Friday, March 22, 2024
Siem Reap Travel Guide - Travel S Helper

Siem Reap

travel guide

Siem Reap is the capital city of Siem Reap Province in northern Cambodia, and it is a major tourist destination as the entrance to the Angkor area.

In the Old French Quarter and surrounding the Old Market, Siem Reap contains colonial and Chinese-style buildings. Museums, traditional Apsara dance performances, a Cambodian cultural village, souvenir and handicraft stores, silk farms, rice terraces in the countryside, fishing villages, and a bird sanctuary near Tonle Sap Lake may all be found in the city.

Siem Reap literally translates to “Siam Defeated.” The only rampaging hordes these days are visitors visiting the Angkor Archaeological Park. This once-quaint hamlet has grown into Cambodia’s biggest boom town and building zone. It is a relaxed and lovely location to stay when seeing the temples. Because of the big expatriate population, it is a good balance between seeing Cambodian life and enjoying the conveniences of contemporary services and entertainment. Because Siem Reap is a popular tourist destination, costs in certain cases are higher than in other parts of Cambodia. Expect virtually frequent offers for motodop and tuk-tuk rides, as well as anything else that drivers may be able to give you.

Make sure to pick up your complimentary Siem Reap Angkor Visitors Guide as well as the equally helpful Siem Reap Pocket Guide from your hotel/guesthouse. It has a lot of information on Siem Reap and the Angkor Archaeological Park, including hotel/bar/restaurant/shop information, travel information, and maps. Stay Another Day: Cambodia is a complete guide featuring local sites that help the environment and community for eco-conscious tourists. Another location is the ConCERT tourist office, which is a local NGO dedicated to promoting the standards of responsible tourism and eco-tourism operations, as well as offering information on the causes and consequences of poverty in Cambodia, as well as volunteering opportunities and eco-tours.

As a major tourist destination, Siem Reap now features a significant number of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and companies associated to tourism. This is mostly due to its closeness to the Angkor temples, Cambodia’s most renowned tourist destination.

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Siem Reap | Introduction

Siem Reap – Info Card

POPULATION : 230,714
FOUNDED :  Settled: 802
Official: 1907
TIME ZONE :  Cambodia (UTC+7)
LANGUAGE :  Khmer (official) 95%, French, English
RELIGION :  Theravada Buddhist 95%, other 5%
AREA :
ELEVATION :  18 m (59 ft)
COORDINATES :  13°21′44″N 103°51′35″E
SEX RATIO :  Male: 48.80
 Female: 51.20
ETHNIC :  Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4%
AREA CODE :  63
POSTAL CODE :
DIALING CODE :  +855 63

Climate of Siem Reap

Siem Reap has a tropical climate that is both rainy and dry. The city is usually hot all year, with average high temperatures seldom dipping below 30 degrees Celsius in any month. Siem Reap has a rather long wet season that lasts from April to November. The remaining four months are covered by the dry season. The city receives around 1500 mm of rain each year on average.

Economy of Siem Reap

Tourist is a vital part of Siem Reap’s economy; it was estimated in 2010 that the tourism sector employed more than half of the town’s workforce. The city has witnessed a significant growth in tourist commerce in the few decades after the end of the Khmer Rouge period, and tourism-related companies have thrived as a result of the tourism boom. Visitor numbers were insignificant in the mid-1990s, but by 2004, over 500,000 international visitors had come in the Siem Reap area, accounting for over half of all foreign tourists in Cambodia. By 2012, the number of tourists had surpassed two million. In the city, a plethora of hotels have sprouted up, ranging from 5-star hotels and stylish resorts to hundreds of low-cost guesthouses.

The majority of visitors to Siem Reap come to see Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (approximately 6 kilometers north of the city), and other Angkor monuments. There are also several retail choices in the Psar Chas neighborhood, and the nightlife is typically lively, with a number of western-styled taverns and clubs.

Internet, Comunication in Siem Reap

The various Internet cafés charge between USD0.50 and USD1.50 per hour. The speed of the connection, as well as the speed of the PC, varies greatly depending on location. The Pub St and Alley areas are covered by a free public Wi-Fi network, however it is occasionally patchy and always painfully sluggish.

Most hotels will offer cable TV, which will provide several foreign channels such as BBC and CNN, as well as stations from neighboring countries. On 92.0MHz, there are various FM radio stations, including international broadcaster Radio France International.

How To Travel To Siem Reap

Get In - By plane

Siem Reap International Airport is Cambodia’s second biggest airport. Its contemporary architecture is based on traditional Khmer architecture. Its services are restricted. International and domestic flights use distinct terminals.

The airport is serviced by the following airlines:

  • AirAsia (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur)
  • Asiana Airlines(Seoul-Incheon)
  • Bangkok Airways (Bangkok)
  • Cambodia Angkor Air (Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh)
  • Cebu Pacific Air (Manila, Philippines)
  • China Eastern Airlines (Kunming, Shanghai Pudong)
  • China Southern Airlines (Guangzhou)
  • Dragonair (Hong Kong)
  • Jetstar Asia (Singapore)
  • Korean Air (Seoul-Incheon)
  • Lao Airlines (Luang Prabang)
  • Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur)
  • Silk Air (Da Nang, Singapore)
  • Vietnam Airlines (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Luang Prabang)

The airport is around 7 kilometers from the town center. Prepaid taxis cost USD7 and may be found right outside the terminal at the prepaid counter. Prepaid tuk-tuk trips are also available for a little less. Solo thrill seekers with little luggage may save money by riding on the back of a motodop for USD2. If you book ahead of time, most hotels will take you up from the airport for free.

Get In - By bus

Phnom Penh Sorya Transport Capitol Tours and GST Express are among the major firms.

Try to book at least one day before your trip. Travel agencies and guesthouses will do this for a cost of USD1-2. Buses often depart in the morning or early afternoon. Some routes also include night buses.

Many buses arrive at an out-of-town bus stop to the east of Siem Reap, from which visitors must take a tuk-tuk into town. This should cost no more than USD2, or maybe USD3 if you’re not willing to haggle. Anything more will make your driver believe you’re a weak-willed moron, not the nice, innocent optimist you may think you are.

If you’re coming from the west, try getting off the bus as it goes through town on Hwy 6, maybe as it crosses the river bridge before arriving at the bus terminal. If you’re coming from the east, you won’t be able to avoid the touts.

Capitol Tours buses, on the other hand, finish at the company’s headquarters in the heart of town, near the ancient market, making them the most practical option.

DOMESTIC SERVICES

  • Phnom Penh (USD5) 6-8 hours by bus, a popular route for both residents and visitors, but frequently a difficult journey due to many stops and poor speeds. A more costly (USD12) but significantly more pleasant alternative is to take a minibus equipped with Wi-Fi. The journey by minibus takes about 4-5 hours.
  • Kampong Cham
  • Soung
  • Battambang (USD3.75)
  • Sisophon (USD3.75)
  • Poipet (for Aranyaprathet, the main route into Thailand) (USD3.75)
  • Anlong Veng (for Ban Pakard in Thailand) (USD4)
  • Koh Kong (via Phnom Penh, a long journey)
  • Sihanoukville (USD10) By nighttime sleeping bus or midday sitting bus for 10-12 hours. Bookings must be made at least one day in advance.

