Siem Reap - Home of Angkor Wat
Siem Reap is an active town and popular destination for tourists coming from all around the globe to begin to see the worlds famous Angkor Wat temple complex.
Centuries ago, the asian south east was part of the mighty Siam Empire and this is reflected in the towns current name, Siem Reap, this means literally "defeating the Siam" which describes the war which can be depicted on the temples of the Angkor Wat Temple Complex regarding Borei Angkor Resort.
The initial mention of Angkor Wat and is its surrounding temples in modern literature was by Antonio da Magdalena, a Portuguese monk who traveled through the region in 1586. He described the temples as having "Extraordinary construction, impossible to spell it out with a pencil" remarking that these were like "no other building on earth" with "towers and decoration" which are as refined as the human imagination would think possible.
The easiest way to have around Siem Reap is either with a hired bike, or perhaps a Tuk Tuk. Following many foreigns having accidents, it is no more possible to rent motorcycles and the choice, the human powered bicycle, can be rented for approximately $4-5 per day. There are numerous bicycle rental shops around town, and you can also ask your hotel or guest house if they have any bicycles readily available for rent. One other option, a Tuk Tuk, is much better in warm weather.
There are lots of Tuk Tuk's around town in Siem Reap and its impossible to go without transport. You can hire a Tuk Tuk for short trips which will cost you $1-$2 within town, or you can hire a Tuk Tuk for the entire day, from before sunrise, until after sun-set. This will run you $15/day, however if you decide to go to the far out temples such as for instance "bantey srey" you will have to give your Tuk Tuk driver yet another $10. Tuk Tuk drivers in Siem Reap are required to register for a Tuk Tuk license and wear a numbered vest at all times. Remember your Tuk Tuk drivers number or you may not have the ability to identify which driver is yours.
Souvenirs well-liked by tourists, inluding paintings, carvings, silks and other fabrics, silver items, clothing, DVD's and CD's along with pottery can be purchased at the Old Market which lies in the middle of the most happening element of town. Vendors expect you to operate a vehicle a hard bargain, so if you pay more than 2/3rds the initial price, you aren't bargaining hard enough. Always halve the price first quoted, and play hard ball. This is a cultural thing and is considered a necessary part of trade.
The district surrounding the old market is full of restaurants, bars, hotels and cafes, some of which offer internet service. Many tourists make this a great place to pay time, but this element of town definitely transforms into a party paradise at night.
"Pub Street" is a central street in Siem Reap which will be made offered to pedestrians at night, which supplies a great street atmosphere with souvenir shops, restaurants, bars and a lot of typically the most popular clubs in Siem Reap. As there is no traffic, lots of the parties spill out into the street, where vendors and beggars are in a minimum. The most used clubs in this street are the Temple Club for drinks, music and other entertainment, or the Angkor What? bar which suits the backpacker crowd. Both are full every night of the week. Pub street is definitely worth a call and no trip is complete without an evening around town in Siem Reap.
The district surrounding the old market is full of restaurants, bars, hotels and cafes, some of which offer internet service. Many tourists make this a great place to pay time, but this element of town definitely transforms into a party paradise at night.