Beyond the Smiling Faces

Just a short journey from the tranquillity and authentic Khmer design of Karma Bayon, you’ll find Bayon Temple, with its 216 enormous stone faces bearing enigmatic smiles that have watched over the ancient Khmer capital for more than 800 years. It’s an extraordinary sight, and much like the magnificent Angkor Wat, it is just one of Siem Reap’s many stories.

From sunrise explorations among these ancient, jungle-ensconced marvels to mesmerising performances, floating villages, vibrant food markets and a thriving creative scene, Cambodia may be an ancient land, but it has a thriving pulse.

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Stones with Stories to Tell

Your temple journey may start at Bayon Temple and Angkor Wat, but that’s not where it should end. From there, wander Ta Prohm, where giant tree roots have claimed the temple walls, admire the exquisite pink sandstone carvings of Banteay Srei and venture further to the atmospheric ruins of Beng Mealea. Now, there’s even more reason to visit as West Mebon, the remarkable island temple in the West Baray, is emerging from 14 years of restoration and is scheduled to reopen to visitors this November.

Cambodia in Full Performance

Cambodia’s deep heritage is not confined to stone. Beyond the temples, discover another side of Siem Reap: take a sunset boat ride across the thousand-year-old West Baray reservoir, built by Khmer kings.

Look out for the graceful movements of Apsara dancers, discover the ancient art of giant shadow puppetry, or catch Phare, The Cambodian Circus, where acrobatics meet Khmer storytelling. For something altogether different, seek out traditional Kun Lbokator martial arts demonstrations or receive a Buddhist monk’s water blessing.

Follow the Wild Side

Here, adventures in the natural world abound. Swim beneath the waterfall at Phnom Kulen, discover the sacred River of a Thousand Lingas, or glide past stilt houses and floating villages on   Tonlé Sap.

Ride quad bikes or horses through rice paddies and traditional villages; try wakeboarding at Wake Park Cambodia; or explore the Angkor Botanical Garden and Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium. For a change of pace, explore the countryside by bicycle or take a sunset boat ride across the vast West Baray.

A Taste for the Unexpected

Follow the scent of sizzling street food through Siem Reap’s night markets where the flavours of  noodles, grilled skewers and palm-sugar sweets will linger for life. Take in panoramic city views from the 85m Angkor Eye, meet APOPO’s landmine-detecting hero rats and discover the story of the Khmer Empire at the Angkor National Museum.

Browse the handmade treasures at Made in Cambodia Market, watch local artisans at work at Artisans Angkor or seek out the city’s emerging contemporary art scene. This is Cambodia with plenty of creative flair.

When the Sun Goes Down

After dark, Siem Reap’s alter ego gets dressed. Find it in the lively bars and restaurants of Pub Street, stroll beside the river, or take in the city lights from the Angkor Eye. And when it’s time to call it a night, retreat to the tranquil garden spaces of Karma Bayon.

Your Own Cambodian Sanctuary

While the Karma Mindset is to urge you towards  local discovery, it is equally committed to welcoming you back to its retreats with warm, home-from-home hospitality. At Karma Bayon, this can look like time at two inviting pools, a garden restaurant, or restorative treatments at Karma Spa where contrast pools and the steam room are also a treat. Once recharged, you could make the most of tuk-tuk city tour – after all, true discovery never ends.

Why Now?

Already celebrated by Lonely Planet as one of its best destinations for 2026 and recognised by Tripadvisor among its top cultural destinations, Siem Reap has the acclaim. But stepping out now has added advantages: quieter temples, and direct IndiGo flights from Kolkata taking around three hours.

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