Siem Reap • Cambodia
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
In a peaceful garden sanctuary, the luxurious rooms and suites of Sofitel Angkor...
City description
Now these dozens of ruined buildings attract a plethora of visitors and serve as a backdrop to numerous documentaries and even fiction such as Jean-Jacques Annaud’s Two Brothers. It is even the course for the marathons and half marathons of Angkor and Siem Reap. It is, however, difficult to run whilst being enraptured before the Churning of the Ocean of Milk at Angkor Wat, a marvelous bas-relief deriving from Hindu mythology but taken up by Khmer culture; whilst wondering before the five monumental gates of Angkor Thom; whilst in open-mouthed contemplation of the thirty-seven towers of Bayon each decorated with four faces; or even whilst trying to penetrate the mysteries of Preah Khan, a magnificent ancient city.
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Once frowned upon, Khmer cuisine is now flourishing in its own right. Some chefs, such as that of the Paper Tiger in Siem Reap, even offer cooking classes in their restaurants. Try your hand at Amok, a fish or shrimp-based dish cooked in a banana skin.
Once frowned upon, Khmer cuisine is now flourishing in its own right. Some chefs, such as that of the Paper Tiger in Siem Reap, even offer cooking classes in their restaurants. Try your hand at Amok, a fish or shrimp-based dish cooked in a banana skin.
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Founded by Akira, an ex-child soldier enlisted by the Khmer Rouge, this open-air museum is located in the archaeological park of Angkor Wat. Entrance tickets fund the orphanage built just behind it, raising children affected by the mines and shells.
Founded by Akira, an ex-child soldier enlisted by the Khmer Rouge, this open-air museum is located in the archaeological park of Angkor Wat. Entrance tickets fund the orphanage built just behind it, raising children affected by the mines and shells.
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Located within the temple enclave, the ACCB ensures the preservation of nature and biodiversity. The Centre organises guided visits to fund research and programmes, including educating local communities in the protection of their environment.
Located within the temple enclave, the ACCB ensures the preservation of nature and biodiversity. The Centre organises guided visits to fund research and programmes, including educating local communities in the protection of their environment.
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An excellent way to get from village to village and interact with locals is on horseback. The Happy Ranch Horse Farm takes good care of its horses, Arabian crosses, and trained instructors accompany riders. Available from aged 5.
An excellent way to get from village to village and interact with locals is on horseback. The Happy Ranch Horse Farm takes good care of its horses, Arabian crosses, and trained instructors accompany riders. Available from aged 5.
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On Tonlé Sap, floating villages are home to the Khmer fishermen. It is easy to reach those of Prek Toal and Chong Khneas. But it's worth your while to choose Kompong Phluk, a preserved lake city, some kilometres away.
On Tonlé Sap, floating villages are home to the Khmer fishermen. It is easy to reach those of Prek Toal and Chong Khneas. But it's worth your while to choose Kompong Phluk, a preserved lake city, some kilometres away.
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The Angkor National Museum didactically tells the story of the Khmer civilization. Unique in the world, its thousand-Buddha gallery begs to be visited. Plan your visit between your temple trips, so that you can gain a clearer insight into these constructions.
The Angkor National Museum didactically tells the story of the Khmer civilization. Unique in the world, its thousand-Buddha gallery begs to be visited. Plan your visit between your temple trips, so that you can gain a clearer insight into these constructions.
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The advantage of a quad or 4X4 ride: it allows you to visit distant temples, rice paddies and villages away from the well maintained roads. Some organisations offer programmes with meals and a night in a local home.
The advantage of a quad or 4X4 ride: it allows you to visit distant temples, rice paddies and villages away from the well maintained roads. Some organisations offer programmes with meals and a night in a local home.
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Known as Bon Om Touk, the water festival takes place along the Mekong during the full moon in October/November and celebrates the reversal of the Tonlé Sap current. Dances and fireworks are highlights of this event which is the only one of its kind in the world.
Known as Bon Om Touk, the water festival takes place along the Mekong during the full moon in October/November and celebrates the reversal of the Tonlé Sap current. Dances and fireworks are highlights of this event which is the only one of its kind in the world.
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Art & Design
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Is there anyone yet to see the blackened stones of Ta Prohm with its entwined roots and branches? The French School of the Far East, responsible for its conservation, fought for the temple where the jungle had reasserted itself for five centuries, to be left unchanged. This was as a final testimony, and the school ensured that these embracing plants do not end up pulling down the fragile building. Now under control, the vegetation can no longer take over these truly romantic places built under Jayavarman VII, where every day thousands of priests, workers and apsaras paraded each day in a unique procession.
