Thing To Do
Located in the city center, Saem Siemreap Hotel offers its guests excellence in care and hospitality. It is situated on a peaceful corner just 5 minutes from the busy downtown and pub streets and about 7Kms drive from Angkor Wat Temple and airport.
Its elegant with unique Khmer architecture and design are boosted with cool and fresh air with salt-water pool at the center. Every service point is just a few steps away to give its guests perfect convenience and relaxed atmosphere.
It is equipped with quality room amenities and premium facilities. The Hotel is serviced by a group of experienced staff dedicated to premier services and the warmth of heart in everything we do.
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat (Constructed: Early-Mid 12th century, King/Patron: Suryavaman II, Religion: Hinduism)
Angkor Wat is surrounded by a moat and an exterior wall measuring 1,300 meters x 1,500 meters. The temple itself is 1km square and consists of three levels surmounted by a central tower. The walls of the temples are covered inside and out with bas-reliefs and carvings. Nearly 2,000 distinctively rendered apsara carvings adorn the walls throughout the temple and represent some of the finest examples of apsara carvings in Ankgorian era art. But it is the exterior walls of the lower level that display the most extraordinary bas-reliefs, depicting stories and characters from Hindu mythology and the historical wars of Suryavarman II.
The northern reflecting pool in front is the most popular Sunrise location. For sunrise, arrive very early, well before sunrise begins. The sun will rise behind Angkor Wat providing a silhouette of Ankgor’s distinctively shaped towers against a colored sunrise sky. Some of the best appear just before the sun breaks over the horizon.
Bayon Temple
Bayon Temple (Constructed: Late 12th century, King/Patron: Jayavarman VII, Religion: Buddhist)
The giant stone faces of Bayon have become one of the most recognizable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture. There are 37 standing towers, most but not all sporting four carved faces oriented toward the cardinal points. Who the faces represent is a matter of debate but they may be Loksvara, Mahayana Buddhism’s compassionate Bodhisattava, or perhaps a combination of Buddha and Jayavarman VII.
Bayon was the Jayavarman VII’s state-temples and in many ways represents the pinnacle of his massive building campaign. It appears to be, and is to some degree, an architectural muddle, in part because it was constructed in a somewhat piecemeal fashion for over a century.
Preah Khan
Preah Khan (Constructed: Late 12th century, King/Patron: Jayavarman VII, Religion: Buddhist)
Preah Khan is a huge, highly explorable monastic complex. It originally served as a Buddhist monastery and school, engaging over 1,000 monks. For a short period it was also the residence of King Jayavarman VII during the reconstruction of his permanent home in Angkor Thom. Preah Khan means “sacred sword.” In harmony with the architecturally similar Ta Prohm, which was dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s mother, Preah Khan is dedicated to his father.
Features of note: like most of Jayavarman VII’s monuments, the Buddha images were vandalized in the later Hindu resurgence. Some Buddha carvings in the central corridor have been crudely carved over with Bodhisattvas, and in a couple of odd cases, a lotus flower and a linga. Also note the cylindrical columns on the building west of the main temple.
Kulen Mountain
Kulen Mountain (Constructed: 09th century, King/Patron: Jayavarman II, Religion: Hindu)
This is where the 500-year long “Age of Angkor” began. Kulen Mountain is the mountain on which Jayavarman II initiated the royal “god of the king” linga cult in 802AD, declaring a unified and independent Khmer Empire under a single ruler and beginning what would later become known as the Angkor period (though the capital city would not actually move to the Angkor area for another century.) Soon after the ceremony, Jayavarman II moved his capital from Kulen Mountain to the area near the modern town of Rolous, where it was to remain for almost linga stands in the Siem Reap River. Waterfalls and active pagoda.
It’s a bit over 50km each way from Siem Reap so set aside at least a half day for the trip there and back. Regular admission ticket is not required. There is a separate entrance free of US$20.00 for Kulen Mountain.
Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom (Constructed: Late 12th – Early 13th century, King/Patron: Jayavarman VII, Religion: Buddhism)
Angkor Thom (Big Angkor) is a 3km2 walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian empire. After Jayavarman VII recaptured the Angkorian capital from the Cham invaders in 1,181, he began a massive building campaign across the empire, constructing Angkor Thom as his new capital city. He began with existing structures such as Baphoun and Phimeanakas and built a grand enclosed city around them, adding the outer wall/moat and some of Angkors’s greatest temples including his state-temple, Bayon, set at the center of the city.
There are five entrances (gates) to the city, one for each cardinal point, and the victory gate leading to the Royal Palace area. Each gate is crowned with 4 giant faces. The South Gate is often the first stop on a tour.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm (Constructed: Late 12th – Early 13th century, King/Patron: Jayavarman VII, Religion: Buddhist)
Intentionally left partially un-restored, massive fig and silk-cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors offering a “jungle atmosphere” and some of the best “tree in temple” photo opportunities at Angkor. Unfortunately, from the “Jungle atmosphere.” Ta Prohm is still well worth an extended exploration of its dark corridors and open plazas. This temple was one of Jayavarman VII’s first major temple projects.
Ta Prohm was dedicated to his mothers. (Preah Khan, built shortly after Ta Prohm in the same general style, was dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s father.) Ta Prohm was originally constructed as a Buddhist monastery and was enormously wealthy in its time, boasting of control over 3,000 villages, thousands of support staff and vast stores of jewels and gold.
Banteay Srey
Banteay Srei (Constructed: Late 10th century, King/Patron: Rajendravarman, Religion: Hindu/Shiva)
Banteay Srei loosely translates to “citadel of the women” but this is a modern appellation that probably refers to the delicatie beauty of the carvings. Built at a time when the Khmer Empire was gaining significant power and territory, the temple was constructed by a Brahmin counselor under a powerful king, Rajendravarman and later under Jayavarman V. Banteay Srei displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. The walls are densely covered with some of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple.
The temples’s relatively small size, pink sandstone construction and ornate design give it a fairyland ambiance. The colors are best before 10:30am and after 2:00pm, but there are fewer tourists in the afternoon.
Preah Vihear
Preah Vihear (Constructed: Late 09th – mid 12th century, King/Patron: Yasovarman I and Suryavarman I & II, Religion: Hindu)
Pearched mountaintop in the Dangrek Mountain Rage near the Thai border, the magnificent temple complex of Preah Vihear sits a face spectacular view of the Cambodian countryside. The temple itself is long and comparatively narrow, displaying architectural and artistic features. Generally requires at least a two day trip from Siem Reap and backs.
Activities
Our guest relations will advise you on the many things you can do in Siem Reap. Apart from the temples we offer plenty of activities for everyone, from biking adventures, elephant riding and horse riding, to tours of the countryside or Tonle Sap Lake. You will discover there are plenty of ways to explore the true beauty of Siem Reap – Cambodia.
Quad Bike
Take a trip and see how much more there is to Siem Reap than the Bayon. Take a ride through the Villages. Rice paddies and temples of Siem Reap province and get a real insight in to this beautiful country and its friendly people. Whether you want a relaxing sunset tour with the family or an extreme adventure two-days ride to the remote temple of Koh Ker, They have a package to suit everyone.
Traditional Dance Shows
Apsara Dance is a popular Khmer classical performance known by various names in English, such as Khmer royal ballet and Cambodian court dance. For most travelers, no visit to Cambodia is complete without attending Apsara Dance. Traditional Khmer dance generally brings ancient Khmer culture to life through its dancers, singers and instruments. Apsara dance has a grounded, subtle, and feather-light appearance. The dance is exceptionally unique with its elaborate costuming, tight posture, fingers flexed backwards, arched back and feet, codified facial expressions, slow, deliberate but flowing movements.
