A majority of people go to Siem Reap to travel later to Angkor Wat. And while the Angkor Archaeological Park is definitely a must-see for anyone visiting Cambodia, the beautiful city of Siem Reap has a lot more to offer than just a place to stay. These are the unique places that might not necessarily be on any tourist map that you would think of during your Siem Reap travels.
When you go to Siem Reap to travel, you want to bring back something with you as a memento of your trip. There are many markets in Siem Reap to travel to in order to find these treasures, including the Psar Chas (also known as the Old Market), which is to the southern area of Siem Reap. Travel here to find a reasonably attractive collection of artifacts and tourist junk. Be very wary of anyone who claims to be selling something antique.
Either they are lying, or the antique is stolen. In the center of Siem Reap, the corner of Sivatha Blvd and Achamean Street, you can find the creatively named Central Market. Travel here to find good prices on an assortment of things, including clothes and trinkets. Unlike in some other markets in Siem Reap, it is ok (and suggested) to bargain with the sellers. As you go through it, you’ll notice that a lot of stalls carry the same things, so make sure that you’re getting the best deals. You can find things in the Central Market that aren’t available in Thailand.
For a unique reminder of your Siem Reap travels, The Khmer Ceramics and Bronzes Centre is a great place to get a souvenir. Young Cambodians are trained there, and they also sell the work, done in the Khmer ceramic and bronze arts. If you want to try it for yourself, you can take a half-day introductory course ceramics and bronze casting for specially geared towards visitors. Everyone can try; there are courses for both adults and children alike. Admission is free, but a donation is encouraged and appreciated; funds to towards supporting the students.
If you put a little effort into it, you can find some wonderful places to get some truly unique reminders of your Siem Reap travels. No matter what kind of souvenir you are looking for, the many markets and cultural centers of Siem Reap will give you a lasting memory of the magical time you spent in Cambodia. Make sure to also see Siem Reap, and travel to all of their wonderful markets, even if you find yourself spending all your time in Angkor Archaeological Park.