Siem Reap

Introduction

Motorcycle Monk - Siem Reap

© andymoore

Siem Reap owes much of its popularity as a tourist destination to the fact that it is the gateway to Angkor Wat, one of Cambodia's prime attractions. Thanks to the ancient temples nearby, Siem Reap has turned into a focal point of Cambodian tourism, with hundreds of new hotels and guesthouses springing up over the past couple decades.

Siem Reap itself features a combination of Khmer, Chinese and colonial architectural styles. Old Market is one of the town's more vibrant, traditional areas. Siem Reap is also the capital of the province Siem Reap.

Neighbourhoods

• Psar Chas (Old Market) is the area to the east of Pub Street, next to the Siem Reap River. The market is a mix of market stalls for locals and tourists. In the market, you can buy food, clothes, souvenirs, household good, sun glasses, shoes and more. Around the outside of the market, the area is full of tourist shops, restaurants, bars, street food stalls, and many other things.
• Pub Street (Street 08) is the heart of nightlife in Siem Reap. On the Pub Street and surrounding area there is a huge mix of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shops, market stalls, street food, pharmacies, and just about anything else you need. Visiting Siem Reap isn't complete without a trip o Pub Street.
• Sok San Road is an area which has become popular in recent years. The road starts near the X Bar at the bottom of pub street and continues Al the way past Funky Lane. You will find massage parlours, restaurants, bars, hotels, shops, karaoke, and many other places.
• The Night Market Area has become very popular with plenty of market stalls, restaurants, bars, shops and more. The whole area is very busy in the evenings as people tend to walk around the area looking for bargains.

Sights and Activities

Angkor Park

The Angkor Park is home to the famous temples in Siem Reap. The most famous being Angkor Wat. Other notable temples include Bayon, Ta Prohm (the Tomb Raider Temple), Banteay Srei, Angkor Thom and the Roluos Group. The ancient Khmer built many hundreds of temples and many of them were centered around Siem Reap.

The cost of a ticket to enter the Angkor Park is $37 for a one day pass, $62 for a three day pass and $72 for a one week pass. You need to buy your ticket at the Angkor Enterprise Ticket Office before entering the park. Usually, you will buy the ticket on the morning you go or the evening before. You can pay is cash or credit card.

Tonle Sap

The Tonlé Sap is a large lake in the center of Cambodia. For most of the year this lake is only a metre deep but during the rainy season the Mekong reverses flow and the lake swells in size and becomes over 9 metres deep. It is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and of huge importance to Cambodia. In Siem Reap, you can visit one of the four floating villages on the lake - Mechrey, Kampong Phluk, Kampong Khleang or Chong Kneas.

Museums

• The Cambodia Landmine Museum is a good small outdoor museum located on the way to Banteay Srei temple. The museum supports underprivileged Cambodians who have been affected by landmines.
• War Museum is a great large outdoor museum with left over weapons from the war. There is everything from old AK-47s to tanks and artillery cannons. The tour guides are veterans of the revolution and tell a very personal and moving story about the weapons and the effects they had on the Cambodian people.
• Angkor National Museum is a large museum which houses many ancient artefacts from the Khmer empire and before. It's in the town center and the air-conditioned building can make for a welcome break from the hot sun.
• Killing Fields. Although not officially a museum, the killing fields provides an insight into the history of the genocide in Siem Reap and the brutal Khmer Rouge regime.

Shopping

Shopping is a must in Cambodia as there is bound to be something of interest for everyone - from the lovely silk shawls and clothing to traditional musical instruments and books.

• Night Markets - There are many night markets in and around the Pub Street / Old Market area. Most of them cater for tourists and sell similar things including small gifts, paintings, clothes, ornaments, and similar items.
• Local Markets - Many of the local markets dotted around the town are popular with tourists who want to see the local way of life. The largest market in Siem Reap, Phsar Leu, is a great place to go shopping and get some great deals. However, you won't find many English speaking sellers here. Other local markets include the Old Market (Phsar Chas), Phsar Samaki and Phsar Krom.
• Shopping Centres and Malls - Siem Reap is home to a number of shopping centres and malls. Popular places to visit include the Lucky Mall, ASEAN Plaza, the Angkor Trade Centre and Heritage Walk.
• Supermarkets - There are many supermarkets in Siem Reap selling food, groceries and household items. The largest is Angkor Market on the National Road 6. Other popular supermarkets include Thai Hout, Chao Sang Hok, Lucky Supermarket and Asia Mart. All of them are in the town and easily accessible. Most people will generally go to the supermarket closest to their home / hotel.
• Souvenir Shops - You will see many gift shops and souvenir shops on the road. If you're in the market for some gifts for your loved ones, they can be a great place to pick up some bargains.

