The Cambodian city of Siem Reap is the perfect spot for an out-of-the-box holiday. Famous for the Angkor archaeological site, this city narrates the tale of the Khmer empire that ruled Southeast Asia from 9th to 14th century. There are innumerable temples dating back centuries, and the sheer grandeur of these structures is unmissable. The glorious Angkor Wat temple is carved with over 2000 Apsaras (divine female spirits), and each sculpture has a story to tell. The pond to the north reflects the dawn sunlight and displays the temple in all its glory. Other significant spots include Angkor Tham and the ruins of Ta Prohm temple, which has foliage growing through every crack and crevice. While ancient temples are the main attraction of Siem Reap, the main city itself is startlingly modern. As it caters to thousands of international tourists, it has everything from restaurants, bars, clubs to buzzing midnight markets.
Siem Reap overview
When to fly to Siem Reap
November to March is considered the best time to visit the tropical city of Siem Reap. The daytime temperatures stay below 30ºC, and nights are pleasantly comfortable. With the rainy season yet to start, tourists can enjoy the entire day of uninterrupted sightseeing. However, if you are travelling on a budget, consider visiting from June to October. With heavy rainfall during the day, this is the off-season when prices are at their lowest. The monsoons have their own charm - the city is at its pristine best, and one can enjoy without the thronging crowds. While the afternoon rains can be inconvenient, you still have the entire morning to go exploring. So, depending on your preference, you can visit Siem Reap any time of the year.
Getting around Siem Reap
Once there, the city provides many options for you to get around. The easiest way of doing this is by hiring a bicycle. This gives you the flexibility to see as much as you want in a day, at inexpensive rates. Bigger groups can hire cars and jeeps, but these are more expensive. Tuk-tuks and motodops are widely available, and a drop around the city will not break the bank. Since the rates change depending on demand, it's best to agree a price before you start. You can even hire these vehicles for the entire day. With so many options, it is extremely easy to explore Siem Reap to the fullest.