Siem Reap

Siem Reap, the gateway to angkor wat, in Cambodia
Siem Reap is a little but fast growing city, located on the north eastern side of the Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia. This city is the main access to visit Angkor Wat. The center remains quite a bit a rural old town, with french style houses and shops. The area around the old market is crowded with locals and foreigners all day long. A few steps more, and you are in the middle of the bars area, where the fun lasts till the sun shines again. Other than going to see Angkor Wat, there isn’t much reason to really visit Siem Reap. There’s not much here.

Cambodia Travel Resources

How to Find a Cheap Flight
Buying a Travel Backpack
Finding Cheap Accommodation
Buying Travel Insurance
Off the Tourist Trail in Southeast Asia

Costs in Siem Reap

  • Hostel Prices: Dorms cost $1-3 USD. Private rooms cost $3-8 USD.
  • Budget Hotel Prices: Hotels range from $10-$20 USD.
  • Average Cost of Food: You can eat rice and noodle dishes for $1 USD and lunch meals at restaurants for around $1.50 USD. Even mid-range restaurants for dinner will only cost $6-8 USD. During dinner time, outdoor markets and street restaurants have dishes for $1-3 USD.
  • Cost of Internet: Internet costs $1 USD per hour. Free WiFi is available throughout the city, particularly on Pub Street and the surrounding streets.
  • Transportation Costs: A day’s hire of a tuk-tuk from Siem Reap around the major temples at Angkor Wat and back should cost $12-15 USD. A motorbike taxi should cost $8-10. Visiting temples further out will cost more because of fuel. For trips around Siem Reap, tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis should cost $1-$2 for short trips and $3 from the airport into town.

Things to Do in Siem Reap

  • Tonle Sap Lake - This lake is one of the most unique ecological water wonders in the world. It is the biggest lake of South East Asia that changes every monsoon and dry season of dimension. You can rent a boat to go along the Tonle Sap river and watch the fisherman working. It will cost you about US $20 USD for a few hours, and brings you all the way until you reach the Tonle Sap lake.
  • Landmine Museum - Landmines have devastated the country, maiming and killing thousands. The Landmine Museum has a in depth museum, dormitory residence for up to 30 amputee children and a school. This is very worthwhile cause to check out and donate too.
  • Visit the temples of Angkor Wat - The main reason come to Siem Reap is to use it as a base to visit the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat. They are close by and worth a long visit. For more information, see the detailed section on Angkor.
  • Elephant Rides - If you ever wanted to ride an elephant, this is your chance. You can ride elephants all over Southeast Asia, so if you miss your moment here, there will be another chance somewhere.
  • Apsara Dancing - Though this can seem like a tourist trap given the number of people offering this to you, the dancers are often talented and the dance is very much a part of modern Khmer culture. It’s authentic, though touristy, way to see traditional Khmer performance art.
  • Tarantula treats – Seen as big, black, scary spiders by most, these critters are a favorite snack throughout the country of Cambodia. Often fried with butter and garlic, this delicacy is an interesting thing to try. Try not to let the gooey insides get to you.
  • Happy Ranch Horse Farm – This ranch offers countryside trail rides by horseback—you can take rides that last anywhere from an hour to four. Wander in and out of the various villages, rice fields, and Buddhist pagodas during sunrise or sunset. It is an awesome adventure.
  • Cambodian Cooking Class – Held in a village pavilion, learning the art of Cambodian cuisine is fun and more unique tourist attraction. The classes only have 6 people at a time, you will learn 3 entire meals, and you get recipe cards in the end. This is a definite for foodies and people that want to try something really new.
  • Banteay Srei – Known as the ‘city of women’, this site was built in dedication to the Hindu God, Shiva. With a number of outstanding, red sandstone carved statues, the Banteay Srei is an astonishing sight.
  • Stung Thmei – Located near the old market, this village is inhabited by the Chams—immigrants from central and south Vietnam. This area is very peaceful and quaint; it is interesting to hang out with the locals and experience their culture.

Budget Tips for Siem Reap

  • Bike Angkor. Renting a bicycle should cost around $5 USD per day.  (Keep in mind that tourists are not permitted to rent motorbikes in Siem Reap.)  Be aware that most of the streets around town degrade into small swamps of muddy water and potholes if there has been a recent rain.
  • See the Sunset at Angkor the Night Before. Your Angkor ticket gives you access to the complex starting at 5:00 PM on the previous day.  Use this time to catch the phenomenal sunset at Phnom Bakheng.  Your driver should include this in his one-day price.
  • Explore the Temples By Motorbike Instead of By Tuk-Tuk. If you’re seeing the temples solo, having a motorbike driver will cost you less than a tuk-tuk – and be a lot more fun!  However, tuk-tuks are cheaper for groups.
  • Learn to Say No to Vendors. Angkor has the most determined and persistent vendors in Southeast Asia.  Do not let them give you a “free” bracelet; do not let them guilt you into buying souvenirs you don’t want.  Say no firmly or you’ll be buying souvenirs all day.
  • Avoid Trendy Souvenir Shops: There are a number of large, flashy souvenir shops around town, complete with temple-style decorations and a surplus of staff, which happily charge two to five times the going price elsewhere in town. You should avoid these and shop with the local craftsman or at markets.
  • Hire a Driver for Multiple Days. Chances are your tuk-tuk driver from the bus station or airport will want to also be your driver to the temples.  Use this as a chance to strike up a multi-day deal.