Siem Reap: A little piece of Heaven in Asia

Michael's photo of sunrise in heaven

SIEM REAP is the capital city in northwestern Cambodia, and is where the Angkor region is located. The past 10 years has seen an increase in tourism due mainly to ease of access and travel to the ancient Angkor Wat complex or historical Phnom Penh through its neighbors Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. More so, affordable flights are now provided by airline companies.

Michael on a ledge

Aside from seeing the magnificent Angkor Wat and its massive community, Siem Reap is also not without other interesting spots to explore. One will notice the strong French influence evident in their café and pastry lifestyle, the architecture in the Old French Quarter, and even in their education and language (Cambodian-French).

Siem Reap isn’t exactly bustling in the exciting sense and although it has a ‘night life’ for the younger souls and partyphiles, it’s not rowdy and hyper like Khao San in Bangkok or Kuta in Bali, which is exactly why I love Siem Reap. It’s quieter, more exotic, and historical. More so, compared to other Asian popular places, it’s less crowded and the visitors it attracts are mostly couples, families, or older travelers.

So, if you want a more peaceful and spiritual journey in the ruins of history, Siem Reap is definitely a must visit.

Some basic things to know about Siem Reap:

dusty roads

-   They accept dollars so paying is easy. Changing money to Cambodian Riel is unnecessary.

-       Bring a mask or scarf or handkerchief. It's very dusty and can get quite difficult to breathe especially if you’re asthmatic. Siem Reap is still quite rural in the ‘roadworks department’. Not all roads are cemented.

-       Wear comfortable clothes for touring. It gets hot and humid during the day. Perhaps a hand-fan or an umbrella?

-       Speaking of the heat, it’s important to hydrate. Bring along some water.

-       Respect the temple rules, best to wear pants (loose), sandals or runners, and a shirt. Sexy clothes like a tank top and mini skirt are frowned upon.

-       You may opt to bring a sarong, as some temples may require you to wrap yourself with one.

cheeky young monks

In Siem Reap, Where to stay?