Excursions in Siem Reap

Travelers from all over the world flock to this Cambodian city to explore the majestic temples of Angkor, the former center of the Khmer Empire. A sightseeing tour allows guests of Siem Reap to travel back to the 9th and 15th centuries and find themselves among sensational artifacts.

The main of them is Angkor Thom. It is the walled ancient capital of the Khmer state. Its name may be translated into English as the "Great City". An experienced guide will show you the most interesting places:

• the multi-faceted Bayon Temple, with nearly 11,000 figures carved into its stone walls;
• an intricately carved Terrace of the Elephants;
• the pretentious Terrace of the Leper King;
• Baphuon Temple, the top of which can be conquered only by a steep ascent.

You will probably want to see as many of the stone wonders of Angkor as possible. The best way to implement this idea is to hire a qualified English-speaking guide. He will show you local temples:

• Angkor Wat, enclosed in the arms of a water moat;
• Ta Prohm, half-consumed by the jungle and became world-famous by the movie "Tomb Raider";
• Ta Som, famous for its richly decorated Eastern gate, tightly wrapped in the branches of a giant fig tree;
• Eastern Mebon, decorated with large sculptures of elephants;
• Neak Pean, located on an artificial island, where the guide will lead you along the boardwalk.

However, Siem Reap is not just the gateway to Angkor. After a day tour, you will find many modern wonders in this ancient city:

• X Bar - a rooftop bar with a half-pipe for skateboarding and great beer;
• Miss Wong is a stylish cocktail bar with good music and a relaxed atmosphere;
• Phare Ponleu Selpak - a non-profit circus combining traditional dance, music, and acrobatics.

Finally, take a look at the house of the artist Liang Sekon with a workshop for the production of Sombai liqueur. Visitors are offered tours and tastings of this branded beverage. A hand-painted Sombai bottle is the best souvenir from Siem Reap.