Siem Reap is the sleepy gateway town to the Angkor “Temple City”, a complex of 9th to 15th century temples built during the Khmer Empire. Angkor is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the world famous Angkor Wat.
Apply for an e-Visa through the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advance of travel.
Take the temples at your own pace over two to three days. Visit the temples first thing in the morning and spend the afternoons at the pool or exploring Siem Reap. Passes to Angkor Archaeological Park must be purchased on-site in cash, in either USD, Euro or Cambodian Riel. One, three and seven day passes can be purchased.
Tuk tuks are an easy way to get around Siem Reap and Angkor. Ask your hotel to help confirm a driver for the duration of your visit, or negotiate directly with a tuk tuk driver in town.
USD is near universally accepted across Cambodia, and most payments must be made in cash. Always, always negotiate! Cambodians haggle and initial prices quoted to tourists will be nearly double the actual value.
Cambodia experienced a brutal civil war in the 1960s-70s at the hands of the Khmer Rouge regime. During the war two million Cambodians were killed by execution, starvation or disease, and millions more fled the country to resettle abroad. Before visiting, consider reading Loung Ung’s memoir, First They Killed My Father, to better understand what the country has been through and how far it has come today.
EAT
Haven Gorgeous little restaurant. Haven is a social enterprise that hires and trains disadvantaged youth and orphans as wait staff in the restaurant.
Marum Marum has a similar concept to Haven and is run by an NGO that works with street children. The restaurant features a handicrafts shop on site. Recommended by a friend.
Viva Mexican Restaurant Tasty Mexican and super cheap margaritas near Pub Street.
DRINK
Angkor What? Visit this infamous dive on Pub Street for $2 Singha beers, and then move along.
Asana Bar A cocktail bar housed within a traditional, Khmer-style wooden building. Recommended by a friend.
Miss Wong Old World, Shanghai-style cocktail bar. Recommended by a friend.
PLAY
Angkor Archaeological Park Do not miss temples include Ankor Wat (arrive before dawn to watch the sunrise), Ta Prohm (featured in Tomb Raider), Bayon and Banteay Srei (carved with pink stone, it is several miles north of the others and known as the lady temple).
Cambodian massage or reflexology Check out the local spas in Siem Reap as the services are very affordable!
Quad Adventure Cambodia A fun way to see the countryside and surrounding villages by ATV.
Siem Reap Night Market Haggle for your wares!
STAY
We recommend staying in the city center or within walking distance, as Siem Reap is quite small.
