Siem Reap (meaning 'Victory over Siam') in northwest Cambodia is primarily the gateway to the famous Temples of Angkor.

The town has changed dramatically over the past twenty years. Not too long ago a sleepy backwater, Siem Reap now has large five-star hotels and resorts, fine-dining options aplenty, and the kind of good services, shops, galleries, and spas, that make the little city a new oasis of luxury.

The town has grown exponentially, but Siem Reap retains some of its charm, especially around Psar Chas (Old Market) and in the French Quarter.

Many tourists only visit Siem Reap to see the Angkor Temples. But there is more to do in and around this town (which by the way, we think is now Cambodia's second biggest town, although officially that's still Kompong Cham). First, we have different options to view the temples, apart from the standard ones (by bus, tuktuk, motodop or bycicle). Unfortunately, tourists are no longer allowed to rent motorcycles or cars in Siem Reap, but there are other options. We could do an elephant ride in early morning or late afternoon, we can fly over the temples by balloon or ultra-light trike and even hire a helicopter.