Siem Reap completely surprised me! I was unsure I’d get the hype, even with Angkor Wat as its main attraction. Don’t get me wrong, Angkor Wat is stunning and a must-see, but I was worried it might be full of the type of tourists I don’t like to see, like how Bali can sometimes feel. Luckily, that wasn’t the case at all. Here’s my take on Siem Reap and, of course, Angkor Wat!
Many of the package holiday people and those who eat pray, and love types tend to stay in a hotel or hostel near the complex and don’t bother going into the city, except for maybe Pub Street, which can be a bit fun. I had fun couchsurfing “hang out” experience with some people around there. I even met a guy who knew a friend of mine who lives in Jakarta.
Where is Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is located in northwestern Cambodia. As mentioned in the introduction, it’s best known as the gateway to Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire. The city has grown from a quiet village into a lively hub for travelers, but it hasn’t lost its charm. Its history goes back centuries; similarly to Battambang, it is shaped by the rise and fall of the Khmer Empire, French colonial influence, and its revival as a tourist destination. Today, you can explore centuries-old temples, visit traditional markets, and learn about Cambodia’s past while enjoying the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. There are also some beautiful projects done by local and international NGOs that empower the community.
Siem Reap’s name means “Defeat of Siam” (Siam being the old name for Thailand) and comes from a legendary Khmer victory over a Siamese army centuries ago.
How to see Angkor Wat?
There are a couple options:
1-Day Pass: $37 USD 3-day pass – US$ 62;; 7-day pass – US$ 72;
Tickets can be purchased at the Angkor Ticket Centre, about 4km from the main entrance. You must have a photo taken at the ticket counter as part of the entry process. Guards at all the stops ask for this ticket with your photo so you don’t lose it and have it on hand.
Getting around from Siem Reap : Angkor Wat is about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from Siem Reap town, and it’s easily accessible by tuk-tuk, bicycle, or private car—a common way to get around the temple complex. You can hire a tuk-tuk for the day (approximately $15-25 USD, depending on the distance and time spent). Renting a bike is a popular and eco-friendly way to explore. Many places in Siem Reap offer bike rentals for around $1-$5 USD per day. We did an E-bike because riding a regular bike was too hot. It was like 10 for two of us.
Angkor Wat Temple: The centerpiece of the Angkor complex, it is famous for its grandeur and intricate carvings. The temple is best seen at sunrise when the light creates a magical atmosphere.
Other Nearby Temples: While Angkor Wat is the highlight, there are many other temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park worth exploring, such as Bayon Temple (known for its many smiling faces), Ta Prohm (the “Tomb Raider” temple) Angkor Thom (the ancient walled city with impressive gates)
Some advice for Ankor Wat
- In the days when everyone was an influencer, most people cared about the best times to get the best picture. This would be the sunrise for the iconic reflection of Angkor Wat in the moat, so try to arrive early for sunrise (around 5:00 AM). This is also when the site is least crowded. Golden Hour is also a good time. The late afternoon light (around 4:30 PM) also offers excellent photo opportunities as the sun sets behind the temple.
- As Angkor Wat is a religious site, dress modestly and comfortably. Wear loose-fitting clothes to cover your shoulders and knees. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, as you will walk a lot on uneven surfaces.
- Drink enough water: It can get scorching, especially during the day. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and take breaks when needed. The older I get, the more emphasis I put on this. Water is life
- Don’t be an ass: Angkor Wat is still an active religious site for many Cambodians, so it is essential to maintain respect while visiting. Climbing on specific structures is prohibited, and it is essential not to damage carvings or artwork. But also, please don’t look like one of the Western cringe-wannabee spiritual gurus. I am kind of half-half on the cultural appropriation topic, but this seems to be the half I find annoying.
What else is there to do in Siem Reap?
Stroll or Cycle Along the Siem Reap River : Enjoy a peaceful walk or rent a bike to explore the tree-lined paths by the river, taking in the local scenery and quiet spots.
Discover the Local Markets: This isn’t my thing, as I’m decidedly not a market person unless I have to be. Visit the Old Market (Phsar Chas) for souvenirs, handicrafts, and a taste of local life. Don’t be too mean with haggling. If you care, look up the prices to see how things are. However, Southeast Asia is tame compared to the Middle East. Does 1-5 bucks difference mean that much for a keepsake from Cambodia?
Relax with a Spa Treatment: Treat yourself to a traditional Khmer massage at one of Siem Reap’s many spas. It’s a perfect way to unwind after sightseeing. I also got a facial and some other treatments for an excellent price.
Explore Pub Street and Night Markets. Head to Pub Street for a lively evening. Enjoy casual dining, live music, or a cold Angkor beer. Troll through the night markets for quirky finds and affordable snacks.
Good places to give your business to
Hug a hero rat: The “hero rats” in Siem Reap are African giant pouched rats trained to detect landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) left over from Cambodia’s past conflicts. Managed by the non-profit organization APOPO, these rats are small enough to avoid triggering mines while efficiently sniffing out explosives. Their ability to safely clear large land areas has helped make farmland and local areas safe again. These rats have earned recognition for their life-saving work in demining efforts across Cambodia and beyond.
Kulen Elephant Forest: If I am not mistaken, this is one of Cambodia’s two ethical elephant sanctuaries. There are not many in Southeast Asia. These elephants were previously in the entertainment industry. Cambodia got rid of elephants for entertainment in 2017. With only 75 captive elephants remaining in Cambodia, their protection has never been more urgent. Hopefully, these will be phased out someday.
Tevy’s place: The restaurant is run by a woman named Tevy. She was a victim of the Khmer Rouge regime and lost much of her family. She dedicates much of her cafe to good local causes. The food is delicious.
Sister Srey: It is another cute cafe. It is a Cambodian café dedicated to fostering positive change by empowering locals through education, training, and community support. It serves as a platform to help individuals achieve their dreams while prioritizing environmental sustainability and social impact. They support APOPO as well,
Have a Taco at Ankor Tacos: This isn’t one of these places with a significant cause, but a very kind staff runs it. They also do tacos pretty well.
So, your overall verdict?
Go—it’s truly incredible! However, don’t forget to explore other attractions in Siem Reap. As I mentioned in my Battambang guide, supporting local charities and avoiding orphan tourism is important. Seriously, steer clear of that!
So here is my guide to Siem Reap. I am sure there are some things I’m missing, but I only spent a week there, so there is always more to learn. I will try not to come into a place with a jaded attitude and learn that there are reasons why some places are frequently visited.