Spas and foot massages

With all the walking during the daytime, visiting temples and other areas of interest, one often feels the need to have a good foot massage to regain the energy in one's feet for the next day. There are several places around the old market area that offer foot massages. It's best to check TripAdvisor first to find one in your price range with and adequate service. The quality of massages on offer can vary.

It's possible to get a simple foot massage or go to a spa for a fully-trained masseuse. Prices can vary considerably depending on the quality of the service provided.

• Fish Massage - You will see tanks full of water and small fish all over the place. The small fish will eat the dead skin from your feet! It isn't just a tourist attraction, the fish really do make your feet feel smoother. Prices generally start from a few dollars and you get a free drink with it.

Events and Festivals

• Water Festival is every October/November and attracts thousands of Khmers to Siem Reap. The main focal point for the festival is the boat race which takes place over three days. Teams from all over Cambodia compete to be crowned winners. Watch the boat racing along the Siem Reap River starting from the Royal Gardens with the finish line at the next bridge. There are also live music shows, popup markets, fireworks, and of course, lots of water. Leave your smartphone at home, you're probably going to get wet!
• Khmer New Year is the Buddhist new year which is celebrated over three days, usually on the 12th to 14th of April. It's the most popular holiday in Cambodia and there will be fireworks, parties, and events all over Siem Reap during this period.
• Chinese New Year is a widely celebrated holiday, especially among the Cambodians descended from China. Although not an official holiday, many families will take time off to celebrate. You will see lots of fireworks around this holiday.
• Pchum Ben is another three day holiday. Here, Cambodians will pay homage to their dead relatives. They will visit the pagoda multiple times to pay respect to the dead.
• Angkor Half Marathon is a yearly half marathon in December that runs through the temples of Angkor Wat. The money raised is donated to several local charities.
• Christmas has become a popular holiday, especially with young Cambodians. Let hough it isn't a public holiday, Cambodians do like to share gifts. Many hotels put up lights and displays which attract families to come and look at them.
• International New Year is widely celebrated on the 31st December and referred to as the "count down". The 1st January is a public holiday. Like you would expect, bars and restaurants are full. Fireworks seem to go on for an eternity.

Weather

Siem Reap has a hot and humid tropical climate. It is dominated by the wet southwest monsoon from May to October and the dry northeast monsoon from November to April. Temperatures are between 23 °C and 26 °C at night, and 30 °C to 35 °C during the day most of the year, but April sees temperatures of 40 °C occasionally. September and October are the wettest months. The best time of year to visit is during the dry cool season from mid December to mid-February.

Getting There

By Plane

Siem Reap International Airport (REP), about 6 kilometres from town, has flights with Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines to Kuala Lumpur, Asiana Airlines to Seoul, Bangkok Airways to Bangkok, Cambodia Angkor Air to Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City, China Eastern Airlines to Kunming and Nanning, China Southern Airlines to Guangzhou, Jetstar Asia to Singapore, Korean Air to Seoul and Busan, Lao Airlines to Luang Prabang, Silk Air to Da Nang and Singapore, and Vietnam Airlines to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Luang Prabang.

By Car

It is possible to hire a car to get to and from Siem Reap and the Thai border, Phnom Penh, and any other destination in Cambodia. There are two types of long distance taxis. Private taxis and shared taxis. With private taxis, you pay for the whole car and only you're in it. With a shared taxi, you pay for a seat and share with other people. Shared taxis are often slower as they make multiple stops along the way. It's also not uncommon to have 7 or even 8 people in one shared taxi.

By Bus

Generally speaking, the national roads from Siem Reap are generally very good in all directions. Buses are often the cheapest form of transport to get around Cambodia. Some companies are better than others with PSD and Giant Ibis being the most popular with expats and tourists. Other bus companies often stop many times along the way making the journey much longer than it should be. Bus drivers tend to drive with no fear, so try not to look out of the front window, it can be scary at times!

