Now in its third edition, Essential Siem Reap is the Ultimate Passport to Siem Reap & Ancient Angkor. This year, there are two editions, one focused on the short-term visitor (a few days to a week) and an expanded edition for those who want to go beyond the typical tour circuits and explore so much more that the region offers.
Why Trust This Guide? Genuine local knowledge from nearly ten years of living in and exploring Siem Reap, paired with uninfluenced and honest introductions to all that the region offers.
City & Temples
IBSN: 978-0-6459546-4-7
Updated for 2026, it’s designed especially for short-term visitors staying a week or less. This guide puts you on the fast track to ticking off the city’s highlights and the must-see temples of ancient Angkor.
More than just a guidebook, this is deep local knowledge from people who are passionate about ancient history and who live in and love Siem Reap.
Ideal for independent travelers seeking an immersive, meaningful Cambodian escape, this book puts every detail at your fingertips:
- Detailed Information on the Temples of Angkor: Navigate the Small and Grand Circuits with deep insights into all the grand wonders, including Angkor Wat, the Bayon & Angkor Thom, Preah Khan, Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, and Pre Rup. Includes maps, tour circuits, and essential information on outlying highlights like Beng Mealea, Banteay Srei & Kbal Spean.
- Getting Around: Everything you need to know about Tuk Tuks (remorque), renting a motorbike or scooter, and private taxis.
- Things to Do & See: Everything from sunrise in Angkor, bike trails, to traditional craft workshops. The book is packed with genuine natural eco-attractions, craft workshops, museums, walking trails, golf courses, and more.
- The Tonle Sap and the Floating Villages: Explore the unique lifestyle and traditional heritage at the popular and lesser-known floating villages dotted along the Tonle Sap.
- Food & Shopping: Detailed advice on What to Eat and Where, plus the best Local Markets, Craft Markets, and the trending Wat Bo area.
- Language & Culture: A dedicated section on Language Basics and a monthly calendar of Festivals, Events & Holidays.
- Practical Travel Essentials: Advice on Visas, ATMs & Money, Accommodation & Where to Stay, Seasons & Weather, and essential tips for staying safe.
Explorer Edition
IBSN: 978-0-6459546-3-0
This comprehensive guide unlocks the secrets of Siem Reap city and province for history explorers, culture seekers, and long-stay adventurers alike.
The product of nearly ten years of meticulous on-the-ground & historical research, it illuminates both the classic temple circuits and off-the-beaten-track ruins, blending adventure with rich cultural context.
More than just a guide, the Essential Siem Reap, Explorer Edition is your comprehensive key to creating the trip of a lifetime. This meticulously researched expanded edition provides deep local insights into both the must-see sights and the region’s best-kept secrets.
It includes everything in Essential Siem Reap, plus expanded details on history, ancient art, architecture, all the remote temple highlights found in the outer districts, and more.
- Temple circuits – Go beyond the common tour circuits to find genuine remote jungle temples off the beaten track, including the ancient roads, bridges, and hidden wonders.
- Temples by District – Maps of each district highlight the ancient wonders of lesser-travelled areas, with details on each site.
- Ancient History, Art, & Architecture – Immerse yourself in the nuances of ancient Khmer architecture with expert decoding of Khmer temple typologies, art, and history.
- Contemporary History & Culture – Backgrounders to national and local history, along with local religion and Buddhist culture
- The Pagoda Trail – Explore the unique and heritage pagodas of the city center and outlying areas.
- Explore more of Phnom Kulen — The highlights and hidden wonders of Siem Reap’s sacred mountain and the birthplace of the ancient Angkor era, revealed in detail.