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
TWO DAY
Itinerary
Stay in Siem Reap
Accomodation
Insurance
Eat in Siem Reap
Breakfast in Siem Reap – What, How and Where to Eat with the Locals
Breakfast in Siem Reap is worth setting the alarm clock for, as much to get an insight into everyday life and eat with the locals, as to sample Cambodia’s diverse…
Dispelling Cambodian Cuisine Myths – It’s Not ‘Mild Thai’!
Dispelling Cambodian cuisine myths seems to have become our part-time occupations. Not that we mind. No other Southeast Asian cuisine is so misunderstood and so under-appreciated – nor deserving of…
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
The Best Camera Gear for Photographing Angkor Wat
What’s the best camera gear for photographing Angkor Wat and the other temples is usually the first question I get asked by friends coming to Siem Reap who are into…
Siem Reap is Top Destination in Asia, Second in the World
Cambodia’s Siem Reap is top destination in Asia and second in the world, according to millions of travellers who use the travel review site TripAdvisor. Of course, Temple Town being…
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 = 4,041.92 KHR
$1.00 AUD = 2,586.49 KHR
€1.00 EUR = 4,296.42 KHR
£1.00 GBP = 5,032.47 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.
ELECTRICITY
ELECTRICITY IN CAMBODIA IS 220 VOLTS. 50 CYCLES/SEC.
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