Siem Reap

About

Siem Reap was little more than a village in the 19th century, but as soon as the nearby Angkor temples were reclaimed from the forest, it became a tourist destination. Today, Siem Reap is one of Cambodia’s most cosmopolitan cities with mouth-watering options for foodies, and a vibrant cultural scene, including Phare - Cambodia’s answer to Cirque du Soleil. However, the main draw is undoubtedly the nearby temples of Angkor. Most famous is Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious complex the UNESCO-listed pinnacle of the ancient Khmer empire. The complex’s architecture is so ornately detailed that each of the 3000 heavenly nymphs carved in its walls is unique, and sports one of 37 different hairstyles. Around 2 kilometers away is Angkor Thom, the last and most lasting Khmer capital, which is filled with stupendous temples and intricate carvings of its own. For something a little different, Ta Prohm is still covered with trees, just as when it was discovered in the early 19th century.