Siem Reap Overview

The Khmer Empire flourished for over five hundred years from the ninth century and at its height covered the whole of present-day Cambodia and most of Thailand. Angkor was the seat of the Khmer kingdom and the remains of this vast city include the famous preserved temple complex, Angkor Wat, which in its day was serviced by almost thirteen thousand monks.

Travellers are drawn here to see this marvel of engineering, to wonder in awe at the scale of the achievements and the sheer number of magnificent temples the Khmer people constructed. A guided tour is a must to decode the mysteries and stories of the past and increasingly there are innovative options for seeing Angkor; take a helicopter ride above the complex for a birds eye view or join a full day bicycle tour for a slightly off the beaten track experience.

As the allure of the ancient temple complex has pulled in more and more visitors to the gateway of Siem Reap, this laid back riverfront town has developed a vibrant life of its own, a renowned restaurant scene, a respected coffee culture and fabulous shopping opportunities. The old market of Siem Reap is a treasure trove for everything from the traditional red gingham scarf for keeping the sun off your neck to antique furniture and local crafts from the ‘Made in Cambodia’ market.