The town ofSiem Reap (សៀមរាប), in northernCambodia, is the primary access point for theAngkor Archaeological Park, just north of the city. It is quite laid-back and a pleasant place to stay while touring the temples. It is a nice compromise between observing Cambodian life and enjoying the amenities of modern services and entertainment, thanks to a large foreign community.
The name "Siem Reap" literally means "Siam Defeated", commemorating a (possibly apocryphal) victory over invading Thais in 1549. These days, however, the only rampaging hordes are the tourists heading to theAngkor Archaeological Park. This once quaint village has become the largest boom town and construction site in Cambodia. Since Siem Reap is a major tourist destination, prices in some instances are higher than elsewhere in Cambodia. Expect to receive almost constant offers for motodop and tuk-tuk rides, along with everything else which drivers may be able to offer to you.
Be sure to pick up your freeSiem Reap Angkor Visitors Guide and the equally free and usefulSiem Reap Pocket Guide from your hotel/guesthouse. It contains lots of info on Siem Reap and the Angkor Archaeological Park, including hotel/bar/restaurant/shop info, travel info, and maps. For the eco-sensitive tourist, check outStay Another Day: Cambodia, a detailed guide with local spots that support the environment and community. Another address is theConCERT tourist office, a local NGO committed to raising the standards of responsible tourism and eco-tourism activities and providing information on the causes and effects of poverty in Cambodia, volunteering opportunities and eco-tours.
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13.37512104.221081Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport(SAI IATA).Opened in October 2023, this clean and cool space is the largest airport inCambodia. Being 50 km out of town, travel to and from this new airport costs more (except for seats on the minibus) and takes much longer than to the old airport, which has closed. It has one terminal and is served by international flights from Bangkok (both airports), Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and various airports in Laos and Vietnam. Flights from Seoul, Kunming, and Shanghai are scheduled to begin by early 2024. Cambodia Angkor Air flies from Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville as well.US$8 per minibus seat, US$40 for private minivan transfer.
(updated Oct 2023)
Bus is a common way for getting around Cambodia with a range of bus companies serving Siem Reap, with several daily departures and arrivals (especially from Phnom Penh). Premium operators includesGiant Ibis andVET Air Bus Express, while companies such as Larryta,Seila Angkor Express, E-Booking,Mey Hong and others offer economy options with Air Conditioning. Try to book at least the day before travel. Booking online is easier withBookMeBus and Camboticket, as you can board with e-ticket with either of their services. Travel agents and guesthouses will do this for a US$1-2 fee per ticket. Buses tend to leave in the morning or early afternoon. There are also night buses on some routes.
Many buses terminate at an out-of-town bus station to the east of Siem Reap, from where travellers will need to take a tuk-tuk into town. This should cost no more than US$2, or maybe US$3 if you're not keen to drive a hard bargain. If arrivingfrom the west, consider getting off the bus as it passes through town on National Road 6, say as it crosses the bridge over the river, before it reaches the bus station. If arrivingfrom the east you have little choice but to face the touts.
Domestic services are frequent — for instancePhnom Penh is served by a dozen companies some of which have a departure every half hour during the day. The bus trip from the capital is 6-8 hours and tickets are around US$10 depending on the company. This is a well traveled route by both locals and tourists, but often an uncomfortable trip, as buses make many stops and go slow. A more expensive, but far more comfortable option is by Wi-Fi-equipped minibus (US$15 from Giant Ibis or US$12 from Mekong Express, 2020). The trip by minibus takes only 4-5 hours.
