The hub of tourism in Cambodia is Siem Reap and for a good reason. The Angkor Wat in Siem Reap is visited by around one million travelers every year.
You probably have heard of the Angkor Wat, it is only the world’s largest religious building and dubbed as the most magnificent piece of architecture ever built by man. The Angkor Wat is a must see for all travels to Cambodia.
Other than the temples, the actual town of Siem Reap is a lovely place with its friendly Cambodian people and decent restaurants.
Places to Stay
Almost every building you will find in Siem Reap is or is attached to a guesthouse or hotel! Hence there is a huge choice here!
Downtown Siem Reap Hostel
: I stayed here during my time in Siem Reap. It was a relaxed laid back hostel with a pool so you can relax in the Cambodian heat.
One Stop Hostel Siem Reap
: Located on the popular Pub Street, One stop hostel is perfect if you are in the mood to let loose and party.
Things To Do
Explore the Angkor Wat:
The main reason people visit Siem Reap is to visit one of the most famous and important archaeological sites in southeast Asia. It is insanely busy throughout the day due to its immense popularity. You will need to buy a pass to get into the Angkor area. There are three choices, the 1-day pass ($20), 3-day pass ($40) or the 7-day pass ($60). The prices are set to rise in the mid of 2017.
The price of a single-day ticket to the sprawling temple complex will rise from $20 (£15) to $37 (£28), a three-day pass from $40 (£31) to $62 (£48) and a seven-day ticket from $60 (£46) to $72 (£55). The most magical time of day to visit is morning, with the site opening at 5 am to allow visitors to watch the sun rise over the temples. I did the Angkor Wat on a motorbike with a friend, however it is recommended to get a tuk-tuk or moto driver.
Kampong Phluk Floating Village
: A village on slits just an hour ride away from Siem Reap can be reached by tuk-tuk from and provides a real insight into traditional lake-life. It costs around $7.
Getting To Siem Reap
From
Phnom Penh
:
Bus:
Buses leave from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap every hour from the early hours until 3pm, takes about 4 hours and can be easily arranged by your guesthouse. 10$
Boat:
A boat to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh is a popular way to make the journey. It’s a much pricier option at around $35!
From Thailand:
Fly:
If you want to avoid the hassle of the notoriously bad border, it is best to fly if you are coming from a different country.
Bus:
Buses leave daily from Bangkok to Siem Reap and taking three to five hours to reach the border. 10$
Where to go next?
Sihanoukville
:
The main backpacker magnet of Cambodia. Cheap accommodation and lively party vibes just a bus ride away.
Phnom Penh
:
Cambodia’s capital is just a 5-hour bus ride away from Siem Reap. This will set you back around $10.