Angkor National Museum
The newly opened Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap promises eight chronologically ordered galleries of Angkorian-era artifacts and multi-media presentations of Angkorian history and culture. The Museum had just opened its doors and was not quite completed at time of printing, but should be very soon. Admissions price: US$12 (for foreigners). $2 for a camera. Daily Operation Hours: 8:30AM – 6:00PM. Located in town, on the road to the Angkor Park.
Cambodia Cultural Village
The construction of Cambodian Cultural Village (CCV) started in mid year of 2001, opened to the public in September 24, 2003, with total area of 210,000 meter-square, CCV assembles all the miniatures of famous historical buildings and structures, local customs and practices of all races. There are 11 unique villages, which represent different culture heritages and characteristics of 19 multi races.
At each village, the tourists will be able to enjoy the excellent wood houses, carving, soft skill in stone, traditional performances in the different style such as: Apsara Dancing, performance of ethnic minorities from Northeast of Cambodia, traditional wedding ceremony, Circus, Popular games, Peacock dancing, Acrobat, elephants shows, boxing, and more…
Angkor Zip line
Angkor Zip line is located within Angkor Park and is the only zipline located within a UNESCO World Heritage site. A distinction made possible by our commitment to the environment through the rehabilitation of gibbons, various tree planting projects, and other work in the community.
Our course was engineered by zipline experts who have built courses all over the world, and it meets or exceeds the highest safety standards. Our Sky Rangers are highly trained professionals who will be with you every step of the way. They will provide you with a safety briefing prior to the tour and will personally fit you for your equipment, then they will also accompany you on your adventure, not just for safety, but also to share their knowledge of the Cambodian jungle and tell stories about the local history.
You don’t have to worry about negotiating travel to Angkor Park. We provide roundtrip shuttle service and will pick you up from and return you to your hotel in Siem Reap.
Happy Ranch
Horse riding countryside trail rides from one hour to half day. From sunrise to sunset. Its horse will take you on a journey to places that are otherwise unreachable. Through local countryside village, scenic fields and tourist-free temple ruins, all waiting to be explored. An authentic taste of real Khmer lifestyle viewed from horseback, and a welcome break from other tourist.
Siem Reap Dirt Bikes
Tours Guided dirt bike tours on the trails of Siem Reap or multiday tours to the most remote areas of Cambodia including Preah Vihear temple, Preah Khan, Anlong Veng, Rattanakiri and Mondolkiri. Ride through remote villages, jungles, cross rivers and visit lost temples. Tours for all levels of riders. Come on “Lets get dirty in Cambodia”.
Royal Palace at Phnom Penh
Built in 1866 by His Majesty King Norodom, the Royal Palace is now home to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni and Her Majesty Queen Mother Norodom Monineath. Most of the buildings inside the palace are closed to the public, except for special occasions. Also within the palace compound is the Silver Pagoda, which draws its name from the 5,000 silver tiles that pave its floor. Inside the pagoda there are hundreds of gifts to Cambodian king, including a solid-gold Buddha statute encrusted with 9,584 diamonds weighing 90 kilograms.
Balloon Rides
Unique new addition to the Angkor area. Take a tethered helium balloon ride 200 meters straight up for an amazing aerial view of Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng, West Baray and other ruins amongst the surrounding jungle and rice paddies. Bring a camera and binoculars if you have them. The big, yellow balloon is based on the road from the airport to Angkor Wat, about a kilometer from the front gates of Angkor Wat.
Land Mine Museum
The Khmer Rouge in 1975 and the Vietnamese occupation in 1979 have contributed to Siem Reap’s tumultuous, war-torn past. Siem Reap did not begin to stabilize and become safe enough for tourists to visit until the 1990s.
Unfortunately, millions of land mines and unexploded objects were left behind by decades of conflict. The many legless beggars in town are a living testament to how dangerous these artifacts still are in the present day.
The Cambodia Land Mine Museum was founded by a former child soldier whose parents were killed by the Khmer Rouge and is staffed by victims and orphans of mines. Although sobering, the Land Mine Museum is a real piece of Cambodia away from the tourism glam.