1. Take a Trip to Banteay Srei Temple: Located about 41km from Angkor Palace Resort & Spa, this Hindu temple was built in the late 10th century. C.E. Banteay Srei, which means "Citadel of the women", displays some of the finest examples of classic Khmer art. The walls are densely covered with some of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple. The temple's relatively small size, pink sandstone construction and ornate design give it a fairyland ambiance (quoted by Siem Reap Angkor Visitor Guide Book, 27th Edition, April-July 2008, page: 26). Top Tip: Put on your comfortable shoes, and dress respectfully as this is a Buddhist country. Be polite, have fun and enjoy yourself. Drivers usually charge a fee in addition to their normal daily charge for the trip.
2. Sunrise at Angkor Wat: Sunrise over Angkor Wat is a virtual pre-requisite of any visit to Siem Reap and the Angkor temple complex nearby. A view of Angkor Wat at sunrise is what many, many people dream about. In Japan it is a symbol for beauty of nature combined with ancient craftsmanship. It makes people travel around the world, get up at 4 in the morning and wait three hours standing on the spot to get a glimpse of it. Contributed by Oliver (Oct. 2007) - Tokyoahead.com. Top Tip: Contact our Concierge or Tour Desk to arrange car and/or Remork (tuk-tuk) for you in advance. In Siem Reap, there is taxi service for early morning calls.
3. Sunset at Phnom (Hill) Bakheng: Bakheng is the name of the temple located on the top of the mountain about 65m high. This is the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area, which marked the move of the capital of the Khmer empire from Rolous to Angkor in the late 9th century AD. Travellers who come to Siem Reap make it a point to catch the sunset set & panoramic views of Angkor Wat and Siem Reap town. Top Tip: Be ready at the temple prior to 1715hrs in order to enjoy the best location since there are many tourists (from hundreds to thousands). You can either take an elephant ride or walk-up to the hill which takes about 15 to 20minutes from the ground.
4. Visit Local Pagoda: There are several pagodas in and around Siem Reap, which form the traditional seat of Khmer culture and play a central part in everyday life. A visit to one is an interesting experience and you can even get your possessions blessed by the monks; if you need a little luck from Buddha (quoted from Cambodia pocket guide, Dec-Feb, 2008-2009. #9). Top Tip: We recommend to visit Wat (pagoda) Preah Prom Roath which is located in the heart of the city (about 3.5km from Angkor Palace Resort), and Wat At' Vear which is located outside the city - about 10km from Angkor Palace Resort. Wat At'Vear has ancient temple located inside.
5. Stay at Angkor Palace Resort & Spa: While you are in Siem Reap, don't miss the opportunity to experience at least a night in an authentic Khmer designed resort. This is the first Cambodian-owned premier luxury international 5-star resort accommodation. Its design, décor and furnishing reflect the finest in Cambodian architecture befitting royalties and dignitaries. Top Tip: Numerous online promotions are available throughout the seasons. For online reservation, please visit: http://www.angkorpalaceresort.com/ or contact our reservation hotline 855 12 333 240.
6. Visit Angkor National Museum: This museum is a profound cultural landmark in Siem Reap placing in the area of 20,000 sqm which reveals the Golden Era of the Khmer Kingdom, and includes The Cultural Mall. Top Tip: Angkor Palace Resort & Spa is located about 3km from Angkor National Museum and takes about 10 minutes drive by car and about 15minutes drive by Remork (Formerly Tuk-Tuk). The entrance ticket is USD 12.00nett per ticket per person (subject to change).
2. Sunrise at Angkor Wat: Sunrise over Angkor Wat is a virtual pre-requisite of any visit to Siem Reap and the Angkor temple complex nearby. A view of Angkor Wat at sunrise is what many, many people dream about. In Japan it is a symbol for beauty of nature combined with ancient craftsmanship. It makes people travel around the world, get up at 4 in the morning and wait three hours standing on the spot to get a glimpse of it. Contributed by Oliver (Oct. 2007) - Tokyoahead.com. Top Tip: Contact our Concierge or Tour Desk to arrange car and/or Remork (tuk-tuk) for you in advance. In Siem Reap, there is taxi service for early morning calls.
3. Sunset at Phnom (Hill) Bakheng: Bakheng is the name of the temple located on the top of the mountain about 65m high. This is the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area, which marked the move of the capital of the Khmer empire from Rolous to Angkor in the late 9th century AD. Travellers who come to Siem Reap make it a point to catch the sunset set & panoramic views of Angkor Wat and Siem Reap town. Top Tip: Be ready at the temple prior to 1715hrs in order to enjoy the best location since there are many tourists (from hundreds to thousands). You can either take an elephant ride or walk-up to the hill which takes about 15 to 20minutes from the ground.
4. Visit Local Pagoda: There are several pagodas in and around Siem Reap, which form the traditional seat of Khmer culture and play a central part in everyday life. A visit to one is an interesting experience and you can even get your possessions blessed by the monks; if you need a little luck from Buddha (quoted from Cambodia pocket guide, Dec-Feb, 2008-2009. #9). Top Tip: We recommend to visit Wat (pagoda) Preah Prom Roath which is located in the heart of the city (about 3.5km from Angkor Palace Resort), and Wat At' Vear which is located outside the city - about 10km from Angkor Palace Resort. Wat At'Vear has ancient temple located inside.