INTERNATIONAL SERVICES

LAOS

  • Pakse (USD30)
  • Don Det in the 4,000 Islands region (USD27)

The sleeper bus from Siem Reap to Vientiane should be avoided. A second payment may be requested for continued travel after stopping for the border crossing. On-route, there may be unscheduled journey delays and an unexpected change to a different service. Be aware of personal security concerns and keep an eye on your belongings and bags, particularly when sleeping.

THAILAND

  • To Bangkok: The ticket is good for the whole trip, however you will need to change buses at Poipet (USD8)
  • From Bangkok: Tickets to Siem Reap start at 300 baht from agents on Kao San Road.
  • Government bus from/to Bangkok: In 2013, the Thai government’s Transport Company launched a daily direct service from Bangkok (Mo Chit bus terminal) to Siem Reap and return. The journey costs USD28 each way, but it is quick and devoid of scams. Nattakan is the name of the company’s Cambodian subsidiary.

VIETNAM

  • Ho Chi Minh City (USD15) A sleeping bus for 12 hours. Obtain your Vietnam visa ready and valid before departing; visas for Vietnam are not accessible at land borders, even if you have a visa on arrival.

Get In - By boat

A more costly and time-consuming alternative is to take a Soviet-style hydrofoil across Tonle Sap Lake from Phnom Penh (USD35, 6 hour) or Battambang (USD20-25, 5 hr). These may be excellent outings that allow you to see life on the lake, floating residences, working fisherman, and even get a tan if you sit on the top of the boat. However, inclement weather might derail the expedition. Remember to bring sunblock and a waterproof jacket with you. During the voyage, you may not be able to access your bags (sometimes the baggage is available, sometimes it is not). If you have the time, it is preferable to see the floating villages on day tours from Siem Reap rather than by boat.

The port you land at is around 20 minutes via tuk-tuk south of Siem Reap. The drivers will attempt to charge you USD5 per passenger, however the overall cost of the journey should not exceed USD5.

Get In - By Shared Taxi

A shared automobile is the shortest way to go from the Poipet border to Siem Reap. A four-seater sedan costs between USD25 and USD45, depending on your negotiating skills, and takes around 2-3 hours to travel. Even if you’re traveling alone, it shouldn’t be too difficult to locate folks to split the costs.

Get In - By helicopter

Helicopters may be hired to go almost anyplace in the United States. They have seating for 5-6 persons. Trips to several of the temples north of Angkor Wat start at USD1,000. Helicopters Cambodia and Helistar Cambodia are two of the companies.

  • Battambang (USD1,600/helicopter)
  • Phnom Penh (USD4,700/helicopter)

How To Get Around In Siem Reap

Get Around - By bicycle

Bicycles in good condition may be rented from a variety of guest homes linked with this local charity, which utilizes the rental revenues to finance youth education and clean drinking water initiatives in communities around Siem Reap. The website provides a list of locations where the bikes are available. USD2/day.

Get Around - By motorbikes

Motodops (motorbike taxis) abound and will point you in the right direction. Within town, rides should cost no more than USD0.50 or 2,000 riel, however costs may treble at night or during poor weather. First, agree on a price. For USD10, a whole day may be scheduled. Passengers’ helmets are uncommon, although if requested in advance, they may be provided.

Foreign visitors are not authorized to hire a motorcycle in Siem Reap, however motorbikes leased elsewhere are.

Petrol stations range from first-world forecourts to roadside kiosks selling shoddy gasoline in plastic bottles.

Get Around - By Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-tuks, like motodops, will approach visitors from almost any street corner.

A journey inside Siem Reap should cost USD1 regardless of the number of passengers on board. Most tuk-tuks can easily transport four passengers, however the added weight may make the low-powered motorcycles laboriously sluggish. Prices might more than treble at night or during inclement weather.

Before you leave, make sure you and the driver have a clear understanding of the destination and total fee. Payment is payable upon arrival and does not rise if the driver becomes lost or has to take a detour.

Get Around - By car

Cars with drivers may be rented for one or more days. While all drivers are acquainted with the region and willing to recommend nice routes, the majority of them speak minimal English and are not tour guides. For a driver and an English-speaking guide, licensed tour guides charge USD45-50 per day. Drivers will most likely charge an additional USD5-10 for journeys to other temples such as those on the Big Circuit, Banteay Srey, and more isolated locations such as Beng Mealea.

Taxis from the airport to Siem Reap proper (USD7 fixed fee) may give a full day of sightseeing for USD25-30.

Prices In Siem Reap

Tourist (Backpacker) – 32 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:meals in cheap restaurant, public transport, cheap hotel.

Tourist (regular) – 82 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:mid-range meals and drinks,transportation, hotel.

MARKET / SUPERMARKET

Milk 1 liter $1.90
Tomatoes 1 kg $1.45
Cheese 0.5 kg $15.60
Apples 1 kg $1.75
Oranges 1 kg $1.60
Beer (domestic) 0.5 l $0.60
Bottle of Wine 1 bottle $8.00
Coca-Cola 2 liters $1.65
Bread 1 piece $0.70
Water 1.5 l $0.60

RESTAURANTS

Dinner (Low-range) for 2 $13.00
Dinner (Mid-range) for 2 $20.00
Dinner (High-range) for 2 $
Mac Meal or similar 1 meal $3.60
Water 0.33 l $0.40
Cappuccino 1 cup $2.20
Beer (Imported) 0.33 l $2.00
Beer (domestic) 0.5 l $0.70
Coca-Cola 0.33 l $0.65
Coctail drink 1 drink $4.50

ENTERTAINMENT

Cinema 2 tickets $6.00
Gym 1 month $39.00
Men’s Haircut 1 haircut $4.20
Theatar 2 tickets $
Mobile (prepaid) 1 min. $0.05
Pack of Marlboro 1 pack $1.25

PERSONAL CARE

Antibiotics 1 pack $
Tampons 32 pieces $5.30
Deodorant 50 ml. $4.15
Shampoo 400 ml. $2.70
Toilet paper 4 rolls $1.30
Toothpaste 1 tube $3.70

CLOTHES / SHOES

Jeans (Levis 501 or similar) 1 $
Dress summer (Zara, H&M) 1 $20.00
Sport shoes (Nike, Adidas) 1 $71.00
Leather shoes 1 $40.00

TRANSPORTATION

Gasoline 1 liter $0.94
Taxi Start $1.00
Taxi 1 km $0.35
Local Transport 1 ticket $1.00

Sights & Landmarks In Siem Reap

The majority of visitors come to see the Angkor Archaeological Park. The town itself offers various interesting sights as well as a number of gorgeous contemporary Buddhist temples. Angkor Archaeological Park, which spans 400 square kilometers and includes a wooded region, comprises the beautiful ruins of many Khmer Empire capitals from the 9th to the 15th century, including the world’s biggest pre-industrial metropolis. The most well-known are the Temple of Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom, both of which include many sculptural ornamentation.