| From | Company (comments) | Departs | Hours | US$ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | Mekong Express (air-con, snack, water, guide) | 07:00 08:30 12:30 14:25 | 6 | 12 |
| Apsara Khmer Travel (air-con, water) | 07:00 09:00 13:30 15:30 | 5 | 9 | |
| Gold VIP (air-con, snack, water) | 07:00 08:30 13:30 14:30 20:00 24:00 | 5-6 | 9 | |
| Selia Angkor (air-con, snack, water) | 07:00 09:00 14:00 15:00 | 5 | 9 | |
| Virak Buntham | 11:30 (5 hr) 18:00 20:00 24:00 (6 hr) | 9 | ||
| Sok Sokha (cold towel, air-con, snack, water) | 07:30 08:30 12:30 13:30 | 6 | 8 | |
| Capitol (air-con) | 06:15 07:30 08:30 10:15 12:00 13:30 14:30 | 6.5 | 7 | |
| Phnom Penh Sorya (air-con) | 07:00 07:45 08:45 11:30 12:45 15:15 | 7 | 7 |
Other places with services includeKampong Cham, Soung,Battambang (US$6-8),Sisophon,Poipet (forAranyaprathet, the main route from Thailand),Preah Vihear (US$12) andAnlong Veng (for Ban Pakard in Thailand). Destinations further away include Koh Kong (viaPhnom Penh, a long journey),Sihanoukville (US$15-25) by a 10-12 hour overnight sleeping bus or daytime sitting bus that should be booked at least 1 day in advance,Banlung (US$24),Mondulkiri (US$18-24.50),Stung Treng (US$20) andKratie (US$24).
There are buses fromDon Det in the 4,000 Islands region (US$25-29), the Lao border (US$25) nearby andPakse (US$30). Direct buses from Vientiane don't seem to be available as of February 2019.
Buses in general start in the morning, though there are also night buses on this route. The journey takes about 8-11 hr including the time it takes to pass through immigration and customs at the border.
Starting from Bangkok, agents in Khao San Road offer tickets to Siem Reap from 300 baht. In the other direction tickets cost US$11. The ticket is valid for the whole journey but you will change buses inPoipet.
If traveling independently to theAranyaprathet/Poipet border, see those towns' articles for advice on how to reach the border, survive immigration and avoid the"Government" bus scam.
There are also some more expensive services; the government bus daily direct service from Bangkok (Mo Chit bus station) to Siem Reap and back. The trip is US$28 per direction, but is scam-free and fast. The Cambodian side of the company is named Nattakan. Giant Ibis direct bus toBangkok: the Cambodian premium transport companyGiant Ibis offers daily direct transport for US$43, departure time 07:45 (Nov 2024). The buses have free WiFi, power supply and generally good service, including free pick-up from partner hotels and hostels in Siem Reap.
Ho Chi Minh City (US$18-27) 12 hr on a sleeping bus. If you use this in the other direction, have your Vietnam visa ready (if your nationality needs one) and valid before taking this trip. Visas for Vietnam are not available at a land border even if you have visa on arrival.
A more expensive and more time consuming option fromBattambang (US$20-25, 5 hr) is to take a Soviet-style hydrofoil across Tonle Sap Lake. These can be fantastic trips giving you the opportunity to view life on the lake, floating houses, working fishermen, and to get a suntan if you choose to sit on the roof of the boat. However, the trip can be ruined due to bad weather. Remember to use sunscreen and take a waterproof jacket. You may not be able to access your luggage during the journey (sometimes the baggage is available, sometimes it is not). If you have the time, it is better to visit the floating villages as day trips from Siem Reap rather than see them from the boat.
Ferries from Phnom Penh are suspended since COVID.
The quickest method of getting from thePoipet border to Siem Reap is ashared car. A four-seater car costs US$25-45, depending on your bargaining prowess, and takes 2-3 hr. Even if you're travelling solo, it shouldn't be too hard to find others to share the expense. Walk past the roundabout to negotiate a cheaper taxi fare, otherwise you will pay more by being in the police controlled pricing cartel area. Do not get on the "government approved" tourist bus unless you want to pay more for taxis minibus, etc.
Family or group of tourists can book a private transfer to Siem Reap. It is comfortable, but expensive way. Comfort-class transfer from thePoipet costs US$65-75.
