Siem Riep

Siem Reap takes its name, meaning ‘Siam Defeated’, from a historic victory over the neighbouring Thai kingdom, though most travellers know it simply as the gateway to Angkor. The temple complex lies a short drive from town, and Siem Reap itself has grown into a genuinely good base, with a lively old quarter and some excellent restaurants for the evenings after a day among the ruins. Few towns anywhere carry quite so much history on their doorstep.