In 1992, Angkor Archaeological Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was also included to the List of World Heritage in Danger owing to theft, a diminishing water table, and unsustainable tourism. UNESCO has recently established a comprehensive program to protect this historic property and its environs.

Angkor has no lodgings and limited services; the neighbouring town of Siem Reap, approximately 6 kilometers south, serves as the area’s tourist centre.

  • Angkor National Museum, 968 Charles de Gaulle Blvd,  +855 63 966 601, e-mail: [email protected]. Daily, 08:30-18:00. Exhibits featuring high-tech displays and video screens that explore the history of the Angkor complex as well as Khmer culture and apparel. According to some, the 1,000 Buddhas chamber is as stunning as it sounds. USD12.
  • Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre, Sanday Village (3 km before the Landmine Museum on the road to Banteay Srey temple), +855 97 852 7852. 09:00-1700. The Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre is a community development initiative and tourist attraction located just down the road from the Landmine Museum and the Banteay Srey temple. Admissions revenue is utilized to support families in rural communities who raise butterflies for the show. The initiative improves farmers’ livelihoods while also providing a delightful experience for tourists, who can witness amazing indigenous butterfly species fluttering close at hand in a gorgeous tropical garden. Adults pay $4, while children under the age of 12 pay $2.
  • Kampong Phluk Floating Village (off the Highway to Phnom Penh). This mangrove forest provides a far more genuine floating village experience than the one at the Tonlé Sap ferry terminal. From Siem Reap, take a tuk-tuk to this interesting town on stilts. Depending on the road conditions and water level, it takes around an hour to get to the settlement. Depending on where you purchase your tour, your negotiating skills, and your initiative to book your own tuk-tuk and boat ride, the price for a round journey ranges from USD7 to USD60 per person. Be wary of con artists. When you get to the local school, your tour guide will provide you a bag of exercise books and pencils as “payment to the community for visiting them.” The number of students in line will outnumber the quantity of books you have. You will get the next pack immediately, but you will have to pay USD9 for the second pack.
  • Landmine Museum (6 km south of Banteay Srey Temple, 31 km from Siem Reap). Aki Ra, a local deminer, established this little museum to teach people and visitors about the risks of land mines. The location is littered with defused mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), and the guides are usually youths who were orphaned or maimed by explosives, many of whom live on-site. This is an excellent attraction that illustrates the scope of the situation and provides a glimpse into actual Cambodia. USD3.
  • Phnom Bok. The highest point in the neighborhood. Temple ruins identical to those seen on the peaks of Phnom Krom and Phnom Bakong may also be found on Phnom Bok. It is located 20 kilometers north of Siem Reap. Expect a strenuous climb up the stairs. You may be able to get a tour from a guard. Don’t forget to look at the ancient civil war howitzers. The Angkorian ruins are free to visit and do not need a pass.
  • Phnom Krom. As you approach the floating hamlet of Chong Kneas from Siem Reap, the peak dominates the scene. Temple ruins identical to the other two hills may be discovered at the summit. This hill is excellent for sunset viewing since it overlooks the flooded lowlands during the rainy season and the brilliantly colorful rice fields during the dry season.
  • Wat Bo, Samdech Tep Vong St and St 22 (east side of the river. Follow the road that continues from over Wat Bo Bridge). As one of the oldest temples, it provides a great contrast to the gleaming modern ones, however the crude artwork does not equal the artisans of Angkor. The rustic open air hall adjacent to the main house combines French-style arches and balustrades with Thai-influenced Buddhist embellishments. A chedi forest surrounds the main hall, interspersed with frangipani trees and some exquisite topiary.
  • Wat Preah Prom Rath, Pokambor Ave. The gleaming contemporary temple grounds provide no indication of the temple’s 500-year past. Though the lotus-themed architecture appears to be influenced by temples from across the border, the front gate incorporates Bayon-style heads and a scene in relief of the Buddha seated under a tree, while armies fire arrows on one side and others are eaten by crocodiles on the other, that appears to have been taken directly from an Angkorian mural. According to legend, the place was founded about 1500 when a renowned monk got ashore on a piece of his sinking boat. The boat wood was carved into the curiously foreshortened reclining Buddha, which was put in a swimming pool-like pit behind the towering, but depressed-looking, sitting Buddha in the main hall. The reclining Buddha has a deep inclination at the feet end, perhaps to imitate the origins of the building materials. A pair of miniature weathered cannons on each side of the hall are of unclear provenance, although their style, an engraved crown-like seal, and enigmatic numerals point to a European origin.
  • Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields. A substantial Buddhist temple. In the grounds is a stupa with glass sides that houses the bones and skulls of Pol Pot’s army victims. Be aware of anybody claiming to be a guide or asking for money. Furthermore, some of the photos on the display boards depict the Holocaust in Nazi Germany. This attraction should be taken with a grain of salt. Donations are accepted.

Things To Do In Siem Reap

Activities

  • Angkor Pottery Center (3 km South of Old Market on Road 63),  +855 12 755 286. 08:00-17:00. Mrs Paruth HANN, a local potter, teaches daily pottery workshops for beginners and experts in clay making, carving, and glazing. Make your own design and keep your glazed pot as a keepsake. Enjoy a real Khmer experience while supporting a business that provides fair-wage employment for underprivileged rural women in Siem Reap. $7-20.
  • Pottery Classes & Painting classes, 130, vithey charles de gaulle (On the main Temple road very near the Angkor national museum, 30m after the traffics light on the right hand side), +855 (0) 17 843 014, e-mail:[email protected]. from 8AM to 8PM. You may build your own ceramic item on the potter wheel with the pottery class and clay class course. The potter’s experience is palpable. After you’ve finished your item, you may use special potter’s tools to add patterns to it. You may sketch and/or paint your own design on a pot, cup, plate, or other kind of ceramics product using the painting activities. All activities start at $15.
  • Backstreet Academy, Siem Reap, Road 60, Trang Village, Sangkat Slorkram – 200m East of Naga Bridge (Opposite Angkor Village), +855 089746459, e-mail: [email protected]. 08:00-06:00. They enable locals to offer authentic and unique activities to tourists such as fishing on the Mekong like a local fisherman, coconut carving workshops, Cambodian Boxing, Apsara dance classes, and even a fear factor challenge where you learn to cook insects sold by vendors along the streets of Phnom Penh. They are a social enterprise that works with many impoverished individuals who act as hosts or facilitators. The facilitators will pick you up from your accommodation and assist you with translation. These facilitators are mostly young students searching for jobs to help pay for their studies or orphans attempting to reintegrate into society. Most activities in Phnom Penh include transportation. A terrific opportunity to mingle with locals, learn about their culture, and bring something special home with you.