Helicopters can be chartered to go nearly anywhere in the country. They seat 5-6 people. Prices start at US$1,000 for trips to some of the temples north of Angkor Wat. Companies includeHelicopters Cambodia andHelistar Cambodia. Helicopter transport is also available from other cities, e.g. fromBattambang (US$1,600/helicopter) orPhnom Penh (US$4,700/helicopter).
Travel to and around theAngkor Archaeological Park is extensively covered in its own article. The following is a discussion of travel inside Siem Reap.
The city centre is fairly compact and flat.
Many guesthouses will lend you bicycles either for free or cheaply (US$1-3). Bicycle rental shops in town mostly don't open earlier than 07:00, so if you want to ride to Angkor Wat early in the morning, rent one the day before.
Motodops (motorbike taxi) abound and will make sure you know where they are. Rides within town should only cost US$0.50 or 2,000 riel, although prices can double at night or during bad weather. Agree a price first. Full day can be arranged for ~US$10. Helmets for passengers are rare though may materialize if requested in advance.
Renting motorbikes is not prohibited any longer. There are plenty of options available from the ubiquitous gasoline-driven scooters (starting at ~US$8 per day), small electric scooters for one with a top speed of 25 km/h (~US$10) to larger ones for two people going up to 60 km/h (~US$15). It can also be possible to rent a motorbike only for half a day, so you will pay only half the daily rate. You may need to leave either your passport or US$100-300 as a collateral, while some places only take a photo of your passport and don't take any deposits. Driving inside the city isn't very stressful (as well as going toAngkor), especially in comparison with huge Asian cities (for exampleBangkok) or countries with more chaotic driving approach like Vietnam.
Wear a helmet, both for your safety and because the police will stop you at checkpoints and fine you US$15 if you don't. Some restaurants will let you charge the battery.
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Tuk-tuks, like motodops, will call at tourists from nearly any street corner, or you can summon one with Grab or PassApp.
A trip within Siem Reap should cost US$1.25 (Feb 2020) regardless of how many people pile on. Most tuk-tuks can convey four people comfortably though the extra weight can make the low-powered bikes laboriously slow. Prices can double at night or during bad weather. It's also possible to hire a tuk tuk driver for a full day to explore Angkor, is can cost ~US$20, a bit more if you go early for sunrise or stay late for sunset.
Ensure you and the driver are in crystal clear agreement on the destination and total fare before departure. Payment is made on arrival and doesn't increase if the driver got lost or had to take a circuitous route.
Cars with drivers can be hired for single or multiple days. While all drivers are familiar with the area and happy to suggest good routes, most speak little English and are not actual tour guides. Licensed tour guides charge US$45-50 per day for a driver and English speaking guide. Drivers will likely ask for US$5-10 extra for trips to further temples such as those of the Big Circuit, Banteay Srey and more for remote sites like Beng Mealea.
Most people come to visitAngkor Archaeological Park, which is thoroughly covered in its own article. The town has some worthwhile attractions and a number of beautiful modern Buddhist temples.
(updated Feb 2020)
(updated Feb 2020)
(updated Mar 2024) (updated Aug 2017)The Khmer believe that Thai massage is derived from Khmer massage and that it is more relaxing as it requires less twisting and turning. The numerous Khmer-style massage shops mostly offer genuine massage and are not a front for sexual services. Contrary to common belief, blind massage services do offerspecial massages too.
Children are not tourist attractions, and especially orphaned children. Some visitors feel visiting an orphanage is a good way to make a positive contribution to Cambodia, while others feel that orphanage tours do more harm than good. The largest child protection group in the country has asked that touristsnot to visit orphanages. The great majority of Cambodian children in orphanages have living parents, who rent them to the orphanages. Most are scams and have histories with severe child abuse. It is strongly encouraged that you do not support this 'business'.
