Location: Siem Reap
Top Things to do in Siem Reap
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The 5 Best Bodies of Water in Siem Reap, Siem Reap Province
When the morning light washes over the overgrown temples and ruins of Angkor Wat, a simple Siem Reap sunrise becomes a profound event. The ancient structures are contained within one of the largest religious complexes in the world. The complex and the 12th century Angkor Thom royal city are considered the main reasons to visit Siem Reap. Get a lesson in national history at the Cambodian Cultural Village, and a lesson in bargaining at the Angkor Night Market, a bonanza of shopping stalls, food vendors, and bars.
Restaurants in Siem Reap
1. West Baray
2. Kbal Spean
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 991 reviews
11th-century Relief Carvings Line The Stream Beds Along This Series Of Waterfalls.
Reviewed By shalendram2017 - Durban, South Africa
This lesser advertised site is a gem to behold. A shaivites bucket list dream for sure. (The other known SahasraLinga site in the world is in India, located around 14 km from the Sirsi Taluk in the district of Uttar Kannada of Karnataka.) The Cambodian SahasraLinga is amazing to behold with the more than thousand Lingas in the rockbed of the river. One can do the 1.8km jungle trek or get a driver to take you to the stream directly. With less able tourists and young children opt for the latter. The carved rock formations date back to 11th century and span 150 meters of the Stung Kbal Spean River. It must have taken some effort to hammer out these carvings in the presence of flowing water. They are arranged in formations grouped into 8x8 matrices. These groups of 64 signify the 64 forms of Lord Shiva described in the Puranas. There is also a submerged carving of the reclining form of Lord Vishnu slightly further upstream. Couple this site with a visit to nearby Buddha and Shiva Temple followed by a dip in the waterfalls which is totally refreshing. If your itinerary allows, do not miss this hidden gem - an archaeologists’ pilgrimage.
3. Srah Srang
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 296 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Right between "Banteay Kdei" and "Pre Rup", you will find a large pool and a beautiful terrace adorned with "naga" balaustrades and guardian lions. This is "Srah Srang", the "Royal Baths" of Angkor! It dates from the 10th century and was remodeled, in the 12th century, by King Jayavarman VII, the famous "builder" king of the Khmer empire. At the center of the pool, during the dry season, the ruins of a small temple can be seen. It was probably dedicated to "Kama", the god of love, and was undoubtedly used in ritual baths. Not very much visited, it may be a nice option for sunrise or sunset watching away from the daily crowds, with some beautiful views of the archaelogical complex. Enjoy!
4. West Baray
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 91 reviews
A giant reservoir constructed during the Khmer Empire, measuring 8km long by 2.1km wide (or almost 2,300 Wembley Stadium football pitches). Its purpose at the time it was constructed is still not clear, and the original hypothesis, that it was used for irrigation, no longer holds much water. In the centre, is an island with the West Mebon temple. A great spot for walks, or a short boat ride out to the island. You can also hire hammocks for about a dollar, and picnic on the freshly prepared food sold from about a dozen stalls.
Reviewed By tangojohnDallas - Dallas, United States
This was our fifth trip to Siem Reap and we purposely chose to do things outside the typical tourist agenda. We have used the same tuk tuk driver for the last 4 years and we know he appreciates our off the beaton path agenda. We went on a week day in the late afternoon and arrived where the locals play and there are multiple food and merchandise vendors at the dam area. We hired a boat which would probably hold 10 or more people and along with our driver went out to West Mebon. The boat owner asked $20 and we did not bother to negotiate the price. Upon arriving at the island we were welcomed by the guard and were the only tourists there. At this time West Mebon is being restored and you can only walk around part of the parimeter seeing the restoration. They have a small raised pavilion where you can see restoration plans and overlook the work. We found this very interesting. Upon return we paid the boat driver who seemed extremely appreciative. This is not something I would suggest for someone who has limited time in Siem Reap. According to our driver he had never visited West Mebon by boat and had only been there by motorcycle in 2005 when apparently West Baray was dry.
5. Siem Reap River
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By chrispR7379SJ - Patong, Thailand
I,ve lived in siem reap for nearly four months and a long walk along this quiet peaceful river is something I really enjoy. Plenty of shade under the trees and to sit and watch people occasionally fishing was nice. If you,re really hungry or thirsty there are plenty of stalls selling all sorts. Granted there is a lack of flow during the dry season but the water is clear and plenty of small fish, not so sure about any big ones.
