What to See and Do in Siem Reap, Cambodia Outside of Angkor Wat

The road is rocky and gloomy. As I trip, I quickly recover and continue along. Angkor Wat is visible in the distance as dawn breaks over Siem Reap.

Benjamin and I are hiking with a group toward the historic Cambodian landmark. We want to be at the temple before sunrise to take advantage of the greatest light.

WHAT IS ANGKOR WAT?

Angkor Wat, as one of the world’s largest religious buildings, is an impressive sight. In the 12th century, after its construction as a Hindu temple, it was converted into a Buddhist one.

As we walk along a lake close to Angkor Wat, the sky gradually changes from gray to pink. People in the audience go “ooh” and “aah” because the scene is mirrored in the lake.

VISIT ANGKOR ARCHEOLOGICAL PARK

Angkor Archeological Park is home to numerous ancient temples, including the iconic Angkor Wat, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the 9th to the 13th centuries, the kings of the powerful Khmer Empire, which included modern-day Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and southern Vietnam, commissioned the construction of the temples. The towering stone structures are a testament to their strength.

We, like most tourists, begin our tour at Angkor Wat. Our hotel, the FCC Angkor, has given a guide who is a veritable encyclopedia of information. He tells us the history of the place as we squeeze through winding corridors and up steep stairs.

OTHER TEMPLES AT ANGKOR WAT

Bayon, with its gigantic stone faces, Banteay Srei, and Ta Prohm, where scenes from Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider were shot, are just a few of the other temples we see.

Beung Mealea, Srah Srang, and Preah Khan are among the lesser-visited temples in the area. It’s as if we’ve gone back in time, just the two of us.

FCC ANGKOR BY AVANI: A PERFECT BASE FOR VISITING THE PARK

A trip to Angkor Archaeological Park takes up an entire day. Luckily, our hotel is only 10 minutes away, so we can return there for breakfast after sunrise and then head back to the park.

We will be staying at the FCC Angkor, an Avani Hotels and Resorts property, for the first few days of the trip. Beautifully rebuilt from its previous life as the house of the Foreign Correspondents Club and the French colonial governor, FCC Angkor is now a tiny luxury resort.

Its great location along the river near the Royal Residence puts guests within a 10-minute stroll to Pub Street, a shopping and dining district that never seems to lose its popularity with either locals or visitors.

The resort’s location between tropical plants, fountains, and trees lends it an air of serenity. It has 80 rooms and suites furnished in a colonial style. A vintage typewriter in the room is a wonderful surprise.

During our stays, our favorite parts of the hotel have been the Mansion’s patio and the Scribe, a modern spin on the colonial-era pub. A blend of modern spa techniques and traditional Khmer methods are offered at the hotel’s enlarged Visaya Spa.

EXPLORING THE COMMUNITY BY TUK-TUK

However, FCC Angkor’s dedication to the neighborhood is what has left the biggest impression on me. The suggestions they gave us let us connect with people and have genuine experiences in Siem Reap.

I am moved by the resilience of the Cambodian people despite having endured an unfathomable war only a generation ago. When we go out and about in the city, I witness personally why Cambodians have developed a reputation for being so warm and welcoming. We are greeted with warmth and friendliness.

The city’s layout makes it easy to get around. Tuk-tuks, which combine a motorcycle and a passenger cart, can be found just about anywhere and only cost a few bucks for a ride.

HAVEN RESTAURANT

Haven Restaurant, a restaurant with a mission, is highly recommended by the hotel. The mission of this TripAdvisor-ranked eatery is to provide hospitality industry training to underprivileged youth in Cambodia.

Haven was established by Swiss couple Sara and Paul Wallimann, who fell in love with Cambodia and decided to stay.

After talking with Paul and the rest of the crew, it’s easy to tell that they truly enjoy what they’re doing. Where do you eat? It really is superb. Almost makes me wish we were locals in Siem Reap so we could eat here more regularly.

AMMO JEWELRY

After that, we head over to Ammo Jewelry. The shop’s 90-minute jewelry workshops are not only informative, but also enjoyable. We hear that the business also serves as a training ground for underprivileged youngsters interested in jewelry design as Ben and I try our hands at engraving on brass.

We stop into the Ammo store after talking to a group of teenage craftspeople. I buy a number of things, including a silver necklace with my name in Khmer script.

From there, you can take a tuk-tuk to Kandall Village, Siem Reap’s burgeoning arts district where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Famous local galleries like Tribe Urban Art Gallery feature works by both well-known and up-and-coming artists.

PHARE, THE CAMBODIAN CIRCUS

As night falls, we find ourselves ensconced beneath a Big Top. Phare, The Cambodian Circus, is a popular destination for visitors to Siem Reap. Phare’s modern circus acts, musical performances, and theatrical productions reflect true stories from Cambodia while also serving a charitable purpose.