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We know that most of us go to Siem Reap just to see the world-famous Angkor Wat. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, tourists from all over the world flock to Cambodia just to see this. This often results in tourists neglecting other parts of the city that are definitely worth visiting. Siem Reap, although a small sleepy town compared to its capital Phnom Penh, has some fascinating places that one must surely go. Check out our list of the top 5 things to do in Siem Reap! Besides visiting Angkor Wat of course. Click on each attraction to find a more detailed review! 1. ANGKOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARKSiem Reap is really more than just about Angkor Wat, and most people still do not know that there are many more treasures surrounding it. Angkor Wat is located within Angkor Archaeological Park, where there are numerous temples and ruins to explore. Among the more famous temples include Ta Prohm, Bayon, and Banteay Kdei, which are all beautiful in their own right, and should not be compared with their more famous cousin. Take at least a day to explore these other ruins, and those who are more adventurous should definitely spend a few days in this wonderful archaeological park! Opening hours: 5am to 6pm (All visitors must leave the park after sunset) Entry conditions (correct as at April 2019): 1-day (US$37), 3-day (US$62), and 7-day (US$72) passes are available. Passes include entry into the world-famous Angkor Wat. Pro tip 1: Be sure to buy your tickets the day before, so you can head straight to Angkor Wat to catch the sunrise. Pro tip 2: Head back to the park to catch the sunset at Phnom Bakheng. Be there by 4pm, as there are only limited spaces available and they will stop people from entering once there are too many inside. Suggested website: Check out this website (https://www.visit-angkor.org/visit-angkor/), which provides a comprehensive guide about Siem Reap and Angkor Archaeological Park!  2. ARTISANS D'ANGKOR WORKSHOPArtisans d’Angkor is a Cambodian brand that primarily produces jewellery, clothing, and art pieces. This workshop, which is totally free of charge, brings you behind the scenes on how Artisans d’Angkor produce such beautiful merchandise. An employee will guide you throughout the factory, and explain to you the process of how each product is created, that ultimately reaches the stores to be sold to consumers. The lovely thing about this brand is how they hire locals throughout the city and provide them with meaningful employment. Profits earned from the enterprise are also plowed back into the organisation to offer training and welfare for the employees. This makes Artisan d’Angkor one of the better companies to work for! Address: Chantiers-Ecoles, Stung Thmey Street, Krong Siem Reap 855500, Cambodia Opening hours: 7.30am to 6.30pm Website: http://www.artisansdangkor.com/  3. PHARE, THE CAMBODIAN CIRCUSPhare is a social enterprise that reaches out to locals in the country to offer training programmes and purposeful employment. Really a circus act, the entire cast is made up of Cambodians, and much effort is put into each show, which happens every night. With some nine types of shows on rotation, you can head there on different days to catch a different show. The performance is amazing, as cast members act, dance, and carry out death-defying acts! However, make sure you book the show at least two days in advance, as this show regularly sells out. If you only book it on the day itself, you might be left with fewer seat options. Address: Intersection of Ring Road and Sok San Road | South of intersection with Sok San Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia Schedule: 8pm daily Website: https://pharecircus.org/  4. PSAR CHAS (OLD MARKET)Psar Chas is a standard market that one can find throughout Southeast Asia. Unique to Siem Reap, however, is Psar Chas. You can find all types of things here, from preserved snacks to t-shirts, from fresh fish at the wet market to paintings, and from religious artefacts to backpacks. As this market is also targeted at tourists, be sure to use your bargaining skills to get the best bang for your buck! Of course, at the end of the day, be sure not to bargain too hard as long as you are satisfied with your merchandise and are happy with the price offered. If you cannot finish shopping in one day, be there the next day to complete all your purchases! Address: Psar Chaa Road, Siem Reap 17252, Cambodia Opening hours: 7am to 8pm daily  5. MADE IN CAMBODIA MARKETMade in Cambodia Market is a modern-looking market that is not simply another market. The key aspect of this market is how all of the products sold are produced in Cambodia. This means there is none of the mass-produced commercialism happening here. It also means that each product is likely to be unique, and unlikely to have too many identical pieces. Exclusive and affordable jewellery are sold here, as well as handbags, scrapbooks, and the like. Many food options are also available here, so you can have your meal there after doing some shopping. Or, continue with your shopping after a meal to digest all that food! Address: Achar Sva Street | King's Road Angkor, Siem Reap 17259, Cambodia Opening hours: 12pm to 10pm Website: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinCambodiaMarket/   Published by Mario Ng Mario enjoys travelling around the world but finds himself visiting the same cities again and again. At this rate, it is unlikely he will travel "around the world" any time soon. He also has a dream to spend one year catching all the Formula 1 races live. |
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