You MUST in Siem Reap

Must See

Most people come to visit Angkor Archaeological Park, which is thoroughly covered in its own article. The town itself has some worthwhile attractions and a number of beautiful modern Buddhist temples.

• Angkor National Museum, 968 Charles de Gaulle Blvd, ☎ +855 63 966 601 (info@the-anm.com), web. Daily 8:30AM-6PM. Exhibits covering the history of the Angkor complex as well as Khmer culture and clothing using high tech displays and video screens. Some say the 1,000 Buddhas room is as impressive as it sounds. US$12.

• Angkor Silk Farm (Artisans Angkor), Puok District (National Road 6 (20 minute drive from the centre)), ☎ (+855) 63 5555 768, web. 8am-5pm. Close to Siem Reap centre yet located in the lush and charming countryside, Angkor Silk Farm is a great place to go to when you want to take a break from visiting the Angkorian temples. Discover at Angkor Silk Farm how incredible the silk-making process is: from a silk worm to a cocoon, from a simple thread to a high-quality fabric, you will go through all those different stages by understanding the traditional Cambodian weaving techniques. Free shuttle buses depart at 09.30 and 13.30 from Artisans Angkor's main center in Thmey Street (2 minute walk from the Old Market). The visit is free. 0$.

Temple Around Town

• Wat Preah Prom Rath, Pokambor Ave. The glittering modern temple grounds gives a few hints to its 500 year history. Though the lotus themed architecture seem to emulate temples from over the border, the front gate integrates Bayon style heads and a scene in relief of the Buddha seated under a tree, while armies fire arrows on one side and others are eaten by crocodiles on his other, that looks like it could have been taken directly from Angkorian mural. Legend holds it that the site was established around 1500 when a famous monk landed ashore on a piece of his sinking boat. The boat wood was carved into the oddly foreshortened reclining Buddha installed in a swimming pool like pit behind the imposing, yet despondent looking, seated Buddha in the main hall. Perhaps mimicking the construction materials origins the reclining Buddha has taken on a sunken slant at the feet end. A pair of small weather worn cannons on either side of the hall are of unknown origin but their style, an embossed crown-like seal and mysterious numbers suggest a European origin.

• Wat Prohm Rath - modern but quite boring, might as well stop in on your way to the museum.
• Wat Preah Enkosa - average little temple.
• Wat Preah Enkosei - interesting little temple, painted orange.
• Wat Po Lanka - little temple painted white.
• Wat Bo - two large brand new temples and one old white one. The new ones, almost finished, have been under construction since 2011.
• Wat Damnak located behind the market on the south-eastern side of the river.
• Wat Kesararam located slightly north of the town center. Close to the Museum.

Must Do

Activities

• • Gunplay Tattoo, On Sok San Road, next to the doctor's office, near Karma Bar and Tuk Tuk Bar (Go West on Sok San Road toward Garden Village, Gunplay is on the left by Karma Bar.), ☎ +855 (0) 819 38306, web. 5:00pm-12:00am or later.. 2 Licensed American artists and 1 Khmer artist. Spacious, modern shop with hospital sterilization. Specializing in custom tattoo designs, from fine line black and gray to bold color and traditional Khmer bamboo tattooing. $30 minimum.
  • Motorbike Tours Go on a trip with Ride Cambodia Motorbike Tours. Although they're based in the coastal town of Sihanoukville, they offer motorbike trips across the whole country which can start or finish in Siem Reap.
  • Sabai Moto Adventures web operates daily moto bike tours to the countryside, remote villages and ancient temples. Great for all levels of riders. Get off the beaten path and see the real Cambodia as you explore areas seldom visited by tourists. Sabai Adventures.
  • Shooting Range, (along Road 67 to Banteay Srey, 3kms north of the road to Phmon Bok, turn right down the large dirt road when you see a blue and red sign like their flag with '4th Troops Training Centre', past the school and take the left (1 km), look for the sign 'shooting range' at the 2nd base entrance on the right (720 m)). Armament and explosives availability apparently is only limited by how much you are willing to spend. Listening to the soldiers-turned-used car salesmen put the hard sell on a new machine gun is almost worth the trip. This is a game of Russian roulette - fancy pulling the pin of a 30+ year old grenade and possibly getting the faulty one? Make sure that whoever is supervising you is also willing to stand next to you. It can be a little bit difficult to find, and a tuk-tuk driver may know where it is. Its GPS location is 13°29'7.49"N 103°57'22.78"E. US$50 per AK-47 or M-16 magazine; US$80 per M-60 belt (50 rounds) (Nov 2011). Grenade throwing: US$30.
  • Offroad biking tour of the temples Camouflage Tours have organised routes all around the Angkor area that keep you mainly on small off-road tracks rather then on the usual road based circuit. Find them by following Pub Street over Hospital Street then 50m up adjacent street. $49 for a full day with lunch, drinks and good bikes.
  