By Boat

Depending on the time of year, it's possible to take the boat to Phnom Penh and Battambang. The slow boat from Siem Reap to Battambang can take a long time, much longer than going by road. However, you'll get a unique view of Cambodia along the river. The fast boat from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh takes around 6-7 hours and again give a unique view of the country. The cost of taking the boat is more than the bus but can be a pleasant alternative.

Getting around

Tuk Tuk driver called Nats..

© geranddebs

By Car

Private taxis are a popular way to get around the temples. Prices can be as little as $30 for a small tour. The most popular type of transport is an early 2000s Toyota Camry. If you want something with a bit more style, then a Lexus can be arranged for around $40.

There is a growing number of metered taxis which can take you around town. You would usually need to call them first. Over short distances, metered taxis can be just as cheap as tuk tuks.

By Foot

If staying in a hotel or guesthouse near the city centre then walking around is a good way to get around town. Beware that there are few paths IN Siem Reap. Where you do see a path, it's likely that it will be full with food sellers, cars and motos. Therefore, you'll often be sharing the road with cars and other traffic. You will also need to put up with a continuous call of people offering their services including tuk tuks, massages, and just about anything else. Walking around Siem Reap isn't for the feint hearted!

Motorbike/Tuk-Tuk

There are countless motorbikes and tuk-tuks around town to be hired. Remember to bargain the rate down no matter what. Tuk-tuks can be hired for about US$15 to $20 a day and motorbikes for about half the price. Remember that the shade on the back of a tuk-tuk can be really nice when the sun is high in the sky.

By Bike

Renting a bike and biking around Angkor is a possibility. Just remember that it can get very hot during the day and shade can sometimes be hard to find. Also Angkor is a large city so it is easy to get lost. On the plus side it is nice to enjoy the ruins without the loud noise of a motor roaring away all day.

PassApp / Grab

Ride-hailing apps have become very popular. Both PassApp and Grab operate in Siem Reap. Locals and tourist like to use them because you don't need to haggle over the price, the prices aren't inflated over the normal market rates, and it's easy to use.

Eat

Siem Reap - Foodstalls

© Herr Bert

There are several western restaurants around the downtown area. Remember that most guesthouses have restaurants attached to them but it is good to branch out and spread the wealth. If looking for local food there is an open air market just south of downtown near the Popular Guesthouse.

In the center you will find many restaurants offering a Khmer BBQ. It is not the cheapest way to eat in Siem Reap, but it gives you the opportunity to try a number of meats which you might not have tried before like: crocodile, shark or snake.

• River Garden restaurant (Oxcourt) is a lovely restaurant away from the busy town area and offers delicious meals presented nicely. The restaurant is located within the premises of the guesthouse.

