Siem Reap is home to Southeast Asia’s most culturally important site, the Angkor Wat. This magnificent attraction draws more visitors to Cambodia than any other. The astounding ruins were at the center of Siam-Khmer battles for centuries and were 'discovered' for the West by a French naturalist, Henri Mouhot, in the 1850's. The region that surrounds the Angkor Complex also offers a good variety of things to see and do, with many distinctive cultural and nature pursuits to enjoy.

Exploring Angkor Wat will etch indelible memories into you that will never be forgotten. Walking through the various ruins will show why it has been claimed by Cambodians that ‘If our people can make Angkor, they can make anything'. The ruins are the largest religious monument in the world, with the outer wall stretching for 1.5km East to West and 1.3km North to South. They are surrounded by a picturesque moat and the whole site covers 200 hectares.

The size of Angkor Wat Complex and the numerous other temple sites in the area that comprise it make the manner in which they are viewed important. iTrekAsia offers several different ways to explore this Khmer icon by trekking, cycling, vintage car, helicopter, and more. Each style offers the observer a unique vantage that helps to understand better the scale and magnificence of this astonishing cultural treasure.

A destination that’s finally coming into its own, Siem Reap is a fascinating Cambodian city that hosts the world-famous Angkor Wat complex. Visitors can tour the crown jewel of the country’s tourism industry on elephant-back or in a hot-air balloon. Local museums explore the city’s heritage and the recent tolls of political strife.

Angkor Wat
The cornerstone of the Cambodian tourism industry, Angkor Wat is a massive temple complex constructed in the 1100s. The country’s political strife kept this impressive site off tourists’ radars for decades. Visitors are advised to take their time touring Angkor. The complex is open from sunup to sundown and passes are sold for single-day, three-day and week-long intervals.

Killing Fields
This somber shrine is the burial spot of thousands of victims who lost their lives in the 1970s at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. The memorial is marked by a stupa made from the bones of the victims. While admission is free, visitors are welcome to leave a donation. Proceeds go to expanding the onsite temple and school.

Tonlé Sap Lake
This is the largest body of fresh water in Southeast Asia, and its size changes dramatically throughout the year. During the rainy season, it swells until it almost touches the city and then it recedes in the dry season. Chong Kneas village hosts stilted houses, some of which are accessible only by boat depending on the season.

Tonlé Sap Exhibition
Before visiting Tonlé Sap Lake, stop by the exhibition centre in Siem Reap. The facility offers a range of information related to the lake and its unique ecosystem. There’s also an interesting model demonstrating how the lake joins with the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. This fresh water junction is exceptionally complex, with an onsite model explaining how it works.

Psar Chas
This traditional marketplace is a lively place to do a little shopping. Merchants mainly sell handicrafts, faux antiques (which vendors insist are authentic) and a range of souvenirs. The market is getting touristy these days, but it’s still a worthwhile place to visit.

Massage
Khmer massage is a longstanding tradition similar to Thai massage. A Khmer massage is less intense than its Thai counterpart, however. Massage parlors here are widespread and highly reputable, without the questionable operations that have sprung up in other parts of the region.

Cultural Village
This park borders on a tourist trap, but remains an interesting exhibition of Cambodian culture. The landscaped gardens are dotted with miniatures of important landmarks and monuments from across the country. Highlights include exhibitions of traditional dance and a recreated Khmer wedding. The wax museum features prominent historical figures.

Landmine Museum
A visit to this museum is highly recommended. Piles of defused mines are scattered across the compound, offering sobering insight into the recent hardships of the country. Many of the guides are orphans of the mines, and some have lost limbs to explosions. Donations are used for relief and educational programs.

Silk Work Farm
This attraction is due for an overhaul, but still offers visitors a fascinating glimpse of how the silk industry works. Visitors can feed the silk worms and watch them spin their cocoons. Tourists can also watch silk weavers producing textiles onsite. The farm is on the outskirts of the city.

Hot-air ballooning
A unique offering in Siem Reap, visitors can board hot-air balloons and ride over the top of the Angkor temple complex. The balloon is tethered to the ground the entire time and follows a fixed path over Angkor. At 10 minutes, the rides are short but exciting.

Aspara Theatre
Part of the Angkor Village resort community, this theatre hosts daily dinner shows that feature a traditional dance troupe. Dancers wearing traditional costumes tell the story of past kingdoms with intermittent singing. The production is admittedly touristy, but it offers authentic insight into local art and culture.

Elephant trekking
Highly recommended for anyone who has never hopped on the back of an elephant, these treks are available in the Angkor temple complex. Mahouts wait at Angkor Thom gate during the day and at Phnom Bakheng in the evenings. The tours are guided and take in many of the main attractions.

Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
Near Tonlé Sap Lake, this is the best bird-watching location in the region. Migratory waterfowl arrive during the dry season and the sanctuary teems with life. Tour operators can arrange boat rides and one- or two-day excursions. Overnight guests are accommodated in the research station.

Angkor Thom
Another of the ancient complexes within reach of Siem Reap, Angkor Thom is highlighted by the 12th century Bayon Temple. The temple is adorned with 216 faces carved from stone. Inside is a collection of galleries that tell the story of the city. The temple was Hindu before converting to Buddhism.

Dining
There are plenty of places in Siem Reap to sample traditional Khmer cuisine. Pub Street has the best variety, while the upscale restaurants in the area’s five-star hotels are among the country’s best. Popular Khmer dishes include amok, a fish steamed in a bamboo-leaf wrapping and salads spiced with coriander, mint and lemongrass.

Victoria Hotel
The Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa is a five-star classically-styled hotel located in the heart of Siem Reap, near the Angkor Wat UNESCO World Heritage complex.



Its building is a tasteful replica of a French colonial-era hotel, possessing all the amenities and refinements of a modern resort. Created to blend in perfect harmony with its natural surroundings, the Victoria Angkor offers guests an opportunity to peel back the layers of time to better experience Angkor Wat in style early 20th century travelers enjoyed.

Angkor Village
Angkor Village is situated outside of Siem Reap, close to the Angkor Wat complex. It is set amongst lush greenery, fountains, and large ponds filled with koi fish. Inspired by the traditional village setting of Buddhist monks, the hotel offers visitors a chance to enjoy the best of Khmer hospitality and cuisine. Splendidly decorated rooms featuring period artifacts, old prints of Angkor scenes adorning the walls and four-poster beds complete the classic effect, making this resort one of the more romantic hotels in Cambodia.

Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor
Located in the middle of Siem Reap, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is unrivalled in luxury, charm and service. This iconic hotel was built in 1932 and is considered one of the finest in Indochina, with its immaculately landscaped grounds, imposing colonial façade that gives way to a stunning marble lobby and suites exquisitely decorated in period themes. From the doorman outfitted in the old Royal Guard style to restaurants and bars that help evoke an ambiance of an era long ago, Raffles offers the perfect place to begin your journey to Angkor Wat.