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The Ultimate Siem Reap Travel Guide
Table of Contents
Welcome to the Ultimate Siem Reap Travel Guide. In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the heart of Siem Reap, where ancient temples and modern luxuries coexist. We’ll share the best ways to navigate this captivating city, from transportation options to a myriad of accommodations that cater to every traveler’s needs. Experience Siem Reap’s top attractions, indulge in a variety of different top-quality food & restaurants and embark on unforgettable travel itineraries curated just for you.
Best Time to Visit Siem Reap
The best time to visit Cambodia is during the peak season, which spans from November to February. This period offers cooler and drier weather with temperatures between 21°C to 30°C (69°F to 86°F), ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country’s top attractions.
Pre-Arrival Checklist
What do I need to bring to Siem Reap? Before you set foot in Siem Reap, we’ve put together a pre-checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming journey.
SIM Card
When traveling to Siem Reap we do recommend purchasing a SIM card if you don’t have a roam-like home service with your cellular plan. To ensure we had reliable connectivity during our Siem Reap trip we purchased a reliable SIM card.
Where to Purchase a SIM Card In the Siem Reap:
The best place to purchase a SIM card in Siem Reap is to visit a Cellcard phone store in the city. We found it super easy to top-up our phones using a credit card and by downloading the mobile app, it works like a pre-paid card.
Entry Requirements
Travel Requirements for Cambodia:
You can obtain a 30-day tourist visa for $30 USD upon arrival or apply for an e-visa in advance. You can extend it for two more 30-day periods for an extra fee. Proof of vaccination or test results are not required for entry.
Travel Vaccines
We always recommend seeking advice for vaccinations for Indonesia on the CDC website, and/or visiting a travel medical clinic before traveling to a destination.
Disclaimer: The information shared regarding travel vaccines is based on our experiences and research and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. For personalized vaccine information and guidance, please consult with a medical expert such as a travel clinic.
Outlet Plugs & Adapters
Outlet plugs, and adapters to get: The power plugs in Cambodia typically use Type A, Type C, or Type G sockets, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. It’s advisable to carry a universal adapter to ensure compatibility with these outlets.
Travel Insurance
Before traveling, it’s crucial to have travel & medical insurance coverage whenever you’re traveling abroad to another country. We always recommend checking your credit card’s insurance policies to understand the coverage and duration of your insurance. Most travel credit cards have coverage between 14-30 days on the high-end. Therefore, depending on the coverage type and duration of your trip, purchasing travel insurance that supplements these policies, is recommended to provide you with peace of mind and financial security, to ensure your trip is worry-free.
What to Bring
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first adventure, we’ve handpicked a selection of must-have travel items that will make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable. From packing hacks to smart gadgets, these essential travel items have helped us organize better and maintain a stress-free travel experience while saving us time!
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
Welcome to our quick guide on where to stay in Siem Reap, where we unveil the city’s best neighborhoods and an array of hotel options to cater to diverse preferences and budgets. Whether you seek the tranquillity of lush gardens, the convenience of city center lodgings, or the luxurious comforts of upscale resorts, this guide has you covered, ensuring an unforgettable stay amid the cultural wonders of Siem Reap.
This area is the most popular choice for many travelers due to its proximity to the bustling markets, vibrant nightlife, and a wide range of dining options. It’s ideal for those who want to experience the city’s lively atmosphere and be within walking distance of key attractions like Pub Street and the Old Market.
Budget: Antonios Villa
This is one of the best accommodations within walking distance of Pub Street and the city center of Siem Reap. It has a nice pool and spotless and spacious rooms. It’s not uncommon to get a nightly rate of $12 USD per night.
Mid-tier: Golden Temple Villa
Incredible spacious rooms, the staff customer service is top-notch, and conveniently located within walking distance of Pub Street and Old Market. They offer massages and a phenomenal breakfast!
Luxury: Raffles Grand Hotel
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is the epitome of luxury in Siem Reap. With its colonial-era charm, opulent rooms, and exceptional service, it’s a top choice for those seeking an extravagant stay in the city center.
Angkor Archaeological Park: For those primarily focused on exploring the ancient temples of Angkor, staying near the Angkor Archaeological Park is a top choice. This area offers a tranquil environment, providing easy access to the temples while allowing for a peaceful retreat away from the city center’s hustle and bustle.
Budget: Grand Venus La Residence
This budget-friendly hotel offers a comfortable stay near Angkor Archaeological Park. It’s known for its affordability and convenience.
Mid-tier: Nita by Vo Luxury Hotel
This beautiful hotel is equipped with a rooftop pool, away from the busy pub street for a more tranquil environment. It’s closer to Angkor Watt Temple, and the rooms are clean and spacious.
