THE GRANTOURISMO TRAVEL GUIDE TO

Siem Reap

Siem Reap Travel Guide

For visitors to Cambodia’s Siem Reap or Temple Town as residents fondly call it, the main attraction is the magnificent, sprawling, compelling Angkor Empire ruins and its star sight, Angkor Wat. These days there’s much more to Siem Reap than history. Try hip hotels, a burgeoning art scene and chic boutiques brimming with fashion, jewellery and decor by local designers. Cafe culture is strong and restaurants serving creative Cambodian cuisine rival the best in Southeast Asia’s capitals. Explore the temples but also allocate time to experience the culture, cuisine and everyday life of this lively little city.

Siem Reap Itineraries

ONE DAY

Itinerary

One Day in Siem Reap Itinerary for a Perfect Day in Temple Town. Copyright © 2022 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved. Angkor Wat.

TWO DAY

Itinerary

Weekend in Siem Reap Itinerary – How to Spend 48 Hours in Cambodia's Temple Town. Afternoon Cruise, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Copyright © 2022 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved.

Stay in Siem Reap

Accomodation

Booking.com

Insurance

Safety Wing Nomads Insurance

Eat in Siem Reap

New Cambodian Cuisine. Pou restaurant, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Copyright © 2022 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved.

New Cambodian Cuisine – The Cambodian Chefs Redefining Cambodian Food

New Cambodian Cuisine is the name I’ve given to the inventive Cambodian food being created by a handful of young Cambodian chefs helming Siem Reap’s best Cambodian restaurants. Together they…

Spoons Cafe, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Copyright © 2017 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved. siem reap hospitality training restaurants

Siem Reap Hospitality Training Restaurants – Meals that Make a Difference

These Siem Reap hospitality training restaurants serve up some of the most tantalising meals in the city – and they’re meals that make a difference. The money you spend contributes…

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Drink in Siem Reap

Explore Siem Reap

Experience Siem Reap

Book Siem Reap Tours

Absorb Siem Reap

Shop Siem Reap

Siem Reap Festivals & Events

Siem Reap Local Knowledge

Ruining Amok, The Corruption of Cambodia's National Dish Amok Trei or Fish Amok. Amok steaming in Battambang, Cambodia. Copyright © 2022 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved.

Ruining Amok, The Corruption of Cambodia’s National Dish Amok Trei or Fish Amok

Amok trei or fish amok is a Cambodian steamed fish curry with an almost mousse-like texture when cooked properly. Travellers to Cambodia are told by tour guides and hotel and…

Cambodian Cuisine, Asia’s Most Misunderstood and Under-appreciated Cuisine. Street food in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Copyright © 2022 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved.

Cambodian Cuisine, Asia’s Most Misunderstood and Under-appreciated Cuisine

Cambodian cuisine must be Asia’s most misunderstood and under-appreciated cuisine. Come discover Cambodian cuisine with us on one of our Cambodia Culinary Tours or Travel and Food Writing and Photography…

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Siem Reap Resources

Siem Reap Essentials

WHEN TO GO

Nov–Feb Peak season finds Siem Reap at its most crowded, but the weather is at its best.

Mar–May Weather heats up. Restrict temple exploring to early mornings and late afternoon.

Jun–Oct Wet season commences, but it’s not like clockwork with daily afternoon showers.

HEALTH

Siem Reap has basic healthcare facilities. If you fall critically ill or have a serious accident, you may have to be evacuated to Bangkok. As this can cost up to US$25,000 it is of great importance that you get full medical insurance. Recommended Vaccinations

VISAS

Tourist visas cost US$30 on arrival and are valid for one month. A business visa cost US$35 and can be extended through a travel agent. You will need one passport-sized photo and USD in cash. An eVisa can be easily issued online and will save you time on arrival.

CURRENCY

CURRENT EXCHANGE RATES

$1.00 USD = 4,047.50 KHR
$1.00 AUD = 2,628.46 KHR
€1.00 EUR = 4,366.76 KHR
£1.00 GBP = 5,105.79 KHR

The Cambodian currency (KHR) is called the ‘riel’, however USD is the most common currency used in the country and the riel is used to give change for amounts that are less than one USD when shopping.

LANGUAGE

KHMER IS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF CAMBODIA.
Khmer language, ‘hello’ in Khmer, ‘chum reap suor’. Copyright © 2022 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved.

ELECTRICITY

ELECTRICITY IN CAMBODIA IS 220 VOLTS. 50 CYCLES/SEC.
Electricity in Cambodia is 220 volts. 50 cycles/sec. Power plugs used in Cambodia. Copyright © 2022 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved.

LOCAL TIME ZONE

Time in Siem Reap:
CAMBODIAN TIME ZONE

Cambodian Time Zone is (GMT+7) Cambodia does not have daylight saving.
INSIDER TIP: For the iconic dawn sunrise at Angkor Wat, you need to be there ready at least one half hour before sunrise.

WEATHER

CURRENT SIEM REAP WEATHER

TRANSPORTATION

AIR/LAND/SEA

There are direct international flights to Siem Reap International Airport (REP) from most major Asian cities. Domestic routes are to Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Buses and minivans run between most tourist destinations. Boat services run from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh and Battambang. Bike and motorcycle hire is available. Tuk Tuks are used for local travel, but increasingly locals and travellers are using the Grab App on phones for short trips.

Siem Reap Daily Costs

BUDGET

Daily Budget Up To:

US$30

  • Guesthouse dorm room: US$3–10
  • Cheap restaurants, street food: US$1–3
  • Pushbike hire: US$5–10 per day

MID RANGE

Daily Budget From:

US$31–200

  • Air-con hotel room: US$15–50
  • Good local restaurant meal: US$3–10
  • Official tour guide per day: US$25

LUXURY

Daily Budget From:

US$201+

  • Boutique hotel or resort: US$50–500
  • Degustation meal with drinks: US$25–50
  • Private car with driver per day: US$60–120