Siem Reap overview
Siem Reap is a small town in Siem Reap province, it is located to the north-west of Cambodia where is very famous for the brilliant architecture and glorious history of Angkor Temples Complex with Angkor Wat temple, Angkor Thom temple with Bayon temple and the South Gate, Ta Prom temple with a lot of the old and big trees, Tonle Sap Lake the largest lake in Asia….. In the past, Siem Reap was used as the capital of Cambodia, then it was ruled by another name as Siam invaders under the very beautiful name Siam Nakhon which means “City of Siam”. However, history turned to its heyday, the victory of a heroic nation in the 17th century changed the name of the ancient land into Siem Reap which means “the defeated Siamese”. Today, Siem Reap fascinates millions of visitors, including the Vietnamese people by its extremely convenient location, just approximately 7km from Angkor population along with tourists attractions, facilities, services… which all make visitors feel comfortable and satisfied.
Tonle Sap Lake is one of the sites you must see on your trip to Siem Reap
The fact, Siem Reap town is not large, even you can ride a bike from your hotel in the center of Siem Reap to go to Angkor Temples Complex with a lot of the mighty temples in this area such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom with Bayaon temple and south gate very very well-known, Ta Prohn with a lot of the great old trees….or you also ride (rent) a motorbike or catch a taxi (or private bus) if you want to come here faster. The roads from Siem Reap town to Angkor Temples Complexes are very convenient and easy for you to take by any vehicle from a bike, motorbike to bus….sometimes there are many clients also to prefer a tuk-tuk one kind of special vehicles in Siem Reap.
Climate Siem Reap
Siem Reap or Cambodia, in general, has two seasons is the dry and rainy season, there is much rain in the rainy season and little hot in the dry season but the average temperature in all year is around 25-38 degree. So that even in the dry or rainy season is also convenient for you to explore Siem Reap where is very known with Angkor Wat and Angkor Temple Complex.
Things to do in Siem Reap
Be drunk with Apsara fairy dance
Apsara is the traditional dance which honor the supreme being, praises their merits and express wishes of the people. Guests will be surprised and interested when the young dancers appear in tight beautiful costumes with “aristocratic” gold plated and quite surprising weight, 10kg. What is more, you would not have the heart to take your eyes of the dancers – the embodiment of fairies as stepping out from the beautiful reliefs in Angkor temple. When the music is played, dancers perform extremely flexible, elegant movements in fairytale appearance, holy soul. It is certain that the apsara performance will make visitors recognize that the world’s intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO is so great, is a fairy dance.
Also as Angkor Wat, Apsara dance is considered as the soul of people in Siem Reap
Visit Angkor Wat – the national treasure of the country of temples and towers
Angkor Wat – the jewel of Cambodia was stated in the list of the 20 top wonders in the semifinal round to vote for seven new wonders of the world, which final round was held on 07/07/2007, earlier, in 1992, Angkor Wat had been recognized as the world’s Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The pride of the country and the pinnacle of Khmer temple architecture was built in 1113 – 1150. Unfortunately, when the Siamese came to invade the capital, the splendor, dazzling of the relic was unable to follow the King to Phnom Penh in 1432 but was hidden in the jungle and secretly protected. Until 1860 “the story of the jungle ” was found by the missionaries and brought to light. Angkor Wat has a total area of ??about 200 hectares and is designed, built sophisticatedly with surprisingly, respectably calculations. Apart from this number one destination in Cambodia, visitors can admire other tourists attraction such as Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srey, …
Angkor Wat temple is located in a large forest with a lot of the big and old trees in the region of Siem Reap town
Enjoy Cambodian specialties
You should eat at affordable restaurants along the streets of Siem Reap, the price will be lower when eating in the night market or hotel. The menu here is written in English and accompanied by photos, so you can easily select the food.
Apart from the common, familiar dishes which are suitable for visitors all over the world, the “rare and special” dishes in Cambodia making you curiously ask what animal is this? or what dish is this?. All kinds birds, animals, insects,… like crickets, spiders, grasshoppers, pupa, snakes, … are put in a pan, fried, boiled, baked, grilled… by the chef. And certainly, the smell will be very special, colors of the dish are strange- looking, stimulating the taste. So you’ll try? A typical juicy drink which helps to slake your thirst of Cambodia is jaggery juice, the refresher pressed from jaggery flowers, you will quickly love this drink.
You should not miss the below special dishes once travel Siem Reap:
Bai Sach Chrouk or still called Pork and rice
This dish is often offered in every early morning on the street corners in Siem Reap even around Cambodia. Bai Sach Chrouk or another name is Pork and Rice is one of the simplest and most delicious dishes you must try while traveling at here.
Pork and Rice fish is a very popular dish in Siem Reap
Fish amok
Fish amok is one of the most delicious dishes in Siem Reap, but this special dish is also appeared in some countries of Asia. So that you also have a chance to try this dish in some neighboring countries such as Laos, Thailand, Myanmar if you do not travel Siem Reap.
Nom Banh Chok or still called as Khmer noodles
This is a favorite Cambodia dish. Nom Banh Chok is a popular breakfast food of the locals in Siem Reap as well as in Cambodia, and you’ll find it served in the mornings by women whose carry it on baskets to be handed from a pole balanced on their shoulders. This special food is very local and traditional, it is fun and worthwhile for you to try when you travel Siem Reap
Khmer red curry
This special food is also cooked the similar as in Thailand but it is less spicy, Khmer Red curry is similarly as coconut-milk-based but without the overpowering chili.
Red tree ants with beef and holy basil
You’ll find all sorts of insects on the menu in Siem Reap. Tarantulas are also included.
Ang Dtray-Meuk or grilled squid
This dish is offered everywhere in Siem Reap and Cambodia, especially at the seaside towns like Sihanoukville and Kep, you’ll find this seafood to be sold by carrying small charcoal-burning ovens on the shoulders of the locals, cooking the squid as they walk along the shore.
Summary about Siem Reap
Besides visiting the most famous sightseeing of Siem Reap such as Angkor Temples Complex with Angkor Wat Temple, Angkor Thom Temple, Ta Prohn Temple, Tonle Sap Lake….., then if you stay overnight in the town of Siem Reap, then you should walk down in the street in the evening (nights) to feel really about a small town of Siem Reap but very complete everything from the street food to the luxury restaurants , from the souvenir shops to the luxury shops with a lot of the special things which you just can see it in this small town only. So that you do not mind about any service in Siem Reap if you travel here in a short or long period because it is encompassed everything you need for a short or long trip.
