Siem Reap

Siem Reap is well-known for serving as the gateway to the millennium-old ruins of the Angkorian-era, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Angkor Archaeological Park embraces a lot of temple ruins including Bayon, Ta Prohm and of course the legendary Angkor Wat. Siem Reap Town is where most people stay when visiting the temples. Although most people only visit Siem Reap to see the temples, the people who stay longer will discover all the other things Siem Reap Town has to offer.

The French colonial past has left its mark, as you can still see the French influence in the architecture in the town center. The center of Siem Reap is built up around Psar Chas, Old Market. The Old Market is one of the largest traditional markets in Siem Reap. On the Old Market you can find a wide selection of souvenirs as  well as the best selection of handicrafts, such as traditional silverwork, silks, carvings and traditional music instruments. It truly offers a unique, local shopping experience.

Around the Old Market there are a lot of restaurants offering a wide selection of international cuisines. Especially on Pub Street and in The Alley there are a lot of restaurants, bars and for the people who enjoy dancing there are also some night-clubs which play music into the late hours.  In the evening it is also possible to enjoy some traditional Apsara Dancing, whilst enjoying traditional Khmer dishes.

Not only the restaurant offer a wide variety also the shopping offers endless possibilities. Whether you prefer shops or markets Siem Reap has everything. The main touristy markets in Siem Reap are the Old Market (Psar Chas), the Angkor Night Market and Central Market. The New market (Psar Leu) is more a Cambodian domestic market, though the people are very friendly welcoming.

During the day you can either visit the Old Market which is more of traditional market, next to selling handicrafts, t-shirts, sunglasses etc. you can also stroll over the market where they sell fresh food. The smell is horrible but typical for a real market. This is where you can find all the Cambodian spices to make your favorite dishes. You can also visit Central Market during the day, this is a big covered market which is more synoptic than the other markets. The passage ways are wider and the stalls are generally bigger as well. They offer a wide selection of clothes but also handicrafts such as silk, jewelry and if you are looking for a new backpack or suitcase you will find it here.
 

The Angkor Night Market is opens around 4 pm and goes until about midnight. Even if you are not looking to buy anything you should really visit the Angkor Night Market. There is laid-back atmosphere with lots of little stalls, massage places, bars and of course fish spas. The naturally constructed stalls at the Angkor Night Market offer a wide selection of quality local wares like; traditional Khmer scarves, silk, paintings, jewelry and so on. There are also enough stalls where you can buy beautiful dresses, t-shirts, sunglasses and trousers.

Around the Old Market and in the town centre there are also many little shops where you can buy beautiful silk clothes and scarves, scented candles, tea pot sets, jewelry, spices and so much more.