Siem Reap Holidays

In the ninth century, the Khmer established Angkor as the capital of their huge kingdom stretching from present-day Thailand to Vietnam's Mekong Delta. For the next six centuries they ruled one of the largest empires in South East Asia. Angkor cultivated a power base of a mighty military and political force, and a rich and sophisticated civilisation. The ruins seen today represent successive capitals constructed by a dozen Khmer kings, between the 9th and 13th Centuries. These were cities of massive stone temples, wide majestic causeways, thrusting towers and imposing gates. The sheer size and magnificence of Angkor Wat is compelling. With a full restoration program by the Ecole Francaise d' Extreme that began in 1908 and continuing to this day the monuments of Angkor, now open to all, have been regaining their claim as one of mankind's greatest feats of construction.

Getting around - Siem Reap is a very small and walkable city. Many attractions at the city center can be walked to. Angkor Wat, it is too far to walk; so you can take a Taxi; Moto Bike or tuk tuk, which is a motorized rickshaw. You can rent one for the whole day with driver for 12 US dollars.

Nightlife - There is plenty of lively nightlife available in Siem Reap. From dinner theater with traditional cuisine and performing arts to Western bars, there should be something to suit your preference. Most of the popular bars, both Cambodian and Western in style, are at the Old Market in Siem Reap, on what else but "Pub Street" and the smaller side streets branching off from it. Nightlife goes on until the morning some nights in this area. The two favorites with the most action are the Angkor What? and the Easy Speaking Cafe and Pub. But, the following also see their fair share of liveliness:

• Temple Bar
• The Red Piano
• Buddha Lounge
• Linga Bar
• The Singing Tree Cafe
• Molly Malone's

As you can see, there is no shortage of entertainment in Siem Reap, once the sun goes down.

Things to see & do:

Angkor Wat (Angkor temple) is the central feature of this UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the magnificent remains of the Khmer civilization. Angkor Wat's rising series of five towers culminates in an impressive central tower that symbolizes mythical Mount Meru. Thousands of feet of wall space are covered with intricate carving depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins; Historic site; Religious site; Architectural building; Monument

Aki Ra's Landmine Museum - A collection of disarmed mines.

Angkor Thom - This magnificent inner royal city was built by the end of the 12th century and is renowned for its temple grounds and towering southern gate.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins; Amusement/theme park

Ta Prohm - Having undergone minimal restoration, stone pillars and carvings intertwine with massive tree roots and jungle in this stunning temple complex.

Preah Khan