Siem Reap: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

| by

Update 2022: This post has been superseded, please see the latest version here

Being home to the amazing UNESCO-listed ancient ruins that are Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is one of Cambodia’s key destinations for travelers. It’s also a vibrant city and one, due to the massive volumes of international tourists, and the ones who fell in love and stayed, emerging as a very cosmopolitan city it’s own unique Khmer way.

Let’s take a look at the must-know essentials for visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Angkor Archaeological Park

You can buy a one-day, three-day or seven-day ticket. Tickets can only be purchased from the Angkor Archaeological Park Ticket Centre at the corner of Road 60 and Aspara Road.  The office opens from 5.00 AM to 5.30 PM. More about tickets.

You can also buy your tickets after 4.30pm and have free entry on that night and access all the next day. Which gives you enough time to go and catch a sunset that night, and then of course back the next day for a full day of temple exploring. I suggest getting to the ticket office at 4 pm so you can get up the front of the line and get away as early as possible to find a great sunset watching spot. For sunrise/sunset locations and times at Angkor Wat, and throughout the park, check out angkorsunsets.com.

You can hire a tuk-tuk with driver to take you there and around the sites for US$15-25 per day, check out the transport section further below for tuk-tuk and transport tips for getting around Angkor Wat and Siem Reap.

The temples of Siem Reap are spread out over a massive area which all comes under the banner of Angkor Archaeological Park which in turn is managed by the Apsara Authority http://apsaraauthority.gov.kh

The key sights of the area are:

  • Angkor Wat – the poster child of the park, Siem Reap and Cambodia for that matter. Its outline features on the national flag and is the most visited temple of the park and THE most popular spot for that classic postcard sunrise photo.
  • Angkor Thom – Once a glorious walled royal city containing numerous temples. The gates to the area are themselves something to behold (see main feature pic). Highlights located within Angkor Thom are Terrace of the Elephants, Baphuon Temple, The Victory Gate and Royal Palace.
  • Phnom Bakheng (the popular sunset viewing spot) – Built 889–910 CE, the Hindu & Buddhist temple’s pyramid-style ruins are popular with sunset viewers.
  • Ta Prohm – Trees rise from the ruins of this iconic 12th-century Buddhist temple surrounded by jungle.
  • Banteay Kdei – Unrestored historic temple & Buddhist monastery built of sandstone, with sculptures & a moat.
  • Ta Som – Ruins of a 12th-century Buddhist temple, with intricate carvings & a gate overgrown with a fig tree.
  • East Mebon – Circa-10th-century temple featuring intricate carvings, sandstone towers & animal statues.
  • Preah Khan – Historic ruins of a temple built by a king, with ornate stone carvings & shade trees.
  • Neak Pean – Historic Buddhist temple ruins on an artificial island in a scenic, lakeside setting.
  • Pre Rup (an alternative sunset viewing spot) – Hindu temple ruins with ornate carvings, shrines & scenic views popular with sunset watchers.

The suggested tour pathways are the small circuit and the grand circuit which can be completed over two days.

While most of the key historic sites are located centrally and covered by the Small Circuit and Grand Circuit which will probably leave most people with temple overload by the end, there is more. If you want to get off the well-beaten tourist track (to a small degree) take a tuk-tuk journey to some of these outer lying attractions:

  • Banteay Srei – (covered by temple pass) a 30-minute journey from Siem Reap city centre this 10th-century Cambodian temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Nearby/on the way are Banteay Samre and the Landmine Museum. The journey there is just as interesting as the temple itself, passing through villages and rice fields.
  • Phnom Krom – (covered by temple pass) a 15-minute journey from Siem Reap city centre and atop a small hill you will find the remains of a Hindu Temple that was built in the 9th century. The Lotus Fields are on the way which has many bamboo hut restaurants serving local foods.
  • Roluos Group – (covered by temple pass) – a 10-minute journey from Siem Reap city centre. The cluster of temples here include Bakong, Lolei, Preah Ko, and Prei Monti.
  • Beng Melea – about 90 minutes by car from Siem Reap city centre it’s another Hindu Temple which due to distance is often very quiet and peaceful. On the way/in the area is Koh Ker, Kulen Mountain, and the Roluos group of temples.
  • Koh Ker – (entry ticket $10 – not included in temple pass) – about 80 minutes by car from Siem Reap city centre. Once an ancient capital where 96 temples have been discovered so far including Neang Khmao Temple, Pram Temple, Chen Temple, Preng Well, Rampart of Koh Ker Temple, Kuk Temple, Prang Temple, Krahom Temple, Khmao Temple, and Koh Ker Temple.

