10-step guide to Siem Reap

Angkor Wat is great, but there's so much more to Siem Reap. Take off those temple-tinted specs

By Lauren Zumbach 26 September, 2011 You can't visit Siem Reap and not see Angkor Wat. But nor should you neglect the other parts of town, which do so much to add to the charm and allure of this historical area.
From jungle adventures to vibrant culture to legendary nightlife, here are 10 of Siem Reap's essential experiences, besides the famous temple.

1. Visit the Angkor temples

Doubtless, one of the world's greatest monuments.
The temples are what everyone's here for, and Angkor doesn't disappoint. Whether you're a hardcore shutterbug or just want to see the temples at their best, a photography tour will make sure you don't miss the hidden highlights.
The best time for photos is sunrise -- go in April to see the sun crest the horizon immediately behind the main shrine's dome and to maximize your chances of a haze-free day.
Or, if you don't mind sweating, rent a White Bicycle at any of the stands in town (your US$2 daily rental fee helps support local NGOs) and spend the day seeing the main temple circuit -- Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm -- at your own pace.
Either option gives you plenty of time to see the big three, any smaller temples that catch your eye, and still make it to Phnom Bakeng for the best sunset views.
Go early to snag a spot, and be sure to make it up before access to the temple-top viewing area closes at 5:30 p.m. Grab a pâté sandwich from any of the roadside vendors and picnic while you wait for the evening show.
Peace of Angkor Tours; +855 63 760 475; info@peaceofangkor.com; www.peaceofangkor.com
White Bicycles; +855 92 332 730; www.thewhitebicycles.org
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2. Visit the other temples

Angkor -- perfect to find your inner Indiana.
Siem Reap has more than just Angkor Wat when it comes to temples. If you fancy yourself as a Cambodian Indiana Jones, visit Beng Mealea, where you can see what the temples would look like if left to nature.
Full-day tours typically combine with a trip to Koh Ker, an ancient capital city, or stop at Banteay Srey 2, a rarely visited temple and working monastery where you can hear monks chanting.
If you're after a taste of the “real” Cambodia, sign up for a tour of the Tonle Sap fishing villages, where you can see traditional stilt architecture, floating rice paddies and talk to local fishermen who might invite you home for a very freshly caught lunch.
It's worth the extra time to venture farther afield -- the nearest village, Chong Khneas, is swamped with tourists and feels like a human zoo. To make it a full day, choose a tour that also visits the bird sanctuary or any of several nearby NGO projects.
Beyond Unique Escapes (+855 77 562 565; info@beyonduniqueescapes.com; www.beyonduniqueescapes.com) offers tours of the main temples, remote temples, Tonle Sap Lake and more.
Osmose Tours (+855 12 832 812; booking@osmosetonlesap.net; www.osmosetonlesap.net) organizes tours of Tonle Sap Lake villages, the Prek Toal bird sanctuary and local NGO projects.
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3. Hire a tuk-tuk tour guide

Smash! Bash! Kapow! Hopefully not the sounds of your maiden trip.
Even tuk-tuk fans will quickly understand why every market stall offers T-shirts emblazoned with: “No tuk-tuk. Not today. Not tomorrow,” but don't let the aggressive hawkers intimidate you into missing out on a quintessentially Cambodian ride.
Tuk-tuks are the local taxis, and the easiest way to get around Siem Reap. You can get anywhere in the main city for US$2, while good negotiators should be able to talk drivers down to a dollar. Tip the driver well and you'll have a friend for life, plus an eager tour guide who will show you the best of Siem Reap. Bonus points if you can find the “VIP Batman” tuk-tuk.
Tuk-tuk tour guides:
Angkor Wat Tuk Tuk Tours: 855 92 465-282, mjangkordriver@gmail.com, angkorwattuktuk.com
Siem Reap Tuk Tuk Driver: 855 17 839-140, measphala@gmail.com, siemreaptuktuks.com
Both offer tours of Angkor's small circuit temples for US$15 but can arrange tours anywhere in the area.
Within the city:
You can find a tuk-tuk for quick trips in Siem Reap anywhere. Be sure to negotiate a price up front, most trips within the city are US$1-3.

4. Eat bugs at the Old Market

You get fed, the streets get de-bugged.
At Phsar Chas, the Old Market, you can get a feel for a real Cambodian market.
Baskets of spices, multicolored arrays of fresh produce, crispy fried tarantulas and meats from octopus to chicken feet create a bizarre foodie circus.
If you're looking for something a little tamer, there are hawkers selling fried banana kebabs, roasted corn on the cob, or banana-chocolate pancakes (the vendor at the corner closest to Warehouse has a loyal following).
If you're too busy temple-touring during the day, you can still get the market experience at the Angkor Night Market.
Old Market Area; 5 a.m.–6 p.m. for most vendors, between Street 9, Street 11, 2 Thmou St. and Pokombor Avenue
Angkor Night Market; 4 p.m.–12 a.m.; Old Market Area; 855 92 654 315; info@angkornightmarket.com
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