Is there anyone yet to see the blackened stones of Ta Prohm with its entwined roots and branches? The French School of the Far East, responsible for its conservation, fought for the temple where the jungle had reasserted itself for five centuries, to be left unchanged. This was as a final testimony, and the school ensured that these embracing plants do not end up pulling down the fragile building. Now under control, the vegetation can no longer take over these truly romantic places built under Jayavarman VII, where every day thousands of priests, workers and apsaras paraded each day in a unique procession.
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When you visit this small isolated temple 20 km from Siem Reap, expect to hear a guide recount how, André Malraux, moved by the beauty of the apsaras in 1923, asked a henchman to cut him four of its ravishing dancers as a keepsake. The French writer was arrested by the Khmer authorities and returned his plunder. However, the building seems well protected behind its succession of gopuras, and its elegant, sculpted portals. It is its modesty, finesse and elegance which give the Banteay Srei its almost feminine charm. This is how it earned its name, "The Citadel of Women", thanks to its gentleness, fragility and preciousness.
When you visit this small isolated temple 20 km from Siem Reap, expect to hear a guide recount how, André Malraux, moved by the beauty of the apsaras in 1923, asked a henchman to cut him four of its ravishing dancers as a keepsake. The French writer was arrested by the Khmer authorities and returned his plunder. However, the building seems well protected behind its succession of gopuras, and its elegant, sculpted portals. It is its modesty, finesse and elegance which give the Banteay Srei its almost feminine charm. This is how it earned its name, "The Citadel of Women", thanks to its gentleness, fragility and preciousness.
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Angkor Wat is the most well-known archaeological site in Angkor and covers 400 km2. Make sure you climb its pineapple towers, you'll reap the rewards once you reach the top. When building this State temple in the early 12th century, in the heart of the capital, King Suryavarman II did not imagine that one day a cosmopolitan crowd would be admiring his sculptures and recounting the history of the monarchy like a comic strip. Buried under dense vegetation, the site was rediscovered in 1860 by French explorer, Henri Mouhot. Angkor Wat offers an excellent introduction to Angkor, as long as you devote some time to it and avoid exploring the temples one after the other.
Angkor Wat is the most well-known archaeological site in Angkor and covers 400 km2. Make sure you climb its pineapple towers, you'll reap the rewards once you reach the top. When building this State temple in the early 12th century, in the heart of the capital, King Suryavarman II did not imagine that one day a cosmopolitan crowd would be admiring his sculptures and recounting the history of the monarchy like a comic strip. Buried under dense vegetation, the site was rediscovered in 1860 by French explorer, Henri Mouhot. Angkor Wat offers an excellent introduction to Angkor, as long as you devote some time to it and avoid exploring the temples one after the other.
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Art & Design
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At the start of the 13th century in the times of Jayavarman VII, Angkor Thom was the royal city of Angkor. Its impressive ruins bear witness to its splendour with its succession of temples: Preah Palilay, Preah Pithu, Baphuon, the Temple Mountain and Bayon Temple. There is also the incredible Phimeanakas, a 10th-century laterite pyramid where the king would retreat to pray, the Terrace of the Elephants covering 300 m with its parade of elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King, enormous ruins of the Royal Palace. One day is not enough to soak up the special atmosphere of this 9 km2 territory and take it all in. It is quite simply breathtaking.
At the start of the 13th century in the times of Jayavarman VII, Angkor Thom was the royal city of Angkor. Its impressive ruins bear witness to its splendour with its succession of temples: Preah Palilay, Preah Pithu, Baphuon, the Temple Mountain and Bayon Temple. There is also the incredible Phimeanakas, a 10th-century laterite pyramid where the king would retreat to pray, the Terrace of the Elephants covering 300 m with its parade of elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King, enormous ruins of the Royal Palace. One day is not enough to soak up the special atmosphere of this 9 km2 territory and take it all in. It is quite simply breathtaking.
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Art & Design
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To enjoy Siem Reap's most isolated places of worship, the best way is to veer off the beaten track, with a guide if possible. For example, by walking to Koh Ker to discover the archaeological ruins, then climbing the highest Khmer pyramid - a dizzying ascent in astonishing heat. The same goes for if you wish to admire Beng Meal, which only surrenders after a two-hour walk, just like Preah Khan temple and the Neak basins. Pluck up the courage and grab your walking stick: it really is energy well spent. It’s quite challenging but is well worth the effort.
To enjoy Siem Reap's most isolated places of worship, the best way is to veer off the beaten track, with a guide if possible. For example, by walking to Koh Ker to discover the archaeological ruins, then climbing the highest Khmer pyramid - a dizzying ascent in astonishing heat. The same goes for if you wish to admire Beng Meal, which only surrenders after a two-hour walk, just like Preah Khan temple and the Neak basins. Pluck up the courage and grab your walking stick: it really is energy well spent. It’s quite challenging but is well worth the effort.
