Siem Reap

The town of Siem Reap is designed with an exotic blend of Chinese and French colonial architecture. The CBD is a central zone for Siem Reap, Cambodia hotels, which serve up all the luxuries of the western world against a bustling cultural landscape. Apsara dancers dressed in dramatic red and gold offer a series of dramatic performances that include theatrical and ceremonial elements. The choreography has a history that can be traced back for a thousand years. The traditional Apsara dance is the most whimsical of all Khmer styles, and tells stories taken from Indian literature. Shadow theatre can be seen at a handful of the town's venues, whilst interpretive contemporary dance styles are easily seen at restaurants and hotels in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Buffet meals are typically offered, and have earned a mainstream following through the introduction of Khmer restaurants on foreign soil. Smoked fish is one of the most traditional tastes, and meat is delicately treated to coconut and curry flavours.

Siem Reap, Cambodia holidays can be extended to include regions that are close enough to be reached on day tours. The sombre Landmine Museum tells the necessary tale of Cambodia's heroic young Khmer Rouge fighter, Aki Ra, as well as the country's struggles through a 35 year long war. The Angkor National Museum reveals the history of the Khmer empire, which is a necessary prerequisite to pilgrimages to Angkor Wat. It introduces visitors to the empire's greatest rulers and reveals their religion at a deeper level. Guides explain the artefacts that will be spotted at the reserve, which helps you to draw more value out of your visit to the temples.

It's possible to take a Siem Reap, Cambodia holiday during any season, since Cambodia is generally protected against harsh weather extremes.

The months between February and March are popular times for tourists because they are accompanied by cool temperatures and are absent of rain. During April, the heat and humidity become intense and uncomfortable, but those willing to suffer through the season are treated to the Khmer New Year celebrations in the middle of April. Much of the heat remains through May, although the slightly cooler climate and quiet tourist season make the month an excellent one for those who prefer a more solitary trip. Slight showers in June negate much of the heat. The wet season begins in September, bringing torrential downpours and some interesting ecotourism opportunities for naturalists. November and December are dry and cool, drawing hordes of travellers to the temples

Welcoming Monsoon Season

Tonle Sap is known as Asia's great lake, but it is in fact a system of rivers which floods during monsoon season. The waters are a central point for agricultural and fishing villages. They also offer a diverse biome that houses fresh water fish and water birds. Torrential downpours cause the surrounding forests flood, expanding the lake and altering the habitat for the species that live within it. An eerie geological phenomenon makes the river change direction, causing the lake to swell. Besides the famous Angkor temple on its banks, the region is best known for its floating villages. The stilted houses and their resident communities are often a highlight for those on holiday in Siem Reap, Cambodia, because they offer a profound introduction to the many cultures living on the waters. Fishing is a central economic industry, so the fish market on the lake offers the most authentic cuisine available. Fans of the earthier aspects of travel will enjoy being absorbed into this poverty stricken culture. Those who travel for luxury alone tend to embark on boats that take them directly to Angkor city, avoiding the floating village entirely.

High Season

An early booking into your hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia allows you to enjoy February and March's turquoise skies and cool days. Avid birders limit their trips to these months, because they offer the best sightings of many of the region's scarcest species. Riverboat tours through the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary offer an exotic way to enjoy a guided tour. March brings a new generation of feathered friends, with several of the largest species undergoing their breeding season. Grey Headed Fish Eagles, Spot Billed Pelicans and several stork species reside in the three biospheres of the larger reserve surrounding Tonle Sap Lake. The receding water clears room for migratory species, which are easiest to observe from the meandering waterways.

Contemplating Ancient Empires

The Angkor archaeological park extends beyond its most famous temple: 400 square kilometres of forests and ruins reveal the secrets of the Khmer empire over its six centuries. The World Heritage Site's tinier temples, statues and towers give you comprehensive insights into an era that was rich in myth and magic. For this reason, the park has been used for spiritual pilgrimages for hundreds of years. In the past, Buddhists sought enlightenment from their journeys through the jungles and shrines. More recently, pilgrims of a different kind have used it as a place for contemplation. For this reason, western wonderers seek the solitary rainy months outside of peak season when taking holidays in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Silent walks through Bantay Srei offer up the kind of beauty even Angkor Wat cannot compete with. Its cerise mortar is carved with intricate patterns, and its grounds are scattered with sculptures of monstrous and celestial mythological creatures. Lucky visitors are treated to the melodies of a Khmer orchestra as they cross the ponds on the temple's borders.

Mid Summer Madness

Khmer New Year brings many businesses to a standstill, so tourists often find it convenient to turn their festive trip into a pedal-powered cycling tour. The town becomes enlivened by three days of gleeful street celebrations, which begin with temple preparations and ceremonies. On the second day, the focus turns to charity. On the third day, revelry rules the town as locals participate in games and sports. Talcum powder and water are tossed at pedestrians in the streets as blessings. People gather around pagodas to present offerings. Because the festival happens over the Cambodian Tet, many pilgrims travel into Siem Reap to cover the grounds of Angkor Wat, brightening the reserve with their orange robes. Early bookings are needed for your Siem Reap, Cambodia hotel during this month, since the town draws crowds from across the globe.