5. Stay at Angkor Palace Resort & Spa: While you are in Siem Reap, don't miss the opportunity to experience at least a night in an authentic Khmer designed resort. This is the first Cambodian-owned premier luxury international 5-star resort accommodation. Its design, décor and furnishing reflect the finest in Cambodian architecture befitting royalties and dignitaries. Top Tip: Numerous online promotions are available throughout the seasons. For online reservation, please visit: http://www.angkorpalaceresort.com/ or contact our reservation hotline 855 12 333 240.
6. Visit Angkor National Museum: This museum is a profound cultural landmark in Siem Reap placing in the area of 20,000 sqm which reveals the Golden Era of the Khmer Kingdom, and includes The Cultural Mall. Top Tip: Angkor Palace Resort & Spa is located about 3km from Angkor National Museum and takes about 10 minutes drive by car and about 15minutes drive by Remork (Formerly Tuk-Tuk). The entrance ticket is USD 12.00nett per ticket per person (subject to change).
7. Visit Angkor Wat Temple: Angkor Wat temple (pictured) was built by King Suryavarman II (who reigned from 1113 to 1150) to honour Vishnu, identified as a god-king and perhaps as his funeral temple). Angkor Wat is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level; with its soaring towers and extraordinary bas-reliefs, is considered by many to be one of the most inspired and spectacular monuments ever conceived by the human mind. Top Tip: Angkor Palace Resort & Spa is located about 10km from Angkor Temple and takes about 20 minutes drive by car and about 25minutes drive by Remork (Formerly Tuk-Tuk). A private sightseeing tour can be arranged to visit the temples and city tour. Car rental with driver is available at day and night time. Please contact our Concierge/Tour Desk team prior your arrival.
8. Take a Boat Trip on the Tonle Sap Lake: It is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and is an ecological hotspot that was designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997. In the wet season, the Tone Sap Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, swelling to an expansive 12,000km2. Many villagers live on the water including houseboat, school, pagoda…etc which forms a floating village; this is the most interesting place for visitor to see and experience themselves. Top Tip: Angkor Palace Resort & Spa is located about 20km from Tonle Sap River and takes about 30 minutes drive by car and about 40minutes drive by Remork (Formerly Tuk-Tuk). Private boat trip can be arranged by our Concierge and Tour Desk Team.
9. Tee off at Nick Faldo Course: 'The Faldo Course' at Angkor Golf Resort is the closest golf facility to Angkor Palace Resort & Spa - just a short 10 minutes drive only. Top Tip: Special green fee rate and/of golf package can be arranged at Angkor Palace Resort & Spa. Please contact our reservation team or book your package online (subject to change).
10. Visit Bayon Temple: Bayon temple was built by the greatest builder king Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century or early 13th century as the official state temple of the Mahayana Buddhist (Mahayana Buddhism’s compassionate Bodhisattva, or perhaps a combination of Buddha and King Jayavarman VII). The giant stone faces of Bayon have become one of the most recognizable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture. Top Tip: Angkor Palace Resort & Spa is located about 13km from Southern gate of Angkor Thom and takes about 25 minutes drive by car and about 30minutes drive by Remork (Formerly Tuk-Tuk). A private sightseeing tour can be arranged to visit the temples and city tour. Car rental with driver is available at day and night time. Please contact our Concierge/Tour Desk team prior your arrival.
11. Visit Angkor Silk Farm: Angkor Silk Farm is located about 15km west of Siem Reap town. It is run by Artisans D’Angkor, a state-run organization that promotes fair trade and sustainable development for the Cambodian people. By training workers for skilled professions, these people are able to provide for their families and promote their own culture through art. Top Tip: Angkor Palace Resort & Spa is located about 13km from Angkor Silk Farm and takes about 30 minutes drive by car and about 45minutes drive by Remork (Formerly Tuk-Tuk).
12. Traditional Dance: Dance is an integral part of Khmer culture, combining Apsara dances, folk dances and shadow puppetry. One of the not-to-be-missed dances is "Apsara Dance", a uniquen Khmer traditional dance. Top Tip: Angkor Palace Resort & Spa occasionally arranges this dance for special functions within the resort complex. However, please contact our front office or concierge staff for recommendations on local show venues in town during your stay.
13. Attend Dr. Beatocello's Concert: Swiss doctor Beat Richner plays Bach on his cello every Friday and Saturday evening at 7:15 pm at Jayavarman Hospital, to provide support to the three children's hospital that he runs - donations of blood and money are most welcome. Top Tip: Please contact our concierge team to arrange the transportation for you.
14. Learn to Cook Khmer Food: Khmer cuisine employs subtle blends of ingredients and spices to give unique flavours. Angkor Palace Resort & Spa usually organize half-day cooking classes. Top Tip: Learn more about how our Executive Chef Ving San prepares his Royal Khmer Cuisine please visit the Blog " The Royal Khmer Cuisine".
15. Visit Local Markets: No trip to Siem Reap would be complete without a visit to one of the traditional markets, though they can be little cramped and hot in the middle of the day. Don’t miss the Angkor Night Market too, which features over 100 outlets. (quoted from Cambodia pocket guide, Dec-Feb, 2008-2009. #9). Top Tip: Angkor Palace Resort & Spa organizes a free-shuttle service to Pub Street (located closed to Angkor Night Market) every evening from 1900hrs up to 2300hrs. Please contact our front office or concierge team to reserve your seat.
Once you have enjoyed these activities, take a rest and pamper yourself with a relaxing massage at our Kainnora Spa. The more adventurous may want to rent some mountain bikes and get out into the countryside to explore the rice paddies, though remember your sunscreen and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Source: Texts are quoted from various sources included: cambodiapocketguide.com, canbypublications.com.
