Siem Reap
Siem Reap
Cambodia Holiday Tour Siem Reap
Angkor Shopping Center
Ankor Shopping Center is an internationally flavoured, two-storey mall opposite the Royal Gardens selling ready made and custom gold jewelry, a wide selection of silks, traditional crafts, silver and food. On the third floor, there is a Hong Kong-style Chinese restaurant and bar.
National Silk Center
Located 16kms west of Siem Reap, the Silk Center is a fascinating mix of silk farm and shop where visitors can see the entire process from silkworm to finished product, including mulberry bushes, silkworm breeding, spinning, dyeing and looming. On site, the Artisan d'Angkor shop has lovely silk clothing.
Asia Craft Center
This unique showroom stocks good quality traditional Khmer handicrafts such as lacquerware, carvings and inlaid marble paintings as well as examples from Southeast and South Asia. Located on the Angkor Wat road, it also features silk carpets from Kashmir.
Obriot Gallery
The studio of interior designer and artist Jean-Pierre Obriot is at his Sivatha Road gallery, featuring contemporary Cambodian art based on Buddhist spirituality together with exclusively designed home decor products.
The Red Gallery
American photographer John McDermott, whose famous photos of Angkor Wat are in Cambodia's National Museum, recently opened his second gallery in Siem Reap. Red Gallery is stylish and small, featuring paintings, photos and sculptures from local artists.
Pich Reamker Shop
If you're fascinated by Khmer dance and drama, this gallery is for you. It offers traditionally made and authentic theatrical headgear and masks, with each example unique and beautifully crafted.
Rehab Craft Cambodia
In the Old Market area you will find Rehab Craft, a non-profit NGO whose products, including silks, textiles, basketware, silver, woodcarving and soft furnishings, are all made by the disabled. Revenue from sales is reinvested in training and employment programs.
Senteurs d'Angkor Workshop
This workshop and its retail outlet on Airport Road specialises in natural soaps, moisturising creams, candles and balms, all deliciously scented using all-natural ingredients such as flowers, herbs and spices. Even the packaging is hand-made from sugar-palm leaves.
Lucky Mall
Located in the center of town on Sivatha Road is this newly opened Western-style mall comprising a department store, a supermarket, a pharmacy, various other small stores and a burger bar. Lucky Mall has a Lucky Burgers outlet on the second floor.
Boutiques in the Old Market area
A number of boutiques are located in the town center near the Old Market, specialising in original clothing designs made up in silk and other natural fibres. From skirts, shirts and dresses to shawls, all colorful and well-finished, unique styles are easy to find.
Other Tips
Angkor Pass
You must possess an admission pass (an 'Angkor Pass') to visit the temples and sites in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Passes may be purchased at the main entrance on the road to Angkor Wat. Passes are sold in one-day (USD20), three-day (USD40) and seven-day (USD60) blocks. The three day pass is valid for one week and the seven day pass is valid for one month. One passport-sized photo is required at time of purchase of three and seven day passes.
Clothes for visiting temples
Because these are religious sites for the Khmer people, it is finest to follow the dress code of long pants/skirt and covered shoulders. This is the dress code that the Khmers follow when visiting any temple or holy space. You can buy a pair of pants at the market or use a shawl to cover your legs if you forget.
How much time to spend in Siem Reap?
Like anywhere, it depends on your itinerary to decide how long you should stay in Siem Reap. However, somewhat between three days and a week is ideal. Three days are enough to see the most important temples around Siem Reap or five days if you want to see remote temples and the countryside.
Hotels in Siem Reap
Finding a hotel that fits your budget and requirements will not be too difficult. From luxury resorts like the Amansara to basic hostels, accommodation is available for every kind of getaway. There are now several four and five-star hotels in town, especially along the airport road. You will always get a good deal on a good quality hotel or guest house in the downtown area. If you are looking for a local boutique hotel, Siddhartha Boutique Hotel is economical, pretty, has spacious rooms and attentive service.
Pub street
Not only does the road have a great atmosphere, it also has many side streets worth checking out for cuisine from all over the world. The night markets surround this area and are one of the main attractions of Siem Reap. The markets are great fun to walk around and you will find absolute bargains around every corner. In order to know where you are in Siem Reap use Pub Street as your starting point and walk out from there.