Adventure

  • KKO – Off Track Mountain Bike Tours, St 20, Wat Bo Rd (Close to the New Apsara Supermarket on Wat Bo Rd),  +855 (0) 93 903 024, e-mail:[email protected]. KKO is a philanthropic non-profit NGO in the community. They provide one-of-a-kind Angkor Park and rural off-road bike trips, as well as mototours to the countryside. The full earnings from the bike trips is donated to the local KKO School. A guided full-day biketour costs $30-$40, while a full-day mototour costs $45-$60. Reservations are necessary. A full-day excursion costs between USD25 to $40.
  • Sabai Motobike and Jeep Adventures,  +855 0 88 372 3121. Explore the Cambodian countryside in a Jeep or on a guided motobike tour. Get off the beaten road on a trip to experience real, rustic, and interesting Cambodia. Tours with Sabai Moto and Jeep Adventures depart from Siem Reap.
  • Shooting Range (Along Rd 67 to Banteay Srey, 3 km north of the road to Phmon Bok, turn right down the large dirt road when you see a blue and red sign like their flag with “4th Troops Training Centre”, past the school and take the left (1 km), look for the sign “Shooting Range” at the 2nd base entrance on the right (720 m)). The availability of weapons and explosives seems to be limited only by how much money you are prepared to pay. It’s almost worth the journey to listen to the soldiers-turned-used car salesman make the hard sell on a new machine gun. This is a genuine Russian roulette game. Do you want to pull the pin on a 30+ year old grenade and potentially receive the malfunctioning one? Check that whomever is overseeing you is willing to stand next to you. It may be tough to locate, but a tuk-tuk driver may know where it is. USD50 for an AK-47 or M-16 clip and an M-60 belt (50 rounds) $80 USD (Nov 2011). USD30 for grenade tossing.
  • Siem Reap Moto Tours, Wat Bo Rd,  +855 017-880102, e-mail:[email protected]. Siem Reap Moto Excursions provides guided moto scooter tours in the Siem Reap, Angkor region. Expert in Kulen Mountain Tours Reservations are necessary. from $16 for a 1/4 day Baray Rider Tour to $105 for a full day Kulen Mountain Tour
  • Kam San Venture, 20th Street, Wat Bo Road Intersection,  +855 12 71 72 28, e-mail: [email protected]. Bike rides in the countryside with knowledgeable local guides. There are five itineraries, which include Tonle Sap Lake, local marketplaces, and hidden temples. The tour ticket includes a guide, a bicycle, beverages, lunch, and local snacks, as well as a tuk tuk ride back to Siem Reap if wanted. Half-day and full-day excursions are available. $25-65.

Cooking classes

  • Beyond Unique Cooking Class (Sivutha Blvd and Alley West),  +855 77 562 565. Cooking courses in Cambodia at a community 10 minutes from town. A visit to a local family is included in the classes, as is information about Cambodian culinary habits and beliefs. Unless you arrange a private group, hands-on lessons are limited to a maximum of six persons. USD22.

Cultural performances

  • Apsara Theatre (Wat Bo Rd),  +855 63 963 561. 20:00-21:30. A flashy performance of traditional, popular and classical dances.
  • Cambodian Cultural Village, Airport Road # 6, Khum Svay Dang Kum, Krus Village (between the airport and city centre, along national road number 6, 3 km from Siem Reap Airport), +855 63 963098. Daily, 10:00-18:30.Cambodian culture in a nutshell, small models of Cambodian sites, replicas of Cambodian traditional houses, and cultural acts USD25.
  • Smile of Angkor, Smile of Angkor Grand Theatre (Angkor COEX) (northeast outskirts of Siem Reap, direction Angkor. Turn right on Apsara Rd),  +855 63 6550168. Nightly, 19:15-20:30. A magnificent performance of Cambodian traditional dances, complete with a big screen depicting the Angkor civilisation. “Smile of Angkor” is a huge epic spectacle that resurrects the Angkor kingdom in all aspects, from foundation to wealth, folklore to modernity. The show combines traditional Cambodian culture with cutting-edge technology. USD38-48.
  • We Are The Champions Performances by the Local Disabled Community, Night Market (Back of Night Market adjacent to Island Bar), +855 12 676826. 20:30-21:15, every night except Sunday. A two-act drama written and performed by participants who discuss with great emotion what it is like to be handicapped in Cambodia and the problems they face in their life. Because many of the performers are pursuing education to improve their life, contributions of school supplies such as pencils and writing books are much appreciated. Donations are welcomed but not required.

Massage

  • Thai massage, according to the Khmer, is evolved from Khmer massage and is more soothing since it involves less twisting and turning. The many Khmer-style massage parlors mostly provide real massage and are not a front for sexual services. Contrary to popular opinion, blind massage providers also provide specialty massages.
    • Fish Massage (around the Pub St area). This Thai craze has made its way over the border. Dip your feet into a tank of fish and watch as the fish devour the dead skin off your toes. Putting your feet in a tank will tell you whether the fish are hungry. Some say there are no piranhas, while others offer a complimentary drink to dispel any fears. For 15 minutes, pay USD1-2.
    • Frangipani Spa, 615/617 Hup Guan St (At the ANZ Royal Bank on the corner go a few metres south to the next (small) street and turn right on Hup Guan St. The spa is near the end of the street.),  +855 63 964391, e-mail:[email protected]. Wonderful spa with a pleasant ambience, tranquil rooms, and knowledgeable personnel. The massages genuinely feel like they are being given by qualified professionals. There are no extra services or hidden costs. It’s a lovely spot to visit as a couple or on your alone. There are massage tables as well as air conditioning. The outside is tastefully decorated and encircled by frangipani plants (partly obscuring their tasteful green sign saying “frangipani”). USD25-50.
    • Lemongrass Garden, 7 Sivatha Blvd,  +855 12 387 385, e-mail:[email protected]. Lovely little spa with a calm ambiance and knowledgeable personnel. The price of a 60-minute Khmer massage is USD12, while a 90-minute Khmer massage is USD17. Oil massages, “spiritual massages,” and manicures/pedicures are also available. The therapy rooms are air conditioned, and they provide a refreshing drink before treatment and a warm tea afterward. They also claim to offer greater salaries than other establishments in Siem Reap and to give additional perks to its employees. USD10-30.

Food & Restaurants In Siem Reap

Eating choices cover the whole gamut of tastes and prices, from basic Asian staples and pizza to traditional Khmer and sophisticated fine-dining with unusual local delicacies. The most eateries are located a few streets north of the ancient market, however there are tasty choices along Wat Bo Rd and concealed in the adjacent neighborhoods.