However, some transparent and genuine, long running orphanages that have a good reputation are:
InternationalATMs in Siem Reap are plentiful and most banks will do cash advances from credit cards. TwoSacombank ATMs can be found alongSivutha Boulevard west of the tourist hotspot aka Pub Street — seeCambodia#ATMs. ABA Bank, which is owned by a Canadian bank, has a big, modern branch in the center of town. It has several modern ATMs, where you can withdraw up to US$500 with a fee of $5, dispensing notes usually in a mix of denominations of 50s and 20s.
As elsewhere in Cambodia, besides riel, US dollars, and to a lesser extent, Thai baht are accepted. But generally, using riel is better than using dollars as retailers tend to round up when quoting US dollar prices, and they also take the Riel-advantageous exchange rate of 4,000 riel/USD when you pay in riel.
Most things in Siem Reap are overpriced wherever tourists are frequent, head further away from the center or bargain (at markets).
TheHeritage Watch non-profit organisation supports business that promote Cambodia's arts, culture, heritage and development. Certified businesses display either a gold or silver Heritage Friendly logo.
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| This page uses the following price ranges for a typical mealfor one, including soft drink: | |
| Budget | Under US$5 |
| Mid-range | US$5-10 |
| Splurge | Over US$10 |
Eating options span the full spectrum of tastes and budgets from the rudimentary Asian staples and pizza to authentic Khmer and sophisticated fine-dining featuring exotic local ingredients. The highest assortment of restaurants are in few blocks north of the old market, but there are appetizing alternatives along Wat Bo Rd and hidden in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
ThoughPub St is better known for its bars, a handful of places serve great food, many with seating upstairs so you can escape the partying milieu on the street below. Crammed alongThe Alley is a wider selection of restaurants that offer a generally quieter and more intimate experience. The local restaurants liningPhsar Chas have extensive, yet near identical, menus of cheap fried rice and Westernised approximations of Khmer dishes. At dusk the Kindergarten on the corner of Street 8 and 11 becomes a jumble of small BBQ stalls, replete with billowing smoke, noise, and the persistently entreating peddlers. Thephnom pleurng here is the cheapest you will find.
Outside of the main part of town in the sometimes dusty neighbourhood streets and area along Wat Bo Rd are some trendy restaurants and small local places serving the most authentic Khmer food.
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The majority of bars and pubs ofSiem Reap are concentrated in on a strip calledPub Street and its surrounding alleys. Although peaceful during the day, the streets in the Pub Street area which is just a block away from the historic Psah Chas (Old Market), comes alive with lights and music. A range of international tourists start pouring into the bars and pubs and give the streets almost a nightly street party scene.
Started in the late-1990s by a local business called Angkor What? Bar and followed by its rival, Temple Bar, from the across the street, Pub Street is often recommended as a must-see attraction in Siem Reap.
The distinction between eating and drinking establishments is fairly blurry as even the most humble of restaurants can have an extensive cocktail list on their menu. Nonetheless, a vibrant drinking scene concentrated along Street 8, aptly dubbed "Pub Street", is where serious drinkers head for cheap beer, loud music and the sweaty backpacking hubbub scene akin to Bangkok'sKhao San Road. The biggest and most well-known Pub St bars, Angkor What?, The Red Piano, Temple Club and Le Tigre du Papier, are easy to find, with Angkor What? and Temple Club engaged in a running battle playing pop music across the street at very loud volumes.
Travelers looking for more subdued place to appreciate a quiet drink can seek out some of the smaller places along "The Alley", "The Lane" and the adjoining streets. A few drinking holes offer a bit more than cheap drunkenness.
Most places have draught Angkor beer for US$0.50 and cans of other beers for US$1-2. Cocktails and spirits go for as little as US$2. Imported red and white wine, generally from the less prestigious wine producing countries, is widely available and cheaper than you would expect. Better quality Australian and French wines are available in more upmarket establishments at a correspondingly premium price.