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Shopping
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Like any big city, Siem Reap has succumbed to the shopping mall craze. The highly trendy Lucky Mall manages to attract the Khmer youth just as much as its curious visitors. A modern, air-conditioned design supermarket occupies the ground floor, and fills its shelves with local and imported products. It is particularly well stocked with French specialities. On the first floor, shops and banks stand alongside fast food restaurants and cafés, while the second houses smarter brands and the Lucky Shabu House, a Korean-Japanese restaurant. Good news for intellectuals: a bookshop has colonised the rooftop. There's something here to satisfy every taste.
Like any big city, Siem Reap has succumbed to the shopping mall craze. The highly trendy Lucky Mall manages to attract the Khmer youth just as much as its curious visitors. A modern, air-conditioned design supermarket occupies the ground floor, and fills its shelves with local and imported products. It is particularly well stocked with French specialities. On the first floor, shops and banks stand alongside fast food restaurants and cafés, while the second houses smarter brands and the Lucky Shabu House, a Korean-Japanese restaurant. Good news for intellectuals: a bookshop has colonised the rooftop. There's something here to satisfy every taste.
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Shopping
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A real trademark for promoting designers, artisans, artists and khmer designers, Made in Cambodia brings together up-and-coming talent and already-renowned brands underneath its banner. Their philosophy, just like the Artisans d'Angkok, is to support culture and promote training of often underprivileged staff, young people and women, among others. Every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4pm to 7pm, Made in Cambodia exhibits on the street in front of the Shinta Mani Resort. This is the time to discover Saomao products, gold and silver jewelry, accessories, clothing, Cambolac and Eric Stocker or silks by Grace Gecko.
A real trademark for promoting designers, artisans, artists and khmer designers, Made in Cambodia brings together up-and-coming talent and already-renowned brands underneath its banner. Their philosophy, just like the Artisans d'Angkok, is to support culture and promote training of often underprivileged staff, young people and women, among others. Every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4pm to 7pm, Made in Cambodia exhibits on the street in front of the Shinta Mani Resort. This is the time to discover Saomao products, gold and silver jewelry, accessories, clothing, Cambolac and Eric Stocker or silks by Grace Gecko.
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Shopping
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Siem Reap Night Market is a must-see once the sun flees to other latitudes. Created in 2007, near to Sivatha road, Siem Reap Night Market is a district in itself, and brings together over 250 shops. Give priority to the bamboo and wood stalls of the traditional Cambodian artisans. Treat yourself to silk, lacquer, wood and stone sculptures. Then, have a drink served with some tapas at the ultra-chic Island bar next to the botanical garden or at the Brick House before succumbing to a 20-minute massage session at the Spa near to the island for $3. You can then fit in a 3D screening of the history of Pol Pot.
Siem Reap Night Market is a must-see once the sun flees to other latitudes. Created in 2007, near to Sivatha road, Siem Reap Night Market is a district in itself, and brings together over 250 shops. Give priority to the bamboo and wood stalls of the traditional Cambodian artisans. Treat yourself to silk, lacquer, wood and stone sculptures. Then, have a drink served with some tapas at the ultra-chic Island bar next to the botanical garden or at the Brick House before succumbing to a 20-minute massage session at the Spa near to the island for $3. You can then fit in a 3D screening of the history of Pol Pot.
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Shopping
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Artisans d’Angkor is a vast complex showcasing quality handicrafts, opened in 1998 to train young Cambodians in Siem Reap and its surrounds in traditional Khmer art techniques. The initiative also aims to find them a stable source of income. Self-managed, the company commits to the very current trend of sustainable development and ethics. It is impossible to leave the temple complex without visiting this authentic village, admire the artists at work and purchase, depending on your tastes, silk clothes or accessories, cotton linens, lacquered or wooden objects, such as a set of fabulous statues. And in this way you'll be supporting Cambodian culture.
Artisans d’Angkor is a vast complex showcasing quality handicrafts, opened in 1998 to train young Cambodians in Siem Reap and its surrounds in traditional Khmer art techniques. The initiative also aims to find them a stable source of income. Self-managed, the company commits to the very current trend of sustainable development and ethics. It is impossible to leave the temple complex without visiting this authentic village, admire the artists at work and purchase, depending on your tastes, silk clothes or accessories, cotton linens, lacquered or wooden objects, such as a set of fabulous statues. And in this way you'll be supporting Cambodian culture.
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Shopping
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The Silk Farm is an integral part of the Artisans d'Angkor and is located on another site 20 minutes from central Siem Reap. It shares the same aim, and invites you to discover all the trades involved in silk-making: silkworm breeding, the weaving of the threads, dyeing and high-end artisanal production. A free shuttle bus serves the Silk Farm twice a day, leaving from the Artisans d'Angkor village. It is also very easy to get there by tuk-tuk. Now, thanks to the quality of its work recognised by the most demanding of professionals, the Farm reinvests its profits in training and the constant improvement of production tools, via the association Angkor Artisanat (AHA).
