Siem Reap

Meaning “Siam Defeated” in the Cambodian language, Siem Reap and the nearby Angkor Temples was once a strategic location in the conflicts between the Khmer Kingdom and their neighbours in Thailand (previously Siam). Siem Reap is a flat riverside city located on the edge of the Angkor Archaeological Park, Southeast Asia’s largest and most popular heritage site. Nearby Tonle Sap Lake, the bird reserve of Prek Toal and the sacred mountain of Phnom Kulen can easily be combined with tours of the temples. It is not surprising that this once sleepy village is something of a boom town these days, with a mesmerising choice of hotels, services and activities to feed and entertain travellers that flock to see the wonders of Angkor. Despite the recent developments, Siem Reap is still a very pleasant town to spend a few days. Enjoy promenades along the river and around the old market, explore the bars around trendy Pub Street and round off a good day’s sightseeing with dinner in one of the town’s many restaurants.