Old Market area

Though Pub St is primarily known for its pubs, there are a few establishments that offer fantastic cuisine, often with upstairs seating so you can escape the partying atmosphere on the street below. A broader assortment of eateries provide a usually calmer and more personal experience along The Alley. Local eateries bordering Phsar Chas provide broad, though almost similar, menus of inexpensive fried rice and Westernized versions of Khmer food. At sundown, the Kindergarten on the junction of Streets 8 and 11 transforms into a tangle of little BBQ booths, complete with billowing smoke, noise, and pushy peddlers. The phnom pleurng here is the most affordable you’ll discover.

Budget

  • L’Annexe French restaurant, Sok San Road 17259,  +855 95 839 745, e-mail: [email protected]. 16.00-22.30. French food. Exquisite food prepared by a dedicated chef who prioritizes perfection and quality above all else. Subtle and inventive food in a welcoming environment, bringing traditional French cuisine, wines, and hospitality to Siem Reap USD4.50-17.00.
  • Chusska, Street 7, +855 12 212 138. The only vegetarian Indian restaurant in Siem Reap.
  • Common Grounds Restaurant (American Coffee Shop & Cafe), #719, St. 14 / Mundol 1, Khum Svay Dangkum (Behind Central Market, across street from U-Dara Guesthouse),  +855 63 965687. M-Sa, 07:00-20:00. Western foods include chicken tenders, grilled cheese, crispy chicken apple salad, German chocolate cake, seasonal muffins, cinnamon buns, and certain Asian dishes. All profits are donated to local humanitarian programs by the non-profit organization People for Care & Learning. Air conditioning and high-speed Internet access are available. USD3-7.
  • Curry Walla, Two locations Sivatha Blvd & Night Market Rd,  +855 63 965 451. Authentic vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian cuisine.
  • Ecstatic Pizza, #072 2 Thnou St (across from the Provincial Hospital), +855 12 436 869. 07:00-24:00. Italian and Khmer cuisine. Has been in business since 1994. There are several pizza and pasta options to choose from. You may choose your pizza with a thin or thick crust. Breakfast in the Western and English styles is available at any time. Fruit smoothies, soft drinks, draught beer, and wine are all available. There is free delivery available. USD3-7.
  • Fresh at Chilli Si Dang (Fresh), East River Rd (next to City River Hotel), +855 17 875 129. 07:00-14:00. Beautiful riverfront garden away from the crowds. Local and Western cuisine, pool, relaxation on the balcony, and free Wi-Fi with sunset views are all available. Friday quiz, Saturday BBQ, Sunday roasts, and daily specials USD3.
  • Happy Herb Pizza, #069 Mondul 1 Khum Svay Dangkum. 07:00-24:00. In Siem Reap, there are many virtually similar “happy” pizza businesses in a row. Menu includes Khmer, Italian, and moderately priced pizza. But, of course, the attraction is to request that your pizza be “happy” for the unique ingredient, albeit, due to the little quantity utilized, a happy pizza is more of a novelty item than a party item. If you’re seeking for a specific component rather than a meal, you may get it pre-made or in a bag for take-out. USD3-7.
  • McBuddha Restaurant (Off Sivatha Blvd, on the road that goes to Artisans d’Angkor),  +855 97 967 7223, e-mail: [email protected]. The restaurant has open seating and is managed by a local Khmer family who serves everything with a warm grin. The proprietor used to be a tuk-tuk driver, and he knows English and can recommend places to visit. The menu is broad, with both Khmer and Western options prepared to request. USD2-7.
  • Maharajah Restaurant (Royal Indian Cuisine Halal), Sivatha Rd (Old Market Area , Front Of Terrasse Des Elephants,),  +855 92 506 622. 11:00-22:00.Preparation that is fresh, sanitary, and genuine. They employ authentic Indian spices, and the majority of the cuisine is Halal. Takeout or home delivery are also options. USD2-7.
  • Mother Earth Restaurant (Fresh, organic middle eastern Cuisine), a07 Sivatha Rd (near Angkor market l),  +855 63 966-236. 10:00-22:00. Fresh, organic, handmade, and nutritious. They provide wonderful salads, hummus, falafel, shakshuka, and kebab that are all home produced, fresh, and healthful. Kidush is held every Friday after sunset. USD2-5.
  • New Delhi Indian Restaurant, #070 Mondol 1, Svaydangkum Commune(opposite the provincial hospital north of Pub St),  +855 16 840 326, +855 92 510 779. There are several Indian specialities on the menu. Their foods are all genuine and made to order. Starting at USD4.
  • The Purple Elephant, Soksan Rd (Head straight up Soksan Road, over the cross road and continue about 200 m, on the left),  +855 978402873, e-mail:[email protected]. 11:00-late. Thai eatery and bar. It’s a bit out of the way from the center, but it’s well worth the trek. USD1-5.
  • Taj Mahal, Street 11 (near Pub St). Traditional Indian fare. The meal is all halal.
  • Tuchner’s Eatery, #075 Mondol 4, Svaydangkum Commune (beside the provincial hospital),  +855 19 886 329. Rice boxes, paninis, salad bar, and fresh cut fries are among the savory options on the menu. Starting at USD8.

Mid-range

  • Butterfly Garden. Restaurant offers vegetarian Western and Cambodian cuisine. There are vegan choices available. On a peaceful street (opposite Karavansera Hotel). A few butterflies, however their numbers are dwindling.
  • Chamkar, The Passage, Off Pub St. In the bustling Pub Street neighborhood, a vegetarian restaurant serving Cambodian cuisine and a variety of vegan alternatives.
  • Father’s Restaurant, Central Market,  +855 92 963 242, e-mail:[email protected]. 08:00-22:00. The menu deviates from the norm by offering somewhat genuine Khmer and Chinese cuisine. The Western cuisine is even less appealing. There is free Wi-Fi. Fried noodles are $2, while pure fruit drinks are $1.
  • Singing Tree Cafe, Entrance of Alley West. A unique restaurant that combines home-style food with environmental exhibits. Large primarily vegetarian menu with native Khmer cuisine as well as grilled sandwiches, fresh salads, juices, and shakes. USD2-5.
  • Sunflower Restaurant, 2 Thnou St (north of Street 7),  +855 92 245 915.The restaurant seems modest, but the Hong Kong dim sum, Vietnamese pho, and Chinese wonton soup provide a nice change from the usual fare. USD2-7.
  • Viva (Corner of 2 Thnou St & Street 9), +855 17 838 854. A flamboyantly colored Mexican eatery. Given the location, the burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas are pretty genuine. If you wish to eat more local cuisine while admiring the scenery from the balcony, they provide several Khmer specialties. USD2-6.
  • La Volpaia Pizzeria Restaurant, #20-22, St 13,  +855 63 764 184. M-F, 11:30-14:30, 17:30-22:00; Sa-Su, 11:30-22:00. Pizza, spaghetti, and grilled steaks are the specialties of this Italian restaurant. There is an air-conditioned dining room, VIP rooms, as well as patio and garden seats. USD5-17.

