Siem Reap, Cambodia: Balancing History and Temples with Nightlife and Adventure

Angkor Temples. Of course, the Angkor temples are the star of this historic and beautiful region when visiting Siem Reap. The temples at the UNESCO world heritage site are scattered throughout a 400-. kilometer footprint, so you really can’t walk or bike to all of them. Volumes are written online about this sacred place, and so I’ll simply offer my humble take

There are hundreds of temples that cover the vast UNESCO world heritage site, which for 600 years served as the heart of the Khmer empire. From the 9th to 15th centuries, temples upon temples were added, and now offer a window into the past.

You’ll notice generally three types of visitors to the Angkor Temples:

1. Those there for the photos and the Instagram memories. This can be done in less than three hours.

2. Those there to learn enough to respect the majestic sites, but not there for every detail. This was my family’s choice, and it takes about a day and a half.

3. Those there to learn all about it — the stories, the architecture and the mysteries of how it was possible. This takes at least three days.

So with our day-and-a-half orientation to the temples, we hired a private guide and focused on 6–8 temples, but our four favorites were:

• Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and the most photogenic of them all. First built as a Hindu temple, it gradually became a Buddhist temple near the end of the 12th century and is still used for worship today.

• Angkor Thom, the Khmer Empire’s last capital that functioned as a complete city,

• Ta Prohm, the temple with trees growing from it, famous for its role in Tomb Raider.

• Bayon Temple, adorned with more than 200 beautiful stone faces.

When visiting Angkor Wat, bring a private guide, your water bottle, your patience and your very best attention. Expect to see lots of monkeys, tourists and people taking risks to get the perfect photo. But if you listen, what you will learn is mind-boggling.

Cambodia Landmine Museum

This amazing place tells the story of the Cambodian genocide under Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot. The horrific time in the 1970s saw a staggering 3 million Cambodians executed. Long after the genocide, millions of landmines remained.

One fascinating hero named Aki Ra holds an incredible part of this history. Born around 1970 and taken as a child soldier for the Khmer Rouge around age 10, Aki Ra killed countless people and buried thousands of landmines.

As an older teen, he defected from the army and dedicated his life to demining Cambodia. He has now personally demined hundreds of thousands of landmines and raised more than 100 orphans.

As we approached his museum, we were stunned to see Aki Ra himself was there, resting in a hammock. He spoke to us about his life, the genocide and the landmines. Such a gentle soul. Our guide explained that those who visit the simple museum are often fortunate enough to meet him.

• Quad bikes: Look for a sunset adventure where you’ll be guided into the countryside and back. Our shop simplified the controls on the quad bikes, making them easy to drive. You’ll be fully briefed on technique and safety, but if you’re nervous you can request sitting behind a driver. We found this gorgeous adventure into the country to be a highlight of our time in Cambodia.

• Relax Spa: We have many favorite spas across Southeast Asia, but Relax in Siem Reap easily makes the list. We each enjoyed magnificent 90-minute Cambodian massages in a perfectly serene environment.

• Siem Reap Art Center & Night Market. We found the famous Night Market to be safe, crowded and filled with high-quality wares including homegoods, clothing, shoes, artisan crafts and art. Situated on the banks of the river, the market features beautiful light displays that are worth the visit alone.

• Pub Street. Of course, Pub Street is the hub of the nightlife, and you’ll find plenty to entertain you. From restaurants and bars to places to dance and karaoke with spas sprinkled in, a walk through this fun area is a great way to end the evening.

• Chanrey Tree: This beautiful and centrally located restaurant has amazing food and really fun cocktails.

• Khmer Kitchen: Located right in the middle of the night market, Khmer Kitchen is known for its traditional dishes and reasonable prices. The fish Amok was delicious.

• Traditional Steamed Palm Cake Preah Dak Village: These are simply delicious. Freshly steamed at the roadside establishment in Preah Dak Village, the crowds make this stop impossible to miss (and worth the wait).

• Red Piano: The Pub Street staple is said to be Angelina Joile’s favorite spot in Siem Reap, and the signage outside reminds you so.