 

Things to Do & Activities in Siem Reap

Get an Aerial View of Angkor and Siem Reap

  • Microlight Cambodia – microlightcambodia.net – fly over the temples in a microlight aircraft
  • Helicopters Cambodia – helicopterscambodia.com – various aerial tour packages on offer covering the temples through to the floating villages of Tonle Sap.
  • Angkor Ballooning – angkorballooning.com – offering two flights per day at sunrise and sunset.

Exploring a floating village at Tonle Sap

Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and is renowned for it’s floating villages.

Take a cooking class

Take more home than just souvenirs, take home a new skill. Top places are:

Take a yoga class

  • Peace Café – peacecafeangkor.org – offers yoga classes, meditation, monk chats, and vegetarian cooking classes.
  • Angkor Bodhi Tree – angkorbodhitree.com – retreat and meditation/yoga classes
  • Angkor Zen Garden – angkorzen.com – meditation and yoga retreat.

Watch a Show

  • Traditional Apsara Dance – Apsara Terrace at the Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor is known for its impressive classical dance and martial arts performances  – Apsara Terrace, Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor – raffles.com/siem-reap/ – 1 Vithei Charles De Gaulle Khum Svay Dang Kum
  • Bambu Stage Siem Reap – bambustage.com – “Temples Decoded” show and banquet $25 – Tangram Garden Restaurant, Wat Damnak Village, Sala Komroeuk Commune, Siem Reap
  • Phare The Cambodian Circus – pharecircus.org – Uniquely Cambodian stories told through performing arts.

Visit honeybees

Learn Khmer Martial Arts

Perhaps not as well known as other forms of martial arts but they are having something of a renaissance. The three most popular forms are Pradal Serey which is a form of kickboxing which some believe is the predecessor of Muay Thai, Bokator which is a form of close-quartered combat using styles mimicking animals, and Bok Cham Bab a type of wrestling.

See our list of gyms and fitness centres in Siem Reap.

Visit a Museum

  • Angkor National Museum – angkornationalmuseum.com – 8 separate galleries presenting Angkorian history, culture, beliefs, and ancient artifacts.
  • The Cambodian Landmine Museum and Relief Facility –  cambodialandminemuseum.org – the collection of defused landmines.
  • War Museum – warmuseumcambodia.com – an insight into Cambodia’s war years.

Watch a movie

  • Major Cineplex – majorcineplex.com.kh – a modern cinema offering 3D movies in air-conditioned comfort.
  • Legends Cinema – legend.com.kh – cinema located in the Heritage Mall

Visit a Pagoda

There are several pagodas in central Siem Reap, whilst they are active monasteries, they are also open to visitors. Buddhism is central to the daily life of Cambodians and if you are looking to gain deeper insight into the local culture then this is where to begin. See our guide to pagodas in Siem Reap.

The key pagodas in the central area are

  • Wat Damnak Pagoda
  • Wat Bo Pagoda
  • Wat Thmei Pagoda
  • Wat Kesararam
  • Wat Athvea Pagoda.

Engage with Local Craftsmen

At Artisans d’Angkor you can witness traditional ceramic, silver and wood crafts made before your eyes. More in the shopping section further below.

Also, see our updated list of top attractions in Siem Reap here.

Eat & Drink

Siem Reap is an affordable place to fill your stomach with a mix of Western, European and Khmer cuisines. Prices range from $1 through to $10 at restaurants in the central area.

