the uppermost of the three tiers carrying five lotus towers. Pre Rup means ‘Turning the Body’ and refers to a traditional method of cremation in which a corpse’s outline is traced in the cinders: this suggests that the temple may have served as an early royal crematorium.
Top Hotels In Siem Reap
1. Sokhalay Angkor Resort & Spa
Sokhalay Angkor Villa Resort offers an ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation experience. With its key location, guests can conveniently access to the city’s must-see destinations. Siem Reap Airport, the Pub Street and the famous UNESCO site Angkor Wat can be reached within short drive. At Sokhalay Angkor Villa Resort, all rooms are beautifully furnished and equipped with standard amenities.
Experience the resort’s spa and fitness center where guests are able to relax and enjoy the landscape of tropical atmosphere. To ensure that guests are having a pleasant time during the stay, the resort also offers recreational facilities such as swimming pool, library, including day trip. Guests can opt for other leisure activities such as jogging. Offering comfortable stay with top-class facilities, Sokhalay Angkor Villa Resort is a perfect venue to spend the unforgettable stay in Siem Reap.
2. Borei Angkor Resort & Spa
Borei Angkor Resort & Spa is the one and only most reviewed hotel in Siem Reap Cambodia given by thousands of travellers’ reviews on TripAdvisor making Borei Angkor the most popular and chosen hotel to stay in Siem Reap while visiting the UNESCO world heritage site of Angkor Wat. Aptly named after ‘a territory of Angkor’, Borei Angkor Resort & Spa, a truly Cambodia 5 star hotel in Siem Reap is set right in the center of Siem Reap, ideally situated within 15 minutes drive either from Siem Reap International Airport or to Angkor Wat, and only 5 minutes drive to Siem Reap downtown including Pub Street, shopping malls, Angkor Night Market, local restaurants and bars, and other nearby local attractions in Siem Reap.
3. Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel
Baby Elephant is an evolving independent boutique hotel and is located in a peaceful area of Siem Reap only a short tuk-tuk ride or leisurely stroll away from the famous Pub Street and Night Market. We provide premium budget and affordable luxury accommodation alongside all the facilities and services of an international hotel. Baby Elephant has 25 rooms which are all fully air-conditioned, tastefully designed and decorated, clean, and feature comfortable beds made up with high-quality linen. Baby Elephant provides you with peace of mind by providing safety boxes, 24-hour reception, and night security from 7 pm to 7 am, 7 days a week.
After exploring the Angkor Wat complex and learning about the history of Cambodia, you can relax by our pool and enjoy one of our famous cocktails from the pool bar or eat from our full range of Cambodian and international cuisine. We are an inclusive, family-friendly, and LGBT-welcoming property offering a dynamic, creative, and nourishing space for guests.
Our sustainable and ethical business model is focused on creating opportunities for our team of Cambodian staff, while creating rewarding and memorable experiences for our valued guests. Our highly professional team of local staff led by manager Mr Ravy will do their very best to make sure you have an amazing stay and make some lifetime memories. We look forward to welcoming you.
4. Viroth’s Hotel
Located in the centre of Siem Reap, in the vibrant Wat Bo area, the hotel boasts 50’s-inspired design, complemented by large green areas and vertical gardens. Viroth’s Hotel includes 35 guestrooms, a 20-meter pool, spa, gym, air-conditioned dining room / open-air restaurant, bar, and 24-hour reception service to satisfy all your needs.
5. The Privilege Floor
The Privilege Floor by Borei Angkor can be found at the 5-star Borei Angkor Resort & Spa up on the top floors. The resort is not far from Siem Reap International Airport, just 15 minutes drive in vehicle and you’re there. The décor of The Privilege Floor by Borei Angkor represents the rich and highly unique culture of Cambodia, which permeates the entire atmosphere of the property. Guests can also take a 15-minute drive to reach the Temple of Angkor Wat and for a night on the town, Siem Reap’s local pub street is just 5 minutes away.
The Privilege Floor by Borei Angkor is the most luxurious hotel in Siem Reap, with 49 rooms including top suites. This resort delivers on the promise of true luxury, it is without a doubt the best hotel in Siem Reap, offering guests with two standard options – either Package or Bed & Breakfast. With Bed & Breakfast, guests are personally provided with private round-trip airport transfers and a cellphone with up to 30-minute local call, and also can enjoy an all-day-long breakfast at our Damnak Lounge.
On top of B&B, the Package option offers guests with the use of a private car service around the clock, with a driver available at all times. If you need any other assistance, you’ll have a personal host that you can reach by picking up your complementary mobile phone, something you’ll have with you for your entire stay. Your room in this Siem Reap hotel comes with a complimentary mini bar, which is refilled on a daily basis. You won’t have to lift a finger while staying in this luxury hotel in Siem Reap, as all your needs will be provided for, including daily laundry service for your clothing.
6. Anusa Residence & Spa
This unique boutique hotel has 24 rooms including suites, which provide a uniquely Cambodian experience for guests with very personalized services to meet the needs of every guest. All the rooms over look to Balcony and pool view with private balcony or terrace.
7. Hari Residence & Spa
Hari Residence & Spa boasts 61 luxurious rooms that are perfectly located on BBU Road in the central of Siem Reap. While the downtown district is literally but a few minutes walk away, the hotel still offers an oasis of calm, peace, and tranquility. Within a 25 minute drive to the world heritage site of Angkor Archaeological Park and with a myriad of bars, restaurants and shops nearby, you are close to everything that Siem Reap has to provided.
8. Golden Temple Retreat
For guests looking for relaxation and serenity, the Golden Temple Retreat, one of the five Golden Temple Group properties, offers just that. Located in the Wat Damnak area, in the South-East quarter, the retreat is just 10 minutes walk to downtown Siem Reap and about 10 kilometres from Angkor and the airport. Like the other Golden Temple properties, the Retreat provides a professional spa, a lengthy swimming pool, extensive bar and high-quality restaurant.
The restaurant features complimentary Apsara dance performances at selected times and serves both Western and local gastronomic delights. All rooms are air-conditioned and offer flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and many modern comforts. Each room has an en-suite shower room with quality fittings. Recognising the importance of guest service, the team constantly work to improve language skills, proactivity, cultural awareness and interpersonal skills.
9. Central Suite Residence
Central Suite Residence boasts 32 luxurious rooms that are perfectly located on Sok San Road in the heart of Siem Reap. While the downtown district is literally but a few minutes walk away, the hotel still offers an oasis of calm, peace, and tranquility. Within a 20 minute drive to the world heritage site of Angkor Archaeological Park and with a myriad of bars, restaurants and shops nearby, you are never far from all Siem Reap has to offer.
10. Lotus Blanc Resort
Built in an exotic design of luxury French art and decor coupled with a Cambodian cultural touch, the Lotus Blanc Resort provides a timeless, holistic and harmonious experience. If you are looking for elegance, rich heritage and a combination of middle ages and a twenty-first-century outlook, this Siem Reap’s premier boutique resort is the place to be, a destination that provides a tropical bliss landscape which intimately defines the perfect escape – a home away from home!
