The Best Travel Guide For Your Siem Reap Travel

The West Baray is very popular among locals, so please be respectful and dress appropriately while there. Even for swimming, it's best to wear shorts and t-shirts.



Tips Even though every show is phenomenal, everyone has favorites. Go to Phare’s online calendar to book tickets for the performance that you prefer.In front of the stage, there is a wide area completely furnished with cushions for children (and any willing adults) who want to get up close to the action.Arrive early to have a snack or meal at the onsite cafe; you can also purchase drinks to take into the show.

Beware of "direct" buses from Bangkok to Siem Reap. They are part of a multi-stage scam, where visitors are tricked into paying extra for the visa, and exchanging their money at a poor rate. They contain many delays, making the trip last for as much as if teen hours. If you find yourself in one of these scams, cut your losses and find your own way throught the border and Siem Reap via minibus. The shuttle bus from right after the border, and even the bus station it leads to, is all a part of the scam. Part of the scam is the stop before the border at a restaurant, where they bring people to an office individually, asking for 1600 THB to process the Cambodian tourist visa. Be assertive and tell them you will get it yourself at the border. They won't be happy, but will take you early ahead of the others. Visa was $30 USD, plus 100 THB if you don't have 2 passport photos. Very painless, only took us an extra 10-15 minutes.

The King's Road restaurant complex has a great variety of cuisines and a pleasant atmosphere that is a breath of fresh air amidst the hustle and bustle of town. With many easy options with delicious food at reasonable prices, it's a great place for an early dinner.Good for FoodieMust SeeTips Most places don't require reservations, however one or two (such as The Embassy) need to be booked in advance.Choose from Khmer, Japanese, Asian wok-style cooking and Italian.Plan to stay: 1-2 hours

If you are travelling alone and want to go to the faraway temples (eg. Banteay Srei, Kbal Spean, Koh Ker, Phnom Kulen) it is cheaper to join a tour than hiring a motorbike (motodup) or tuktuk. Capitol Tours (Opposite National Bank Of Cambodia) has tours for a reasonable price (prices do not include ticket to enter the temples).

When the morning light washes over the overgrown temples and ruins of Angkor Wat, a simple Siem Reap sunrise becomes a profound event. The ancient structures are contained within one of the largest religious complexes in the world. The complex and the 12th century Angkor Thom royal city are considered the main reasons to visit Siem Reap. Get a lesson in national history at the Cambodian Cultural Village, and a lesson in bargaining at the Angkor Night Market, a bonanza of shopping stalls, food vendors, and bars.

No trip to Siem Reap is complete without a visit to Angkor Wat, and rightly so. This iconic temple complex is officially the largest religious structure in the world, and one cannot help but absorb its spiritual flare upon gazing at its beauty. There is no end to the depth of Angkor Wat, so spend enough time immersing yourself within its history, bas reliefs, impressive architecture and mysteries.Good for Peace and Quiet SeekerMust SeeHistory BuffThrill SeekerNature LoverTips Go during sunrise or sunset — this is a good way to avoid the crowds and really connect with the energy of these temples.Be aware when going off the beaten track, as there are occasionally reports of unexploded landmines!If you want to know more about the history, take an accredited guide with you. Your hotel or guesthouse can recommend one; best to book in advance during high season.Plan to stay: More than 3 hours

Cambodia Siem Reap (pronounced see-em ree-ep) is a fast-developing town just north of the western extent of the Tonlé Sap river. The name Siem Reap means 'Siamese Defeated.' Most people are in Siem Reap to see Angkor. Yet, even if Siem Reap were not the nearest town to Angkor, it would probably still be worth a short visit. There's a sleepy, rural quality to the place, which coupled with a good range of accommodation and several fine restaurants make it a great place to unwind for a few days. Read the Foreign Office's travel advice for Cambodia here

And if you’re templed out, a growing range of tours and other activities that offer seriously promising experiences is being developed. Countryside tours by motor scooter, Vespa, horse, bicycle or quad bike are all doable, as are photography and nature tours. Trips to the Tonle Sap lake with its floating villages, flooded forest and flocks of endangered water birds will thrill the environmentally and socially conscious, while culture vultures might prefer to take in a dance troupe that blends contemporary and traditional ideas, or one of the more classical Cambodian dance performances. There is a thrilling circus that trains disadvantaged children, zip-lining, cooking classes, home stays, cultural immersions and a whole host more. There is literally no excuse for being bored in Siem Reap any more.

Most hostels are can be booked through Agoda, Hostelworld, Hostelbookers, Booking.com, etc but some of their cheaper rooms are not advertised online. Best to walk in and ask.

Newer Post Older Post