Last Updated on December 11, 2023
Mane family vacation
Why is Siem Reap a beloved destination?
Luxury hotels in Siem Reap with the combination of ancient wonders, cultural richness, warm hospitality, and modern amenities makes Siem Reap a beloved destination that appeals to many travelers seeking a memorable and enriching experience.
Some reasons why people love to visit Siem Reap:
Angkor Wat and Temple Complex: Siem Reap is home to the iconic Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. The sprawling temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing visitors with its breathtaking architecture and rich historical significance.
Enchanting Atmosphere: The city exudes a charming and enchanting atmosphere with its French colonial and Chinese-style architecture, vibrant markets, and bustling streets. The blend of traditional and modern elements creates a captivating ambiance for visitors.
Warm Hospitality: Cambodian hospitality is renowned, and visitors often experience warmth and friendliness from the locals. The people’s genuine smiles and welcoming nature contribute significantly to the overall positive impression of Siem Reap.
Culinary Delights: Siem Reap offers a diverse and delectable culinary scene featuring Khmer cuisine and international flavors. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, food enthusiasts can savor many delicious dishes. The fusion between French cuisine and local Asian cuisine is divine!
Luxurious Accommodations: The city provides a range of luxury accommodations, including boutique hotels and resorts with SPA. Visitors can pamper themselves in opulent settings, enhancing their overall experience in Siem Reap.
Cultural Experiences: Beyond the temples, Siem Reap offers various cultural experiences, such as traditional dance performances, local markets, and workshops. These activities allow visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture.
Natural Beauty: Siem Reap is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including lush rice paddies, serene lakes such as Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Southeast Asia, and rural villages. Exploring the countryside provides a peaceful contrast to the bustling city life.
Ease of Exploration: Siem Reap is a relatively compact city, making it easy for visitors to navigate and explore. The availability of tuk-tuks, bicycles, and walking paths facilitates convenient travel between attractions.
What is the best time to visit Siem Reap?
The best time to visit Siem Reap is during the dry season, typically from November to March. This period offers more comfortable temperatures and lower humidity, providing favorable conditions for exploring the temples and enjoying outdoor activities.
Due to the cool and dry weather, November to February constitute the peak tourist season. Daytime temperatures are generally pleasant, ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making it ideal for temple visits and outdoor excursions. However, booking accommodations and tours in advance is advisable, as this is the busiest time.
If you don’t mind the occasional rain and want to experience a quieter Siem Reap, the shoulder seasons can also be rewarding.
How to get a Visa for Cambodia
It is essential to check if your country of residence requires a Visa; however, remember that many unofficial sites claim to be the official government site to ask for a visa. I traveled twice to Cambodia and obtained my E visa without problems, directly from the government Visa site. Link to E-Visa
The most important temples to visit in a short time
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat remains a symbol of Cambodia’s rich history and cultural heritage, drawing travelers to marvel at its grandeur and historical significance. It is a colossal temple complex recognized globally as the largest religious monument. It is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and art and is part of the larger Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Constructed in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is a testament to the Khmer civilization’s architectural and cultural achievements.
It was initially built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu but later transformed into a Buddhist temple. Its purpose reflects religious devotion and the desire to establish a lasting legacy for the Khmer Empire.
The temple is renowned for its intricate bas-reliefs, towering spires, and vast galleries. Visitors today can explore the central sanctuary by ascending steep staircases for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is a captivating temple complex in the Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia. It is renowned for its atmospheric blend of ancient architecture and the encroaching embrace of nature.
Ta Prohm is celebrated for its unique aesthetics, with ancient stone structures intertwined and intertwined with the roots of massive silk-cotton trees and fig trees. This symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature creates a hauntingly beautiful and photogenic scene.
The temple’s corridors and courtyards reveal stunning stone carvings and intricate architecture juxtaposed against the dramatic backdrop of tree roots and jungle foliage. Ta Prohm’s preservation efforts balance maintaining its historical charm with allowing nature to reclaim parts of the temple.
Ta Prohm gained widespread international recognition and fame, partly due to its appearance in the famous 2001 film “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.” The movie, starring Angelina Jolie as the iconic video game character Lara Croft, showcased the atmospheric and enchanting qualities of Ta Prohm’s ruins, with its ancient structures intertwined with massive tree roots.
Where to buy the ticket to enter Angkor Archaeological Park
It is now much easier to buy your tickets in advance. The First time I traveled to Cambodia, I had to get to a particular ticket office a little far from the temple complex to purchase my tickets.
Buying your entrance tickets is now online, and you don’t have to be afraid of scams because it is on the same government site where you purchase your Visa.
Buy your tickets here.
Best ways to explore the temples
You can explore the temples by yourself or with a Tour guide. Here, I mention the pros and cons based on my experience as I visited Siem Reap Twice, the first time with a Tour guide and the second time by myself. If I could revisit Angkor Wat Temple, I would hire a tour guide. I would consider going to Ta Prohm temple as I enjoyed walking alone in the beautiful forest and immersing myself in nature.
