Siem Reap a thriving city in Cambodia inherits a rich cultural legacy while at the same time being very much a modern tourist destination. The city possesses a variety of Chinese and colonial style buildings in its Old Market and Old French Quarter areas. In the vicinity visitors will see silk farms, craft shops, rice paddies, a bird sanctuary and traditional fishing villages. Siem Reap is the gateway to the famed Angkor Wat temple complex.
Siem Reap has a heritage stretching back many centuries, but it had been a neglected area in recent decades until the historic Angkor site was rediscovered by French explorers in the 19th century. Since then tourism has made the city thrive, albeit experiencing a lull during the Khmer Rouge period. Siem Reap today is Cambodia's fastest developing city due to its location, with contemporary buildings and hotels emphasizing the area's status as a major tourist attraction.
The city has a vibrant nightlife with many lively pubs and clubs enlivening the night hours. The well named Pub Street in the Old Market area contains most of the pubs, and two of the liveliest on the street are The Angkor What?, one of the earliest clubs in the area and The Temple Club, a hotspot for dancing.
The Buddha Lounge in the same neighbourhood features a free of charge pool table and stays open till late. Many expatriates, including correspondents and travel writers frequent the Ivy Bar, with the creations of local photographers lining the walls. The Sok San is a pulsating disco which draws both Asians and westerners. Molly Malone's entertains guests with cover versions of popular acts such as the Beatles, locally based expats handling the live music. The bar has a wide range of beers and the mandatory Irish whisky. Alternative entertainment is provided by the Laundry where many unusual special events take place. The X Bar and K11 provide late night entertainment.
Siem Reap also boasts many other pubs and clubs, discos, karaoke bars and massage parlours. The nightlife of Siem Reap is a major draw for both locals and foreign visitors, and the variety of establishments ensures that there is something for every taste and inclination.
For a traveller who desires a luxury hotel Siem Reap there is no better choice than the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor. One of the finest five star hotel Cambodia has to offer, the Raffles will assure a delightful and satisfying stay.