Of course, the most popular area for eating and drinking is the Pub Street area which sprawls across several streets containing numerous restaurants. The food prices here range from $5-10 for a meal. Beers start at 50 cents and happy hour Mojitos just $1.50. I’ll list a couple of highlights further below.

If the hustle and bustle of Pub Street is not your thing, try heading down Sok San Road where you’ll find several really laid back, open cafe/restaurants that are clean, comfy and serve up great food. Prices are a little cheaper too. Also, take a stroll along the Angkor Night Market Street that heads north to south. At its northern end, you’ll find Bugs Cafe where you can try culinary creations featuring crickets, scorpions, spiders, ants and more.

Head along Preah Sangreach Tep Vong St and you’ll find Naga Guest House which is followed by several good value eateries. Many are the basic plastic chair and stainless steel table restaurants but if you will find tasty food at a fair price. There is also a wood-fired pizza bar with great prices on that same street. Head up Taphul Road towards the intersection with Oum Khun St and you’ll find several small cafes catering to western-style Cambodian food with prices ranging from $1 to $4.

Also, see our new list of Siem Reap’s Top Restaurant Experiences.

Looking for real local cuisine?  Find your favorite Tuk-Tuk driver and head to the market on Road 60 which fires up late afternoon. Here you will find people picnicking by the roadside, market stalls with very cheap clothes and accessories, and ‘plastic chair’ restaurants that serve up local favorites where you’ll spend no more than a few dollars for a fair feast.

You could also head out about 15 mins towards Tonle Sap to the huts set among the lotus fields. Some have English menus and it’s particularly beautiful when the lotus flowers are in bloom. The bamboo huts catch the breeze quite nicely and are fitted out with hammocks to relax in after you have filled yourself silly.

Local must-try dishes in Siem Reap include:

  • Nom Banh Chok – Khmer noodles – thin rice noodles are immersed in a sweet green curry featuring kaffir lime leaves, mint leaves, bean sprouts, lemongrass, and turmeric.
  • Lap Khmer – A cold salad featuring lime marinated beef that’s only lightly seared, or sometimes raw, along with lemongrass, shallots, garlic, local basil, mint, green beans, green pepper, and red chili.
  • Amok – a curry that is available with either fish or chicken as the protein. Fish is the most popular and its ingredients include coconut milk, lemongrass, turmeric, garlic, shallots, galangal, and ginger. Served with rice it’s very mild sometimes bordering on sweet. Local chefs have a tendency to burn the garlic which in my belief destroys the dish, find a good one and you’ll love this dish.
  • Banh Chiao –  a savory crepe that’s filled with ground pork and bean sprouts.
  • Naem –  a spring roll that’s packed with fresh veg. Recipes differ but you’ll find herbs, carrot, lettuce, cucumber and maybe rice noodle inside paired with a peanut dipping sauce.
  • Lok Lak – Beef (or Chicken) in a pepper sauce. Often served with veggies, and in the more westernized restaurants, it’s served with tomato slices, lettuce, and fries. Simple dish but it can be a bit hit and miss with the beef often being too chewy. Get a good one and you’ll be sure to enjoy it.
  • Sangvak – small portions of ground fish are baked in banana leaves and served with raw vegetables, fresh herbs, Khmer noodles, and a dipping sauce. Simply put the fish cake together with some noodles, and some herb leaves then wrap it in lettuce or cabbage and dip and eat.

See our comprehensive guide to Cambodian cuisine including pictures.

Places to try around Pub Street

  • New Leaf Book Cafe – newleafeatery.com – Locally sourced and roasted coffee, full menu of western and local – No. 306 Street 9
  • Miss Wong – misswong.net – step back into 1930s Shanghai and sip on fine cocktails and classic dim sum, hot pot and more – The Lane, Siem Reap
  • Le Tigre de Papier – letigredepapier.com – cozy little restaurant bar that has nice food and fair prices. Street 08 (Eastern end of Pub Street)

At Kandal Village

Wat Bo Road area

Breakfast Buffets

  • Malis Restuarant – malis-restaurant.com – $7.70+ for free flow of all menu options, a great way to try a range of very professionally prepared Khmer dishes at an awesome price.
  • Wine Bar and Grill at Memoire Hotel  – memoiredangkor.com – $8 buffet with fruits, coffee, fresh breads, fresh noodles, and omelet, etc.
  • Damrei Hotel –  damreiangkorhotel.com – $5 buffet with fresh noodles, eggs, omelet, breads, fruits and more.

