Our trip to Cambodia began in Siem Reap, a city with a charm all its own. Gateway to the temples of Angkor, the largest temple complex in the world, plus a lively night market and restaurant scene around Pub Street.
After landing we went straight into the terminal, anyone who hadn't applied for a visa in advance could buy one on the spot. We had to wait a while at passport control. During the wait we chatted with a friendly traveler from Ireland, who told us that officials here used to occasionally ask for tips. Today a sign points out that no extra payments are necessary.
Centrally located yet still quiet, perfect for exploring Siem Reap. We paid €90 for 2 nights including breakfast, a fair price for the quality on offer. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, the location ideal, and the hotel itself beautifully designed. The only minor gripe: breakfast could have been a bit more varied.
Verdict: we can recommend Won Residence & Spa without reservation and would come back anytime.
Burgers and fries, open Wednesday to Monday, 11am to 10pm.
Asian cuisine, open daily 11am to 10:30pm.
For a sweet refreshment in between, open daily 10:30am to 10:30pm.
A type of pancake and our favorite dessert across all of Asia.
Angkor Wat isn't just an impressive temple complex, it's also a significant archaeological wonder and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. This iconic site sprawls across more than 162.6 hectares of temples, tombs and water canals, no wonder it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We booked a sunrise tour through Klook: pickup at 4:20am, back around 12:30pm. The early start was absolutely worth it, the view of Angkor Wat at sunrise was magical, the first rays of sun bathing the temple in golden light. From there we continued on to Ta Prohm temple with its famous tree roots and finally to Bayon temple with its many smiling faces.
Practical info: open daily 5am to 5:30pm, admission €37, get there by tuk-tuk, taxi or tour.
Verdict: the sunrise tour blew us away, the historic charm and fascinating architecture were overwhelming. One small downside was the restaurant stop built into most tours: the food was disappointing and overpriced. There are much better-rated alternatives nearby on Google Maps, a tip for your own trip.
Known for its lively nightlife, bars and restaurants ranging from Khmer to international cuisine. Vibrant and welcoming, with street performers, live music and small shops selling souvenirs. A great place to experience local culture and meet new people.
Worth grabbing something to eat here and then strolling through the surrounding area, many beautifully lit bridges and buildings make for a lovely walk. Open daily 5pm to 11pm.
We unfortunately didn't have time for this one, but only heard good things from other travelers. An impressive collection of ancient sculptures and temple replicas, with the Gallery of 1000 Buddhas said to be a genuine highlight. A perfect addition for anyone who wants to learn more about the stories behind the temples.