When the morning light washes over the overgrown temples and ruins of Angkor Wat, a simple Siem Reap sunrise becomes a profound event. The ancient structures are contained within one of the largest religious complexes in the world. The complex and the 12th century Angkor Thom royal city are considered the main reasons to visit Siem Reap. Get a lesson in national history at the Cambodian Cultural Village, and a lesson in bargaining at the Angkor Night Market, a bonanza of shopping stalls, food vendors, and bars.
The life-support system and gateway for the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap is always destined for great things. Visitors come here to see the temples, of course, but there is plenty to do in and around the city when you're templed out. Siem Reap has reinvented itself as the epicentre of chic Cambodia, with everything from backpacker party pads to hip hotels, world-class wining and dining across a range of cuisines, sumptuous spas, great shopping, local tours to suit both foodies and adventurers, and a creative cultural scene that includes Cambodia's leading contemporary circus.
What can you do in Siem Reap?
Enjoy a Cocktail at Miss Wong
Raise a glass to the well-crafted cocktails and 1920s Shanghai speakeasy decor at Miss Wong. A world away from the backpacker bars that line Pub Street, Miss Wong is a sophisticated laneway lounge designed for lingering. The creation of Kiwi Dean Williams, Miss Wong attracts an international clientele. We love the rose and lemongrass martini. Alternatively, heat things up with a spiced bloody mary (Kampot green peppercorn and chilli-infused vodka with Tabasco tomato juice and fresh Oriental celery leaves).
Buy Asian Art
Belgium-born Christian Develter has drawn inspiration from the faces and culture of Asia since the '90s. His series of hyper-finished, exaggerated colour portraits make a big impact. Develter is based in Siem Reap and his work can be enjoyed at One Eleven Gallery at Vishnu Circle. Look out for his sassy rendering of Miss Wong on the high-gloss menus at the eponymous bar. No, you can't take one home. And no, you're not the first to ask. christiandevelter.com OneElevenGallery.com
Stay at Jaya House River Park
The fabulous boutique 36-room hotel is ranked number one in Siem Reap on TripAdvisor, with 99 per cent of guests rating their stay as excellent. It's not just the lushly landscaped gardens, oasis-like swimming pools, rooftop cocktail bar and original Khmer artworks on the walls that impress. The secret sauce here is in the exceptional level of caring, intuitive service led by Dutch general manager Christian De Boer, a hotelier passionate about training up the next gen of Cambodian hospitality stars. jayahouseriverparksiemreap.com
Eat at Sister Srey Cafe
Order your coffee or fresh, organic lunch at Sister Srey Cafe and you'll be doing good while you eat well. The sisters who run the cafe have a dream of empowering their employees to achieve better lives through education and encouragement, while supporting the community with 20 per cent of profits invested in welfare programs that give a hand up rather than a hand-out. Visit the boutique upstairs for handmade, covetable clothing. sistersreycafe.com
Ride a Quad Bike
Siem Reap Quad Bike Adventures is Cambodian-owned and has been sending tourists off on active excursions for more than a decade. Guided tours range from one to eight hours, and focus on less-visited villages and areas of the countryside. On the two-hour tour, gain insight into Cambodian rural life with visits to a rice paddy field, Buddhist monastery, temples and water buffaloes. Helmets and a safety briefing are provided.
After the Angkor temple in Siem Reap, visit the gemological institute of Cambodia to admire the gemstone museum. It is a perfect place for your souvenir shopping. Gems and jewelery expertises by expert gemologists in their gem lab.