Everyone knows Siem Reap as the city where you stay, when visiting the temples of Angkor. But there is much more to do:
1. Make a facial or any treatment at Khmer Relief Spa
Khmer Relief Spa is located in the center of Siem Reap. The concept is based on all-natural elements, from the materials used to the actual treatments. You feel immediatly comfortable entering the spa and tea is served while waiting for the treatment. A wide range of body/facial treatments and massages is offered. Me and my boyfriend chose the Radiance & Protection facial for 24 USD. I liked it a lot that our treatments took place in the same room and we could lie next to each other. My skin had a gentle glow afterwards and was cleared well.
2. Go Shopping
Cambodia is known for silk, ceramics and handmade cotton. There are so many shops in Siem Reap which support good purposes. It was very important for me to buy from these shops only because unfortunately bad working conditions and child work are ordinary in Cambodia. I bought cushions, a lovely plaid and espresso mugs and I totally adore them. I will write a further post about Cambodia, where I am going to focus on the life over there. That’s also where I will tell you my personal shopping recommendations.
3. Try the Khmer Kitchen
Khmer Kitchen can definitely keep up with Thai Kitchen. There are a lot of good restaurants in Siem Reap. I can recommend, Khmer Kitchen, which is cheap and so good and Amok. Both are located in the center of Siem Reap. Amok is named after the national dish of Cambodia – Amok. It is a tasty curry with coconut cream, mostly served in a basket out of banana leafs. Typically it comes with steamed fish but most restaurants offer chicken or pork as well. Oh and there is also a nice cafe called Sister Srey Cafe which I can highly recommend if you want to have some Western kitchen or a good coffee.
4. Go to a rooftop bar
Siem Reap is very loud. I was overstrained the first day of my stay and wanted to leave as soon as possible. By accident we found the Purple Mangosteen rooftop bar, where we could sip a bottle of beer alone, because no one else was there. It was a welcomed and much needed change from the dusty and noisy city.
5. Visit the temples of Angkor
A must when you are in Siem Reap and I will write a detailed report about the temples as well. Rent a Tuk-Tuk for a day and dive into the culture. Don’t miss sunrise or sunset but you can read more in the detailed report soon.
6. Explore Cambodia’s countryside
Rent a bike and explore the countryside. Cambodia is extremly flat so the only challenge is the heat and the humidity. But after a little time in South East Asia you get used to the fact that you are constantly sweating. The nature around Siem Reap is not as beautiful as I expected, but it’s interesting to see this poor country and how people live there from a totally different angle. Oh, and do not expect too much from the rice fields. They are not like you imagine and I was kind of dissapointed.