Looking for somewhere to plug-in, do some online work, or simply while away some hours in air-con comfort perusing Facebook? Here are a few spots

  • Gloria Jeans – gloriajeans.com.kh – There are two Gloria Jeans shops in SR, this particular one is on Wat Bo Road. It’s spacious, clean, comfy and cool with fast wifi. If you like a latte with perfectly steamed milk, try here. Near the intersection of street 22 and Wat Bo Road.
  • Brown Coffee – browncoffee.com.kh –  Modern, large, open, it’s a bit of an oasis with great coffee, good food, and fair prices, unfortunately, only limited seats have access to power – Taphul Rd & Achar Sva St.
  • The Missing Socks Laundry Cafe – cosy little cafe, that’s clean and a bit hip. Great coffee and delicious comfort food. Bonus, they also have washing machines and dryers where you can do a load while you enjoy the coffee, food, and wifi. 55, Steung Thmei, Svaydangkum Village (just off Sok San road)
  • Bio Lab – biolabcafe.com – great lattes at a very fair price. The perfect place for Digital Nomads offering plenty of power sockets, seating, and fast dependable wifi. Across the road from Gloria Jeans Coffee on Wat Bo Road

 

 

Coworking Spaces

Digital nomads looking for somewhere to plug-in might try these:

 

Shopping

Markets

  • Angkor Night Market – angkornightmarket.com – open 5 PM to 12 PM – local wares, paintings, crafts and lots of t-shirts and clothes. Off Sivatha Boulevard and then along Angkor Night Market Road.
  • Siem Reap Art Centre Night Market – located along the riverside it offers much the same goods as the other markets. Can be much more relaxed than other markets, and prices may be a little cheaper. Across the river from Old Market.
  • Old Market (Psar Chas) –  traditional Cambodian market at its center with tourist shops around the outer perimeter selling local wares and lots of clothes – Psar Chaa Road
  • Full Moon Night Market – smaller market with mostly touristy t-shirts. Sivatha Road near Lucky Mall.
  • BB Angkor Market – at the entry to Pub Street beneath the Triangle Bar there’s a cluster of market stalls flogging t-shirts and elephant pants.
  • Made in Cambodia – just as the name implies – located on Kings Road – this market area has a much more relaxed feel, with the market stalls nestled amongst several cafes and restaurants it’s a comfortable place to hang.
  • China Tang Market  – handicrafts, souvenirs, factory outlet clothing, cosmetics, and jewelers – Sivatha Blvd.
  • Road 60 Market – mostly goods for locals, but cheap. Great place to try out genuine local food – Road 60 just past the Angkor Ticket Office.
  • Psar Leu Market – it’s where locals shop for daily needs. You could call it the local version of WalMart, it’s massive and has everything locals need and use in their daily life. Wet Market, vegetables, hardware, DIY, homewares, jewelry, clothes and fashion, and much more. National Road 6.
  • Palm Container Night Market – located on Road 60 near to the Angkor ticket office it fires up at night offering a destination that targets locals with all welcome. Lots of snack eateries with local foods and stalls with fashion goods. They have regular concerts and performances here on weekends to attract locals.
  • Boxville – located out on Road 6 between the center of town and the airport it features lots of small eateries, bars, a selection of stalls. It’s relatively new and has yet to fully fire up.

Also, see our updated list of markets in Siem Reap.

