As a gateway to the ruins of Angkor, Siem Reap is a city full of history and beautifully preserved stone temples, Siem Reap boasts colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter and around the Old Market. In the city, there are museums, shops, silk farms, rice-paddies in the nearby countryside, fishing villages and a vibrant restaurant scene.

HEBS Digital’s SEO team member, Iana Rivera, recently jetted off to the city and came back with insights on everything you need to know.

WHAT DID YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THIS CITY?

Although it’s a fairly small city, there is so much to do and see in Siem Reap. From biking around the ancient temples to learning about the country’s rich history, you will never be bored exploring Siem Reap.

WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE A FIRST-TIMER IN THIS CITY?

I would take a first-timer to visit the ruins! With Angkor Wat, Beng Mealea Temple (the jungle temple), Bayon Temple, and the city of Angkor Thom, every ruin has a special story and importance in the history of Cambodia.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT A FIRST-TIMER MUST DO IN THIS CITY?

You must visit Kom Pong Plok. It’s a fishing village where the houses are all built entirely on stilts. It’s a very eye-opening experience to see how the locals live there, especially the village children who rely on self-driven boats to get to and from school.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DISH FROM HERE, AND WHERE MIGHT WE FIND IT?

Fish amok. Known as the national dish of Cambodia, it’s a Khmer coconut milk and curry dish made with fresh fish. You can find it in any restaurant that serves traditional Khmer food.

TELL US ABOUT THE LOCALS.

The locals in Siem Reap are very polite and humble people, especially those in the service industry who really go above and beyond.

WHAT ARE FIVE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE THIS CITY?

Historic, polite, small, rural, fascinating.

ABOUT HEBS DIGITAL:
Founded in 2001, the firm is headquartered in New York City and has global offices in Las Vegas, Tallinn, Munich, and Asia-Pacific. Through its Smart Guest Acquisition Suite, including the smartCMS®, Smart Personalization Engine, Smart Data Marketing, and full-service digital consulting and marketing solutions, HEBS Digital helps hoteliers drastically boost direct bookings, lower distribution costs, and increase the lifetime value of guests. Its diverse client portfolio consists of top-tier luxury and boutique hotel chains, independent hotels, resorts and casinos, franchised properties and hotel management companies, convention centers, spas, restaurants, DMO and tourist offices.

Part of NextGuest Technologies, HEBS Digital and Serenata CRM, the most comprehensive Hotel CRM Suite today, are the creators of the hospitality industry’s first Fully-Integrated Guest Engagement & Acquisition Platform. Contact HEBS Digital’s consultants at 1 (800) 649-5076 (North America), +64 (0) 9 889 8489 (Asia Pacific) or success@hebsdigital.com / www.hebsdigital.com