Bayon Temple - Angkor, Cambodia
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SIEM REAP TRAVEL GUIDE 2023: Itinerary, Places to Stay, Things to Do And More

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Siem Reap for first-time visitors

The Ultimate Siem Reap Budget Travel Guide

Thanks to the world-famous Angkor Archeological Park, Siem Reap is one of Cambodia’s most popular tourist destinations. Siem Reap is from the local Khmer dialect and means “defeat of Siam.” The name is said to have been given to the city by King Ang Chan.

The Ultimate Siem Reap Budget Travel Guide
The Ultimate Siem Reap Budget Travel Guide

Before its rise to prominence, Siem Reap was a little-known quiet village in Cambodia. At the turn of the 20th century, an expedition into the nearing forest would change the fate of this peaceful region forever. Angkor was rediscovered at about the same time, thrusting Siem Reap into the limelight as archeologists and tourists gained interest in the previously little-known haven. The village thrived and bloomed into the current stunning city.

Ancient Temple in Siem Reap by @gbrochetto via Unsplash
Ancient Temple in Siem Reap by @gbrochetto via Unsplash.

Today, Siem Reap boasts world-famous accommodation ranging from luxury hotels to budget hotels and restaurants. There are dozens of eateries and clubs lining the city’s streets, all ready to host tourists eager to explore the ancient ruins of Angkor. The temples at Angkor Archeological Park never cease to impress, so this park is truly one of Southeast Asia’s most remarkable places.

This Siem Reap Travel Guide aims to give you the most helpful budget tips, DIY Travel guide, best places to stay, recommended things to do and see, a sample budget itinerary, best places to eat, and more.

Exploring Siem Reap - Southeast Asia
Exploring Siem Reap – Southeast Asia

Best time to visit Siem Reap

If you’re looking for the best experience in this stunning destination, plan to visit during the dry months between November and April. Luckily, Siem Reap is in the cooler northern region of Cambodia, with temperatures averaging about 25°C during the dry season. These conditions are perfect for outdoor adventures.

Climate in Cambodia

  • Cool-season: November- March (23-29c)
  • Hot season: March-May (27c -37c)
  • Rainy season: May – October (24c-33c)
Bantay Srei Temple in Siem Reap
Bantay Srei Temple in Siem Reap

How to get there

From Manila, Philippines

One of Siem Reap’s admirable qualities is that it’s easily accessible from almost every other major city in the region. There are direct flights from Manila, with the cheapest direct flights provided by Cebu Pacific Air. A direct flight from Manila to Siem Reap takes about 2 hours.

From Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

For those who don’t mind a stop at Kuala Lumpur, you may use AirAsia, whose prices are a great bargain. From KL, It takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes to reach Siem Reap International Airport.

Siem Reap International Airport is about 7 km from the town center. Unless your hotel offers free airport transfers, here are the other options:

  • Prepaid taxis cost US$12; see the prepaid booth just outside the terminal.
  • Prepaid Tuktuk rides are also available for $9.
  • Motodop (motorbike taxi) for US$5.

QUICK TIPPick up your free Siem Reap Angkor Visitors Guide and the practical Siem Reap Pocket Guide from the airport or your hotel’s concierge. It contains helpful info on Siem Reap and the Angkor Archaeological Park, including recommended hotels, bars, restaurants, shops, and travel maps.

Siem Reap Cambodia Travel Guide
Siem Reap Cambodia Travel Guide

Visa for Cambodia

If you are a Philippine Passport holder, you may get into Cambodia visa-free for up to 21 days.

Tuk Tuk in Siem Reap
Tuk Tuk in Siem Reap

Getting around

Visitors to Siem Reap have various options for getting around the city.

  • Grab a Bike – Biking is your best option for those looking for a budget way to tour Siem Reap. Expect to pay about $1 for the whole day of bike rental.
  • Tuktuk – Tuktuks are quite popular in Siem Reap, too. If you’re traveling alone or as a couple, expect to pay up to $15 for a day. Tuktuk rentals typically charge $18 for a party of three, which is more affordable if you can form a group and split the cost.
  • Taxi – If you’re looking for a bit of luxury, then a taxi is a convenient way to experience some. Although you get to pay about twice as much as you’d pay for a Tuktuk, you enjoy some conveniences such as some freshwater and cold towels.
  • Green E-bikes can be found throughout the city. $10 per 24 hours, open 7am-7pm. There are designated charge points within the small and big tour sections of Angkor. One hour charge gives you 5 km. A full charge is 42km. A passport is required for Green E-bikes rental.
Artist in Siem Reap Cambodia
Artist in Siem Reap Cambodia

Learn some local lingo.