Malls

  • T Galleria by DFS – International Chinese mall chain, designed for Chinese tourists. It’s modern and is packed with luxury brands – 968 Vithei Charles De Gaulle, Krong Siem Reap
  • Angkor Shopping Arcade –  open 9 till midnight – On airport road (National Road 6)
  • Lucky Mall –  luckymarketgroup.com –  is the most popular mall in Siem Reap. The Mall has a huge supermarket on the ground floor which has a wide range of local and imported products. Open 9 till 10 pm  – Sivatha Boulevard near to Highway 6.
  • Angkor Trade Center – featuring international restaurant chains, entertainment, and supermarket. Cnr of Street 9 and Pokambor Avenue.
  • Heritage Mall – a new modern mall featuring cinema, supermarket, fashion stores, Starbucks, Dominos Pizza, bakery and other eateries. Located across from the Royal Garden

 

Crafts

  • Artisans d’Angkor/Pouk Silk Farm – artisansdangkor.com – learn about local silk production and textiles. 8:00 am to 5.30 pm – Located in Pouk district, 20 minutes from Siem Reap. There is also an Artisans d’Angkor near the pub street area on Steung Thmei St. where you can watch artisans in action and catch buses to the silk farm.
  • Khmer Ceramics Centre  – khmerceramics.com – Traditional Cambodian craftsmanship, classes also available – #130, Vithey Charles de Gaulle (Temple Road)
  • Made in Cambodia Market – handicrafts, souvenirs, performances, cafes, and restaurants – Achar Sva Street / King’s Road Angkor
  • Angkor Handicraft Association – aha-kh.com – Road 60, Trang Village, Sangkat Slorkram Commune

 

Groceries

most of these stock differing ranges of local and import products

  • Asia Market – has two locations, with a store on Sivatha Rd near Central Market St (Open 8:00 am to 12:00 am) and a new store on the corner of Preah Sangreach Tep Vong St and Taphul Rd (open 24hrs). Good range with many imported lines but some items can be found elsewhere much cheaper.
  • Angkor Market – Open 7:00 am. to 10 pm. possibly one of the most popular supermarkets, featuring a good range of products including imported lines. Cheeses, dairy, and some meats. Upstairs has a large range of household needs. Cnr of Sivatha Bvld. and Oum Khun St. They have smaller stores located on Sivathata Bvld near Pub Street and one near Kings Road that is 24 HR.
  • Thai Huot – http://www.thaihuot.com –  Large range with many imported lines and quite reasonable prices. Also has bulk lots. Lots of cheeses, dairy and imported meats. Preah Sangreach Tep Vong St near to the river.
  • Lucky Supermarket – http://luckymarketgroup.com – Open 9 am. to 9 pm. Good range with fair prices. Probably the best range of fresh food along with the nearby Angkor Market. Inside Lucky Mall on Sivatha Blvd.
  • Chao Sang Hok – on Preah Sangreach Tep Vong St near to Funky Flashpacker. Good range and cheap prices on common lines. Also has a store on National Road 6.
  • Huey Meng Mini Mart – Close to Pub Street
  • Triangle Market –  facebook.com/Triangle-Market – at the corner of National Highway 6 and Sivatha Blvd, it’s a handy stop to grab a few things as you head out to the temples.

Nightlife

At the core of nightlife in Siem Reap is Pub Street with its 50 cent beers and happy hours with 1.50 mojitos, and open till the wee hours of the morning. The area begins the night in very family-friendly mode until the later hours when it morphs into a fully-fledged party zone with clubs in full swing and mobile pop-up bars occupying the streets.

The two most popular clubs are Temple Nightclub and Angkor Wat which are in the heart of Pub Street directly opposing each other.  Bars are everywhere, and later at night mobile pop-up bars appear serving up super cheap cocktails.

The Red Piano has 50 cent beers all day and night, and Triangle Bar has 50 cent beers downstairs and nightly live bands upstairs, opposite Triangle Bar you’ll find Cheers which is an open-fronted bar/nightclub. Besides that, you can head upstairs to the YOLO bar which seems to be targeting younger backpackers. Directly across the road is XBar, it’s a rooftop bar offering beer pong, a DJ, pool tables, and a half-pipe!