The Silk Farm is an integral part of the Artisans d'Angkor and is located on another site 20 minutes from central Siem Reap. It shares the same aim, and invites you to discover all the trades involved in silk-making: silkworm breeding, the weaving of the threads, dyeing and high-end artisanal production. A free shuttle bus serves the Silk Farm twice a day, leaving from the Artisans d'Angkor village. It is also very easy to get there by tuk-tuk. Now, thanks to the quality of its work recognised by the most demanding of professionals, the Farm reinvests its profits in training and the constant improvement of production tools, via the association Angkor Artisanat (AHA).
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Cuisine Wat Damnak unquestionably bears the signature of its chef owner, Joannès Rivière. The Frenchman, settled in Cambodia for 12 years, presents a modern and creative take on the best local products with two unique tasting menus.
DiscoverInside or garden? It is up to you to choose or taste one of the 14 Martinis on the Menu at Martini Lounge, nestled within La Résidence d’Angkor. Among them, you can find the famous Lemon Drop Martini.
DiscoverThe garden, the decor, the ambiance: everything is to perfection at Mahob Khmer Cuisine. What's more, Sothea Seng cooks meat like nobody else - at 400° on a lava stone grill.
DiscoverEnjoy several exceptional restaurants at the Raffles Siem Reap: Restaurant Le Grand offers royal Khmer cuisine and one of the finest wine lists in Asia. The barbecue at the Apsara Terrace is a delight for the eyes and the taste buds.
DiscoverThe setting of Mie Cafe: a beautiful traditional wooden house in the calm of a garden. The warm welcome and the menu offering a variety of Khmer specialities created with finesse are worthy of a serene and gourmet stop-off.
DiscoverFrom 4pm to midnight, Elephant Bar becomes THE place to be in Siem Reap for its ambiance and fabulous cocktails. Spectacular: the Airavata made with rum, passion fruit, coconut, lime, banana cream and pineapple.
DiscoverIn the heart of Siem Reap, Damnak Lounge Fine Dining is a wonderful place for fusion food and blends Cambodian and western flavours, offering outstanding value for money. Open lunchtimes and evenings.
DiscoverRun by two Australian expats, Siem Reap’s The Little Red Fox cafe is famous for its superb specialty coffee, featuring refreshing cold-drip, iced coffees and smooth espressos made by friendly baristas. The cafe’s shared wooden tables and cosy wicker chairs on the streetside terrace offer an inviting setting for lovers of good coffee and people-watching.
DiscoverEnjoy refined French - Khmer fusion cuisine at Mouhot’s Dream, the celebrated restaurant of the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort. Chef Dominik Ambros creates delicate and artistic plates to delight the senses, featuring superb pan-seared foie gras and the speciality Wagyu beef. Beautiful tiled floors and warm honey-tone woods make for an elegant yet relaxed setting, dotted with lush green palms and sweeping lagoon views. Don’t be surprised if the chef appears to greet his guests or to explain the latest dishes ; it’s all part of this warm and welcoming fine dining experience in Siem Reap.
DiscoverIn a peaceful garden sanctuary, the luxurious rooms and suites of Sofitel Angkor...
Jan
Victory Day over Genocide, end of the Khmer Rouge regime, 7 January 2016
Fev
Meak Bochea Day, Buddhist tradition, 22 February 2016
Mar
International Women’s Day, 8 March 2016
Apr
Khmer New Year Day and Khmer New Year Holidays, 13 – 16 April 2016
May
Buddha’s Holiday in Cambodia, 13 – 14 May 2016
Jun
Queen Mother Norodom Monineath’s birthday, 18 June 2016
Jul
Book a Balloon Ride Over Angkor Wat in the early morning
Aug
Visit the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake
Sep
Constitution Day, Cambodian Public Holiday, 24 September 2016
Oct
Pchun Ben Day, Ancestor’s day religious celebration, 11 – 13 October 2016
Nov
Bon Om Touk, Cambodian’s water festival, 13 November 2016
Dec
Angkor Wat International Half-Marathon, 4 December 2016
Transportation is limited in Siem Reap and mainly includes taxi, motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks. Many bus companies link Siem Reap to the other major Cambodian and regional cities, such as Phnom Penh. However, Siem Reap’s centre is fairly compact and can easily be discovered by foot. Most hotels rent bikes, which can be a very convenient option to discover the city and the Angkor Archaeological Park. Note that foreigners are not generally allowed to rent motorcycles.