A lively city and a gateway to the ancient world of Angkor
Siem Reap is home to many ancient temples that shouldn't be missed
Siem Reap is the former capital of the great Khmer Empire and is now a burgeoning cultural hub of Cambodia, brimming with breathtaking ruins and archaeological sites.
The iconic temples of Angkor were built over a 600-year period, dating between the 9th century to the 13th century, and the star is the magical temple of Angkor Wat, built in the 12th century. An unmissable site, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, the oldest temple in Cambodia and a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled within a mystical tropical forest, the grand ruins tower high into the sky. The architectural detail is astonishing, and the temple is adorned with stunning carvings depicting historical and mythological events. The Angkor complex also houses the magnificent Angkor Thom, an ancient temple holding the city’s most significant monuments. The site is encircled by a wall that is eight metres high and 13 kilometres long, with a 100-metre-wide water moat. Beyond the temples, Siem Reap is a humming city lined with French colonial and Chinese architecture, local artisan wares, luxury spas and world-class wining and dining. Take a boat cruise down the Tonlé Sap River and the floating village of Kompong Phluk. The river is the home to many Cham and Vietnamese communities living in floating villages, and it is a peaceful area void of tourist crowds. A charming city and the gateway to awe-inspiring Angkor, it’s easy to see why Siem Reap is an essential stop on any trip to Cambodia.
Your Luxury Siem Reap Trip Ideas
A trip to Siem Reap is essential for any tour of Cambodia, and we feature at least two nights in Siem Reap on all our luxury Cambodia itineraries, although you’ll likely want to stay longer. All stops include a guided tour of the iconic temples of Angkor, with other activities on offer, including a boat cruise down the Tonlé Sap River to a floating village and a cooking class to master Khmer cuisine.
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Your Luxury Accommodation Options in Siem Reap
In Siem Reap, we work with luxury accommodations, including Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, a five-star hotel set on a 15-acre oasis of lush French Gardens, fashioned with colonial-style grandeur and boasting the largest swimming pool in Cambodia. The Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa delivers incredible luxury with private jacuzzis, plunge pools, gardens and indulgent spa services, with a complementary foot massage on arrival, all only 15 minutes from Angkor. The Frangipani Villa Hotel is also a boutique hotel situated one block away from the river. It is the perfect base for a trip to Cambodia’s gateway city, Angkor, while also offering warm and personable service and peaceful surroundings that some might expect from a luxury beach hotel.
Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa
Grand, softly lit spaces and colonial charm define Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa
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Shinta Mani Shack
Shinta Mani Shack is a unique responsible & luxury hotel featuring iconic design
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Frangipani Villa Hotel
Frangipani Villa Hotel provides an ideal base for exploring Siem Reap
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Siddharta Boutique Hotel
Siddharta Boutique Hotel blends elegance with classic Khmer-style design
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