If you're planning a trip to Siem Reap next week, you couldn't have timed it better. From September 21 to 23, Angkor Wat is set to host its famous twice-a-year equinox sunrise, where the sun rises perfectly over the peak of the central tower. Local media report that big crowds of locals and travelers are already getting ready to head out in the dark to snap the iconic shot. If you arrive a day early on September 20, you can also catch the "Green Season" Angkor cycling event—a fun, lively way to pedal through the lush surroundings and take in the scenery.
Once the morning sun is up, hold off on heading back to your room for a nap. The Asian Traditional Textiles Museum in town is currently running a special exhibition that is well worth a visit. Running for three full months from August 19 to November 19, the display showcases rare Khmer royal attire once worn by kings and queens, along with traditional wedding garments. Beyond the royal wardrobe, you'll get a close look at age-old crafts like Khmer silk, ikat tie-dye, lotus fiber weaving, and handloom techniques, alongside traditional clothing from India, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
The museum is easy to find in Boeung Donpa village, Slor Kram district. Except for Tuesdays when it stays closed, doors are open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Tickets are cheap: just 1,000 Riel for locals and $3 for foreign visitors, while monks and kids under 12 get in for free. With a nice breeze blowing through Siem Reap these days, it's a great time to hop on a scooter, ride over, and catch both a natural spectacle and centuries of local heritage in a single trip.
