Siem Reap

How to Get to Siem Reap: Travel Options for Every Budget

Siem Reap Information

In northwestern Cambodia, lies a mysteriously beautiful resort town named Siem Reap. This town isn’t hard to find and there are many ways to get there. One of the ways to get to the town is by plane through Siem Reap’s International Airport, which is only 7 km away from the town center. The airport services many flights from and to some of the most amazing places like Singapore, Shanghai, Bangkok and Luang Prabang in Laos. For a more economical option, you might consider taking a bus or a minivan from Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Koh Kong, Laos Border and many more. Unfortunately for train lovers, there isn’t a direct railway line to Siem Reap, however, the nearest station is Sisophon station. The only direct boat rides available are between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap through the Tonle Sap River.

Siem Reap: Cambodia's All-Inclusive Resort for Every Traveler

The gateway to the Angkor region and a super popular resort town in northwestern Cambodia, Siem Reap is known for its breathtaking temples. But, that’s not all it’s good for, as it has turned itself to be a jack of all trades. From backpackers to fancy visitors, it has captured everyone’s appreciation, with chic hotels, top-notch culinary services, serene spas and a cultural scene like no other along with tours fitting the most adventurous souls. Siem Reap is simply here for everyone to enjoy.

Highlights

Angkor National Museum
On your road to Angkor, you’ll find the marvelous Angkor National Museum, an archaeological state-of-the-art museum that is dedicated to the preservation, collection, and display of Angkorian artifacts and acts as a showpiece on the culture of the Khmer civilization. Many exhibits and fine collections are displayed such as the Great Khmer Kings, Angkor Wat, a pre-Angkorian period of Chenla and Funan and the Gallery of a Thousand Buddhas. Powerful commentary and touch screens are only a few parts of the culturally informative experience. It is advised to visit the museum before the temples, as it will give you much-needed historical context that will enhance your experiences.

Phare the Cambodian Circus
One of Siem Reap’s most unique and riveting escapades, Phare the Cambodian Circus is way more than your typical circus, it’s a full-on entertaining experience highlighted by performance art and most importantly the meaningful message behind each performance. Since 2013, the circus has been the most raved about and high rated evening entertainment in all of Siem Reap. The main focus of Phare the Cambodian Circus is telling one of a kind stories that showcase Cambodian history and culture by astonishingly energizing and emotional performances tailored to portray talent and enthusiasm.

Bayon
Built-in the 12th or early 13th century as the state temple of Cambodia’s most celebrated King Jayavarman VII and located center of Angkor Thom, The Bayon is a mesmerizing temple projecting a stunning experience that’s hard to forget. 216 giant capturing smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara are engraved in the temple’s 54 Gothic towers, giving the temple a one-of-a-kind aesthetic that can only be felt and deeply appreciated in person. the temple was formerly named “Banyan Temple” as it is said that Buddha has attained enlightenment after a long period of meditation beneath a banyan tree. But the local Khmer who worked on the temple’s restoration changed the name after the workers kept mispronouncing it as Bayon.

Angkor Wat
One of the largest religious monuments in the world, Angkor Wat is a grand temple complex in Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia. Initially constructed as Hindu temple for the Khmer Empire that is dedicated to the god Vishnu, Angkor Wat has been transformed at the end of the 12th century and is now known as the largest Buddhist temple in the world. The temple encompassing about 500 acres is a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exuding a magical ambiance, this grand temple complex is an experience that should not be overlooked.