When planning a Vacation in Siem Reap, you’ll find several different places to visit. These include the Angkor Center for the Conservation of Biodiversity, Phnom Kulen Waterfall, and Angkor Wat. You’ll also find a local market, the Old Market, filled with crafts, souvenirs, and even recycled items.
Phnom Kulen Waterfall
Whether visiting Cambodia for the first time or looking for a relaxing getaway, seeing the Phnom Kulen Waterfall will leave you feeling refreshed and enchanted. Its waterfall tumbles down rocks, creating pools where you can relax and cool off. The waterfall is magnificent in the wet season when water levels are at their highest.
You can reach Phnom Kulen Waterfall via road from Siem Reap, about 48km away. Driving from the town to the waterfall takes approximately 1.5 to two hours. If you’re traveling by tuk-tuk, you’ll need a ticket before heading to the park.
The ticket office is located at the base of Phnom Kulen, near the entrance to the Phnom Kulen National Park. You can get discounted tickets if you hire a guide or hotel. If you’re a Cambodian, you can also enter for free. The waterfall’s water flow is best in the rainy season, from May to November.
Nearby, you’ll find a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Angkor National Museum, and Khmer Ceramics Fine Arts Center. These museums are open daily from 8:30am to 6:30pm.
There are also great street markets where you can buy local produce and handicrafts. One of the best tourist markets is the Old Market, which is packed with ceramics, figurines, and other items.
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest religious monument in the world. It was initially dedicated to Lord Vishnu and later became a Buddhist sanctum. Its walls are covered in carvings and scenes of daily life.
After exploring Angkor Wat, you might also want to visit a local floating village. The Kompong Phluk Floating Village is the most popular of the floating villages and is the most popular. This is the ideal place to enjoy live music and try local food.
Angkor Wat is an iconic tourist attraction in Siem Reap, but there’s more to this city. Other interests in the area include the vibrant local markets, fascinating museums, and fun day trips. It’s also one of the world’s most affordable tourist destinations, making it a good place for budget travelers. Regardless of your budget, Siem Reap is well worth a visit. Just remember to plan your vacation around the best time of year to get the best experience.
The temple is open to the public from 5 am to 7:30 pm. However, the upper level is available two hours earlier. While Angkor Wat is one of Cambodia’s most famous tourist attractions, you should make time for some of the lesser-known temples. If you have the time, you can also check out Angkor Thom, a city-within-a-city in central Angkor. This incredible temple can be climbed via bamboo ladders.
Angkor Centre for the Conservation of Biodiversity
The Angkor Centre for the Conservation of BioDiversity is a Cambodian nature conservation center that works towards wildlife conservation. This non-governmental organization rescues and cares for endangered wildlife and works with local communities to ensure the survival of the local fauna.
The ACCB is located on National Road 67, 26 miles north of Siem Reap. You can either walk there or take a taxi to the center. Alternatively, you can rent a tuk-tuk, which is cheaper and more comfortable. When hiring a tuk-tuk, negotiate the length of time you will need at each stop. You can also arrange whether you wish to visit Banteay Srei while you are there.
The Angkor Centre for the Conservation of BioDiversity is a must-see for those passionate about wildlife. You can see a variety of native species in the zoo, including monkeys and birds. You can also learn about conservation breeding programs and conservation education programs.
The ACCB is a nonprofit organization that educates locals and tourists about the plight of wildlife. Its goal is to protect untouched flora and fauna by conducting research and realistic training. The organization also cares for animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.
Phnom Kulen
If you’re looking for a great day trip from Siem Reap, visit Phnom Kulen waterfall, located just north of the city. The waterfall offers a free aqua massage and stunning views. The area is easily accessible by taxi or local bus.
The waterfall is an impressive sight to behold; if the mist is lifted, you can view it. Besides the waterfall, you can also check the Hindu carvings on the stone riverbed. Another great spot in Siem Reap is Kompong Khleang, located about 55km east of town. This ancient town has plenty to offer. Visitors can hike and picnic in picnic areas.
Another great place to enjoy local food and nightlife is Pub Street, officially known as Street 8. Here you’ll find street food, boutiques, and street vendors. There are also night markets and live performances by traditional Khmer bands. Popular restaurants include The Red Piano, The Banana Leaf, and Le Tigre de Papier.
Phnom Kulen Mountain is an enchanting offbeat place that evokes awe. It is home to two waterfalls, one 25m wide and five high, and the other is about fifteen meters tall. The waterfalls change in size with the season. You can also visit the Preah Ang Thom temple, which is home to one of Cambodia’s most giant reclining Buddha statues. You’ll also find many smaller Buddhas throughout the temple grounds.
Bakheng Hill
If you are looking for a cool climate, you should plan your visit from November to March. During this time, there are only about 300 tourists in town. During this time, you can also enjoy a nice meal. The park is located approximately 15 minutes away from the center of Siem Reap.
You should also take the time to visit Banteay Srei temple, which was built in the 10th century by King Jayavarman V. At the time of its construction, it was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Later, it was hidden deep within the forest, but Frenchmen discovered it in 1914. Since then, it has become one of the most popular attractions in Siem Reap.
Bakheng Hill is a 70-meter hill located between Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. From the foot of the mountain, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the top of the hill. It contains the Bakheng Temple, which was built on top of it. The steps on Bakheng Hill are now worn and deformed.
For adventurous travelers, the tour can include a jungle canopy tour. You will experience four hanging sky bridges, a 50-meter abseil, and twenty platform stations. The canopy tour also offers a chance to learn about flora and fauna of the jungle. You’ll also be rewarded with a drink and a gift.
Flight of the Gibbon Adventure
Flight of the Gibbon is a treetop adventure that takes you over a jungle canopy. It features ten zip lines and four sky bridges. While soaring high above the jungle canopy, your guides will teach you about the jungle’s flora and fauna. You might also spot gibbons, which are native to the area. The tour includes a light Khmer lunch, bottled water, and return transportation to Siem Reap.
Flight of the Gibbon is a great way to experience the Angkor Archaeological Park, spanning 154 square miles (400 square kilometers) and featuring the Khmer Empire’s ancient capital. The two-hour zipline adventure begins with a safety briefing. The course features harnesses and is suitable for children 6 years and up. The tour is safe and designed with fun in mind.
If you have time, try a zipline adventure in Siem Reap. This thrilling tour will allow you to get close to some of the most beautiful wildlife in Cambodia. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with a traditional Khmer lunch and entry fees.
Beng Mealea
Beng Mealea is a Hindu temple complex dating from the early 12th century. It’s 61 km from Siem Reap and is often visited along with the nearby island of Koh Ker. It’s one of the largest Khmer temples and has a 1.2-kilometer moat surrounding the temple. While much of the site remains untouched, there are still plenty of carvings and panels to admire.
Beng Mealea is a temple located in the jungle and is not as well-known as its neighbor, Koh Ker. It is a stunning example of ancient architecture; the ruins are covered in moss and vines. The temple dates back to the 12th century, but little is known about its construction.
Beng Mealea is less visited than Koh Ker, so you can expect to find it less crowded. If you’re looking for a less crowded site, take a boat ride through mangroves. It’s also worth stopping by the nearby village of Kompong Phluk, which provides a glimpse into the daily life on the Tonle Sap Lake.
You can visit Beng Mealea at any time. Still, it’s busiest between 9am and 11am and during the winter months, between November and February. You can also opt for a tour of the temple, which will give you a more thorough knowledge of the temple and its intricate carvings.
