I prefer Phnom Penh, but Siem Reap perfect for a two day trip! Prefer the ‘Tomb Raider’ temple (ruins) over Angkor Wat:
First of all, I first went to Siem Reap nearly a decade ago, for the Angkor Photo Festival. Very good festival, and great organizers.
The first thought is that Siem Reap is waaaay more developed than what I recall in around 2010. For example, the Treeline Hotel is insanely epic.
However my overall critique:
A place that thrives on tourism is fragile.
Also–
Too much foreign intervention is bad.
In Siem Reap, I get the sense that there are too many degenerate expats.
I far prefer Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh being a ‘real’ city, with much economic development that is not dependent on tourism.