I traveled to Siem Reap, Cambodia, for the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon. It was my first half marathon and an amazing experience running through the beautiful ruins of Angkor Wat! I later went back to Siem Reap with friends and again had a wonderful time here. It is such an amazing city with friendly people, gorgeous food and beautiful ruins! If you would like to visit various places in Cambodia and the thought of organizing your own trip is overwhelming, visit Discover Cambodia, for guided tours.
HOTEL:
*Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort- We chose this hotel because it is 5 minutes away from the World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat. Also, Sofitel hotels are well known throughout Asia to be 5 star hotels with great amenities. The hotel has a large pool, 2 restaurants, 2 bars, a golf course, fitness center, spa and bicycles to rent for touring the ruins. They also have shows at night with beautiful dancers dressed in traditional clothing. If you are going for the famous half marathon, they left us a plate in the room the night before the race with granola bars saying “good luck” in chocolate. Also on Sunday, after the race, they host a BBQ by the pool for the runners with drinks and food. Great location and service!!
*Shinta Mani– I didn’t stay here but have had dinner at the hotel and it is beautiful. I’ve also known many friends who have stayed here and recommended this hotel. They have an amazing spa!
*Hyatt-Another highly recommended hotel in Siem Reap.
*Angkor Palace Hotel-This is more of a mid range hotel and I’ve had many friends recommend this place.
SIGHTS:
*Angkor Wat– Known as the largest religious monument in the world, it was built in the 12th century and is determined to have taken 30 years to build. This place is absolutely breath taking and the half marathon has you running through it.
*Ta Prohm-I believe this is the most stunning temple because the roots and vines of the trees have wrapped them selves around the ruins creating a unique natural art form. Lara Crofts’ Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom were filmed here. Can be fun for the kids also because of all the hidden caves and tunnels around this temple.
*Bayon-This is another well known and richly decorated temple made up of over 2,000 beautiful stone faces.
*Banteay Srei– I would say the first 3 temples mentioned above are my favorites but if you have more time and don’t mind a 45 minute tuk tuk ride, then this temple is worth a visit. It is a beautiful 10th century Hindu temple created in pink and red hues.
*Floating Village– If you get tired of visiting the temples and ruins, the floating village is a nice distraction. I took a tuk tuk and it is about 17 km outside of Siem Reap and then you board a boat. It’s a fully-functioning community with watery streets, boats in the place of cars, floating schools, markets, hospital clinics, a generator for electricity. Many of the residents were vietnamese refugees. There is also a crocodile farm you can visit that sells souvenirs.
*Phare Cambodian Circus– This open air night circus is fun, entertaining and for a good cause. The circus provides employment to Cambodian youth from difficult social and economic backgrounds. Showtime is at 8 p.m..
FOOD:
*Kaya Cafe-This is a really cute cafe in the old market that is great for lunch. You can sit upstairs on the balcony and the food is excellent!!!
*Sugar Palm-This is a very popular restaurant that was built in an old wooden house. Good wine, amazing Cambodian food, great service and all in a beautiful setting.
*Pub Street—This is an area filled with bars and restaurants. They have every type of food including pizza, mexican, indian, etc. and every type of bar! Definitely hit this place for a fun night out!
*Wat Damnak– A very famous restaurant known for its unique ingredients, serving cambodian local food with a french twist. There are three separate dining areas, including a tropical garden, air-conditioned dining room, and traditional wooden house.
*Viroths- This restaurant is in the Viroth Hotel and serves Khmer cuisine in a beautiful setting.
*Miss Wong-good place for a drink
*Abacus Garden– French fine dining restaurant
*Bay Phsar– In the Phum Baitang hotel, enjoy local dishes dining among the rice paddies
*Little Red Fox Espresso-coffee shop
SHOPPING:
*Old Market--is a labyrinthine web of stalls in the heart of Siem Reap where you can find everything from food, clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, items for the house, etc.. I bought these beautiful silk beaded necklaces and great cement tote bags.
*Theams House-good for ceramics
*Made in Cambodia Market- Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon in front of the Shint Mani
*Kandal Village–amazing area known as Siem Reaps’ arts and culture area filled with beautiful shops, cafes and spas!! A must go! Frangipani Spa is amazing, worth a visit–get the 90 minute foot massage! My favorite store was Louise Loubatieres–she sells beautiful blankets, ceramics, silk necklaces and other treasures-I could have bought the entire shop! TrunkH. also has some cute clothes and necklaces.
