This marks my last post for Siem Reap. Thanks to all who have been following me on this enlightening journey through Cambodia. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed sharing the stories and photos taken. Here is a closing note and quick overview of some recommended must-see attractions. If anyone’s visiting Siem Reap anytime soon, feel free to drop me a note on the places I’ve visited, during your travel itinerary planning.
There is so much more to Siem Reap besides taking in the beauty of Angkor Wat. Explore beyond and immerse yourself within the Khmer culture. The people of Cambodia have had to struggle with extreme poverty in the country as a result of a deep history of civil war and political instability. The Cambodians are humble and friendly folks and it is an eye-opener to witness and listen to personal stories of their daily struggle to meet basic needs. Several NGOs have been set up to help the current situation, and hopefully with time, there will be continuous improvement in the lifestyle of the people.
Here are some recommended places of interest when travelling to Siem Reap:
For must-see temples please go to: Angkor Temples Guide
For non-temple attractions, see below for a list of things to do (click on the respective links for detailed stories and photos):
- Visit the floating villages of Tonle Sap lake: Chong Khneas, Kompong Phluk, Kompong Khleang
- Watch skilled artisans at work at Artisans d’Angkor and the Silk Farm
- Experience the morning buzz at the Old Market
- Shop for souvenirs at the Angkor Night Market
- Have a taste of Khmer food and local beer at Pub Street
- Try out special delicacies including fried insects along the streets of Siem Reap
- Make a stop at Damdek Market (local market near Kompong Khleang)
- Hike up Kbal Spean, a hill with a waterfall and historical sculptures carved on the river bed
So it’s bye-bye Siem Reap… just for now at least!
catching up with technology?
Great shots! But my fav is the first photo, very clear and sharp and thanks for the tip, maybe I’ll try it if I have the chance to get there
hi vanillaseven, great to have you stop by here!
I remember the floating houses on Tonle Sap Lake as one of the most unforgettable sights I’ve seen anywhere. Hope to visit Cambodia again in the future much as I suppose you would want to re-visit it again someday.
yeah monk also can use mobile phone and digital camera right? or no??!!
It’s indeed a great sharing and useful tips for Cambodia holiday
Happy CNY and Valentine to you ya 
nomadic pinoy: yea… watching a whole village community living on water was new to me too – took quite a few photos featured on the posts of Chong Khneas and Kompong Khleang.
fufu: caaaannnn
uLi: GONG XI FA CAI and Happy Valentine’s to you too.. hope you’re enjoying your celebration!
WOW! Even a traveling monk is using a camcorder! Modern days savvy monks! Thanks for sharing beautiful pictures of Cambodia. I hope to travel to Cambodia someday in future
Happy holidays!
mylo
mylo: yeaa.. monks today also getting the hang of using all these gadgets!
I am yet to post the last set of our Angkorian Adventure
just like u there’s really a lot so say about this lovely place.
so, what’s your next set.. can’t wait
RON
i found your blog a great tip over siem reap..
i’m going to siem reap myself this coming sunday and hope to get more than the excitements i’ve already got from reading through your posts.
thanks..
Very nice summary of the Siem Reap. When I plan to visit there, your posts will definitely be my good references. Look forward to seeing your next series!
Ha ha… I like the monk!
What an anachronism?!
I need to keep pace with him! Ha ha…
PS: Yes, I did take some pictures of Big Ben in snow!
Will upload some in the future.
i enjoyed this series. thanks. hope u had a great cny
I enjoyed reading your Siem Reap travelogue very much. I’m going there this Sunday.
I won’t be going to Tonle Sap and those temples situated further away like Roluos Group and Banteay Srei. I’m getting the 3 days pass and following my planned itinerary, I can finish visiting the temples in 2 days including revisiting some temples again. Hmm not sure this is good or bad. Haha
I’m just wondering whether I should hire a tuk-tuk for whole day (means bringing me to Angkor Park and also around town) or just to Angkor Wat. Is it far to walk around town? Say from Central Market to Old Market, how long will it takes by foot?
Ron: we’re currently in the midst of chinese new year celebration. will be doing some posts on local festivity and destinations in malaysia, followed by my visit to bangkok (we took a similar route… cambodia then bangkok!)
leo: glad that you managed to find some helpful info. it’s really a great place to visit – do enjoy your trip and looking forward to hear about it!
micki: thanks a bunch!
london caller: haha yup.. we gotta keep up too
beng beng: yea it’s 3rd day already today… wishing u a splendid year of the tiger!
Che-Cheh: looks like u’re going on the same day as leo here. Angkor Wat, Angkor Thomand the other temples in the small circuit can take u up to 2 days if you really want to visit the temples in detail… and i hear it feels and looks very different in the morning and evening!
It is far to walk from one temple to the next so do take a tuk-tuk to travel within the Angkor Park itself. You’d need the tuk-tuk to get u from Angkor Park to town too… after that you may choose to walk around town without the tuk-tuk. It is about 10 mins from Central Market to Old Market. However you may need a tuk-tuk back to your hostel/hotel after u wonder around town so I would recommend u book a tuk-tuk for the whole day (about USD15 max – not much of a diff if u just book it to Angkor Complex) – they wait for u and if u’re tired from the temples and heat u can always hop on and ask them to take u from one part to another part of town.
i just came back from siem reap and i must say it is amazing!
will be writing about it in a few days coming.. didnt manage to go to the roluos group though, but did go to banteay srei and kbal spean, which are both amazing places..
ahh u’re back… will be looking forward to ur stories and photos. i think banteay srei and kbal spean are more interesting over rulous group, so great choice!