There are some great eating places in the Old Market area, especially on Pub Street and at Sivatha Blvd.
Soup Dragon Cafe on Pub street serves a nice mixture of Cambodian, Thai and western food for reasonable prices ranging from US$4-6.
Banana Leaf is a popular night spot with blaring loud music that overwhelms the entire Pub street and has street seating.
Khmer kitchen located on the parallel street to Pub Street offers nice and simple Khmer meals and is much more quieter and simpler in its presentation.
Le Tigre De Papier which is next door to Soup Dragon Cafe mainly focuses on pizzas, pastas and lasagne.
Blue Pumpkin in the old market area besides Angkor Candles and Kokoon is a great place for coffee and those with a sweet tooth, especially for chocolate themed desserts.
Chusska, Indian Vegetarian Restaurant - pure Indian vegetarian restaurant in Siem Reap, Lunch&Dinner. St# 7,Old Market ,Siem Reap, Tel 012 212138.
Taj Mahal Restaurant, Halal - Classic Indian, Near to pub Street B/W Red Piano & CAB bank, old market area, Tel 0888765100.
Maharajah Restaurant, Halal - Royal Indian, Sivatha Road Old Market Area,Front Of Terrasse Des Elephants, Tel 092 506622.
Curry Walla - Serving vegetarian and Non-vegetarian authentic Indian fare on very reasonable prices. Add: B05, Sivatha Blvd Svay dangkum, Phone: 063 965 451 / 092 459 723.
Taste Of India - All the heavy weights are here included Samoas, Thali, Tandoori, Dosa, Naan , Roti , Paratha, extensive menu is included with 75 different dishes. #109, Sivatha Street, In the corner of old market road Junction, Phone: 063 969 109 / 089 436 096.
Viva Restaurant is a Mexican/Khmer restaurant with an odd mix of dishes on the menu, but they are tasteful and actually good value for money. Address 697 Street 09, Krong Siem Reap / Phone +855 92 209 104.
Molop Wat Damnak Restaurant, Rambutan lane (south of Wat Damnak Pagoda Rambutan Ln), ☏ +855 98 663 929. Mon-Sun 7:00-23:00. Cosy restaurant offering Organic Khmer and Western food of high quality. The vegetables are from the uncle´s farm, which can also be visited on a nice and educating half-day tour. Plenty of vegetarian and even vegan options available. They also offer cooking classes for Khmer cooking. The dishes are rich and delicious, and not too spicy. Always serve some spicy peanuts. Main dishes from about $3.
Viroth's Restaurant, #246 Wat Bo Rd, ☏ +855 12 826 346. Stylish Khmer restaurant that is often so full you will have to wait for a table. The extensive menu is a mix of Khmer and Asian-esque dishes and with some vegetarian options. Some say the food is not spicy enough but the outdoor setting is nice if it is not raining. $5-8.
Georges Rhumerie restaurant, Wat Damnak, next to quad adventure, ☏ +855 968 617 448, ✉ [email protected] from 6PM , closed on Sunday. Features Creole fusion dishes with a nice Cambodian touch coming from home-style chilli and chutney. The cocktails are made better through the use of the Georges infused rum. 1 to 8$.
HAVEN, Chocolate Road, Wat Damnak area (West of Angkor High School), ☏ +855 78 34 24 04, ✉ [email protected] Mon-Sat 11:30-14:30 and 17:30-21:30, Closed on Sunday. Training restaurant teaching disadvantaged young adults. Cambodian, Asian, Western Food, with many vegetarian/vegan options.
L'Angelo (Le Meridien Hotel). Probably Siem Reap's most daring restaurant, serving fusionesque Italian cuisine like foie gras on a bed of white asparagus and balsamic vinegar ice cream in a setting so achingly modern that the only decoration is a cloud of black dots on the white wall. A full meal with a glass or two of wine costs around $100 for two.
Le Malraux, Sivatha St. French cuisine and Khmer specialties, all made with local and fresh products. Central city location that opens early in the morning for breakfast.
The Dining Room (Park Hyatt Hotel), Sivutha Blvd. Formerly known as Meric when this was the Hotel de la Paix, the name-change has not blunted the quality of the food, which is excellent. Acclaimed by some as the best Khmer restaurant in all Cambodia, it is set in a chic hotel with a minimalist modern feel. The chefs source the freshest ingredients for both Khmer tasting menus, as well as a la carte dishes. Sit in air conditioned comfort, or outside tables and lounge furniture and enjoy the nighly music and dance performances that commence at 20:00.
The Red Piano, Pub St. 2 floors. Serves a variety of Italian and other European food with Britney Spears music videos in the background.
Cuisine Wat Damnak, Wat Damnak Market St (Behind Wat Damnak Pagoda, between Psa Dey Hoy Market and Angkor High School), ☏ +855 77 347 762, ✉ [email protected] Tu-Su, 18:30-21:30, closed M. French food with Cambodian influence. Only has two tasting menus, no à la carte dishes. Indoor and outdoor seating. $19-$26.
Cafe D’Angkor (Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor) (Across from the main park next to the Siem Reap River, within view of the Royal Residence). This restaurant is inside the colonial-era Raffles Hotel. Main courses include western and Khmer dishes, and range from $20 to $30. Both the food and services were excellent. There are other restaurants in this hotel.

Drink

The majority of bars and pubs of Siem Reap are concentrated in on a strip called Pub Street and its surrounding alleys. Although peaceful during the day, the streets in the Pub Street area which is just a block away from the historic Psah Chas (Old Market), comes alive with lights and music. Tourists, both local and international alike, starts pouring into the bars and pubs and give the streets almost a nightly street party scene.

Started in the late-1990s by a local business called Angkor What? Bar and followed by its rival, Temple Bar, from the across the street, Pub Street is often recommended as a must-see attraction in Siem Reap.

