Cambodia - Visiting Siem Reap & Angkor Wat

For many Americans Cambodia still conjures memories of the Vietnam War (referred to by Cambodians as The American War) and of the Pol Pot regime, made famous in the film "The Killing Fields". But the indelible images left with American visitors to Siem Reap and ancient Angkor today include hundreds of beautiful blooming lotus ponds, smiling children eagerly waving at you, and the stunning ruins of one of the world’s great cultures. And to think these amazing ruins were only uncovered in the 20th century.

You can book a fascinating visit to this incredible destination with one of our travel experts, or search our database for select Cambodia packages. Phnom Penh is worth a visit to see the Royal Palace and National Museum, and some wish to bear witness and visit The Killing Fields and Museum of Genocide outside of the city.

It’s only been about 15 years since the end of civil war, and since the Khmer have begun to rebuild their country, focusing on tourism as a key booster toward economic recovery. While landmines are still being cleared in the distant countryside, of no concern to tourists, hotels are springing up at a fast pace.

Americans have started to discover the area in the last few years, and well-priced packages utilizing new four- and five-star hotels, combined with the fabulous value American travelers enjoy here, makes Siem Reap “a must” when visiting southeast Asia. English is the second language and the US dollar is the accepted currency.

Getting there
Some packages from the West Coast use Singapore as a convenient gateway to Southeast Asia, particularly given the opportunity to fly on Singapore Airlines, acknowledged as one of the world’s finest carriers.

Siem Reap is a short two-hour flight from Singapore, and one gets through the new airport efficiently and quickly, and where a visitor’s visa is obtained for $25. From the airport it’s ten to fifteen minutes to hotel row, or into the heart of Siem Reap town.

Accommodations
There are a variety of hotels catering to international guests. Notable brands include Aman Resorts on the ultra-luxury end, and large-scale resorts with hundreds of rooms catering to individuals and groups, including the Sofitel, Le Meridien, Raffles and the Sokha Palace.

Most of the hotels offer complimentary internet access, spas on premises, large pool areas, and multiple dining venues, many featuring traditional Khmer cuisine, a splendid assortment of exotic tastes that resembles a blend of Thai and Vietnamese cooking, but with it own distinct flavors. Some new unique resorts worth noting include:

The Angkor Palace Resort & Spa, opened just over a year ago, and the first five-star resort designed, built and managed by Cambodians. A golf course is being built adjacent to the property. The resort offers overly spacious rooms and bathrooms, large pool and central garden area, and a spa where a one-hour massage is about $35. (That comes at a premium, of course, considering a one-hour massage in town can be had for about $10.)

The five-star Hotel de la Paix, part of Small Luxury Hotels opened in 2005 and is a very hip property in the heart of Siem Reap town. The hot and dusty streets just outside its front doors are in sharp contrast to the cool black and white chic interior décor, relaxing pool and spa area, and fine dining room. This would be a hot spot if situated anywhere in LA. The hotel was featured in the August issue of Architecture Digest and is included on Conde Nast Traveler’s list of best hotels. Another fine choice would be La Residence d'Angkor.

The four-star Victoria Hotel, a French-owned chain with resorts mostly in Vietnam, was built in 2003 and faces the Royal Garden in the heart of Siem Reap town. Inspired by 20th century colonial architecture and design, the hotel provides a sense of serenity with the nostalgic comfort and elegant refinement of the French Art de Vivre, along with two 1931 classy Citroen vehicles available for guests! I liked the size and ambience of this property -- its colonial style architecture best conveyed the feel of what you’d expect in this exotic destination.

Of course, the reason to visit Siem Reap is to explore the remains of the ancient city of Angkor, built between the 9th and 12th centuries, and which is about 5 miles from town. Angkor is one of humankind’s most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements. From the great citadel of Angkor, the kings of the Khmer empire ruled over a vast domain that stretched from what is now southern Vietnam to Yunan, China, and from Vietnam westward to the Bay of Bengal. A one-day entrance pass is $20, a three-day pass $40. If traveling on a package, entry fees may already be included in your package price.

While Angkor Wat is the best known temple, it is but one of more than 100 that contributes to a realization of the incredible culture that resided here. (In fact, there are over 1,000 archaeological sites covering over 170 square miles.) Not to be missed is Angkor Thom and the Bayon, as well as Ta Prohm, which was a backdrop for Angela Jolie in the Laura Croft, Temple of Doom film.

In the year 1000, when London had 35,000 residents, Angkor had one million living in this area, and not unlike the Pyramids of Egypt. Only the temples were made of stone, and remain. Other buildings were made of wood and have not survived. As one explores the remains, it boggles the mind to consider the daily life and accomplishments of the Khmer that resided here. For a bird’s eye view of Angkor, can take a helicopter ride over the ruins, or ride up in a hot air balloon moored nearby.

Shopping here is a bargain, and there are many beautifully made items, such as Cambodian silk and silk clothing, gems and jewelry, lacquer paintings and stone and wood carvings, as well as older treasures and knick-knacks that can be found in the many stalls of the old street market or large shopping emporiums, and where bargaining is the norm. The Artisans d’Angkor is a completely self-financed offshoot of the Ministry of Education dedicated to training rural youth to maintain the arts and crafts, and maintains a few locations, including one at the airport for last-minute shopping. (www.artisansdangkor.com).

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