Khmer is the language spoken by most people here. Before visiting the city, you can learn some of the most standard phrases in Khmer online, although the locals are amiable and willing to teach you a few phrases during your visit. That said, here are some common words and phrases you can use during your stay:

  • Hello – Choum Reap Sue
  • How are you? – Ta neaksoksabayteh?
  • Please – Suommehta
  • Sorry/excuse me – Sohmdtoh
  • Thank you – Or-koon
  • Yes – Baat (men)/ Chaas (Women)
  • No – Dteh
  • Where is…..?- Nov erna?
  • I need a doctor – K`nyomtrouvkrouhpeit
  • I’m lost – K’nyomvungvehngplouv
Siem Reap Budget Itinerary
Siem Reap Budget Itinerary

Places to Stay in Siem Reap

Siem Reap has a variety of accommodation options for visitors to the city. For those looking for high-end accommodation, you can opt to stay in these hotels:

Angkor Paradise Hotel in Siem Reap
Angkor Paradise Hotel in Siem Reap

Angkor Paradise Hotel

(Check Rates and Availability)
Address: National Road No 6, Phum Sala Kangseng,, Sangkat Svay Dangkoum, Krong Siem Reap 17000, Cambodia

The Angkor paradise hotel is a fantastic 5-star hotel serving great food. There are happy hour deals that will be keeping you lounging in the bar for a while. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and free parking, and rates include breakfast. The rooms are impeccably clean and have air conditioning. Enjoy some time in the pool if you love swimming, or sample different cuisines at the restaurant.

Tresor d'Angkor Suite
Tresor d’Angkor Suite

Tresor d’Angkor Suite

(Check Rates and Availability)
Address: Krous Village, Sangkat Svay Dangkum, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

The Tresor d’Angkor Suite is an excellent getaway that offers a lot of nice characteristics of luxury hotels in Siem Reap. There’s free Wi-Fi, free parking, great rooms, and top-notch customer service. There’s an awesome patio for drinks and breakfast. Upon request, the hotel will arrange a Tuktuk within minutes for you.

DormPoint Hostel in Siem Reap
DormPoint Hostel in Siem Reap

For those who are looking for Budget Hotels, here are the two highly recommended places to stay:

DormPoint Hostel

(Check Rates and Availability)
Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Dorm Point is an excellent place to stay if you’re looking to save money. For about $2, you not only get a place to spend the night but free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, and breakfast at their restaurant. There’s airport transportation nearby too.

Champei Khmer Guesthouse Siem Reap
Champei Khmer Guesthouse Siem Reap

Champei Khmer Guesthouse

(Check Rates and Availability)
Address: National Road 6, Banteay chas sangkat, Slor kram communce., Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Another budget hotel, the Champei Khmer Guesthouse, provides many niceties at an affordable price. There’s free parking, free Wi-Fi, room service, and complimentary breakfast.

Also See: Top Ten Hotels in Siem Reap Cambodia

Best Restaurants in Siem Reap
Best Restaurants in Siem Reap

Best Places to Eat in Siem Reap

Le Bel Air

Le Bel Air photo via FB Page
Le Bel Air photo via FB Page

Address: 116 street 26, Siem Reap, Siemreab-Otdar Meanchey, Cambodia Cambodge

Le Bel Air is perfect for sampling top-quality Belgian and Franco-Belgian cuisine, such as steamed mussels. It’s a culinary experience worth sampling and will erase any horrible food experiences you’ve had in the past. Beer prices are great at this hotel too.

Pancake at The Fresh Fruit Factory via FB Page
Pancake at The Fresh Fruit Factory via FB Page

The Fresh Fruit Factory

Address: Taphul Rd, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Another excellent place to eat, especially if you are looking for a tasty smoothie and some delicious pancakes.

