Waking up in Siem Reap, I feel like I've won the travel lottery. I've joined a Stray group tour with some mates, and we’re all excited for our first full day on our Cambodia tour.  

Today I'll be exploring the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. I’ve heard about them from so many people, and I can’t wait to see what all the hype is about. After breakfast at the Tara Angkor Hotel with our new tour friends, we hop into a tuk-tuk, our trusty chariot for the day. Our driver, a super chill dude named Srey, navigates the chaotic streets like a pro, waving to locals as he weaves past motorbikes, tuk-tuks and groups of people. The friendly energy of the locals is infectious, and pretty soon we’re waving to people as well. 

Exploring The Temples of Angkor Wat 

Our first stop for the day is the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor Archeological Park, the granddaddy of all temple complexes. Stray has organised our temple passes, which is awesome because there’s already a queue forming as we pass the ticket office just outside of Siem Reap town.  

As we approached the massive complex, I was blown away by its sheer size. We have to dress modestly to enter the temples, covering our shoulders and knees. I’m glad our tour guide reminded us before we left, because as an Aussie I’m normally wearing a singlet and shorts when it’s hot. I've packed a sarong and a loose-fitting shirt which I put on before we go into the Angkor Wat temple park. We’ve all worn our most comfortable shoes, which we’ll be thankful for by the end of the day! 

It’s already starting to get hot, as we wander through the sprawling grounds, so make sure you take plenty of water. The sheer scale of the temples is almost overwhelming. The photos I saw before our trip haven’t prepared me for how tall the temples are, or for how the palm-lined parks, statues, and temples of the Angkor Wat complex just seem to go forever. We see famous bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, and I can't believe how much detail has gone into them.  

Our guide makes sure we don’t accidentally disrespect the temples – reminding us not to touch the carvings or climb on anything.  

One of the highlights was climbing to the top of the central tower. The view from up there was insane - a panoramic vista of the temple complex and the surrounding jungle. I feel like I'm on top of the world, but a very different world from the one I’m used to! 

 
Visiting The Faces of Bayon Temple 

After a morning exploring Angkor Wat, we headed to the Bayon temple, a mind-bending labyrinth with smiling and frowning faces carved into the towers. Honestly, it didn’t look as impressive as Angkor Wat from a distance, but once you’re inside it’s amazing!  We explored the narrow corridors, trying to decipher the carvings and imagining the stories they told - you feel like the faces are always watching you. On the outer wall of the Bayon Temple’s first level are famous carvings showing scenes of everyday life in Cambodia. Our guide brings us into the temple from the east and tells us to look at the carvings in a clockwise direction to see them in order. 

The Tree Covered Ta Prohm Temple 

We also visited Ta Prohm, a temple that's been reclaimed by the jungle. Giant tree roots snaked their way through the ruins, it’s absolutely magical. We visit the famous Crocodile Tree, as well as the spot where Angelina Jolie picks a jasmine flower in Tomb Raider. We have a bit of a laugh when we find out that this is just called ‘The Tomb Raider Tree’ now!  

The shady doorways and tree-covered ruins of Ta Prohm feel so different from Angkor Wat and Bayon. While it’s not safe to go into some of the crumbling galleries now, I think it might be my favourite temple.  

Our Evening In Siem Reap 

Exploring the temples took most of the day, so we stopped by our hotel to freshen up before heading out for dinner. As the sun began to set we headed to Pub Street, the heart of Siem Reap's nightlife. This street is insane – there are bright neon signs everywhere and decorations strung above the street, it’s like walking through a tunnel of colour, noise and delicious food smells. Pub Street was buzzing with energy when we went, and we tried street food from stalls lining the streets, as we explored the bars and shops lining both sides. Check out the 5 foods to eat in Cambodia in our blog 

As it got later, Pub Street got busier with tourists and locals. The atmosphere became more electric and we ended up dancing at one of the bars with our new friends until late.  

My day in Siem Reap was unforgettable, and the perfect start to the rest of my Cambodia tour. From the awe-inspiring temples to the friendly, colourful nightlife, this city has it all. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a foodie, you're sure to have a blast. 

Optional Siem Reap Activities 

If you’ve had your fill of temples, there are tons of activities on offer in Siem Reap. For once-in-a-lifetime views you can take a hot air balloon ride over the temples at sunrise. I wish we’d done this because the sunrise views must be beautiful, and seeing Angkor Wat from the air would have given us a whole new understanding of the size and layout of the ancient temple complex.  

For those who prefer a more cultural experience, a Khmer cooking class is a great way to learn about Cambodian cuisine. Stray has an optional cooking class where you can visit a rural Cambodian family to see how they grow the veges and herbs you'll be cooking with. You’ll have the chance to learn how to prepare traditional dishes like amok trey (a yummy creamy fish curry) and loklak, and get to know the local culture better.