Siem Reap City Guide

Old Market Area

A combination of traditional architecture that mirrors Cambodia’s rich history and a plethora of multicultural establishments line the verdant roadways and cosy side streets of the Old Market Area. As the name suggests, the neighbourhood is centred around a traditional covered Cambodian market which lies on the western bank of Siem Reap River. The market is a notable draw in itself, harbouring an eclectic mixture of stalls that sell everything from street food and traditional spices to textiles and pirated DVDs. The bustling energy, bright colours and traditional produce give the market an alluring sense of traditionalism as well as an impression of the role of western influences on Cambodian society.

To the north of the market are a mesh of diminutive alleyways that are alive day and night with busy crowds of travellers eating, drinking and talking about the one thing that is on everyone’s mind - the temples of Angkor. Restaurants serve everything from traditional Khmer cuisine to food from Mexico, India and Italy. Running through the centre of it all is the well renowned ‘Pub Street’, along which countless drinking spots can be found serving ice cold beers long into the night. Perfect for battling the stifling Cambodian heat, which rarely dips below 25 degrees centigrade even at the coolest times of the year. The Old Market Area is undoubtedly catered towards the needs of the city’s tourism industry but still retains a quintessentially Southeast Asian charm that draws visitors to its busy streets on a daily basis throughout the year.

French Quarter

The finest of Siem Reap’s architectural delights are found in the aptly named French Quarter. The buildings in this area have all the hallmarks of any great European structure but inside them lies the charismatic chaos that can only be found in Asia. Running along the eastern edge of the area is Sivutha Boulevard, which is home to a number of restaurants, bars and Siem Reap’s more upmarket hotels. Venturing away from the noisy boulevard, streets become quieter, with verdant greenery bordering the streets instead of noisy bars and western chains.

To the north of the French Quarter is the city’s Royal Residence, a modest villa which serves the King of Cambodia when he visits Siem Reap. Opposite the residence are the Royal Independence Gardens, whose well maintained lawns and wide range of foliage provide the perfect location for anyone in search of cooling shade and a moment's rest from the often manic character of the city. Another peaceful getaway within the French Quarter is the Mirage Contemporary Art Space, which hosts frequent exhibitions, many of which are dedicated to the work of local artists.

Wat Bo

Those who prefer the idea of staying in a quieter, more traditional neighbourhood should explore the district of Wat Bo to the east of Siem Reap River. The hustle and bustle of the city dies down the instant that you cross the bridge to the eastern side of Siem Reap. Centered around Wat Bo Road, the area is green and peaceful, with less traffic, less tourists and more locally run establishments. The neighbourhood is also considered up and coming by the local residents who often skip over to the river’s eastern banks to sample the contemporary bars and restaurants on offer.

The area gets its name from the eponymous temple complex just to the east of the main road, which is in fact one of the oldest standing pagodas in the region. Whilst Wat Bo Road shares a name with this temple, many prefer Wat Damnak at the southern end of the main street. Within its large green grounds are a collection of masterfully carved pagodas, gold-bordered temples and beautiful tiered shrines. Whilst you may be reluctant to visit yet another temple so soon after a trip to Angkor Wat, it is a serene area that inspires a sense of calm and tranquility in anyone who wanders amongst its numerous Buddhist structures.

Amongst the dishes typically on offer, the most commonly found is likely fish amok. Often considered Cambodia’s national dish, this fragrant, coconut-based curry is traditionally cooked inside a banana leaf until the fish is flaky and tender, making for a dish that is at once delicate and bursting with flavour. Amok can also be cooked with pork or chicken and is always served with a portion of fluffy steamed rice. Another Cambodian staple comes in the form of num banh chok, a rice noodle dish that is traditionally eaten for breakfast. The noodles are served in a fish sauce and coconut milk broth, before being topped with diced raw vegetables, providing the dish with a satisfying fresh crunch. Another popular breakfast dish is the porridge-like bobor. Whilst its appearance may not be the most appealing, this delicious meal comes in a number of scrumptious flavours, including fish, chicken and pork, and served with an array of toppings such as crushed chillies, lime wedges and bean sprouts so that you can personalise your warming bowl to match your tastes. Bobor is thought to have been served in Cambodia since the 10th century, making it one of the nation’s longest standing dishes.

For a lighter food option, travellers should sample green mango salad, a dish that isn't totally dissimilar Thailand’s famous green papaya salad. Opting for a more delicate flavouring than its spicy Thai equivalent, finely sliced mango is combined with fish sauce and dried shrimp along with fragrant spices and crushed nuts for a delightful savoury flavour. Kuy teav is another popular Khmer dish served throughout Siem Reap. Much like Vietnam’s popular dish, pho, kuy teav is a noodle dish served in an aromatic pork or beef broth, served with an array of toppings, including garlic, lime, coriander and spring onions.

Watching a traditional Apsara dance performance

A Cambodian tradition that dates back to the 7th century, Apsara dancing is a unique and precise dance form that requires training from a young age to master the complexity of the movements that dancers must perform. The dance derives from Hindu and Buddhist legends of beautiful creatures, Apsaras, that descended from the heavens to entertain gods and kings with their hypnotic dancing. Said to have been born of the sea, the Apsara dance consists of fluid movements and flexible hand gestures - of which there are over 1,500. There are even murals of the dance carved into the side of Angkor Wat, proving the significance of its heritage.

