Siem Reap, a resort town in northwestern Cambodia, is the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, the seat of the Khmer kingdom from the 9th–15th centuries. Angkor’s vast complex of intricate stone buildings includes preserved Angkor Wat, the main temple, which is pictured on Cambodia’s flag. Giant, mysterious faces are carved into the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom.

Top Attractions:

1. Angkor Archaeological Park: Explore the ancient temple complex of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Highlights include Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm (the "Tomb Raider" temple), and countless other temples and ruins scattered throughout the park.
2. Angkor Wat: Marvel at the grandeur of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Watch the sunrise or sunset over the temple's iconic spires, and explore its intricate bas-reliefs, galleries, and towers.
3. Angkor Thom: Discover the fortified city of Angkor Thom, once the capital of the Khmer Empire. Visit the Bayon Temple, famous for its giant stone faces, as well as the Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, and the Baphuon Temple.
4. Ta Prohm: Explore the atmospheric ruins of Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots intertwine with the temple's stone structures, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene. This temple gained fame as a filming location for the movie "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider."
5. Banteay Srei: Visit the exquisite pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei, renowned for its intricate carvings and delicate architecture. Admire the intricate details of the temple's bas-reliefs, which depict Hindu mythological scenes.
6. Tonlé Sap Lake: Take a boat trip to Tonlé Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, located just south of Siem Reap. Explore floating villages, stilted houses, and flooded forests, and learn about the unique way of life of the communities living on the lake.

Top Things to Do:

1. Sunrise and Sunset Viewing: Witness breathtaking sunrise and sunset views over the temples of Angkor. Popular spots for sunrise include Angkor Wat and the hilltop temple of Phnom Bakheng, while sunset can be enjoyed from Pre Rup, Phnom Bakheng, or the Srah Srang reservoir.
2. Bicycle Tours: Explore the temples of Angkor by bicycle, cycling along quiet backroads and jungle paths. Rent a bike or join a guided cycling tour to visit lesser-known temples, enjoy scenic views, and experience the tranquility of the Cambodian countryside.
3. Cambodian Cultural Village: Immerse yourself in Cambodian culture and traditions at the Cambodian Cultural Village. Explore replicas of traditional villages, watch cultural performances, and learn about Khmer customs, arts, and crafts.
4. Pub Street and Night Markets: Experience Siem Reap's vibrant nightlife scene on Pub Street, where you'll find a plethora of restaurants, bars, and street food stalls. Browse the bustling night markets, such as the Angkor Night Market and the Old Market, for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local snacks.
5. Khmer Cooking Classes: Learn to cook traditional Khmer dishes with a cooking class in Siem Reap. Visit a local market to select fresh ingredients, and then participate in hands-on cooking lessons to prepare authentic Cambodian recipes under the guidance of experienced chefs.
6. Spa and Wellness: Relax and unwind with a spa treatment or massage after a day of temple-hopping. Siem Reap offers a variety of spas and wellness centers where you can indulge in traditional Khmer massages, herbal treatments, and aromatherapy sessions.