Perhaps the most developed tourist centre of Cambodia, Siem Reap is the gateway to the ancient ruins of Angkor. The city itself is a mix of the old and new with many amenities that cannot be found in other part of Cambodia.

The Angkor region, just north of Siem Reap, was the home and heart of the Khmer Empire for over 500 years. The oldest parts of the area that now makes up the Angkor Archaeological Park date back to the 9th century and parts of the site were used and inhabited up until the 1400’s.

This huge area is covered in ancient palaces, temples and ruins with perhaps the most famous structure being the Agkor Wat temple. Although no one knows exactly whose faces they are, the 216 stone faces of the Bayon Tower are also one of the more well known landmarks along with the Elephant Terrace and the giant Baphuon statue.

The vast size of Angkor is impressive however probably even more memorable are the intricate carvings and designs that adorn the structures of the site. In 1992 the whole area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and efforts are now made to help preserve the site from the clearly encroaching jungle.