The distinction between eating and drinking establishments is fairly blurry as even the most humble of restaurants can have an extensive cocktail list on their menu. Nonetheless, a vibrant drinking scene concentrated along Street 8, aptly dubbed "Pub Street", is where serious drinkers head for cheap beer, loud music and the sweaty backpacking hubbub scene akin to Bangkok's Khao San Road. The biggest and most well-known Pub St bars, Angkor What?, The Red Piano, Temple Club and Le Tigre du Papier, are easy to find, with Angkor What? and Temple Club engaged in a running battle playing pop music across the street at very loud volumes.

Travelers looking for more subdued place to appreciate a quiet drink can seek out some of the smaller places along "The Alley", "The Lane" and the adjoining streets. A few drinking holes offer a bit more than cheap drunkenness.

Most places have draught Angkor beer for $0.50 and cans of other beers for $1-2. Cocktails and spirits go for as little as $2. Imported red and white wine, generally from the less prestigious wine producing countries, is widely available and cheaper than you would expect. Better quality Australian and French wines are available in more upmarket establishments at a correspondingly premium price.

Khmer Pub Street Beergarden KTVs (on Khmer Pub Street). close 02:00. There is a strip of local Cambodian bars near the Platinum KTV. If you walk past it, there is a whole 2-3 block street full of local cambodian bars. Menus are not in English and few employees speak English, but the prices are good. These are restaurant/bars, they have young women sitting at the entrance, and you can have one accompany you for $1.50. Beers are $1. $.50 for draught beer.
Score Sports Bar (The Alley, West end). More than just a sports bar, with free pool table and 3 large HD TVs. Great place to watch rugby and football. Expensive drinks.
Angkor What?, Pub St. sundown until late. The most famous backpacker bar in Siem Reap, located directly across from competing late night spot Temple Club. USD1 draught beers, USD2 mixers, USD6-8 buckets. Large Western crowd. Offers inside and outside drinking. Open until late.
Banana Leaf Cafe, Pub St. Small contemporary street side café, with weekend live music. Efficient and professional staff will entertain the crowd until late. Great cocktails.
Soup Dragon, Pub St. A restaurant/bar on one of the corners of the "bar" street in the old part of town. Great sunset vista from their rooftop with the added bonus being it is the same time as happy hour: two for one cocktails. Drinks range from USD2-4.
X Bar, 102 Sok San Road, ☎ +855 12 263 271, e-mail: [email protected] 15:00-sunrise. Open air rooftop bar featuring a 2 m skateboard halfpipe, jam sessions every Wednesday evening, live DJs and bands every week and a resident tattoo shop with a French artist. Probably the best city views in town, and unusual sunset over the halfpipe. At the end of Pub Street, look up for the X.
Asana Old Wooden House, The Lane, behind Pub St, ☏ +855 92 9987801, ✉ [email protected] Food & cocktail bar. Restored in 2012, Asana is the last wooden house in the city-old market area.
Little Pari, The Lane, behind Pub St. A delightful corner bar playing jazz and dispensing cocktail infusions to a friendly expat crowd.
Miss Wong Cocktail Bar, The Lane, behind Pub St. Tucked away from the rowdy chaos of Pub St, this sophisticated bar serves up delightful refreshing cocktails in a sultry red lounge plucked straight from 1930s Shanghai.

Sleep

In the last 10 years the options for sleeping in Siem Reap have grown unbelievably. There are now countless guesthouses, hotels and resorts to choose from. Be careful because buses from Bangkok tend to try to put new arrivals in hotels way outside the city centre. The better and more popular places are much closer to downtown though. New places open up every week. And some places close down as well, so check beforehand

