29 Dec What to do in Cambodia: Angkor Wat

If you are looking for a destination that combines culture, history, nature, and adventure, then you should consider visiting Siem Reap and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Siem Reap is a city in northwestern Cambodia that is famous for its proximity to the Angkor Archaeological Park. Siem Reap has a mix of French-colonial and Chinese-style architecture, as well as modern hotels, restaurants, and bars. Siem Reap is a popular tourist destination that offers cultural, historical, and natural attractions.  In this article, we will give you some tips on what to visit, what to do, what to eat, the best time of year to visit the city, and a brief reference to its history.

Visa for Cambodia

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What to Visit in Cambodia

The main attraction of Siem Reap is the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers 250 square kilometers and contains dozens of temples and structures from the 9th to the 15th centuries. The most famous and iconic temple is Angkor Wat, a masterpiece of Khmer architecture with five lotus-shaped towers and a moat. You can admire the sunrise or sunset over the temple, as well as the intricate bas-reliefs that depict scenes from Hindu epics and historical battles.

Another must-see temple is Bayon, located in the center of Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. Bayon is known for its 216 stone faces that smile mysteriously at the visitors. The temple also has some of the best carvings in Angkor, such as the Churning of the Ocean of Milk and the Army of Suryavarman II.

If you are a fan of the Tomb Raider movie, you will recognize Ta Prohm, the temple where Angelina Jolie explored the ruins. Ta Prohm is famous for its giant trees and roots that grow over the walls and roofs, creating a surreal and mystical atmosphere.

Other temples that you should not miss are Baksei Chamkrong, a small pyramid temple near Angkor Thom Gate; Thommanon, a less known temple with beautiful carvings and doorways; and Banteay Kdei, a temple with massive tree roots and a peaceful setting.

What to Do in Cambodia

Besides exploring the temples, there are many other activities that you can do in Siem Reap. You can take a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and visit the floating villages and markets. You can also learn about the culture and history of the Khmer people at the Angkor National Museum, the Cambodian Cultural Village, and the War Museum.

If you are looking for some adventure, you can try zip-lining, quad biking, cycling, or hiking in the countryside. You can also enjoy a traditional Khmer massage, a cooking class, or a pottery workshop. For nightlife, you can head to Pub Street, where you can find bars, restaurants, and clubs.

What to Eat in Cambodia

One of the best ways to experience the local culture is to try the local food. Cambodian cuisine is influenced by Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and French cuisines, and it features fresh ingredients, herbs, spices, and sauces. Some of the typical dishes that you should try are:

• Amok: A curry dish made with fish, chicken, or beef, cooked in coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves.
• Lok lak: A stir-fried dish made with beef, pork, or chicken, marinated in soy sauce, lime juice, and pepper, and served with rice, salad, and a fried egg.
• Khmer red curry: A mild curry dish made with beef, chicken, or fish, potatoes, carrots, onions, and coconut milk, and served with bread or rice.
• Nom banh chok: A noodle dish made with rice noodles, fish gravy, and fresh vegetables, such as cucumber, bean sprouts, banana flower, and mint.
• Bai sach chrouk: A breakfast dish made with grilled pork, rice, pickled vegetables, and a fried egg.

The Best Time of Year to Visit the City

The best time of year to visit Siem Reap and Angkor Wat is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry, and the skies are clear. This is also the peak season, so expect more crowds and higher prices. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit from March to May, when the weather is hot and humid, but the temples are less busy. You can also visit from June to October, when the weather is rainy and green, and the temples are more atmospheric.

A Brief Reference to Its History

Siem Reap and Angkor Wat have a rich and fascinating history that spans over a thousand years. The Khmer Empire, which ruled most of Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th centuries, built the temples and monuments of Angkor as a symbol of their power and glory. The empire reached its peak under King Suryavarman II, who commissioned Angkor Wat in the 12th century as his state temple and mausoleum. The empire declined after the invasion of the Thai Kingdom in the 15th century, and the temples were abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle.

Siem Reap, which means “Defeat of Siam” in Khmer, was a small village until the French rediscovered Angkor in the 19th century and made it a tourist destination. Siem Reap suffered from the civil war and the Khmer Rouge regime in the 20th century, but it has recovered and developed into a modern and vibrant city.

Siem Reap and Angkor Wat are among the most amazing places to see in Cambodia and in the world. They offer a unique combination of ancient and modern, culture and nature, adventure and relaxation. Whether you are interested in history, art, religion, or just having fun, you will find something to suit your taste and budget. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, and discover the wonders of the Khmer civilization.