The temples of Angkor were built between the 9th and 14th centuries when the Khmer civilisation was at the height of its power. Angkor was the capital of the mighty Khmer empire which ruled a large portion of South East Asia around 1000 years ago. After the collapse of the Khmer civilisation Angkor was abandoned and the temples were covered by the jungle. They were rediscovered in the 1860s by the French.

Angkor is now drawing nearly 2 million tourists per year, a large portion of which comes from countries nearby, like Korea and Japan. The growing number of tourists is of increasing concern. Especially during the high season months of December and January, the site feels overcrowded and it is difficult to really admire the beauty of the temples.

It's definitely better to visit the temple sites during the rainy season. Yes, you may encounter a tropical rainstorm, but usually only in late afternoon. During the morning hours you can enjoy the temples, especially while in the rainy season they are surrounded by lush greenery.

There are two options to visit the temples: the Short Circuit which can be done in a day and is a good option for people not too much into temples. The Long Circuit can be done in three days, but after doing this many visitors feel 'templed out'. Then there are some remote temples, like Banteay Srei and Preah Vihear. Especially the latter one is difficult to reach, but plans are underway to improve infrastructure.

Although Angkor is splendid, we feel too many tourists think it is the only attraction in Cambodia. When you have seen the temples, you have NOT seen Cambodia. Please explore this website to see what else Cambodia has to offer.

The town of Siem Reap (meaning 'Siam Defeated', much to the chagrin of Thais) is sprawling along the river of the same name. The town has grown rapidly since tourism to the Temples of Angkor began picking up at the beginning of this century.

During the daytime the town is almost deserted, as most people are visiting the temples. But at night, Siem Reap springs to life, especially in 'Pub Street' and around. Numerous pubs, restaurants and night clubs have opened up over the past years. Siem Reap now really has a vibrant night life. Don't make it too late though, if you want to catch the sunrise over Angkor Wat the next morning!

Culturally more interesting is a visit to one of the classical Apsara Dance shows that can be found all over town. The quality standards however are varying so ask some knowledgeable locals where the best shows are.

Furthermore, Siem Reap has become somewhat of a Mecca for photographers. You can view works in many galeries and every year there is the Angkor Photography Festival.

And then of course there's the shopping. You can find good bargains at the Old Market in the centre of town. Bargaining takes some more skills at the Angkor Night Market, but here real nice souvenirs are for sale and there's a friendly open air pub at this market.

There are many things to see and do around Siem Reap Town, even during your tour around the temples.

E.g., on the way to Banteay Srey Temple, you should definitely visit the Landmine Museum, founded by a survivor of the Pol Pot regime, Aki Ra. It's not only a museum, it also serves as a rescue center for a number of landmine amputee children.

The beautiful Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is a vital breeding ground for large water foul and the most accessible Biosphere area on the Tonle Sap Lake.

The vast Tonle Sap lake is home to people (mainly ethnic Vietnamese) living in floating villages.

These are amazing places to see how humans are able to modify themselves to live. Floating villages consist of houses built on wooden platforms or on old boats, tied up at the bottom of the lake.