Budget Accommodation

• Green Town Guesthouse - US$7-18 all rooms with include breakfast, free bike, free pick up and transfer(phone:+85512963749, 012635893, E-mail :[email protected]) Address Street 21 ,#0182, Wat Bo village, Salakamroeuk commune Siem Reap city, Good for backpacker to stay just located the east side of river near Central market and 10-minute walk to Old market .
• Tropical Breeze Guesthouse US$8-20 All rooms with free breakfast, free bike, free pick up and transfer (phone:+855977624488, 012963749 ,e-mail :[email protected]) Address #0293,Wat Damnak Village Salakamrouek commune Siem Reap City. Nice quiet place to relax, walking distance only 4-minute walk to Phsar Chas (Old market Pub street) Note: Please booking on line you'll get all free stuff.
• Popular Guesthouse - (Phone:(855) 12 916165, Email: [email protected], Address: #033, group 10, Viheachin Village, Svaydangkum commune) - a good backpacker guesthouse located just south of downtown. Although the staff can be a bit distant at times, the rooms are good and there is a nice rooftop restaurant that is nice for meeting people.
• Arboretum Guesthouse, Sok San Rd, Stung They, Svay Dangkum (Sok San Rd, 1 min away from Pub St), ☎ +855 63 963240, +855 97 3142956, e-mail: [email protected] Check-in: on arrival, check-out: 11:00. Fan or air-con, balconies, satellite TV, hot water, free Wi-Fi, fridge. 24 hr reception, very friendly staff, European management. Close to town centre; 20 min from temples. Free plane, bus, boat pick-up. Singles from USD16. Doubles USD20. Family room up to USD52.
• Baphuon Villa, 117 St Wat Bo, Sangkat Slor Kram (Near the royal residence and Rte 6; 15 min from the Old Market and Pub St), ☎ +855 63 967 177, e-mail: [email protected] A 16 bedroom secluded colonial-style villa with a courtyard, parking area and tropical garden. The hotel offers a range of bright, spacious and clean fan and air-con single, twin, double, and family rooms. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, cable TV with 100+ channels, private WC, washbasin, and hot showers, complimentary toiletries, and mineral water. Deluxe rooms have fully stocked minibars. A variety of breakfasts are served and the hotel offers an evening meal delivery service and packed breakfasts for those viewing the sunrise at Angkor. The hotel has its own tuk-tuk drivers and a free tuk-tuk service for guests staying 3 or more nights. Bus tickets to all destinations in Cambodia and to other destinations in SE Asia are available at the 24-hour reception. Free tea and coffee available all day. Bicycle hire. Beautifully decorated with artefacts, travel posters and photographs from throughout SE Asia. Very friendly and helpful English-speaking staff. USD14+.
• Golden Mango Inn, No. 0658, Rd 6, Chongkaosou Village, Slorkram Commune (On Hwy 6, accessible by the slip-road next to the Total Petrol Station), ☎ +855 63 761857, e-mail: [email protected] Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A budget accommodation run by the Cheab family. Free services include pick up from airport and bus station, tuk-tuk rides to the Old Market and Pub Street, bicycle use, daily breakfast and booking of bus tickets and countryside or Angkor tours. All rooms equipped with air-con, cable TV, mini-bar, and hot & cold shower. Management and staff are cordial, competent and reliable. Pool, garden, and a small bar/restaurant. USD20-30.
• Lovely Guesthouse (Wat Bo area, St 20 N of Wot Bo Rd, near crossing of New Apsara Market), ☎ +855 12 242429, +855 12 717228, e-mail: [email protected] Free Wi-Fi, laundry + ironing USD1.50/kg, restaurant (USD2-3/dish), tours to Angkor Vat and district. Great value for the money. Rooms nice and cleaned every day. Their tuk-tuk drivers speak good English and are really great, and their breakfast options are both delicious and a great bargain. You can also arrange trips around SR and tours with them. Single/double start at USD5-6 with cold shower, USD8 hot shower.
• The Siem Reap Hostel, 7 Makara St (Near the corner of Wot Bo Rd and Angkor School Rd in the Wat Dam Nak area), e-mail: [email protected] Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A comfortable hostel with air-con in all rooms. Free Wi-Fi. All rooms have balcony. Bar, restaurant, pool table, indoor swimming pool in the bar/restaurant area (clean and cool in the tropical heat), yoga room, cinema-style movie nights, local food tour, pool table. USD2 buffet breakfast for those in dorms, free for private room guests. The hostel has its own trusted tuk-tuk drivers with whom they work closely to ensure reliable service and have good English. They can be booked for trips at the front desk. Dorm bed: USD6 year round; high season (Oct-Apr) single, USD18; double: USD28; triple: USD36; low season (May-Sep), USD15-20-30.
• Sweet Dreams Guest House, House 126 Wat Bo St, Salakomrouek Commune (From airport take Hwy 6 to Siem Reap, pass two traffic lights, turn right at the roundabout, cross the first bridge over the river, turn left across the river and take the first right, the guesthouse is 100 m on your right. From the bus station take Road 6 in Siem Reap, turn left at the first traffic light, then take the second right. Call for free pickup from airport/bus station/boat station/train station), ☎ +855 92 548600. Check-in: Anytime, check-out: 12:00. Family-owned guesthouse. Clean, relaxed atmosphere with bar & restaurant. Free computer & free Wi-Fi. Friendly staff willing to help with ticket booking and trips to Angkor Wat. USD2: single room fan & shared bath, USD4-5: single room fan & private bath, USD10: double room air-con & private bath.
• Tropical Breeze Guesthouse and Restaurant, 293 Wat Damnak Village (Cross river from Old market & Pub St, turn right and walk for around 5 min), ☎ +855 63 966445, e-mail: [email protected] Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Bar and restaurant downstairs, Western and Cambodian menu. Large rooms with high ceilings, open windows, Wi-Fi, free computers downstairs, 70 channel TV, air-con or fan, en suite bath has mains pressure hot water. 24 hr check-in, security guard, security box in lobby (bring your own padlock). Free set breakfast menu of 56 items, including drinks. Tours, tickets and local transport. Visa or MasterCard accepted. Free pick up 24 hr by prior arrangement. USD8-20.