The Haven Cambodia via FB Page
The Haven Cambodia via FB Page

The Haven

Address: Chocolate Rd, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Another hotel famed for exceptional cuisine, The Haven, provides a wide range of mouthwatering cuisines at great prices. The oreo cheesecake, Khmer curry, salt, and pepper calamari are many favorites.

Best Things to do and see in Siem Reap Cambodia
Best Things to do and see in Siem Reap Cambodia

Things to Do and See in Siem Reap

Siem Reap abounds with exciting activities for everyone. You could try any of the following ones.

Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours

River Cruise in Cambodia
River Cruise in Cambodia

Experience a tour of Floating Village and Tonle Sap Lake by boat

Outdoor Activities

You can also opt for one of the many exciting outdoor adventures, such as Angkor Wat Park Zip Line Adventure from Siem Reap.

Tours & Sightseeing

There are many exciting places for touring and sightseeing, including Angkor Temples.

Angkor Wat Cambodia
Angkor Wat Cambodia

Visit ancient ruins

The city is famous for such ruins as Bayon Temple, Angkor Wat, and Ta Prohm.

Bayon Temple - Angkor, Cambodia
Bayon Temple – Angkor, Cambodia
Angkor Thom Cambodia
Angkor Thom Cambodia

Food, Wine & Nightlife

You can learn to make local cuisines by taking the Cambodian Village Cooking Class before taking the Siem Reap Street Food Evening Tour.

Also See: Top Ten Places to Visit in Siem Reap Cambodia

Angkor Wat Sunrise At Siem Reap. Cambodia
Angkor Wat Sunrise At Siem Reap. Cambodia

Wi-Fi and Internet Access

You can easily buy a sim card at the airport once you’ve landed in Cambodia. Wi-Fi is almost omnipresent in the city, with almost every hotel, café, guest house, and club providing it for free. Many places in the city offer co-working space at very low rates if you want to use Wi-Fi out of your hotel.

Buy Fruits in Siem Reap Night Market
Buy Fruits in Siem Reap Night Market

Best Places to Shop in Siem Reap

Many stylish boutiques, crafts markets, and artisanal workshops in Siem Reap are usually open well into the night. These include Sombai, Angkor Night Market, Angkor Handicraft Association, Old Market, Lucky Mall, and Gemological Institute of Cambodia.

Cambodian Kids selling Souvenirs
Cambodian Kids selling Souvenirs

Currency Exchange

You can find many places in the city to exchange your US dollars, PHP, or other currency into Riel (KHR), although most facilities readily accept USD and pesos.

If you want to bring Riel (Cambodian Currency) and stop worrying about where to change the currency in Cambodia, I recommend Sanry’s Money Changer. Sanry’s has branches in Glorietta, Greenbelt, Paseo de Roxas (+63(2)8938520), Greenhills, Market-Market, Alabang Town Center, and Trinoma.

Money-Saving Tips

  • Using US dollars instead of pesos saves you some of your hard-earned cash, as the rates for pesos are crazy in this city.
  • Consider staying in budget hotels, too, to save more money.
  • The Old Market is quite affordable compared to other places, so you may want to shop there.
  • Also, if you must use Tuktuks, consider traveling in groups.
Ancient Stone Door and Tree Roots in Ta Prohm Temple Ruins
Ancient Stone Door and Tree Roots in Ta Prohm Temple Ruins

Top Siem Reap Guided Tour Packages

There are different tour packages that you can opt for while visiting Siem Reap.

Angkor Temples Small-Group Tour

Angkor Wat Temple Travel and Tour Packages
Angkor Wat Temple Travel and Tour Packages

This full-day tour of Angkor Temple Complex takes you to see the world-famous Angkor Wat. You also get to visit the jungle temple of Ta Prohm and the smiling stone heads of the Bayon temple. Some tour package includes a sumptuous Cambodian lunch.

Explore Angkor

  • Visit the Angkor Thom complex, where you will explore the fascinating beauty of Bayon and the world-famous Ta Prohm (Tomb-Raider) Temple.
  • Marvel at the enormous and beautiful Angkor Wat, one of the largest religious monuments in the world
  • The temples on this tour are among the biggest in the Angkor Complex
  • Visit Phnom Bakheng at sunset, with a 300-person limit at the peak, so we keep the group small to ensure you enjoy this great stop!

