Siem Reap

Siem Reap is the primary access point for the Angkor Archaeological Park, home to the legendary Angkor Wat and hundreds of temple ruins. The town itself offers a pleasant compromise between observing authentic Cambodian life and enjoying modern services, with a large foreign community that has built excellent restaurants, bars, and hostels. French colonial architecture still dominates the streetscape, and new high-quality roads and shady trees make wandering pleasant. The building boom of the 2000s has settled into a relaxed tourist town with things to do, places to eat and drink.

Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport opened in October 2023 as Cambodia's largest airport, located 50 km from town. International flights arrive from Bangkok (both airports), Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and various airports in Laos and Vietnam, with flights from Seoul, Kunming, and Shanghai scheduled for 2024. Cambodia Angkor Air flies domestic routes from Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Minibus seats cost US$8 to town, while private minivan transfers run US$40. Phnom Krom Port is about 20 minutes south by tuk-tuk, with the trip costing around US$5 total.

Tuk-tuks are the primary form of local transport in Siem Reap. Siem Reap Transport Service provides private tuk-tuk and car services within the city and to Angkor temples. Private cars are also available for transfers to Phnom Penh. The town is walkable in the central area around the Old Market and Pub Street.

The best time to visit is November to February when temperatures are cooler (20-25°C) and rainfall is minimal. March to May is hot (up to 35°C). The wet season (June to October) brings green scenery and fewer tourists, though some areas flood. The Water Festival in late October or early November draws crowds to Phnom Penh, with a smaller parallel celebration at Angkor Wat.

Accommodation spans from US$3 dorm beds in backpacker hostels to luxury resorts. Budget hostels cluster around the Old Market area, boutique hotels line Wat Bo Rd, and larger hotels occupy National Highway 6 to the west. Most accommodations include hot showers, cable TV, internet, and airport or bus pickup. Some include free breakfast (typically egg on toast and coffee). Small Khmer-run guesthouses offer excellent value in low season.

Eating options range from rudimentary Asian staples and street food to sophisticated fine dining featuring exotic local ingredients. The highest concentration of restaurants is in the few blocks north of the Old Market, with alternatives along Wat Bo Rd. Local eateries serve noodle and curry dishes for 3,000-4,000 riel. Pub Street is the main nightlife hub with bars and restaurants. Khmer cuisine includes amok, lok lak, and kuy teav. Grilled insects are available from food carts.

Most visitors come for Angkor Archaeological Park, but the town has worthwhile attractions including the Angkor National Museum (US$12), modern Buddhist temples (Wat Bo, Wat Damnak, Wat Preah Prom Rath), and the APOPO demining organization with trained rats (US$10). The Phare Cambodian Circus offers nightly performances (US$18-38). Day trips include floating villages at Kampong Phluk (US$25), Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre (US$4), and the Landmine Museum (US$5). Cooking classes, pottery workshops, and mountain bike tours are available.

Siem Reap is generally safe, but petty theft can occur. Tuk-tuk drivers may quote inflated prices or engage in scams, especially at tourist sites. Be cautious of people claiming to be guides or asking for donations at memorial sites. The surrounding province has land mine contamination from past conflicts; stick to marked paths. Women should be aware of unwanted attention in Pub Street area.

Multiple SIM card providers operate in Cambodia including Smart, Metfone, and Cellcard with prepaid plans available. WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Power plugs use types A, B, and G at 230V. The article does not specify current SIM pricing.

Daily backpacker budgets can range from US$20-50 depending on accommodation and activities. Dorm beds start at US$3-5, guesthouses from US$6-10. Street food meals cost 3,000-4,000 riel, restaurant meals US$2-10. Tuk-tuk rides within town are US$1-3. Angkor temple passes are US$37 for one day, US$62 for three days. Laundry costs US$1/kg.

Beyond Angkor, popular day trips include Kampong Phluk floating village (about 1 hour by tuk-tuk, US$25 boat tour), the Landmine Museum (31 km from Siem Reap, US$5), and Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre (US$4). Phnom Bok and Phnom Krom offer hilltop temple ruins with views. Tonle Sap Lake floating villages are accessible by boat. The Banteay Srey temple complex is about 30 km away.

Cambodians appreciate modest dress when visiting temples, covering shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering temples and homes. The traditional greeting is a bow with hands pressed together at chest level (sampeah). Bargaining is expected at markets but should be done respectfully. Avoid public displays of affection. Photography may be restricted in some temple areas.

From Siem Reap, onward destinations include Battambang (second largest city with temples), Kampong Thom (gateway to Sambor Prei Kuk ruins), and Phnom Penh (capital with Royal Palace and Khmer Rouge sites). The border crossing at Poipet connects to Thailand with daily buses to Bangkok. Koh Ker (ancient capital) and Banteay Chhmar (forgotten Angkorian complex) are less touristy alternatives. Tonle Sap Lake offers Southeast Asia's biggest lake with floating villages.