Siem Reap

This is the former capital of the Khmer Empire, which ruled this region between the 9th and 12th centuries. Angkor Archaeological Park evokes the rich historical, architectural and cultural past of the Khmers. The majestic Angkor complex offers temples galore, which is a marvel to explore. Each temple is unique, from the grandeur of Angkor Wat to the beauty of Banteay Srei, this dynastic ’village’ is spellbinding. You need a minimum of two days to explore. As the temples are spread out, transportation is required. Bicycles, motorbikes, tuk-tuks and air-conditioned cars are at your disposal. Guides can be sought through most hotels and guesthouses.

Browse around this workshop as craftsmen work and then cross the garden to the shop, which offers the finest silk designs and famous carvings. The Silk Centre will also give you an interesting insight into the steps needed in the production of scarves and fashion fabrics.

This outdoor circus is built to keep and encourage the careers of Cambodian artists. Different performances with music, dance, juggling and acrobatics tell the stories about the life and society of Cambodians. When you visit this theatre, you can also contribute to their wishes of having an indoor venue one day.

The Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) can only be visited by booking a guided tour for one and a half hours. This centre rescues and rehabilitates local animals and offers visitors a chance to learn about Cambodian wildlife.

This park is a welcoming break from temple-watching and is filled with beautiful butterflies and tropical flowers. Thousands of native species fly around the park and the professional guides will introduce you to the project and the park.

To get into this national park, foreigners must pay a toll fee. This place sits magically on the top of mountains that have been used to build the temples of Angkor Wat. The water running from the beautiful waterfall is said to be holy and locals often bring a bottle of it with them home.

Angkor Thom was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. It is a compound containing many temples created by and for King Jayavarman VII. At the city's centre is Jayavarman's state temple, the Bayon, one of the most impressive temples. The tour is like walking in the past offering you a glimpse of the earlier civilisation.

This temple is a must-see in Siem Reap. The photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing in the ruins of the temple make it one of the favourite tourist attractions. It was founded by the Khmer King Jayavarman VIIas as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university.