BOOK Your Explore Angkor Tour Here

Angkor Wat and The Royal Temples Full-Day Tour

Bayon Temple Tour
Bayon Temple Tour

This is a private full-day tour of Angkor Wat and the royal temples. You get to explore the Bayon. Visitors can also view the royal enclosures and the Baphoun temple and tour the Phimeanakas. Included in the package is a Khmer-style lunch.

Full-Day Angkor Tour by TukTuk

Angkor Wat Tours
Angkor Wat Tours

This tour starts at Sunrise, where a Tuktuk will pick you up at Siem Reap. You get to view the majestic Angkor Wat as the sun rises. A knowledgeable tour guide takes you through the World Heritage complex. You get to experience Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm too.

Full-day bicycling tour of Angkor Wat

This tour starts at sunrise, so you get to enjoy the view of Angkor Wat at this time. You’ll pay for the entrance to the park. A tour guide takes you to see the ancient monuments at the park, such as the Elephant Terrace, Bayon, and Ta Prom. You also get to learn the history of the area.

Bike the Temples

  • Embark on a 30km biking adventure of nature and temples
    Dig into lunch at a local restaurant, plus enjoy fruit, snacks, and water throughout.
  • Listen closely to your local English-speaking guide, who will tell you all about the area.
  • Kids-sized bikes are available, too, so the whole family can get involved.

Book your Bike the Temples Tour Here

Sunset Dinner on Tonle Sap Lake with a Floating Village Tour

Floating Village Tour Cambodia
Floating Village Tour Cambodia

This tour is a little different from the rest as you get to see the sights from the water. A professional guide takes you through the tour. This all-inclusive, family-friendly tour is complimentary drinks and a buffet dinner.

Sunrise Angkor Exploration Tour

  • Walk through Angkor Wat and marvel at the incredibly intricate carvings on its walls.
  • Witness a sunrise unlike any other at the beautiful Angkor Wat Temple, one of the largest religious monuments
  • Explore the beautiful Bayon Temple, known for the many mysterious faces engraved on its towers
  • Wander in awe at the beauty of the world-famous Ta Prohm Temple, surrounded by massive trees
  • Convenient hotel transfers as well as expert commentary from your local tour guide!

Book Your Sunrise Angkor Exploration Tour here

Siem Reap on a Budget Itinerary
Siem Reap on a Budget Itinerary

Sample Siem Reap Itinerary and Budget

Assuming you are visiting Siem Reap and staying in a budget hotel like King Angkor Villa ($12.22) for two days, here’s a sample itinerary and budget for the most popular places in the city. The list does not cover money spent on accidents or beer.

Room: $24.44 ($12.2 X 2 nights)

Day 1:

  • Arrival in Siem Reap
  • Old Market (FREE)
  • Angkor National Museum ($12)
  • Cambodia Cooking Class ($24)
  • Bike Rental: $1

Day 2:

  • Breakfast
  • Angkor Tour – Entrance Fee: $37
  • Angkor Night Market
  • Dinner at Pub Street /RnR
  • Lights out
  • Tuktuk: $15

Day 3:

  • OLD market (FREE)
  • Departure

Assuming the hotel you book offers complimentary breakfast, you should spend about $25 on meals if you limit your expenses to $5 per meal. Add $10 for incidentals like snacks and refreshments. If you follow this itinerary, then the total cost of your trip should be $59 per day, excluding airfare or train transfers, depending on how you’re traveling.

More Travel Tips:

  • Bring a refillable water bottle – It’s always hot and humid in Cambodia, and you need to stay hydrated. By bringing your refillable water bottle, you are not just saving the environment by eliminating plastics, but you will also save money (I refill water at the hotel and restaurants).
  • Bring comfortable footwear.
  • Appropriate attire when visiting temples – The basic rule is to cover your shoulders and knees (both sexes), and ideally, you’d cover your ankles too.

Looking for a perfect place to stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia? Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about new tourist attractions in Siem Reap? Please follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, TwitterInstagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

Published on: Mar 29, 2018
Updated June 20, 2018

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The Ultimate Seam Reap Travel Guide
The Ultimate Seam Reap Travel Guide

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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