25 Places to Visit in Siem Reap Province & Top Tourist Places

01

Bakong Temple, Siem Reap

As Bakong Temple is the first mountain temple sandstone in Cambodia, it has a special space in the culture and tradition of the country deeply. Located near modern Siem Reap, the temple was constructed by the rulers of Khmer Empire. It has the shape of a stepped pyramid which intricately exposes the Khmer architectural styles. It was also the official state temple of King Indravarman I in the final decades of the 09th century AD. Ed inside is Lord Shiva. The primary deity placThere are three concentric enclosures and they are separated by different moats. Elephant statues as guardians at the corners of three lower levels of the pyramid and statues of lions remain as the guardian at the stairs.

Location: Hariharalaya, Roluos, Cambodia

Price: Free

02

Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap

This is a must visit place in Cambodia for architecture and history lover. This park contains the architectural remnants of some of the most beautiful structures and temples in Cambodia that were constructed between the 9th and 15th centuries.

Highlights – This is one of the most important architectural hubs in South East Asia. Though there are many temples here, the most famous ones are Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and at Angkor Thom. Built in traditional Khmer style of architecture, these temples attract millions of foreign tourists all through the year. The park is set across 400 sq. km. and it was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site during 1992. Angkor Wat Temple is considered to be the oldest temple in the world.

Location – North Cambodia.

Timings - Most of the temples in this area are open from 5AM to 6PM.

Price – One day, 2-day and 7-day passes are available for USD20, USD40 and USD60 respectively.

03

Angkor National Museum, Siem Reap

If there is one place where you can witness Khmer majesty in full form, it is the Angkor National Museum.

04

The Terrace Of The Elephants, Siem Reap

It is the architectural ruins of Angkor that tourist unearth some historic marvels. Terrace of Elephats is one of them, found in the massive Angkor Thom ruins.

Highlights – Part of the well-protected temple complex of Angkor Thom, the Terrace of Elephants was the platform which King Jayavarman II used to witness his successful army returning. All through the 300m long structure, one can find stunning and rare bas-reliefs covered with small figurines and statues of elephants, dancers, lions, horses, soldiers and more. The entire terrace is about 2.5m tall. Of the three main platforms here, the carvings on the north platform are the most gorgeous. As you walk past the life-size sculptures of elephants, you cannot help but get awestruck at the skill of the local artisans.

Location – Angkor Thom complex, Siem Reap.

Timings – 5AM to 6PM.

Price – USD20, USD40 and USD60 for 1-day, 2-day and 7-day pass respectively. If tickets are bought for Angkor Thom, you need not pay again for Terrace of Elephants.

05

Neak Pean, Siem Reap

The etymology goes back to Sanskrit word for Naga meaning serpent as Neak Pean brings forth the artistic and cultural derivations exited during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. Nean Peak at Angkor is an artificial island with a Buddhist temple. The pools in which the nagas are present seems to be the pure water from the Himalayas that cures illness and the ancient people in the region used to believe that a dip in the pools would cure all the diseases. Also, as per the Hindu beliefs, the pools are representing the four elements such as water, earth, fire and wind. The temple in the middle is dedicated to one of the forms of bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.

Location: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Price: $20 for a day

06

Angkor Thom, Siem Reap

There are many places in Siem Reap that capture the attention of history and archaeological lovers. Angkor Thom is one of them.

Highlights – Set up during the 12th century by King Jayavarman II, Angkor Thom was the last and most reputed capital of the Khmer Kingdom. Built in pure Bayon style, this site was constructed using a large amount of laterite and massive naga-carrying figures on its 5 towers, each 23m tall. The gates opening to this site has massive representations of “Churning of the Ocean” episode from Hindu mythology. The gate on the south is often used by tourists who come from Angkor Wat to Angkor Thom. Traditionally, the Khmers addressed this as Prasat Angkor Thom. By 1609, many parts of Angkor Thom started getting damaged and what is left today are just the colossal remnants.

Location – Siem Reap.

Timings- 5AM to 6PM.

Price – Part of Angkor Archaeological Park; therefore prices are USD20 (one day pass), USD40 (2-day pass) and USD70 (7-day pass).

07

Srah Srang, Siem Reap

One of the most famous spots in Siem Reap, Srah Srang or the Royal Bath is a reservoir which has water always in it.

Highlights – Constructed during the 12th century by King Jayavarman II, Srah Srang is a massive lake (700x300m). The major highlight of this reservoir is that it contains water all the time and has a canopy of greenery surrounding it always. The Angkor Archaeological Park is clearly visible from the courtyard of this lake. Laterite and sandstone were used in abundance for constructing this lake. The platform which leads into this lake is flanked by two lions at the entrance. Sculptures of a Garuda and serpents are also found near the lake. Come here during sunrise/sunset for best views.

Location – Angkor, Siem Reap.

Timings – Sunrise to sunset.

Price – Part of Angkor Archaeological Park. So entrance fee of USD20 (1-day), USD40 (2-day) and USD60 (7-day) applies here as well.

08

Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, Siem Reap

Siem Reap is not just a place for adventure enthusiasts, but it is also a place for nature lovers and ornithologists. Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is one such place.

Highlights – Set up over 42000 hectares, the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is located in the Battambang Province. A popular eco-tourist destination, Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is the abode of rare species of water birds that come here from different parts of the world during the migratory period. The sanctuary is located within the Tonle Sap Biospere Reserve. Some of the birds that you can spot here are Black headed Ibis, Painted Storks, Milky Storks, Spot-billed pelicans, Fish Eagle, Greater Adjuncts, Lesser Adjuncts and many more.

Location – Battambang Province, Siem Reap.

Timings – Come to the park during the dry season between December and March to witness lots of birds.

Price – USD25per person towards entry into the park. Boat tours are available here.

09

Angkor What? Bar, Siem Reap

Siem Reap, Cambodia’s architectural hub which houses the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, is also home to lots of night clubs. The nightlife here is so vivacious that you have to see it to believe its class.

Highlights – Brunch, dinner and impressive variety of cocktails and drinks are served here to attract international and local tourists to a great extent. This bar was constructed in 1998 and has the distinction of being the first ever bar on Pub Street. With excellent drinks, reasonable prices, pool tables, loud music, great ambience and a lively atmosphere, Angkor What? Bar is a perfect hang-out spot for tourists after a tiring visit to the 1000 year architectural ruins.

Location – Pub Street.

Price – Angkor Beer-USD1.5, Long

Island Pitcher – USD10.

Timings – 5PM until late night.

10

Cambodia Landmine Museum, Siem Reap

This is one of the must visit places in Cambodia for environment lovers all over the world.

Highlights – This is probably one of the very few places in the world, where you will know about landmines, their dangers and risks, how it impacts kids, how it kills people and ways to disarm these landmines. There is a farm right behind the museum, where kids who are saved from landmines are put in relief camps and cared for. The museum is a repository of excellent tools, guns, weapons and other equipment that were used for mining in those days.

Location – Situated at about 25km distance from Siem Reap, this museum is located in close proximity to Banteay Srei.

Timings – 7.30AM to 5.30PM every day. Professional guided tours are available in English and Japanese on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9AM to 5PM.

Price – Foreign adults – USD5. Cambodian citizens and kids below 10 years of age – free of cost.