Recommendations: Siem Reap, Cambodia

While we spent most of our time in the temples, below are a few recommendations for Siem Reap. 

Samantha and I at the temples of Siem Reap 

Where To Stay:

• Phum Baitang: If you're on your honeymoon or just looking for the type of resort that you talk about when you come home, there is no better place to stay than here.  Phum Baitang sits atop rice paddies and is meant to give you the perception of a traditional Cambodian village.  With luxurious villas, beautiful surroundings and a to die for breakfast, there is not much else you can ask for. 
• Near Pub Road: If you're looking for more of backpacking scene, you should head to the center of town to Pub Road.  Bars and hostels line the crowded streets in the heart of Siem Reap. 

The main walkway in Phum Baitang

What To Do: 

• The Temples: This is an obvious one and it's why people travel thousands of miles to come to Siem Reap. For specific tips, I would check out my post on the temples but what I can tell you is that the temples of Angkor will not disappoint. 

Monkeys playing on the temples

• Floating Villages: Probably a little over an hour away from Siem Reap are floating village villages of Kampong Phluk.  It's a nice change of pace from exploring the temples as you aren't surrounded by hordes of tourists and it also gives you a cultural perspective into the life of every day Cambodians. 

Kayaking near the floating villages

• The Markets: There's nothing like a good market, especially if they are selling tarantulas and scorpions.  The markets in down town Siem Reap have everything from dried fruit to tourist trinkets and yes, some creepy crawlers for you to try. 

Tarantulas at the market  

• Artisans Angkor:  A social business known for providing local Cambodians with jobs as well restoration work for Khmer art.  You get to see the local artisans at work and will be provided with enticed to bring something home. 

Progression of wood work

• Monk Blessing: Not a must do but it's a quick unique activity that you won't be doing in the States. 

Samantha and I at the Monk Blessing  

Where To Eat

• Cuisine Wat Damnak: There was one food recommendation I got for my trip and it was for Cuisine Wat Damnak.  Unfortunately for me, there was no availability by the time I tried to make a reservation but I have heard it's a must try.  That said, don't be like me and miss out on eating here. 
• Snake: No, this is not the name of a restaurant but seems to be a local delicacy in Cambodia.  There were more than just a few places we saw that were selling and if you're feeling brave enough (which I was not), give it a try.  

Grilled snake being sold in the floating villages