Luxury: Templation Siem Reap (Highly Recommend)
This is one of the most beautiful resorts in Cambodia. It’s located near Angkor Wat in a tranquil resort, it truly feels like you are at a wellness resort it’s calm and peaceful! You can choose to have a villa with your own private pool, bedroom, and living quarters are separate, stunning outdoor bathroom and shower! They offer floating breakfast and room service for all your meals.
Getting Around Siem Reap
Getting around Siem Reap is an essential aspect of your Cambodian adventure. From navigating the journey from Siem Reap International Airport to the best ways of getting around the city, we have you covered.
Upon landing at Phnom Penh International Airport, you’ll find several convenient options for reaching the heart of the city. The airport is located approximately 7 kilometres (4 miles) west of central Phnom Penh.
Here’s what you need to know:
Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the airport. It’s advisable to use the official airport taxi service, which has fixed rates posted at the taxi counter. The journey to downtown Phnom Penh takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Tuk-Tuks: For a more adventurous and budget-friendly option, consider taking a tuk-tuk. Negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Tuk-tuks are open-air vehicles, that allow you to soak in the sights and sounds of the city as you travel.
Ride-Sharing Apps (Our Recommendation): Popular ride-sharing apps like Grab operate in Phnom Penh, offering a convenient and transparent way to book rides from the airport to your destination. What we enjoy about this option is it’s cashless, rides can be cheaper and avoids having to negotiate a price.
We found there were limited public transportation options in Phnom Penh. The majority of the time we used the Grab App to take Tuk Tuks to get around the city for shorter distances, and when we were going longer distances we used a Grab car.
Exploring Siem Reap by taxi, car rental, or scooter provides flexibility and convenience:
Taxis: Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked through ride-sharing apps like Grab. You can order Tuk Tuks using the Grab app or call a car depending on your preference and distance.
Car Rentals: Renting a car is an option if you prefer independent travel. International and local car rental agencies operate in Siem Reap, and driving is on the right side of the road. However, traffic in the city can be chaotic, so be prepared for a unique driving experience.
Scooter Rentals: Scooters are a common mode of transportation in Siem Reap. You can rent them from various shops, and they offer an efficient way to navigate the city’s narrow streets. Make sure you have the necessary license and follow local traffic rules.
Travel Itineraries for Cambodia
Designed to be your passport to this historic and lively Cambodian city, these comprehensive guides offer in-depth insights into the top attractions, hidden gems, and the best culinary experiences that Siem Reap has to offer. With detailed locations, budget-friendly tips, and expert recommendations, our itineraries provide you with the ultimate shortcut to a memorable and stress-free journey.
Top Things to Do & Eat in Cambodia
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Siem Reap’s most sought-after attractions! Discover the timeless allure of Angkor Wat, an architectural masterpiece that attracts travelers from around the world to witness its grandeur.
Explore the enigmatic ruins of Angkor Thom, where ancient history whispers through the stone faces of Bayon Temple. And don’t miss the mesmerizing Ta Prohm, where nature’s embrace intertwines with the ancient stones. Join us in uncovering the secrets of these iconic attractions, and let your adventure in Siem Reap begin! Let’s dive right in with our Ultimate Angkor Wat Guide & Hiring a Local Photographer.
Best Restaurant & Eats in Cambodia
Let’s go on a culinary journey in Siem Reap where you can find an abundance of delicious traditional Cambodian food, and if you’re looking to switch it up some nights, they have a ton of fantastic international restaurants that will blow your mind. From aromatic street food stalls serving up delectable Khmer dishes to elegant restaurants offering international and fusion cuisine, Siem Reap is a gastronomic paradise waiting to be explored. Join us as we unveil the city’s best restaurants and food experiences, ensuring your taste buds embark on an adventure as unforgettable as the temples themselves. Here are the Top 5 Foods To Try In Cambodia.
Our Thoughts on Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a must-visit destination if you’re traveling to Cambodia! Angkor Wat is simply one of the most breathtaking temples you can see in the world. What we loved was that you could stay in an incredibly relaxing oasis like Templation which makes you feel like you’re in a Bali villa. You can also enjoy an upbeat fun city centre filled with restaurants, street food, and bars to spend the evening, and watch traditional Apsara with a tremendous buffet!
It was super easy to get around Siem Reap using Grab everywhere we went which was within a 5-10 minute Tuk-Tuk ride. The quality of accommodations in Siem Reap from budget to luxury is some of the best value we’ve seen in Southeast Asia for the service and experience!
Andrew & Melissa
@HungryPursuit
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