  
  Cooking classes
  • Asana Khmer Cocktail Class, Street 7 / The Lane, ☎ +855 12 508 248, web. Khmer cocktail principles and techniques taught by the Manager of Asana (Old Wooden House). Hands on classes for a maximum of six people - unless you book well in advance for a private group. Booking is required: email booking@asana-cambodia.com US$15.
  • Champey Cooking Class, you will learn how to prepare traditional and delicious Khmer dishes under the guidance of our chef. 
    Our chef will take you to the market and will explain everything about cambodian vegetables, herbs, spices and other ingredients and he will teach you to the art of Khmer Cuisine. 
    Moreover, he has a good sense of humour and will make your day of cooking a fun experience! Reservations at: reservation@angkorw.com
  
  
  Cultural performances
  • Phare the Cambodian Circus, Konray road, sangkat Svay Dangkum (behind Angkor National museum, in front of Angkor Century Resort and Spa), ☎ +855 15.49.94.80(sales@pharecambodiancircus.org), web. daily, 19.30, gates open at 19. Not to miss under any reason. Cirque du Soleil or higher quality level, with Khmer essence, vibe and emotion. Also to be seen in Battambang where they built their fame, but here the show is different, professional and daily performed.  
  • Apsara Theatre, Wat Bo Rd, ☎ +855 63 963561, web. 20:00-21:30. A flashy performance of traditional, popular and dances. 
  • Smile of Angkor, Smile of Angkor Grand Theatre (Angkor COEX) (North east outskirts of Siem Reap, direction to Angkor turn right to Apsara Road), ☎ +855 63 655-0168, web. 19:15-20:25 nightly. A lavish production of Cambodian traditional dances equipped with multimedia large screen, featuring Angkor civilization. Grand epic show that revives the Angkor dynasty in all aspects; from foundation to prosperity, tale to folk customs, past to present. The performance expresses the traditional Cambodian culture with the latest technology. US$38-48.
  • Sabai Culture Tours, ☎ +855 88 372 3121 (info@sabaiadventures.com), web. Sabai Culture Tours takes you to where it all began. Tours are for those wanting to gain a better insight into the life and history of the Khmer people. Many of the techniques applied by artists, craftsmen and religious practitioners have been handed down from one generation to the next over the course of two thousand years and are still being used today in Cambodia. Sabai Culture are authentic tours that share traditional Cambodian heritage with you. 

Massage

The Khmers believe that Thai massage is derived from Khmer massage but is more relaxing as it requires less twisting and turning. The numerous Khmer style massage shops are mostly (and this means "mostly" as oil massages may lead their hands to wander...) genuine massage and not a front for sexual services. If you feel unsure what type they will give you, a safe bet is to opt for one of the blind massage services. The trained masseurs are the real deal. Some are inside the night market. But as of April 2012, contrary to common beliefs, blind massage services also offer special massages.

