Read the Siem Reap tourist attractions intro
Welcome to Siem Reap, nicknamed Temple Town, the number one tourist destination in Cambodia. It is home to the worldwide famous Angkor Wat and other stunning Khmer temples nearby. Also, both the city and the namesake province have much more to offer. For example, Tonle Sap Lake (with floating villages) and Phare, the Cambodian Circus (staging gravity-defying shows) are a few other top-rated Siem Reap tourist attractions.
And, that's where the story of this travelers' hotspot only begins. So, continue reading our Siem Reap guide and make the most of your trip to this legendary place in Southeast Asia.
The Best Siem Reap Tourist Attractions and Temples Overview
Speaking of the top places of interest, Angkor Wat and other UNESCO temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park are pretty much unrivaled. However, make sure to visit other sites suggested by Top Travel and Tours to enrich your vacation in Temple Town and have fun along the way.
So, ready, set, go!
Must See Angkor Archaeological Park Temples, Siem Reap
- Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world. Moreover, it features five high towers and works of art depicting events from Ramayana and Mahabharata epics. Statues and bas-reliefs introduce Buddha, Vishnu, Apsara dancers, and many other mythological beings of Buddhism and Hinduism.
- Bayon, located in Angkor Thom, is a highlight of the Khmer Empire's capital. What catches the eye about the temple are smiling faces beyond count. And that's why Bayon earned the Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia nickname.
- Ta Prohm, on the other hand, is a sanctuary reclaimed by nature. While exploring the place, you'll see giant tree roots wrapping walls and structures, for example. If the complex looks familiar to you, it's probably because you watched the Tomb Raider movie series with Angelina Jolie.
- Banteay Srei is another top Siem Reap tourist attraction, located a bit away from other temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park. However, that shouldn't stop you from visiting this exceptional temple. Your reward will be laying eyes on some of the most elaborate Khmer artwork.
Further Leading Tourist Attractions In the Area
- Surrounded by a moat, Preah Khan used to be a Buddhist sanctuary. Besides Buddha images, however, its works of art depict Hindu deities and mythological creatures.
- Baphuon, on the other hand, is a temple dedicated to Shiva. Located in Angkor Thom, near Bayon, it is a pyramid-shaped landmark that was a state temple.
- Finally, Phnom Bakheng occupies a hill between Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Surrounded by greenery, the ancient Khmer holy place is an ideal spot for enjoying sunset views.
Other Top Siem Reap Tourist Attractions You Should Visit
- Also, include the Angkor National Museum in your Siem Reap itinerary. There, you can observe Angkor-era artifacts, some of which relate to Buddha and Hindu gods. Besides, religious beliefs, figures of famous Khmer kings, and old costumes are part of the museum collection.
- Next, Phare, the Cambodian Circus stages performances putting human strength, agility, and balance to the test. Moreover, you'll learn more about the Khmer Rouge's reign of terror and listen to emotional music.
- In line with the previous point, the Cambodia Landmine Museum, northeast of the largest group of Angkor temples, has a unique collection of mines. And it tells a tale of the unfortunate times the country had to endure several decades ago.
- OK, Fou-Nan is a restaurant, not an actual attraction. Still, you'll attend there one of the best Apsara Dance shows—a traditional Khmer performing art—in Siem Reap.
- To spend a day in nature, go to Tonle Sap Lake. During the rainy season (from December to April), navigate through its floating villages and markets. The dry period, on the contrary, reveals houses standing on stilts.
- Lastly, Cambodian Cultural Village introduces the nation's ethnic groups, culture, and traditions.
The Temple Town Highlights Summary
As you have seen so far, there is a lot to see and do in Siem Reap, whether you visit temples or do something else. However, the number one tourist destination in Cambodia has to offer travelers even more. Hence, drop by again since we'll continue updating the best Siem Reap tourist attractions guide.
So far, we have covered:
- The highlights and other sites you should check out
- Entertainment and educational venues
- The best photo spots,
- And museums that introduce a more or less distant past of the region and the country.
Also, you might wish to consult our Phnom Penh guide if you go there at some point. Finally, feel free to message us for assistance.
