siem reap town

Siem reap town
Nestled between rice paddy countryside and set along the Siem Reap River, the provincial capital of Siem Reap City serves as the gateway to the millennium-old ruins of the Angkorian-era Khmer Empire.
The Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Ta Prohm and the legendary Angkor Wat whose artistic and archaeological significance and visual impact put it in a class
with the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal. And though the major temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park are very well touristed these days, it is still possible to capture a bit of the old spirit and discover Angkor.
Siem Reap Town is where you will probably stay during your visit. The town offers a wide range of accommodations, including several 4 and 5-star hotels, dozens of mid-range places and plenty of budget digs, as well as an amazing variety of restaurants, lots of shopping opportunities and a vibrant nightlife.
Often missed are the opportunities to experience traditional Cambodia: boat trips on the great Tonle Sap Lake, lake villages and the bird sanctuary, craft shops and silk farms, road tours through rice-paddy countryside and beyond.

The Old Market (Phsar Chas) area, including the nearby Pub Street, Pub Street alleys and the Night Markets, are favorites when visiting Siem Reap. Stretching from the river across to the night markets on Sivutha Blvd, the entire area is now the dining, shopping and nightlife center of town. Sok San Road across Sivutha, opposite the Old Market area has become quite popular as well, sporting dozens of budget-friendly business, especially guesthouses, bars and restaurants.
Of all the traditional Cambodian markets in Siem
Reap, the Old Market offers the deepest selection of souvenirs and curios. There are souvenir vendors throughout much the market, especially on the river side. The north side along Street 9 sports a number
of inexpensive food stalls serving Cambodian fare in an interesting, local atmosphere. A good place for a
budget meal and a taste of Cambodian street food.
After the sun goes down, the focus shifts to 'Pub Street' and Pub Street alleys including The Passage, Alley West and The Lane. Named for the numerous pubs that line Street 8, it all began in 1998 when Angkor What? opened its doors - the lone pub on a lonely street. These days Pub Street is lined end to end with restaurants, pubs and shops, making it the tourist center of town, especially after dark. The narrow connecting alleys and passages just off Pub Street have also filled with small businesses, offering a somewhat quieter and more relaxed ambiance the ever-bustling Pub Street.

Things really gets going on Pub Street around 5:00 PM as people return to town from the temples. The curbside seating fills, the bars crank up the music and the street is blocked to motor traffic, making it a pedestrian only area. Most of the drinking venues stay open until at least midnight and couple running until near dawn.

Pub Street’s narrow connecting alleys and passages offer a relaxed, pedestrians- only alternative to the main street. Alley West is a particularly quaint little alley with an artsy, Old World atmosphere.
The emphasis is firmly on boutiques, each with its own unique style - clothing, fashions, handicrafts, art and souvenirs - and a few little restaurants in the mix as well. Alley West Shopping Bambou Indochine Originally designed, high quality t-shirts, inspired by images of Indochina and hand printed on 100% cotton.
Khmer Ceramics Fine Art Center Experience every step of the artistic ceramic process from the potter's wheel to carving, firing, glazing. Classes. Smateria Offering unique hand-made bags, accessories created from recycled products. Unik is a high quality Asian art gallery selling unique antiques, traditional art and contemporary Asian artworks. Wild Poppy Cute little boutique offering women's clothing, fashions and accessories. Also offering a range of quality local product, coffees, teas, potpourris, Bodia Nature products. Alley West Dining & Drinking
Khmer Kitchen Very affordable, authentic Cambodian and other South east Asian dishes.
Singing Tree Café Vegetarian friendly (fish, meat and seafood available) café serving signature home-style cooking. Alley West Travel & Tours (see pg 98) Beyond Unique Escapes Unique day trips, cycle, alms, treks, walks, villages, small groups, private packages, cooking classes, tickets.
More Alley West Angkor Tattoo Western artist of 25 years experience. Promising adherence to strict U.S. standards. All inks and needles are imported from the U.S.