Head down Sok San Road and you’ll find a large modern Score Sports Bar & Grill which has live music on weekends and is fairly laid back and never too crazy. If you are looking to mingle with locals, keep going down Sok San Road and you’ll find the new Temple Container Pub zone and Classic Hip Hop Club. There’s also a number of smaller bars along this street offering friendly service and they are quite popular with expat guys looking to find a partner for the night and local girls looking for an income.

 

Where to Stay

These places are picked out based on their popularity with past visitors and value for money. They are clean and comfortable, many with pools and in-house cafe/restaurant. Also, check out our lists of Amazing Boutique Five-Star Hotels in Siem Reap ($30-$60 a night!) and the top Luxury Hotel Experiences in Siem Reap.

Hotel
Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel – Street 53, Number 418, Vihearchin Village, Songkat Svay Dangkom – $50
Xing Angkor Hotel – City Center, Taphul Street – $25
Damnak Riverside Hotel – No. 0141, Wat Domnak Street, Old Market Area – $20
Pension Lodge – 169 St Wat Damnak, Salakamreuk Commune – $20
Angkor Island Home – Wat Bo street – $16

Hostel
Tropical Breeze Guesthouse  Wat Domnak Area – $15 and up
Garden Village Guesthouse & Pool Bar – #434, Sok San Road, Steng Thmey village – $15 and up

 

ATM’s and Cash in Siem Reap

The US dollar is the main currency and it’s what you’ll be given at ATM’s. ATMs are everywhere, the most popular being those from the ABA bank. Much like any other ATM, slide your card in, select language, enter your pin and choose your account and amount you’d like to withdraw. You are asked if you want a receipt, always say yes! Your card will come out first then take your cash. Note that there is a fee for withdrawals, which varies with the amount you withdraw, as an example for $100 it’s a hefty $4.

Cash comes out in USD, and if you take out $300, you’ll get 3×100 dollar bills which are next to useless as no shop can handle giving change for that amount. You can try withdrawing $290 let’s say, which will give you some smaller notes. Use the 100 dollar bills for large purchases or exchange them at the money changer (and pay another fee!) or go to the bank and they will change it for you. The most useful notes are 1, 5, 10 and 20. Always check your change, for if you get a torn note or damaged note, no one will take it off you.

You can search Google Maps for ABA ATM locations, they are dark green in color similar to phone boxes and located everywhere. If I was making 4 bucks a withdrawal, I would put them everywhere too. The main branch office is located on Tep Vong St.

Small change is often returned in the local currency, the Riel, and just keep in mind 1000 Riel is 25 cents, 2000 Riel is 50 cents and 4000 Riel = 1USD, more here.

Visas

You can get an e-visa in advance which allows you 30 days and can be applied for online at the official site here https://www.evisa.gov.kh

Visitors from most countries can apply for visa on arrival at Siem Reap Airport. The most common visas you would apply for here are the

  • Tourist visa, allowing 30 days
  • Ordinary Visa (or Business visa) – allowing 30 days and the possibility for extending within the country via EG 6 month visa, EB Work Visa, ER retirement Visa etc

There is a useful Facebook group discussing visa issues here https://www.facebook.com/groups/333901840112789/

 

Medical

  • UCare Pharmacy – u-carepharmacy.com – Hospital Road (at the end of Pub Street), Siem Reap. Location 2: In Lucky Mall on Sivatha Road. Several other locations.
  • Preah Vihear Pharmacy – 3 locations including one on Tep Vong St. Good range and good service.
  • Royal Angkor Hospital – royalangkorhospital.com – best all-round medical facility – Route 6 Airport Rd, Siem Reap: (063) 761 888
  • Lysreyvyna Medical Group – lysreyvynaclinic.com – 24-hour services – #113 National Route 6, Siem Reap; (063) 965 088
  • Doctors Rithy Kong and Sok Leng: Consultations  US$5 – no appointment necessary. Behind Akira Electrical, #11, National Route 6, Siem Reap; (012) 832 152

 

Police

Tourist Police  – office opposite the ticket booths for the Angkor Archaeological Park – PH (012) 402 424.

