The allure of Angkor Archaeological Park and Siem Reap's easy-going vibe has made the town one of Southeast Asia's must-see destinations.
What was once a small, anonymous town in the middle of Cambodia now sees more than a million annual visitors. Why? Because of the irresistible sight of the ruins of Angkor Archaeological Park, the site of the ancient Khmer Empire, which ruled much of the region from the ninth to 15th centuries. The park is less than 6 kilometres away from Siem Reap and in the last twenty years, it's become a firm favourite on the Asian traveller’s circuit. The romantic and evocative ruins of the ancient city are scattered throughout the park, with Angkor Wat Temple and Bayon Temple, two of the highlights. Another must-see is Ta Prohm Temple, made even more famous thanks to the Lara Croft film starring Angelina Jolie, where trees and plants have enveloped the temple's ruins. You can reach the park from Siem Reap by tour bus, bicycle or tuk-tuk, and in the park itself, you can even hire an elephant to get around.Siem Reap is more than a mere transit point however over the past 10 years, it has evolved into a destination in itself thanks to its chic places to stay, eat and shop. The art scene is thriving with local artists gaining an increasing amount of international attention. After decades of war and horror under Pol Pot, Siem Reap has resurrected itself, and is once again a centre for Khmer culture, as it was a thousand years ago.When it comes to evening entertainment, many restaurants serve a mean Khmer curry and have outdoor seating. The Red Lantern District is the place to head for a bit of a party there is everything from rowdy pubs serving cheap beer, to stylish and low-key bars offering designer cocktails. The town of Siem Reap is increasingly seen as a shopping destination too with silk products making a wonderful souvenir of your visit.Siem Reap has an international airport with daily flights to and from many places in Asia. Visitors can also get buses from Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos.