• • Fish Massage, (around the Pub St area). The Thai fad has swum over the border. Dip your feet in a tank of fish and wince as they eat the dead skin off your toes. Trying a tank with feet already inside it will tell you if the fish are hungry. Some claim to have No piranhas while others offer a free beer to subdue any doubts. There have been no documented cases of HIV transmission via environmental sources; however, hepatitis C is rarely acquired via environmental sources. $1-2 for 15 mins. 
  • Bodia Spa, New Street A, Behind UCare Pharmacy, Old market area Siem Reap, Cambodia, ☎ +855 63 761 593 (contact@bodia-spa.com), web. Great spa with a nice atmosphere, peaceful rooms, and experienced staff. It has been design by Lisa Ros, a French-Cambodia Architects based in Siem Reap. Rotin furnitures are from Riem, a Cambodia Artist. There is no special services or hidden fees. It is a nice place to go as a couple or alone. $25-$50.  
  • Frangipani spa, no. 615/617 Hup Guan St, Siem Reap, Cambodia, ☎ +855 (0)63 964 391 (info@frangipanisiemreap.com), web. Wonderful spa with a nice atmosphere, peaceful rooms, and experienced staff. The massages actually feel like trained people are giving them. No special services or hidden fees. It is a nice place to go as a couple or alone. They have massage tables and air conditioning. They are on a short side street behind Samdech Tep Vong St which isn't always shown on tourist maps. At the ANZ Royal bank on the corner go a few feet south to the next (small) street and turn right on Hup Guan St. The spa is near the end of the street with a tasteful exterior surrounded by frangipani plants (partly obscuring their tasteful green sign saying "frangipani"). $25-$50.  

Orphanage Visits

• Some visitors feel visiting an orphanage is a way to make a positive contribution to Cambodia, while others feel that orphanage tours do more harm than good. The largest child protection group in the country has asked that tourists not visit orphanages--the great majority of Cambodian children in orphanages have living parents, but the tourist demand for orphans results in these children being separated from their parents. (web) Whichever view you hold, orphanages and the aid organisations that support them are a significant feature of the Siem Reap economy. Many are scams, so it's worth doing a bit of research on them beforehand.

Some long running orphanages that have a good reputation are:

• • The Sangkheum Center for Children, Chey Village (a few km past airport on Hwy 6), ☎ +855 12 675 637, web. Children's centre for orphaned, abused or neglected Cambodian Children. Children aged 2-18 receive basic care and additional enrichment classes to supplement their public schooling.
  • Cambodian Children's House of Peace (Santepheap Children's Home), No.004 Phum Mondul 3, Sangkat Slorkram (turn right off of Charle De Gaull Blvd, just after the SOS School), ☎ +855 92 407 077, web. 07:00 Sunday. The Cambodian Children's House of Peace (aka Santepheap, which means Peace in English) is a home for vulnerable and disadvantaged children in Siem Reap, responsible for over 30 children. The children put on a traditional Khmer Dance show every Sunday night from 7PM-8:15PM to highlight traditional Cambodian culture as well as draw attention to the children's home in general. Free.
  
  
  Festivals

• • Angkor Photography Festival: Photography for Change, web. Annual festival that showcases outdoor projections and various exhibitions around Siem Reap of regional and international photographers. The festival is held during the last week of November every year, consisting of 7 evenings of outdoor projections and more than 10 gallery exhibitions across various venues in the city. It aims to highlight the work of Asian photographers and provides free workshops for 30 young photographers from the region every year which are showcased during the event. There is a full time office/gallery for the festival located on the East river road near the Bopha Angkor Hotel. As well as the festival, the organisers support a local NGO working with street children, that promotes the arts and runs a photography course with students. Photography from these students is also showcased as part of the festival programme. 
  • The Water Festival. This vast festival is probably the most extravagant festival in the calendar. Over three days starting with the last full moon day in October or the beginning of November up to a million people from all walks of life from all over the country flock to the banks of Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers in Phnom Penh to watch hundreds of brightly coloured boats with over 50 paddlers battle it out. The boat racing dates back to ancient times marking the strengths of the powerful Khmer marine forces during the Khmer empire. In the evening brightly decorated floats cruise along the river prior to and complimenting the fireworks displays. there is often a parallel festival at Angkor Wat and although it is smaller in scale it is just as impressive due to the backdrop of Angkor Wat. The festival marks the changing of the flow of the Tonle Sap and is also seen as thanksgiving to the Mekong River for providing the country with fertile land and abundant fish. It is at this time when the river flow reverts to its normal down stream direction. The remarkable phenomenon that is the Tonle Sap sees the river flowing upstream during the rainy season and then change direction as the rains cease and the swollen Tonle Sap Lake empties back into the Mekong River leaving behind vast quantities of fish. 
  • The Annual Street Puppet Festival. An exciting pageantry with the concept of sticks and stilts manipulated puppets much like those seen at the opening ceremony of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and also at the Trinidad & Tobago Carnival. 

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