These are hostess clubs popular with the locals, room charges are about US$5-10 per hour, beer is US$2-4. Most of these places are fronts for prostitution. Many of these places have two menus. One for Cambodians, which has cheaper prices, and one for foreigners, which have higher prices. If you see that the beer is US$4, they probably gave you the foreigner price.
Pub St features two main late night bars, Angkor What? and Temple Club which are directly across from each other. Commonly late night bar-goers will also congregate and drink in the street between the two bars and consume their own alcohol there, which is readily bought at stalls or shops in the immediate area.
| This guide uses the following price ranges for a standarddouble room: | |
| Budget | US$5-30 |
| Mid-range | US$30-100 |
| Splurge | US$100+ |
A seemingly inexhaustible range of sleeping options from upmarket hotels to grubby backpacker hostels, with many guest houses, boutique rooms, bungalows, concrete cells, wood huts and French villas in between, make finding a place to sleep one of the easiest things you will do on your trip.
Hotels are spread over the entire city but most larger hotels line national highway 6 to the west of the city centre, cheap backpacker hostels tend to surround the old market area and stylish boutique hotels a nestled in the trees along Wat Bo Rd. Small Khmer run hotels and guest houses, especially in the low season, can be surprisingly good value if you are willing to do a bit of hunting for one that hasn't been overrun by the guidebook-toting hoards.
Accommodations at every price point generally offer hot showers, cable TV, Internet and airport or bus pickup. Some may include free breakfast, though don't expect much more than an egg on toast and a coffee.
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Most locals are decent people just trying to make an honest living, but a few shady characters try every trick to take advantage of travelers' good will. Be alert to deceptive dealers but don't let suspicion ruin your trip.
Convenience stores have been known to give incorrect change and pocket the rest. Check your change before you walk out of the store and point out any short changing. Most likely they will admit to their "mistake" and give you the right change.
Street vendors and beggars in competition for generous travellers' handouts have developed cunning, if underhanded, techniques to get your attention (and money). The "beggar army" of young children will come up to you in the crowd and grab your hands, leading you to a shop where they will then try and have you buy food, baby milk or water for them. Baby milk powder seems to be a popular one. It might sound like a more humanitarian way to help than giving them money, but once you leave the store the goods you bought for them are sold back to the shop owners or to other locals and the cash goes to an adult. Young women with babies cradled in a krama perform a similar trick.
Donation-collectors for orphanages may approach you in the street claiming to be volunteer workers, showing you convincing photos of themselves in the orphanage and a clipboard listing the generous donations made by foreign visitors. Though these young adults may be well groomed and speak excellent English it's possible that your donation will go directly into their pockets. A donation (either of money, or your time) to a recognised charity might be a better way to help.
Dollar bills need to be checked, as you will find out that you won't be able to change bills with any tiny cut. Fake dollar bills are also wide spread, and can even be issued from ATMs.
NGO safari should be avoided. Do not schedule any orphanage visit unless this is the main purpose of your trip.
Obviously, no-one should be having any form of sexual or other inappropriate contact with children. Foreign tourists have been arrested and charged with child sex offences. To avoid suspicion, do not stay alone with young people (room, temple, school, countryside, stadium, car), and do not respond to any favour they ask of you (transport, phone call, help, use your toilet or a glass of water).
For general information on health in Cambodia, see the article onCambodia.
The numerousInternet cafés charge anywhere US$0.50-1.50/hr. Speed of connection, and speed of PC, very much depends from place to place. A free public Wi-Fi network covers the Pub St and Alley areas but it can sometimes be spotty and always terribly slow.
Most hotels will have cable TV with many international channels such as BBC and CNN as well as those from surrounding countries. There are several FM radio stations, which include international broadcaster Radio France International on 92.0 MHz.
The going rate forlaundry is US$1/kg, US$3/kg for 3-hour service (Feb 2020).
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