Mini Guide to Siem Reap
Siem Reap took me by complete surprise and I instantly fell in love with it. Before arriving I had known little about the city, except from it being the gateway to Angkor Wat. It’s so much more than that and deserves at least two days of your precious time in Cambodia. Siem Reap is buzzing with life and bursting with hot spots. In the evening it comes to life with street food vendors, a night market and dozens of bars along Pub Street. But I hadn’t come for the nightlife, but for the sunrises instead. Whether you’re in search of the healthiest spots in town or traditional Khmer cuisine, this guide serves as an introduction to Siem Reap and an insight into a few of my favourite places.
Vibe Café
My absolute favourite find in Siem Reap is hands down this vegan café. Built for the wanderers of the world, the emphasis is on happy vibes and a plant-based diet. On the menu you’ll find acai bowls, superfood salads and delicious smoothies which are all full of nutrients and vegan-friendly.
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The Hive
If you’re after speciality coffee then look no further than the Hive. I’m an advocate of drinking each country’s local coffee, but after a month of coffee sweetened with condensed milk, I must admit that a flat white tasted incredible. Khmer coffee is nowhere to be found on the menu at the Hive, but I’m sure you’ll find your usual order.
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Artillery café
Artillery café is another great spot for all health lovers out there. They cater for veggies, vegans, and raw food diets so you can rest assured that everything on the menu is healthy and nutritious. I ordered the courgetti pad thai which was bursting with flavours and fresh herbs.
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Viroth’s
For authentic Khmer cuisine in an atmospheric surrounding, I would high recommend Viroth’s. The outside dining terrace is open-roofed, lantern-lit and decorated with beautiful plants. Reserve a table under the Banyan tree for a truly magical setting. A couple of other restaurants I tried and loved are Cuisine Wat Damnak and Khmer Touch Cuisine, both of which serve incredibly delicious Cambodian cuisine.
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The Dining Room
Some of the best Khmer cuisine I enjoyed was at the Dining Room at the Park Hyatt. The menu offers an array of French and Cambodian cuisine with specialities including the seafood amok with coconut milk and the sea bass with lemongrass and peanuts. The restaurant is open to non-guests and the surrounding is so romantic that I would highly recommend treating yourself.
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Fruit stands
The city is literally bursting with fresh fruit stands selling every kind of fruit shake imaginable from dragon fruit to papaya. The best bit is that they only cost $1 and are totally delicious.
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Park Hyatt
There is only one place to stay in Siem Reap and that’s the Park Hyatt. It’s the only luxury hotel right in the centre of town and after a dusty day of exploring temples and wandering the backstreets, you’ll be grateful of a little luxury.
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