Splurge

  • Aha, The Alley. Lunch, 11:30-14:30, Dinner, 18:00-22:00. The chic interior features Khmer and foreign cuisine. Some believe the flavor doesn’t quite live up to those expectations, but where else can you eat dried snake in such a setting? USD7-18.
  • L’Angelo (Le Meridien Hotel). Probably Siem Reap’s most adventurous restaurant, presenting fusionesque Italian food like as foie gras on a bed of white asparagus and balsamic vinegar ice cream in a setting so starkly contemporary that the sole adornment is a cloud of black dots on a white wall. A complete supper for two, with a glass or two of wine on the side, costs roughly USD100.
  • Le Malraux, Sivatha St. French cuisine and Khmer delicacies, all prepared using locally sourced and fresh ingredients. Breakfast is served at a central downtown location that opens early in the morning.
  • Meric at Hotel de la Paix, Sivutha Blvd. It is housed in a beautiful hotel with a minimalist contemporary ambiance and is regarded by some as the greatest Khmer restaurant in all of Cambodia. To create their multi-course seasonal meal (USD31+ optional wine pairing USD16+), the chefs gather the freshest (and oddest) ingredients. A typical set will contain grilled frog and cured snake salad. Arrive before 21:15 to take advantage of the four-course fixed-price Khmer supper with wine pairings. Sit in air-conditioned comfort, or on the patio with tables and lounge chairs. A trendy bar featuring local art is also available at the hotel.
  • The Red Piano, Pub St. 2 floors. This restaurant serves a range of Italian and other European dishes.

Wat Bo Rd and environs

Outside of town, amid the occasionally dusty neighbourhood streets and region along Wat Bo Rd, there are several fashionable restaurants and tiny local businesses providing the most genuine Khmer cuisine.

Budget

  • Green Star, Wat Bo Rd (At the south end of Wat Bo Rd, on the terminating street),  +855 9 225 5241. Some claim it isn’t the most genuine Khmer or Asian cuisine, but it is excellent and skillfully cooked. The fact that it supports the Green Gecko Project may be enough to persuade your tastes to make an exception just this time. (maybe closed) USD2-6.
  • Madam Beergarden Under Construction (“Under Construction” is part of the name) (Wat Bo Rd, across from Soria Moria Hotel),  +855 89 479 593. 11:00-14:00, 17:00-24:00. Thai and Khmer cuisine served in a pleasant setting. Enjoy the garden or relax indoors in a trendy setting. Cocktails, draft beer, and soft drinks are offered with lunch and supper. USD1.50-5.
  • Silk Lounge, Taphul Rd (S end, opposite The Villa Siem Reap). 07:00-22:00.The menu may be limited, but the flavor and presentation of their Cambodian and pan-Asian meals will not leave you feeling deprived. The Cambodian curry, Singapore chicken rice, and beef soup are very tasty. If you are limber, the daybed type lounge seating is fine, but they also offer standard tables if you want to dine sitting upright. (Most likely now closed) USD2-4.

Mid-range

  • Selantra Restaurant, #0729, Wat Bo Rd (Opposite the French Cultural Centre),  +655 12 569975. 10:00-22:00.A small selection of well-presented Khmer meals and other cuisines. The environment is lovely. USD3-18.
  • Viroth’s Restaurant, #246 Wat Bo Rd,  +855 12 826 346. Stylish Khmer restaurant that is often so crowded that you will have to wait for a table. The vast menu has a mix of Khmer and Asian-inspired meals, as well as vegetarian alternatives. Some complain that the cuisine isn’t hot enough, yet the outside atmosphere is pleasant if it’s not raining. USD5-8.
  • Georges Rhumerie restaurant, Voat Damnak, next to quad adventure,  +855 968 617 448, e-mail: [email protected]. from 6PM , closed on Sunday. Georges rhumerie restaurant is considered a fantastic retreat from the crowds of Pub Street and a perfect break of Asian cuisine with his delectable Creole Fusion meal and the pleasant Cambodian touch that comes from the house produced chilli and chutney. Because of the usage of Georges flavored rum, the drink is one of the best! 3 to 8 dollars

Splurge

  • Alliance Art Cafe, Wat Damnak Rd. On the old grounds of the French Cultural Centre, in a French colonial structure completed in 1953. Within an art exhibition space, the café serves both French and Cambodian cuisine. The cuisine is delicious, and the atmosphere is chic. A great option for a romantic night or a business supper. USD15-25.
  • Cuisine Wat Damnak, Wat Damnak Market St (Behind Wat Damnak Pagoda, between Psa Dey Hoy Market and Angkor High School),  +855 (0) 77 347 762, e-mail: [email protected]. Tu-Su, 18:30-21:30, closed M. French cuisine with a Cambodian twist. There are just two tasting menus and no à la carte items. There is indoor and outdoor seating. $19-$26.

Shopping In Siem Reap

Except for the smallest transaction, US dollars and, to a lesser degree, Thai baht are preferred over Cambodian riel in Cambodia. Because businesses tend to round up USD costs, buying riel for modest transactions may be preferable than using dollars.

The non-profit organization History Watch helps businesses that promote Cambodia’s arts, culture, heritage, and growth. A gold or silver Heritage Friendly logo is shown by certified companies.

International ATMs abound in Siem Reap, and most banks will accept credit card cash advances.

Arts and crafts

  • Artisans d’Angkor, Stung Thmey St,  +855 63 963 330. 07:30-17:30. A workshop in the heart of the city. Traditional Cambodian handicrafts such as wood and stone carving, lacquering, gilding, and silk painting are on display. Visitors are taken on a free guided tour where they may see the artisans at work. The many goods manufactured are shown in the stores. Tours in Khmer, English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese are provided.
  • Bloom Bags (Corner of St 7 & Hospital St). Totes, messenger bags, and laptop bags fashioned from recycled fish feed sacks. Though there are cheaper knock-offs on the market, these are authentic, and you can be certain that your money is going to the ladies who manufactured your bag.
  • Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre, Vithey Charles De Gaulle, Khum Slorkram (On the road to the temples; 30 m after the traffic light when coming from Siem Reap),  +855 1784 3014. 08:00-19:30. Traditional Khmer pottery methods are used to create glazed stoneware bowls, plates, teapots, and ornamental items.
  • McDermott Gallery, FCC Building, Pokambor Ave,  +855 12 274 274.Daily, 10:00-22:00. Elegant, welcoming collection of Angkor images by John McDermott, dubbed “the Ansel Adams of Angkor” by the New York Times. Also in the tunnel between Pub St and the Old Market is McDermott Gallery 2, which exhibits world-class photography of Asia by a variety of artists. Art lovers can pick up a copy of ArtVenues, a free guide to Siem Reap’s galleries.
  • Samatoa, 98 Pithnu St (in front of the provincial hospital-Old Market area / Lucky Mall Siem Reap),  +855 63 965 310, e-mail: [email protected]:00-22:00. Specializes in natural silk items from Cambodia. Samatoa promotes fair trading. Starting at USD50.
  • Theam’s House Gallery, Veal Village, Khum Kokchak,  +855 78 20 81 61.Daily, 08:00-19:00. Exhibits paintings and art by Theam Lim, an artist-designer who trained at Ecole Boulle and Ecole Supérieure des Beaux-Arts. Theam’s House Gallery and Atelier are housed in the artist’s own home, which was influenced by Khmer country architecture and is surrounded by a lush and tropical garden.

