For the first time ever Cambodia’s tourism hub, Siem Reap, has made Travel & Leisure’s list of Top Ten Cities in the World …
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One of our favourite Southeast Asian destinations has made it to #4 on this year’s Travel & Leisure World’s Best Cities — Siem Reap!
For those of us based out of the Journeys Within office in Siem Reap, it comes as no surprise that the city that acts as gate keeper to Angkor Wat is getting recognition. Ever changing, Siem Reap has much to offer locals and visitors alike — from first class accommodations to one-of-a-kind entertainment. Here we sound off our top six reasons to love Siem Reap.
1. The Food
For a small city, Siem Reap has more than enough choice for those who love to eat. Whether you are looking for a taste of Cambodia or comfort food that reminds you of home, Siem Reap has it. From up-market restaurants like Aha to feel-good, NGO-run eateries like Haven, private village dining experiences and authentic Austrian this little town is a culinary cross-section that will appeal to food-lovers of all sorts.
2. The Temples
Truly awe inspiring, it is hard to describe the size, scale and wonder of the Angkor temples to anyone who hasn’t experienced them first hand. Once the heart of the powerful Khmer Empire the temples extend over modern day Cambodia, the pinnacle of which is the famed Angkor Wat located just outside Siem Reap. While more and more visitors flock to the site each year, it is still possible to enjoy the beauty of this amazing temple complex with the help of our expert guides. In addition, the temples located just outside of town always attract less of a crowd and are the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner Indiana Jones.
3. The Circus
Acknowledging my bias — I absolutely love the circus — I still think the nightly Phare circus shows are one of the best additions to small-town Siem Reap. Each Phare show is a perfect cross section of contemporary Cambodian culture with young artists using athleticism to performing new-age stories. The Siem Reap big top is part of the larger Phare Ponleu Selpak arts program based out of Battambang that offers education and cultural preservation to the local community. The students have an obvious enthusiasm for the stage, the shows are engaging and each reasonably priced ticket supports a good cause. Yes please!
4. Day tripping
Whether you want to see the Cambodian countryside by horseback or kayak through a floating forest, there is more to Siem Reap and the surrounding area than temples. For those who plan to stay after their Angkor passes expire their is plenty to fill an itinerary. Zip lining, ATV tours and helicopter tours are among the excursion we plan for guests who want to spend a little more time exploring the surrounding area.
5. The Pampering
Whether you want 2$ foot scrubs daily or to treat yourself to a five-star spa day, Siem Reap has whatever you need to feel better. You can indulge in massages, facials and scrubs to suit pretty much any budget. There is nothing better than spending the day at the spa pampering yourself surrounded by the smell of lemon grass, jasmine and lotus flowers.
6. The Culture
Over nearly two millennia, Cambodians have developed a unique culture shaped by their ancient passed, Buddhist beliefs and the legacy of the Khmer Rouge. Tough, industrious and family-oriented, there is something about the locals in Siem Reap and the surrounding villages that never fails to inspire new perspectives.