Destination Guide: Siem Reap, Cambodia

• Getting there
• Sights-Tips-Costs
• Fun Stuff and More Tips 

Siem Reap City is located in Northwest Cambodia and is home to the majestic Angkor Wat Temple, built in the 12th century at the peak of the Khmer Empire. The Angkor Wat is a UNESCO world heritage site and is the highlight of most travels to Siem Reap City. But, aside from the Angkor  Wat, there are many other beautiful temples to see and a rich culture and history to be discovered in this city.

Getting There

The most convenient way to get to Siem Reap is to fly there. The city has an international airport as it is one of the major attractions of Cambodia. I flew directly to Siem Reap from the Philippines, the flight was around 2.5 hours. Coming from the capital of Phnom Penh, you may travel by bus, the trip takes 5 to 6 hours.

Hotels usually offer shuttle or Tuk-Tuk services to and from the airport. If your hotel is located at the town center, the trip from the airport will only take 15 to 20 minutes.

 Sights, Tips & Costs (Rates may not be updated)

• Tuk-Tuk Fare – 15 USD per day within the town center and around Angkor Archaelogical Park, 20 USD per day to see the temples in remote areas.

• Hotel Accommodation –There are numerous backpacker B&Bs and high-end hotels all over the city. The cheapest rooms start from 15 to 20 USD per night.

• Food – You can have a full meal for 5 USD at street restaurants or you can splurge at fancier ones for 10 to 15 USD.

• Angkor Archaeological Park – At the entrance of the park you may choose from:
• 1-day pass
• 3-day pass (gives you access to the park for 3 days, it doesn’t have to be consecutive and is valid for 1 week).
• 7-day pass (gives you access to the park for 3 days, it doesn’t have to be consecutive and is valid for 1 month).

• Angkor Balloon – The Angkor Balloon takes you on a 10-minute ride on a large helium balloon where you can view the park from a height of 200 meters. It’s important to note that the balloon won’t go flying all over the city, it’s stationary.

• Angkor National Museum – A visit to the museum will give you valuable insights about the history and culture of the Angkor civilization. Swing by here before you adventure into the temples to gain a better understanding of the symbols and sculptures you’ll see.
• Tonle Sap River Tour – There are several tour coordinators that offer a variety of river tour packages. I chose a 5 hour tour that included a buffet lunch at 29 USD. Check out their site here Tara Boat Tours.

Fun Stuff And More Tips

See the Angkor National Museum – The Angkor National Museum is a great place to start your trip. There are many video documentaries and informative displays that will give you a better understanding of the symbolism, architecture, culture and history that you will see at the temples. Read more about the Angkor National Museum here.

Get a 3-Day Pass – the Angkor Archaeological Park is huge with several grand, mid-sized and small temples. At a gradual pace, you will likely cover 3 to 4 temples a day. Explore as many as you can with the 3-day pass. But, if you are pressed for time, make sure you see the major temples. Each temple you visit leaves you with a unique experience. Read about the temples I visited here.

Monkey Business – Monkeys wander freely around Angkor Archaeological Park and there are lots of them at the Angkor Wat. They are cute, harmless and are oblivious to tourists, but be cautious and don’t leave your knapsacks unattended, some naughty ones might meddle through your stuff in search of food.

Go on a River Tour – Aside from the temples, go on a Tonle Sap River tour and see the “Chong Khneas,” floating village. A one of a kind community complete with schools, police stations and markets. Read about my river  tour here.

Watch Apsara Dancing – Apsara dancing is a traditional Kmer dance where young ladies in vibrant costumes depict the beautiful Apsara (ancient nymphs in Hindu literature created during the “Churning of the Ocean of Milk.”) These performance is offered for free at a lively restaurant called Temple Bar on Pub Street. The show starts around 8pm. The restaurant serves great food too.

Get a massage – There are countless spas in Pub Street, here you can take an hour or two to relax and enjoy a nice Cambodian massage.

Try the local cuisine – Dine at as many restaurants on Pub street and don’t hesitate to try the local dishes, they’re usually spicy and similar to other South East Asian food.

Angkor Balloon – Start your day on the Angkor balloon. It’s a large yellow helium balloon with a round platform at its base. It goes up to 200 meters high where you can enjoy commanding views of the park. It is a cheaper alternative to the helicopter tour.

Spending Money – Most establishments expect you to pay in US dollars although you may also pay in Riels. Do note that the Cambodian Riel is quite weak against other currencies and it may be more convenient to use dollars than to go around carrying bundles of riel. Also, based on my experience, I recommend prepare your spending money (dollars) before your arrive in Siem Reap as USD is sold at a premium in Siem Reap.

Old market & Night market – For souvenir shopping the old market is open during daytime. It’s a large square compound just a step away from Pub street where all kinds of Cambodian crafts are sold from images of Buddhist and Hindu deities to clothing, scarves, woven bags and kitchen apparel.

The old market closes late in the afternoon, while the night markets start their business at dusk and operate until midnight. The night market is located in Pub Street as well. The items and prices are pretty much the same. Don’t hesitate to negotiate.

Have a great Cambodian experience!

Check out these Siem Reap, Cambodia travel guides for more info on the coolest attractions and things to do in the ancient city