Beverages

  • Georges Infused. Siem Reap-made alcohol with ten flavors inspired by Cambodian fruits and flavors. It is available for free sampling at Georges Rhumerie restaurant throughout the day and at night. The packaging comes in two varieties: one that is standard and made of cardboard, making it acceptable to the finicky customs agent, and another that is more traditional and suitable for a gift and is handcrafted by locals in the Siem Reap area.
  • Sombai Infused Cambodian Liqueur Shop & Workshop, 176 Sombai Road, Salakamreuk Village (Head to ISSR and Quad Adventure Cambodia, pass by the police station turn left just after the bridge. Straight over 200 meters to a lovely traditional wooden house behind a red wall and a black gate),  +352 63 555 02 80 (Khmer) +352 63 555 02 80 (Khmer), e-mail:[email protected]. 9AM-7PM. This is the production store for Sombai, a locally created infused liqueur. The beverage is packaged in hand-painted bottles. The store provides complimentary tastings as well as a brief overview of the brand. A variety of non-alcoholic items are also available in hand-painted bottles and jars. It is strongly advised to make reservations in advance.

Markets

  • Angkor Trade Centre (St 9 and Pokambor Ave). Cambodian-style shopping mall. A relatively large assortment of packaged food, beverages, whitening deodorant, imported booze, and the comforting sensation of shopping in air conditioning comfort.
  • Central Market (Sivutha Blvd and Achamean St). A mishmash of clothing and souvenirs. Bargain. Most vendors sell the same items, so you may browse around to get the best deal.
  • Psar Chas (Old Market) (St 9 and Hospital Rd). A variety of trinkets and tourist rubbish. Some things claim to be antique, although they most likely aren’t. If so, it was most certainly stolen.

Other

  • D’s Books, 82 Hospital St (A few doors north of Street 7). A large assortment of haphazardly organized books to swap for the one you just finished reading. In general, the books here are in better shape than those found elsewhere in town, while many new volumes are just pirated reproductions sold for USD6. There are a few shelves containing books in languages other than English. Most books cost $7.
  • iOne (Apple Authorized Reseller), 1776 Silvatha Blvd (Near KFC),  +855 63 761019. 09:00-19:00. Cambodia may be the cheapest spot to purchase a Macbook or iPod. Prices are in US dollars and are the same as they are in other countries, however there is no additional tax.
  • Lex Roulor Tattoo Shop, In the X Bar, at the end of Pub St, +855 97 3042827. 10:00-18:30. Lex Roulor’s Tattoo Shop Siem Reap employs a French artist who approaches each assignment with a personal and professional attitude. European sanitary norms. An intriguing blend of Western old school style and indigenous Khmer patterns.

Nightlife In Siem Reap

The line between dining and drinking places is becoming more blurred, as even the most modest of eateries may provide a comprehensive cocktail menu. Nonetheless, a thriving drinking culture focused around Street 8, fittingly named Pub St, is where serious drinkers go for cheap beer, loud music, and a sweaty backpacker bustle atmosphere reminiscent of Bangkok’s Khao San Road. The largest and most well-known Pub St bars, Angkor What?, The Red Piano, Temple Club, and Le Tigre du Papier, are simple to discover, with Angkor What? and Temple Club engaged in a running war across the street blasting pop music at extremely high levels.

Travelers seeking a more muted atmosphere to have a quiet drink might check out some of the smaller establishments around The Alley, The Lane, and the nearby streets. A few drinking establishments provide more than just inexpensive inebriation.

Most bars sell Angkor beer on tap for USD0.50 and other beers in cans for USD1-2. Cocktails and spirits may be purchased for as low as USD2. Imported red and white wine, often from less famous wine-producing nations, is readily accessible and less expensive than you may think. Better grade Australian and French wines are offered at a higher price at more upscale places.

KTV

These are residents’ favorite hostess clubs; room rates range from $5 to $10 per hour, and beer costs $2 to $4. And the girls are between $5 and $10. Most of these establishments are fronts for prostitution, but it is up to the girl whether she is willing to accompany you home. That will cost you somewhere from $45 and $100. Many of these establishments have two menus. One for Cambodians with lower pricing and one for foreigners with higher costs. If you see a beer for $4, it’s most likely the foreigner pricing.

  • Platinum Entertainment.
  • Premier.
  • Gold Sand
  • Pyramid.
  • Pink Paradise.
  • La Luna.
  • Chanel.
  • Venus.
  • New Star.
  • Top Town.
  • Feelings.

Bars

  • Khmer Pub Street Beergarden KTVs (on Khmer Pub Street). close 2AM.Near the Platinum KTV, there is a strip of Cambodian bars. If you stroll beyond it, you’ll find a 2-3 block stretch of native Cambodian pubs. The menus are not in English, and only a few personnel understand English, but the costs are reasonable. These are restaurants/bars, and there will be a group of females seated near the door who will accompany you for $1.50. The price of a beer is $1.50 for a draft beer.

The Alley

  • Linga Bar (The Alley). A classy homosexual bar that accepts all customers. On the large lounges, there is a nice selection of elegant cocktails and excellent wine.
  • Sports Bar (The Alley, West end). With a free pool table and three enormous HD TVs, this is more than simply a sports bar. It’s a fantastic spot to watch rugby and football. Drinks are pricey.

Pub Street

Angkor What? and Temple Club, which are located across the street from each other, are the two primary late-night pubs on Pub St. Late-night bar-goers would often assemble and drink on the street between the two pubs, consuming their own alcohol, which is easily obtained from nearby booths or stores.

  • Angkor What?, Pub St. sundown until late. The most well-known backpacker pub in Siem Reap, situated right across the street from the rival late-night establishment Temple Club. Draught beers are $1, mixers are $2, and buckets are $6-8. A sizable Western contingent. Drinking is available both indoors and outdoors. It is open till late.
  • Banana Leaf Cafe, Pub St. Small modern streetside café with live music on weekends. The audience will be entertained till late by efficient and skilled personnel. Excellent drinks.
  • Soup Dragon, Pub St. A restaurant/bar on one of the “bar” street’s corners in the old town. Great sunset view from their rooftop, with the additional advantage that it coincides with happy hour: two for one drinks. Drinks cost between USD2 and USD4.
  • X Bar, Pub St. 15:00-sunrise. 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 are all part of this open air rooftop pub. The greatest city views in town, as well as an amazing sunset over the halfpipe. Look for the X at the end of Pub Street.

