Siem Reap

Siem Reap town is small, quaint and is centred around the small river running through it. Right next to the river is the ’old’ part of town, known as the French quarter, which is nestled around the Old Market. Get lost in the small side streets and browse through the many small boutiques.

At night the area comes alive, the main street is pedestrianised and there is something for everybody. Have a cold beer, enjoy a foot massage or wander through the gift shops, and do it all at a leisurely pace. Though the country went through its own self-destructive turmoil under the rule of the Khmer Rouge (1975-1979), today the country is developing; roads are being built, electricity runs continuously and streets are not flooded an

y longer. Yet, this new modernization has not spoilt the natural beauty of the Cambodian scenery, as farmers work the rice fields, children skip to school and palm trees dot the landscape. This town caters to all kinds of tourists, from luxury upscale hotels to cosy basic guesthouses, from fine dining to the local hole in the wall eateries. Transportation is readily available so feel free to visit whatever is on offer, as nothing is too far or too hard to access. Entering the Angkorian temple complex is just a simple drive on a road magnificently lined with ancient trees. At night this small town livens up as people relax after a long day visiting the temples. The atmosphere around the Old Market is pleasant and calm. It’s the perfect place to get lost in what Cambodia has to offer.