The tradition of the Apsara dance was almost extinguished during the tyrannical reign of the Khmer Rouge during the 1970s, when most who knew the dance were killed during the mass genocide, limiting the ability to pass it down to later generations. However, the tradition was lived on through a small collection of dancers and can now be appreciated live in theatres in Siem Reap, such as the Angkor Village Apsara Theatre. The dance is both mesmerizingly beautiful and historically potent. A physical manifestation of the stoic resilience of the Cambodian people.

Exploring the Cambodian Landmine Museum

What may seem an extremely niche and potentially obscure focus for a museum in fact tells a powerful story of Cambodia’s fractious recent history and an incredible individual’s personal mission to help heal some of the nation’s scars. Aki Ra was a child soldier in his youth but has spent his adult years locating and diffusing unexploded bombs across Cambodia that remained as an unwanted reminder of the country’s numerous conflicts in recent years. From dud bombs dropped by the US during the Vietnam War to mines placed during the rule of the Khmer Rouge, explosives still litter the Cambodian countryside and are responsible for dozens of deaths each year.

The stacks upon stacks of various weapons of war give a terrifying impression of the country’s devastatingly violent past. However, the explosives are also a respectful nod to the work of Aki Ra and his efforts to clear up what has been a serious issue in modern Cambodia. Funds from the museum have been used to create and maintain an on site home for children who are victims of mine explosions in the area, helping them recover from the horrors faced at such a young age. The museum is located to the north of the Angkor temple complex and can be reached by tuk-tuk from Siem Reap in around 30 minutes.

Venturing into the jungle via the Kulen Nature Trails

50km to the north of Siem Reap is the Phnom Kulen National Park, a network of trails running through the Cambodian jungle thicket past a number of fascinating sights, both natural and historical. The chorus of tumbling waterfalls echo through the trees as you approach different sections of the river, adding to the constant chatter of the park’s varied wildlife. The towering treeline is home to a population of Indochinese silvered langur, an endangered species of primate that is endemic to Southeast Asia, who may show their silver-rimmed faces to lucky trekkers crossing their path. Other wild residents in the area include vibrant macaques, numerous reptiles and giant black squirrels.

Aside from the wide array of natural splendour present in the park, it is also a place of great historical significance for Cambodia, being the site of the Angkor Empire’s first capital. Further north, relics from this ancient era of Southeast Asian history can still be seen in the form of Kbal Spean, an archaeological site carved into the very bed of the river. Traditional Cambodian carvings and thousands of Hindu lingam adorn the bedrock over which the river runs in a surreal display that is believed to have been built to bless the water on its way to settlements further downstream. After a day of exploring the Kulen Nature Trails, travellers will have the opportunity to cool off in the river at the base of one of its waterfalls.

Cooking up a storm in one of Siem Reap’s cooking classes

Cooking classes are commonplace in countries with well renowned cuisines. Thailand, Vietnam and India offer countless opportunities to learn the technique behind mastering some of the local staples, but finding such an offer throughout most of Cambodia may not prove so easy. Siem Reap is an exception to the rule. There is something extra satisfying about learning recipes that are relatively unknown to most, but prove just as delicious as most Asian staples. Not many people can rustle up a genuine chicken amok with much ease.

As with most cookery courses offered across Asia, they tend to begin with a tour of local markets to pick out ingredients for your upcoming lesson. This stage also helps with understanding the requirements that your ingredients should meet in order to perfectly accompany your dish. Teachers are always local chefs who know how to make the homeliest of Cambodian classics and are keen to pass their lifetime of knowledge onto you as best they can.

If you wish to include a cookery course in a Tailor-made Tour to Cambodia then contact our Tailor-made Team and ask for it to be incorporated into your personalised itinerary.

Why Cambodia is more than just Angkor Wat

What is there to do in Cambodia, you might ask? Sandwiched between Vietnam and Thailand, Cambodia is often seen as a short stopover to tick off Angkor Wat – the most well known landmark in the country. With a turbulent past and long history, Cambodia has a lot to offer those who are willing to dig deeper and escape the crowds of Angkor. We believe it’s about time Cambodia got the attention it deserved! There are plenty of highlights in Cambodia to keep any avid traveller occupied for weeks. Keep reading to find out why this gem of Southeast Asia is more than just the temple of Angkor Wat.

Why Southeast Asia is the ultimate vegan travel destination

Southeast Asia is one of the most popular backpacking destinations for adventurous and budget-friendly travellers. As well as rich cultures, otherworldly landscapes and some of the best beaches in the world, many flock to this corner of the globe for the unforgettable foodie experiences. While the thought of the Southeast Asian food scene might conjure up images of fried insects on sticks, it actually has a multitude of vegan choices, with plant-based cafes and restaurants regularly popping up in the bigger cities. In honour of World Vegan Day on 1st November 2019, we have compiled some inspiration behind why Southeast Asia is the ultimate vegan friendly travel destination.