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Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap exists because of Angkor, and the temple complex demands days of walking to fully appreciate. Angkor Wat itself is vast — its five towers, elaborate bas-reliefs, and surrounding moat require several hours on foot. The Bayon temple at Angkor Thom features over 200 enormous stone faces gazing in every direction, while Ta Prohm has been left largely as found, with giant tree roots engulfing the stone structures. Beyond the temples, Siem Reap town has developed its own charm with the lively Pub Street, the Old Market area, and a growing scene of social enterprise restaurants and craft shops. The Angkor Night Market and Phare, the Cambodian Circus, provide evening entertainment. The countryside offers bicycle rides through rice paddies and visits to floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake.
explore by interest
Temple walking covers enormous distances on uneven stone — wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and start at sunrise to beat both the heat and the tour bus crowds.
November through February offers cooler temperatures and dry skies. Sunrise at Angkor Wat is a year-round highlight, but the reflection in the moat is clearest after the rainy season ends.