Some dreams take time—but when they finally come true, they feel like magic.
For us, visiting Siem Reap and witnessing the world-famous Angkor Wat was that long-awaited dream. After years of wondering what the mysterious temples really looked like, we finally reserved four precious days from our 12-day Cambodia-Vietnam journey to dive into the heart of Angkor.
And let us tell you—no amount of preparation can get you ready for what you'll feel the moment you see Angkor Wat.
First Glimpse of the City
We reached Siem Reap in evening time. Second day, with full of excitement, we started our first day of exploration with a good breakfast. The weather was pleasant, and we were all set to explore the city. We rented a bike and took off, ready to discover every corner.
Our first stop was the Old Market. It was vibrant and full of life — from colorful clothes and handmade souvenirs to juicy fruits and local flavors. We walked through the lanes, did some shopping, and enjoyed watching the daily life of the locals. We highly recommend visiting the Old Market — it's something you should not miss.
Old Market, Siem Reap
Shopping in Old Market, Siem Reap
Next, we went to the Botanical Garden—a small and serene space filled with local plants and flowers. It gave us a quiet break before the journey that awaited us.
Entrance of Angkor Botanical Garden, Siem Reap
Posing in Angkor Botanical Garden, Siem Reap
Drawn Towards Angkor Wat
Our plan was to visit Angkor Wat the next day and spend enough time exploring. But as we checked Google Maps and saw how close we were, we felt something special—almost like the temple was calling us.
So, without much thought, we took our bike and followed the lush, green road lined with forests that led to the temple. We caught our first glimpse of Angkor Wat—standing tall beyond the vast water tank. It was more than grand. It was spiritual, magnificent, and humbling.
First Glimpse of the Angkor Wat
We bought a three-day pass and decided to explore right away. The temple complex was huge. Riding through the area, we reached Bayon Temple, known for its giant stone faces. I stood in front of it, completely speechless. It was powerful, beautiful, and full of history. The more we saw, the more amazed we felt.
Bayon Temple - Powerful, beautiful and full of history
At South Gate of Angkor Thom
After spending some time there, we returned to the city, tired but full of joy. And that's when we found a lovely surprise—Curry King, an Indian restaurant. The taste of warm Indian food in a foreign land was pure comfort. It reminded us of home and gave us the energy to keep going. The curries, roti, and friendly staff made it a meal to remember.
Curry King, an Indian Restaurant
An Evening at Tonle Sap Lake
Later in the afternoon, we took a tuk-tuk and went to Tonle Sap Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia. We were heading to Kampong Phluk, a floating village known for its unique lifestyle.
We then boarded a speedboat that took us further into the lake. The view opened up wide, with the sky reflecting on the water. The houses stood tall on stilts, and small boats were parked in front of them for commuting. It was quite different from anything we had seen before. Life on the water moved slowly and beautifully. We saw shops and even a church — it felt like a normal town, just floating on water.
Houses in Kampong Phluk Village
Church in Kampong Phluk Village
And then came a surprise — our boat stopped at a floating restaurant, right in the middle of the lake. But the best part was still to come. We witnessed the sunset over the lake — it was truly magical. The sky turned golden, and everything around us seemed to slow down. We clicked photos, sat quietly for a while, and simply soaked in the beauty. We also enjoyed coffee and some snacks while watching the lovely sunset.
Restaurant in Tonle Sap Lake
Sunset from the Restaurant, Tonle Sap Lake
Inside, we saw live crocodiles and crocodile skeletons, something we didn't expect! As the sun disappeared, we returned to the city with hearts full of peace.
Siem Reap at Night
Even though we were tired, we wanted to visit the Old Market once again—this time to see it at night.
The market had completely changed. Lights were glowing, music was playing, and the energy was high. The market had become a vibrant hub of nightlife. Pub Street was full of people enjoying food, drinks, and the festive mood. The Night Market had new stalls, more colors, and street food smells in the air.
We walked around until we were completely tired. But somehow, the lights and joy around us made us forget the tiredness. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
Knowing we had to wake up early for the iconic sunrise at Angkor Wat, we reluctantly made our way back.
A City That Stays With You
Even after leaving Siem Reap, we kept thinking about it. The temples, the peaceful streets, the kind people—it all stayed in our minds.
What made Angkor Wat truly special was not just its beauty or size, but the feeling it gave us. It made us feel small, yet connected. It made us feel like we were part of something ancient and powerful.
And Siem Reap as a city? It's just the right mix of everything—not too noisy, not too quiet, not too old, not too modern. It's a place where time moves gently.
A Trip Worth Remembering
If someone gives me a chance to visit again, I would happily spend 15 days or even a month in Siem Reap. There's so much more to explore, to feel, to enjoy.
If you ever dream of visiting a place that gives you peace, wonder, and stories to tell—Siem Reap is that place.
Because some places don't just give you memories.
They stay in your heart forever.