Mid-Range

• The Saem Siemreap Hotel is a very attractive 4* hotel within easy Tuk Tuk distance of downtown. Clean & comfortable rooms. It has attentive, friendly staff & a beautiful pool. Not much happening in the hotel bar of an evening, try the beer garden directly opposite the front door.
• Ta Phrom Hotel, Pokambor Ave, Mondul I, Sangkat Svay Dangkum (River front, next to Old Market), ☎ +855 63 380117, +855 63 760087, fax: +855 63 963528. Free in room Wi-Fi 24 hr, restaurant, wooden interior and beautiful statues, terrace, traditional atmosphere with French colonial exterior, friendly English speaking staff, in-room refrigerator, mini-bar, slippers, air-con, hot water and bathtub, cable TV, 24 hr services and 24 hr security. Lovely hotel with exceptional wooden interior, breakfast is included and free airport pick-up for longer stays. USD35-80.
• Tanei Guesthouse Siem Reap (Next to Artisan D'Angkor). Free in-room Wi-Fi 24 hr, free tea, coffee, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, restaurant, lobby, quiet garden, terrace, fresh atmosphere, mini-bar, friendly staff, English speaking staff, in-room refrigerator, electric lamp, slippers, alarm clock, traditional Khmer pictures, fan, air-con, hot water, cable TV, window, 24 hr services and 24 hr security. Free pick-up. USD12+.
• Claremont Angkor Boutique Hotel, 0017, Phum Wat Bo, Sala Kamreuork (Central Siem Reap City near the airport and close to Pub St, Psar Chas Market, and Angkor National Museum), ☎ +855 63 966898, e-mail: [email protected] Offers spacious rooms and deluxe amenities. Serves free daily breakfast. Swimming pool, fitness facility, spa and body treatments. USD35+.

Upscale

• Day Inn Angkor Resort, Oum Khun St, ☎ +855 63 760 500, e-mail: [email protected] Brightly painted and decorated with stylish touches, the 62 rooms all have a balcony or terrace view of the swimming pool and landscaped private gardens. USD88-108. edit

Heritage Suites Hotel (Next to Wat Po Langka), ☎ +855 63 969100. A roll top bath, private garden, and premium linen are uncommon little extras that could help you justify the price. USD140-275.

• The One Hotel (The Passage), ☎ +855 12 755 311, e-mail: [email protected] About as exclusive as you can get, the freestanding French colonial building has only one suite with street view balconies and a private rooftop Jacuzzi garden. USD250. edit

Prince D'Angkor, Sivatha Blvd, ☎ +855 63 763 888, e-mail: [email protected] Upmarket hotel and spa. 10 min stroll from the centre of town. USD180.

