Buzz
Siem Reap, the most preferred destination in Cambodia, has a myriad of captivating experiences waiting to be discovered.
Explore these 6 remarkable experiences when you travel to Siem Reap.
While Phnom Penh serves as the capital of Cambodia, Siem Reap is the ultimate destination that captures the hearts of travelers. This ancient city combines the timeless charm of a historical town with the modern appeal of a tourist hub. From travel to culinary delights, Siem Reap offers a wealth of things to explore, with the following experiences leaving a lasting impression.
1. Visit the Angkor Archaeological Park
The Angkor Archaeological Park is known for its steep admission prices, reaching up to 37 USD for a one-day ticket, 60 USD for a three-day pass, and 72 USD for a seven-day pass. However, the expense is justified, as it is considered an extraordinary experience.
It's not without reason that everyone visiting Siem Reap also explores Angkor. Despite the passage of time and the wear and tear on the temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, their grandeur and magnificence are undeniable. Gazing at the ancient citadels, intricately carved walls, and serene stone statues, it's hard not to marvel at the ancient wonders created by our forebears.
The best time to experience Angkor is at dawn when the surreal light of the sun bathes the temples in a glorious and dazzling spectacle. To witness this, arrange for a tuk-tuk ride departing around 4 in the morning, ensuring you catch the first rays of sunlight illuminating the ancient marvels.
2. Enjoying Pub Street and the Night Market
The liveliest and most crowded area, frequented by tourists, is Pub Street and the Night Market. Pub Street resembles the vibrant streets of Ta Hien in Hanoi or Bui Vien in Saigon, with bustling eateries, bars, and cafes aplenty. As evening falls, Pub Street comes alive with street vendors setting up stalls, the aroma of cooking wafting through the air, and music echoing from every corner.
Your only task is to pick a few delicious dishes that suit your taste and budget, then immerse yourself in the music, spontaneous dances, and carefree atmosphere. Rest assured, in a purely tourist destination, everyone wants to let loose and enjoy their trip, so no one will judge you for embracing a bit of eccentricity. The good news is that Pub Street stays open late into the night, so you won't have to worry about the nightlife options in Siem Reap.
3. Fish Massage
Traveling always involves a lot of moving around, so getting a massage is a must to pamper yourself and relax your body, especially your tired feet. In Siem Reap, aside from traditional massage services, there's also the intriguing fish massage experience.
Fish massage parlors line both sides of the street along Pub Street, offering a unique experience for just 2 USD, which even includes a non-alcoholic beverage. Quite a reasonable price for such an amusing experience, isn't it?
4. Delight in Culinary Experiences
Of course, when traveling, indulging in culinary delights is a must. In Siem Reap, you can find a wide array of dishes, from traditional Cambodian cuisine to fusion creations that cater to various tastes.
If you're looking for budget-friendly options, there are plenty of choices for stir-fried noodles, sandwiches, and fried rice, ranging from just 1 to 3 USD. Freshly squeezed fruit juices and smoothies are also affordable, priced at only 1 to 2 USD, and clearly displayed with care.
5. Shop at the Old Market
The Old Market, also known as Phsar Chas, situated in the heart of Siem Reap, is a must-visit for exploring both cuisine and souvenir shopping. The market buzzes from early morning until late afternoon, featuring food stalls in the morning catering to locals and souvenir stalls in the afternoon catering to tourists.
Here, you can purchase scarves, T-shirts, spices, tea, sausages, and even silverware. Generally, the vendors here are friendly, and many at the souvenir stalls speak some English, making shopping quite convenient. However, remember to haggle, as you can negotiate down to about 30% off the initially quoted prices.
6. Watch Apsara Dance
In Hinduism, Apsaras are celestial maidens who perform dances for the gods. Originally, Apsara dance was a court dance performed for the royalty and high officials. So, if you're in Siem Reap, don't forget to experience this cultural highlight. During weekends or peak tourist festival days, you can watch Apsara dance performances in front of major temples in central Siem Reap.
On regular days, you can opt for a dinner reservation at Khmer restaurants that offer Apsara dance performances. Enjoy your meal while witnessing these artistic performances. Dinner usually starts around 6 or 7 pm, and the dance performance kicks off at 7:30 or 8 pm, featuring 4-5 dances lasting approximately 45-60 minutes. Some restaurants in Siem Reap offer buffet dinners with Apsara dance for $12/person. To secure a good spot, it's advisable to purchase tickets and make reservations earlier in the afternoon.
As per Afamily
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourJanuary 4, 2018