The Lane

  • Asana Old Wooden House, The Lane, behind Pub St,  +855 92 9987801, e-mail: [email protected]. Bar serving food and cocktails. Asana, the last wooden house in the city’s historic market area, was restored in 2012.
  • Little Pari, The Lane, behind Pub St. A charming corner pub playing jazz and serving drink infusions to a welcoming expat community.
  • Miss Wong Cocktail Bar, The Lane, located behind Pub St. This classy club, tucked away from the raucous pandemonium of Pub St, offers you lovely refreshing drinks in a smoldering crimson lounge right out of 1930s Shanghai.
  • Nomad Shisha Bar, The Lane, behind Pub St (beside Cambodia Soup Restaurant),  +855 97 2518826, e-mail: [email protected]. Other reasons to visit this dollhouse little bar in the middle of Siem Reap include the seductively Arabic style decor: all gauzy draperies, velvet covered floor mattress sitting, and the first shisha menu in Siem Reap.

Around town

  • Empire Shisha Bar Lounge, Artisan Angkor St (opposite Golden Temple Villa Guest House),  069 511 668, e-mail: [email protected]:00 till late. The proprietor speaks English and Swedish and provides an authentic shisha experience in a Persian-style lounge bar. Shisha pipe for $5.00.
  • FCC Angkor (Pokambor Ave, N of the post office). The FCC, a chapter of the famed Phnom Penh Foreign Correspondents’ Club, is the hippest spot for a drink. A mix of contemporary and colonial architecture, with beverages that are rather expensive, at least by Cambodian standards.
  • Top Banana Bar (at the Mad Monkey Hostel) (Sivantha Rd and Street 5, at the top of the Mad Monkey Hostel). Rooftop beach sand bar on the Mad Monkey Hostel’s top floor. 5 minutes’ walk from Pub St. Before heading out to Pub St late at night, hostel guests and other travellers in Siem Reap frequent this restaurant. Not on Pub St., but among the most popular bars. Until 22:00, USD1 drinks, USD2 mixers, and snacks are available. Closes around 2:00 a.m. as the crowds go to Pub St.
  • The Warehouse (Corner St 9 and 2 Thnou St opposite the Old Market).10:30-03:00. Three distinct designs of flooring. The bottom level has a reputation for being loud, but the first floor has free pool, a Nintendo Wii, a giant flat screen TV for sports events, and a foosball table. The rooftop features a stylish lounge vibe. On Friday, free draft beer is available at different times (with an Angkor Wat ticket), although etiquette demands that you take a drink or two before or after or eat from the food menu.

Festivals & Events In Siem Reap

  • Angkor Photography Festival: Photography for Change. Annual event showcasing outdoor projections and numerous exhibits by regional and international photographers in and around Siem Reap. Every year, the festival takes place during the final week of November and includes seven nights of outdoor projections and more than ten gallery installations at different locations across the city. The event is the first and largest of its type in Southeast Asia. It seeks to spotlight the work of Asian photographers by offering free workshops given by world-renowned specialists to 30 young photographers from the area each year, which are then shown at the event. The festival has a full-time office/gallery on the East River Road, near the Bopha Angkor Hotel. In addition to the event, the organizers assist a local NGO that works with street children and supports the arts by running a photography workshop with pupils. These students’ photography is also shown as part of the festival’s program.
  • The Annual Street Puppet Festival. An thrilling pageantry with the notion of sticks and stilts operated puppets, similar to those seen in the opening procession of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and the Trinidad & Tobago Carnival.
  • The Water Festival. This massive celebration is quite likely the most lavish on the calendar. Over three days, beginning with the final full moon day in October or the beginning of November, up to a million people from all walks of life gather to the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers in Phnom Penh to see hundreds of brilliantly colored boats with over 50 paddlers fight it out. The sport of boat racing goes back to ancient times, when it was used to demonstrate the prowess of the formidable Khmer naval forces under the Khmer kingdom. Brightly adorned floats travel down the river in the evening, preceding and complementing the fireworks displays. A parallel celebration is often held at Angkor Wat, and although it is smaller in size, it is just as magnificent owing to the background of Angkor Wat. The celebration commemorates the turning of the Tonle Sap’s flow and is also seen as a form of thankfulness to the Mekong River for supplying the nation with lush land and bountiful fish. The river flow reverts to its regular downstream course at this point. The Tonle Sap River flows upwards during the rainy season, then changes course when the rains stop and the massive Tonle Sap Lake empties back into the Mekong River, leaving behind large amounts of fish.

Stay Safe & Healthy In Siem Reap

Most locals are honest folks attempting to earn a livelihood, but a few dishonest characters will try any trick to take advantage of tourists’ good will. Be wary of dishonest vendors, but don’t let mistrust spoil your vacation.

Convenience shops have been known to hand out wrong change while pocketing the remainder. Before you leave the shop, double-check your change and point out any inconsistencies. They will very certainly acknowledge to their “error” and give you the correct change.

In order to compete for generous travelers’ contributions, street sellers and beggars have evolved sophisticated, if unscrupulous, tactics to capture your attention (and money). A “beggar army” of small children will approach you in the throng and grab your hands, dragging you to a store where they will attempt to convince you to purchase food/baby milk/water for them. Baby milk powder seems to be a popular option. It may seem to be a more humane approach to assist than just giving children money, but as you leave the store, the things you purchased for them are sold back to the shop owners or other locals, and the cash is given to an adult. A similar technique is performed by young mothers with newborns cradled in a krama.

Donation collectors for orphanages may approach you on the street, claiming to be volunteers and displaying convincing images of themselves at the orphanage as well as a clip board documenting the wonderful gifts made by foreign visitors. Despite the fact that these young people are well-dressed and speak good English, it is probable that your money may end up in their wallets. A monetary or time gift to a recognized charity may be a better method to contribute.

Baby-milk scams may be found in the city center, outside stores. A poor-looking mother will beg for milk powder while pointing to her infant. If one cracks and purchases the milk, she returns it to the store and the money is shared half-and-half.

Dollar bills must be scrutinized since you will not be allowed to swap money with even the smallest cut. Fake dollar notes are also common, and may even be issued by ATMs.

Safaris organized by non-governmental organizations should be avoided. Do not plan any orphanage visits unless that is the primary reason of your vacation.

The Paedopilia fraud poses a risk to any Western guy traveling alone to Siem Reap. APLE (“Agir pour les enfants”), a shady NGO, is ensnaring people with bogus charges of child abuse. Do not spend time alone with young people (in a room, temple, school, the countryside, a stadium, or a vehicle) and do not agree to any favors they ask of you (transport, phone call, help, use your toilet or a glass of water)

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