Transport

Tuk-Tuk & Pass APP

The prime way to get around is by tuk-tuk, and they are everywhere. To go anywhere in the central area is usually 2 dollars if it’s a short way you can push for a dollar. A little further and you may need to pay more.

All the drivers I have met are friendly and helpful. They are quite proactive in getting your business, they have to be because there are simply so many tuk-tuks, and some days, they may only get a couple of fares. You can negotiate the rates for daily hire or tours. BUT, not all drivers are equal, some come from the village in search of fast cash and have no or little idea of the whereabouts of the local attractions. Find an experienced driver and his/her (99.9% of the drivers are male) local knowledge will make all the difference to how much you get out of your time here. There are a couple of recommendations below.

Recommended Tuk Tuk drivers

You can also use a UBER style app to book transport, namely Pass APP and Grab also operates here.

Renting a scooter

UPDATE: Laws are now being enforced that prohibits the renting of scooters to foreign visitors. If you have an EB type visa (ordinary visa) then you are able to rent a scooter. A license is required for scooters above 125cc and some say for scooters above 50cc, it’s a bit of a grey area. In either case, scooters are no longer allowed to be ridden through the Angkor area. Electric bikes and bicycles are not affected.

Electric Bikes can be rented from greene-bike.com, ovelocity.com, and siemreap-ebike.com. Free charging stations are located throughout the city. Most electric bikes have a max speed of 25km/h and range of 40 km.

 

Heading in and out

Fly

  • Siem Reap to Bangkok Thailand  – regular flights via AirAsia, Thai Smile, Cambodia Angkor Air, and Bangkok Airways. $50-80
  • Siem Reap to Phnom Penh – (45 mins).   Cambodia Angkor Air, Cambodia Bayon Airlines, and Bassaka Air. US$60 and up
  • Siem Reap to Sihanoukville – (60 mins) Cambodia Angkor Air, Cambodian Bayon Airlines, and Sky Angkor Airlines. US$120

For a full range of destinations from Siem Reap see the official airport website http://www.rep.aero

 

Bus 

For more bus schedules see the transport section

 

Renting an Apartment in Siem Reap

Looking to stay longer? For rentals in Siem Reap check out this or this FB group.

Perhaps the best way to find somewhere is to just come here, walk around and you’ll see signs displaying rooms for rent. Many hostels often advertise rooms for monthly rental. You will pay a deposit and then one month rent in advance. On top of that, you’ll need to pay for electricity each month.

You may pay 190 per month for something clean, reasonable standard with security, then 100 deposit and your electricity will depend on how much you use the air-con which may be between 40-80 p/m. Concept Residence is one such example that does monthly rentals for basic studio apartments (no fridge, shared kitchen).

For something more comfortable which includes washing machine, kitchen, weekly servicing, maybe a pool or gym then you’d be paying 280-300 p/m plus electricity but you will likely need to sign-up for a 3-6 or 12-month contract.

I would suggest scoping things out a bit first, find an area that suits you, then find a place, then scope it out over a couple of days. Why do I say that? Some places are a bit crazy, not in a bad way but you may find that are located next to a bar that opens at night and they like their music loud around these parts, or you might find a lovely place with a dreamy pool only to find that they open it to everyone for small entry fee, and a group of 20 lovely little Khmer kiddies can make a jet engine seem like background music in a temple…

 

Cost of Living in Siem Reap

When you first land and have not yet got your bearings you’ll probably be eating and shopping in the pub street area, so expect to pay $3-$6 a meal and a bit more than you should for daily needs from the mini-marts.

Once you get your bearings you’ll find several places where meals can be bought for between $1 and $2.50 and you’ll be doing your daily needs shopping at the larger supermarkets such as Chao San Hok or Angkor Market.

Add to that your rent costs, monthly visa costs, add a little for a few beers, or what have you, and you should be able to live comfortably for between 700-1000 per month.

 

Hello Angkor