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Visiting Siem Reap: Your Ultimate Guide
If you’re looking for a unique and culturally rich destination, look no further than Siem Reap, Cambodia. This charming city is a gateway to the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple complex, as well as a wealth of other attractions and good restaurants that make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Southeast Asia. We came for Angkor Wat and its history but were surprised at how much we liked this beautiful town. In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know before visiting Siem Reap, from what to see and do to where to eat and stay.
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1. How to Get to Siem Reap
The most convenient way to get to Siem Reap is by plane. Siem Reap International Airport is located about 7 km (4 miles) from the city center and is served by several domestic and international airlines, including Cambodia Angkor Air, AirAsia, and Thai Airways. There are direct flights to Siem Reap from many major cities in Southeast Asia and from further afield, including China, South Korea, and Australia. We flew from Bangkok to Siem Reap with Airasia. The flight is only 45 minutes.
But you can also take the bus from Bangkok. This will take around 8 hours and cost 30-35€. Siem Reap is also accessible by bus from other major cities in Cambodia, including Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Several bus companies operate daily services between these cities, including Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, and Cambodia Post VIP Van. The journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap takes about 6 hours, while the journey from Sihanoukville takes about 10 hours. Just check all the options here.
You will need a visa on arrival. It is valid for 30 days and costs 30$. The second currency of Cambodia is the US dollar, so you’ll see dollar prices very often. Probably the best thing is to do the visa online. The e-visa costs 30$ plus a 6$ processing fee but it’s worth it as the immigration officers charge more. They charged us 40€ (around 44$) instead of 30$ and we still don’t know why. Note that you can only pay in Euro or Dollar.
Once you arrive in Siem Reap, getting around by tuk-tuk, bicycle, or even on foot is easy. Tuk-tuks are a popular and inexpensive way to get around the city and can be hired for short trips or a full day’s sightseeing. Bicycles can also be rented from shops throughout the city, and offer a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the surrounding countryside.
2. Basic Information
Siem Reap is located about 315 km (196 miles) northwest of the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. The population of Siem Reap province is estimated to be around 1 million people, with the majority living in the provincial capital of Siem Reap City. Siem Reap is best known for the Angkor Archaeological Park, which covers an area of over 400 square kilometers and is home to dozens of ancient temples and ruins, including the famous Angkor Wat.
The culture of Siem Reap is heavily influenced by Buddhism, which is the predominant religion in Cambodia. Visitors to the area can see many Buddhist temples and shrines, and may also have the opportunity to participate in Buddhist ceremonies and rituals.
The cuisine of Siem Reap is a unique blend of Cambodian, Thai, and Chinese influences, and features a variety of delicious dishes, including fish amok (a steamed fish curry), beef lok lak (stir-fried beef with a tangy sauce), and kuy teav (a noodle soup with pork and seafood).
The people of Siem Reap are known for their warmth and hospitality, and visitors can expect to be welcomed with open arms by the locals. However, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting temples and other sacred sites. So always cover your knees and shoulders and act polite.
3. Where to Stay and Eat
We stayed at the Lub d Hostel Cambodia Siem Reap and can recommend it. It’s a party hostel but it also offers a co-working area and a lot of free activities. They have private rooms and dorms. Our private one was pretty quiet and in total, it’s very modern and clean. Other budget-friendly options are the Onederz Siem Reap, the Mad Monkey Hostel Siem Reap, or the Babel Siem Reap Guesthouse.
We can recommend Dialogue for a nice rooftop terrace with delicious food, Elia for Greek cuisine, Chubby Gonzo’s for Tacos, Jungle Burger Sports Bar for Burgers, or Tevy’s Place for original Cambodian cuisine. For breakfast and coffee, we recommend Sister Srey Cafe or The Little Red Fox Espresso Cafe which is also perfect for working.
4. Activities in Siem Reap
No visit to Siem Reap would be complete without exploring the ancient temples of Angkor, which are widely considered some of the most impressive religious structures in the world. But we put some more activities on our list to fill your itinerary.
4.1 Explore the Temples of Angkor
The main reason why people come to Siem Reap is Angkor. It was the same for us! Located just outside the city, the world’s largest temple area is one of the best sights you can imagine. Because it is so huge, please take enough time to explore. Check out our Angkor Guide here!
4.2 Party at Pub Street
Pub Street is a buzzing hub for all party people and backpackers coming to Siem Reap. You can party here every day and the prices are cheap. The beer costs only 1$ and the cocktails are 3$. Our favorite bar was the Temple bar with a huge rooftop terrace including beer pong and pool tables.
4.3 Stroll around Old Town
Siem Reap’s Old Town is a charming district that is home to many of the city’s most historic buildings and landmarks. Located just a few kilometers from the Angkor Archaeological Park, the district is easily accessible and you can wander around on foot (if it is not too hot!).
You can find several fascinating temples and pagodas. Some of the most popular include:
Wat Preah Prom Rath: This beautiful pagoda is known for its intricate carvings and colorful murals, which depict scenes from Buddhist mythology.
Wat Bo: One of the oldest temples in Siem Reap, Wat Bo features a blend of Khmer and Chinese architectural styles and is home to a number of important Buddhist artifacts.
Wat Damnak: This elegant pagoda was originally built in the late 19th century and has been beautifully restored in recent years. It is known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning gardens.
4.4 Phnom Kulen National Park
Phnom Kulen National Park is only 1h 15 min away from Siem Reap and you can easily drive by yourself with a rental scooter or you book a tour. To be honest, we thought the 20$ entrance fee was way too high for a waterfall, that’s why we skipped it (you’ll also have to pay around 10$ for a scooter). But you can decide for yourself, so here are some of the top attractions in the park:
- Kulen Waterfall: This stunning waterfall is the park’s main attraction, with crystal-clear water cascading down a series of tiers. You can swim in the natural pool at the base of the falls and admire the surrounding jungle.
- River of a Thousand Lingas: This is a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists, with carvings of deities and symbols on the riverbed. You can take a dip in the holy water and make offerings to the gods.
- Preah Ang Thom: This is a 16th-century temple built on the top of a hill, with a massive reclining Buddha statue. You can climb the steep stairs to the temple and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Bat Cave: As the name suggests, this is a cave filled with bats. You can explore the cave and watch the bats fly out at sunset.
5. Conclusion
Visiting Siem Reap is a truly unforgettable experience that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure. From exploring ancient temples to trying delicious local cuisine to relaxing in luxurious accommodations, Siem Reap has something to offer everyone. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to plan the perfect trip to this incredible destination. We hope you are as positively surprised by this little town as we were!
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