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Siem Reap River Cruises

About Siem Reap

The capital of the Cambodian province of the same name, Siem Reap is a key fixture on every cruise which explores the Mekong River, acting as the gateway to the country’s most celebrated historical treasure, Angkor Wat. Though the city doesn’t actually sit on the banks of the Mekong it is situated on the shores of the enormous Tonle Sap Lake, which meets the river and supports the livelihood of millions of Cambodians. Siem Reap has its own history to explore, both indigenous and colonial, and it’s the city’s proximity to Angkor Wat which is responsible for drawing the vast majority of visitors.

Exploring Siem Reap

No matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, the focus of your stop in Siem Reap will be an excursion to the Angkor Archaeological Park, home to the fabled Angkor Wat as well as a host of other historical treasures. Dating back to the 12th century, Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument and in its time has been dedicated to both Hindu and Buddhist gods. It was Khmer King Suryavarman II’s state temple and the focal point of his empire, and today remains the country’s most recognisable symbol. During your visit, you’ll explore both aspects of this huge edifice – it’s inner ‘mountain’ structure and the galleried structure which was later built around it. During your visit, you’re free to wander, soak up the atmosphere and architecture and climb to the top of the structure to take in the view.

Elsewhere in the park is Angkor Thom, the final capital city of the Khmer Empire, established by Jayavarman VII. Its name translates as ‘Great City’ and indeed, it certainly lives up to this, boasting some incredible statues, carvings and sculptures which surpass even Angkor Wat in grandeur. Bayon is another site that is possible to visit during your time in Siem Reap and is a Khmer temple, which was the official state temple of the Buddhist king Jayavarman VII. The temple’s most famous for its series of huge stone faces which decorate the faces of its many towers and its bas-reliefs depicting both great battles and day-to-day life. Ta Prohm is another popular temple you’ll possibly visit, owing to its proximity to Angkor Thom. It was founded as a Buddhist Monastery and university and is instantly recognisable because of the huge trees which grow out of it. One of the region’s numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s been left in its original state and oozes atmosphere.

In the city of Siem Reap itself, both the Angkor National Museum and the War Museum explore the country’s past in detail. The former offers an interactive journey through the country’s ancient religious history, while the latter examines its more contemporary past and the horrific time of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Siem Reap tips

The many temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park offer free exploration but as many contain areas which are not restored and left in their original state, it’s advisable to bring strong shoes and take care as you explore.

Siem Reap Itineraries

Phnom Penh

The Heart Of Cambodia & Vietnam With Bangkok

1 sailing date December 2023
20 Nights From Bangkok, Thailand, to Vietnam , Hanoi
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Siem Reap

Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong River

1 sailing date December 2023
15 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to , Saigon (Ho Chi Min City)
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Siem Reap

Essence of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong

6 sailing dates January 2024 to April 2024
23 Nights From Depart UK, to Arrive UK
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Hanoi

Imperial Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar

1 sailing date January 2022
30 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to Myanmar , Yangon, Myanmar
APT Cruising logo CALL
Phnom Penh

Spiritual Cambodia & the Mekong

1 sailing date December 2022
10 Nights From Siem Reap, Cambodia to , My Tho
APT Cruising logo CALL
Angkor Wat

Luxury Mekong from Ho chi Minh

5 sailing dates December 2023 to April 2024
11 Nights From UK, United Kingdom to UK
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery - Hanoi to Siem Reap

6 sailing dates January 2024 to March 2024
17 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to Cambodia , Siem Reap
APT Cruising logo CALL
Ho Chi Minh City

Luxury Mekong - Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap

25 sailing dates December 2023 to May 2025
7 Nights From Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), to Cambodia , Siem Reap
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Angkor Wat

Luxury Mekong - Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City

23 sailing dates January 2024 to May 2025
7 Nights From Siem Reap, Cambodia to , Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Phnom Penh

Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong

7 sailing dates January 2024 to April 2024
19 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to , Arrive UK
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Angkor Wat

Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong

6 sailing dates January 2024 to May 2024
19 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to Cambodia , Siem Reap
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Phnom Penh

Majestic Mekong Discoverer Ho Chi MinhCity To Siem

1 sailing date May 2023
12 Nights From Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Cambodia , Siem Reap
Emerald Cruises logo CALL
Ho Chi Minh City

Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong

1 sailing date December 2021
19 Nights From Depart UK, to Arrive UK
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Angkor Wat

Luxury Mekong - Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City

5 sailing dates December 2023 to May 2024
11 Nights From Depart UK, to Arrive UK
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Phnom Penh

Luxury Mekong & Temple Discovery from Ho Chi Minh

8 sailing dates December 2023 to May 2024
13 Nights From Depart UK, to Arrive UK
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Phnom Penh

Treasures of the Mekong- Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap

8 sailing dates December 2023 to May 2024
14 Nights From Depart UK, to Arrive UK
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Ho Chi Minh City

Luxury Mekong & Temple Discovery

10 sailing dates December 2023 to May 2024
13 Nights From Depart UK, to Mekong Cruise

Book now to take advantage of HUGE savings !

Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £4959pp
Phnom Penh

Treasures Of The Mekong - Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh

9 sailing dates December 2023 to May 2024
14 Nights From Depart UK, to Arrive UK
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Angkor Wat

Essential Vietnam and Cambodia - Siem Reap

16 sailing dates July 2024 to March 2025
14 Nights From Depart UK, to Arrive London
APT Cruising logo CALL
Ho Chi Minh City

Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia from Hanoi

1 sailing date August 2024
22 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to , Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £5769pp

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