Visiting the Temple Complex with a Tour:
- You save a lot of time figuring out how to get there, which temples to visit first, and finding your way inside the temples.
Angkor Wat is massive; even if it is not difficult to navigate, it can be overwhelming to do it alone. - The tour guides have a lot of history and cultural knowledge, leaving you more time to relax and contemplate the beautiful fields and architecture without looking for information.
- By hiring a tour guide, you are contributing to tourism and helping locals; besides that, it is a great way to be in touch with a local and listen to their stories beyond the Temples. Tour guides are not as expensive as in other countries, and they will help you make the best of your visit. There are many Tour operators; I hired Happy Angkor Wat Tour and had a great experience; you can find them on Trip Advisor.
Visiting the Temple Complex by Yourself:
- You can stay as long as you want inside the temples. Buying Passes for 1, 3, and 7 days is possible. If you stay a few days in SiemReap, you can visit the Temples twice! Maybe early in the evening and at the end of the day to watch the beautiful Sunset.
- Getting to the Temples is easy and cheap by Tuk Tuk. Ask the receptionist at your hotel to help you. Tuk Tuks are an affordable and fast way to move around, and you can be more flexible. You can ask the Tuk Tuk driver to pick you up after your visit at a particular time.
- Finding your way in Angkor Wat can be overwhelming. Do not waste time preparing for your visit; pick up the places of interest in advance.
Dress code to visit the temples
- It’s advisable to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. This means avoiding sleeveless tops, shorts, and skirts above the knee.
- Since you’ll likely be doing a fair amount of walking and climbing steep stairs, wear comfortable clothing. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are ideal, but remember the need for modesty.
- Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear suitable for walking and climbing. Sandals may be comfortable, but closed shoes offer better protection, especially if you explore less touristy and uneven areas.
- Angkor Wat is a sacred site, and it’s essential to show respect for the religious and cultural significance of the temples. Avoid clothing with offensive slogans or overly revealing attire.
- Cambodia has a tropical climate, so protecting yourself from the sun is crucial. Wearing a hat and sunglasses and applying sunscreen can help you stay comfortable during your visit. Don’t forget to bring some water.
My favorite Luxury Hotels in Siem Reap
I had the chance to stay in two completely different hotels in Siem Reap; one is a Villa-style hotel far from the Temple complex, and the other is a modern and luxury hotel in the city center; here is my review of both hotels.
Mane Family Vacation
I stayed at this hotel for three nights. The Resort Hotel is a little farther from the temple complex than the hotels in the city center. I stayed in a small two-floor villa with a private pool. The hotel grounds are beautiful and green, and because the hotel provides free bicycles, I could ride around the hotel paths between beautiful fruit trees.
To my surprise, from the start of our journey, the hotel assigned us a personal butler to help us with any issue during our stay. Our young and friendly Buttler was professional and knowledgeable.
I enjoyed swimming in our private pool and breakfast in our private villa. The breakfast was delicious and had a wide variety of local fruits. The hotel also has a Restaurant and a small Spa.
Viroths Hotel
I stayed at this hotel for two nights and was curious after reading all the positive reviews because Viroths Hotel won the #1 Top Hotel in the World Travellers Choice Price in Trip Advisor 2020. After my visit, I can recommend this beautiful hotel.
A hotel with a great location
This is one of the top Luxury hotels in Siem Reap and is strategically located in the heart of the city, providing easy access to major attractions, including the Angkor Wat temple complex, which I could reach easily with the Tuk Tuk service. I also loved the central position, which allowed me to conveniently explore the city’s vibrant markets, restaurants, and cultural sites.
Stunning Architecture and Design
When you enter, you will be impressed by their design and architecture, which seamlessly combines traditional Khmer elements with modern luxury. The service was personalized and attentive.
Spacious Rooms
I stayed in a triple room, with a double bed and a Sleeping sofa, which was way too small for my son, but the hotel service replaced it with an extra bed, and it was comfortable and did not take up much space in our room. The room was big, and we had a balcony with plants to relax and drink coffee.
A healthy start of the day
I loved starting my day with a good swim in the long pool, which allows you to swim laps uninterrupted early in the mornings. It is not crowded at all.
I think that I had the best breakfast ever! Homemade Granola with Yoghurt, fantastic coffee, and other options, including omelets and avocado toast.
Fusion cuisine
The Hotel also has a restaurant with various local and international dishes, which I enjoyed after walking in the temples for a long day.
There are also many restaurants and pubs within walking distance; I was surprised at the variety of excellent places nearby.
Airport Pickup Service in Style
The hotel also provides a pickup service in one of its beautiful vintage cars. They picked us up from Mane Family Vacation Hotel and brought us to the airport.
I hope this guide about visiting SiemReap, Angkor Wat, and Temple Complex can help you plan your trip to Cambodia and discover luxury hotels in Siem Reap.
Check my other trip guides and itineraries!
