48 hours in Siem Reap

48 hours in Siem Reap

If you're in Siem Reap, you will be there for the temples. You should spend your mornings and evenings making sure you visit the top 5: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Preah Kahn and Bayon. Go early to late to avoid the boiling heat. 

But what about the fascinating tourist town of Siem Reap? Make sure you slot the following in during your 2 day stay:

Pub Street:

There’s no avoiding it. Pub Street is up there with the Khao San Road in terms of partying. If getting drunk at bargain bucket prices isn’t your thing, then it’s worth soaking up the buzz from one of the cafe and bar balconies overlooking the lanterned street. 

Tip – if you want a splurge, the view from the balcony terrace of the Red Piano is the best. Plus, they serve a killer Tomb Raider (Angelina Jolie came here during filming) cocktail. 

The Night Market:

The original market, in a town full of markets, is the best. It sells everything for locals and tourists. Fruit stands jostle alongside massage parlours and then there’s the fried insect stalls…if you don’t fancy trying new types of protein, then its worth watching squeamish tourists challenging each other to fried crickets and tarantulas. 

Tip – have a cocktail and a foot massage before you wander.

The War Museum:

The War Museum in Siem Reap is a stark reminder of Cambodia’s recent past and is the largest war museum in Cambodia. Ex-soldiers guide you round the collection of  Chinese, U.S. and Soviet hardware – vehicles, artillery, weaponry and a MiG-19.

The cafes:

Siem Reap has embraced cafe culture and digital nomad life. There’s an exceptionally good choice of cool cafes, but we especially love:

Brother Bong – the best iced coffee in town. Brother Bong was set up by a local Cambodian couple and the money goes back into the community. Chose from Khmer dishes, breakfast goodies and GF, vegan and veggie options. 

Sister Srey – for an Aussie coffee hit. Sister Srey offers all the designer coffees, and a huge choice of milk and mylks. This ethical cafe has a large outdoors eating area and is one of the coolest hang outs in town.

The Missing Socks Cafe – a genius idea which combines a coin operated laundromat and a hip cafe. The Missing Socks Cafe allows you to chill out with a hand crafted coffee and come out with clean clothes – what’s not to like?