• La Residence d'Angkor, River Rd, ☎ +855 63 963 390, e-mail: [email protected] The hotel is finished in stone and wood that reflects traditional architecture, centred around a baray-inspired swimming pool. USD395.
• Sokha Angkor Resort (Corner of Rd 6 & Sivatha Blvd), ☎ +855 63 969 999, e-mail: [email protected] Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A new resort in the city centre with large salt-water pool and state of art lobby. The resort has 6 restaurants and bars. Guests stay at this beautiful resort can acquire temple passes at the lobby. USD140-2,200.
• Starry Angkor Hotel, No G4, Rd 6, Banteay Chas Village, Sangkat Slorkram, ☎ +855 63 968 123, fax: +855 63 968 124. Offers 127 rooms ranging from superior and deluxe Rooms; business, junior and Starry suites; all equipped with plasma cable TV with remote control, Wi-Fi, separated luxurious showering cabinet and bathtub. Facilities and services include Starry restaurant, swimming pool and fitness room/gym. From USD60.
• Suites and Sweet Angkor, Phum Krous, Khum Svay Daungum, ☎ +855 63 761 490, e-mail: [email protected] If you can overlook the name, the nine villas set in tropical gardens offer privacy and each of the suites face a traditional Khmer lake that includes a private pool with a wooden terrace. USD165.

You can use the form below to search for availability (Travellerspoint receives a commission for bookings made through the form)

Work

Markt in Siem Reap 3

© irezumi

• Teaching in Siem Reap is a very popular option. There are many organisations, private schools and universities which offer English programs and are always looking for native English teachers. Unfortunately, the demand far outweighs supply and schools are so desparate for teachers, they'll take on anyone, regardless of qualifications and experience. Most English speaking foreigners looking for work in Siem Reap will teach. The salaries can be good, starting from around $1,000 a month, and teaching jobs are fairly easy to come by. There is also a growing number of Chinese schools which employ Chinese nationals to teach.
• Hospitality is another option. Some of the larger hotels and resorts will employ foreigners as part of their management team. It's common to find foreign general managers, head chefs, and other jobs in many hotels. These kind of jobs are ften reserved for those with hospitality experience and do pay very well.
• Bars and Nightclubs. You'll find many bars and nightclubs will employ foreigner bar tenders and staff. However, the salary is often very low and most jobs are taken by travellers passing through the town. Thus type of job isn't suitable for those looking to live in Siem Reap for a longer time.
• Freelancers. Siem Reap is a popular place for online freelancers. The relatively easy to get visa and work permit, good Internet, and the cheap cost of living make Siem Reap a good choice for online writers, website designers, marketers and any other type of online job.

Volunteer

There are plenty of volunteering options available. Most involve teaching English, building homes, medical care (professionals only) and other things where foreign skills can be helpful. There are many organisations with a bad reputation so it's important to do your research first.

Learn

Schools and universities accept students from all nationalities. However, most programs are taught in khmer, so unless you have an excellent understanding of Khmer, you won't be able to study here.

If you are a non-English speaker, you will find many courses whwre you can learn English. It is common for schools and universities to accept students from non-English speaking countries to study English.

Keep Connected

Internet

Most of the Internet cafes and bars around town have closed down. Much like CDs, they have become a relic of the past. Nearly all hotels and restaurants provide free high-speed Internet for free. Internet speeds are generally very good throughout Siem Reap and fiber optic has become the norm. Internet is also often available outside of the town center.

4G coverage in the town is excellent and there is also great 3g coverage outside of the town. Many of the mobile networks provide cheap packages starting at just a few dollars for 2 or 3GB of data. Many operators also offer "tourist sims". Smart network is the most popular and you can pickup a Smart Mobile Tourist SIM at the airport, their main shop on Sivutha Blvd and just about any mobile phone shop.

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

The country code of Cambodia is 855. Each Province has a local prefix with Siem Reap being 023, is is then followed by a 6 or 7 digit number. For example, to call a number in Siem Reap, you would dial +855 23 999 999.

There are three main mobile operators in Cambodia - Smart, Metfone and Cellcard. These are the three most widely used networks. Smaller and lesser-known networks include Qube and Cootel.

International calls can often be made at hotels, but are likely to be the most expensive option. The cheapest option is to use a tourist sim. Many people prefer to use online services such as WhatsApp or Viber to make international calls.

Post

Most hotels and guesthouses will sell stamps and mail postcards for you. Cambodia's national postal service offers a wide range of services, though in general things go slowly and are not always very reliable. That said, things have been getting better over the years, and you can expect for your postcard or letter to finally arrive after 5-10, depending from where you send it (avoid small towns) and to where you send it. Prices are around 2000-2,500 Riel to countries in Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, and it's slightly more expensive sending it from more remote places in the provinces.

The Post Office in Siem Reap is open from around 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Sending parcels can be expensive. You might be better to send it from Thailand, or otherwise check private companies like DHL.

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