Siem Reap

The town of Siem Reap (សៀមរាប), in northern Cambodia, is the primary access point for the Angkor Archaeological Park, just north of the city.

Understand

The name "Siem Reap" literally means "Siam Defeated". These days, however, the only rampaging hordes are the tourists heading to the Angkor Archaeological Park. This once quaint village has become the largest boom town and construction site in Cambodia. It is quite laid-back and a pleasant place to stay while touring the temples. It is a nice compromise between observing Cambodian life and enjoying the amenities of modern services and entertainment, thanks to a large expatriate community. Since Siem Reap is a major tourist destination, prices in some instances are higher than elsewhere in Cambodia. Expect to receive almost constant offers for motodop and tuk-tuk rides, along with everything else which drivers may be able to offer to you.

Be sure to pick up your free Siem Reap Angkor Visitors Guide and the equally free and useful Siem Reap Pocket Guide from your hotel/guesthouse. It contains lots of info on Siem Reap and the Angkor Archaeological Park, including hotel/bar/restaurant/shop info, travel info, and maps. For the eco-sensitive tourist, check out Stay Another Day: Cambodia, a detailed guide with local spots that support the environment and community. Another address is the ConCERT tourist office, a local NGO committed to raising the standards of responsible tourism and eco-tourism activities and providing information on the causes and effects of poverty in Cambodia, volunteering opportunities and eco-tours.

Get in

By plane

Siem Reap International Airport (IATA: REP), 13.412°, 103.813°. This is the second largest airport in Cambodia. Its modern architecture is based on the traditional Khmer-style. Its facilities are limited. There are separate terminals for international and domestic flights. Siem Reap is served by flights from East and Southeast Asia; from further away you can transfer for example in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing or Kuala Lumpur. 2017-01-04

The airport is around 7 km from the town centre. Prepaid taxis cost US$10, see the prepaid booth just outside the terminal. Prepaid tuk-tuk rides for slightly less are also available. Thrill seeking solo travellers without much baggage can save money by opting for back of a motodop for US$9. Most hotels offer a free airport pick-up if you've booked in advance.

By bus

Bus is a common way for getting around Cambodia with a range of bus companies serving Siem Reap, with several daily departures and arrivals (especially from Phnom Penh). Major companies include Phnom Penh Sorya Transport, Capitol Tours (dead link: February 2023), and GST Express. Try to book at least the day before travel. Travel agents and guesthouses will do this for a US$1-2 fee. Buses tend to leave in the morning or early afternoon. There are also night buses on some routes.

Many buses terminate at an out-of-town bus station to the east of Siem Reap, from where travellers will need to take a tuk-tuk into town. This should cost no more than US$2, or maybe US$3 if you're not keen to drive a hard bargain. If arriving from the west, consider getting off the bus as it passes through town on Hwy 6, say as it crosses the bridge over the river, before it reaches the bus station. If arriving from the east you have little choice but to face the touts. Capitol Tours buses, however, terminate at the company's office in the centre of town, near old market, making them the most sensible choice.

Domestic services

Domestic services are frequent — for instance Phnom Penh is served by a dozen companies some of which have a departure every half hour during the day. The bus trip from the capital is 6-8 hours and tickets are around US$10 depending on the company. This is a well traveled route by both locals and tourists, but often an uncomfortable trip as buses will make many stops and go slow. A more expensive, but far more comfortable option is by Wi-Fi-equipped minibus (US$15 from Giant Ibis or US$12 from Mekong Express, 2020). Trip by minibus takes only 4-5 hours.

Other places with services include Kampong Cham, Soung, Battambang (US$6-8), Sisophon, Poipet (for Aranyaprathet, the main route from Thailand), Preah Vihear (US$12) and Anlong Veng (for Ban Pakard in Thailand). Destinations further away include Koh Kong (via Phnom Penh, a long journey), Sihanoukville (US$15-25) by a 10-12 hour overnight sleeping bus or daytime sitting bus that should be booked at least 1 day in advance, Banlung (US$24), Mondulkiri (US$18-24.50), Stung Treng (US$20) and Kratie (US$24).

International services

Laos

There are buses from Don Det in the 4,000 Islands region (US$25-29), the Lao border (US$25) nearby and Pakse (US$30). Direct buses from Vientiane don't seem to be available as of February 2019.

Thailand

Buses in general start in the morning, though there are also night buses on this route. The journey takes about 8-11 hr including the time it takes to pass through immigration and customs at the border.

Starting from Bangkok, agents in Khao San Road offer tickets to Siem Reap from 300 baht. In the other direction tickets cost US$11. The ticket is valid for the whole journey but you will change buses in Poipet.

If traveling independently to the Aranyaprathet/Poipet border, see those towns' articles for advice on how to reach the border, survive immigration and avoid the "Government" bus scam.

There are also some more expensive services; the government bus daily direct service from Bangkok (Mo Chit bus station) to Siem Reap and back. The trip is US$28 per direction, but is scam-free and fast. The Cambodian side of the company is named Nattakan. Giant Ibis direct bus to Bangkok: the Cambodian premium transport company Giant Ibis offers daily direct transport for US$32, departure time 07:45. The buses have free WiFi, power supply and generally good service, including free pick-up from partner hotels/ hostels in Siem Reap.

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City (US$18-27) 12 hr on a sleeping bus. If you use this in the other direction, have your Vietnam visa ready (if your nationality needs one) and valid before taking this trip. Visas for Vietnam are not available at a land border even if you have visa on arrival.

By boat

A more expensive and more time consuming option from Phnom Penh (US$35, 6 hr, possible to book online, all seats are provided on a first come-first served basis so no benefits of reserving it online) or Battambang (US$20-25, 5 hr) is to take a Soviet-style hydrofoil across Tonle Sap Lake. These can be fantastic trips giving you the opportunity to view life on the lake, floating houses, working fishermen, and to get a suntan if you choose to sit on the roof of the boat. However, the trip can be ruined due to bad weather. Remember to use sunscreen and take a waterproof jacket. You may not be able to access your luggage during the journey (sometimes the baggage is available, sometimes it is not). If you have the time, it is better to visit the floating villages as day trips from Siem Reap rather than see them from the boat.

Phnom Krom Port, 13.2699°, 103.8223°. The port you arrive at is about 20 minutes south of Siem Reap by tuk-tuk. The drivers will try to charge you US$5 per person but the trip should not cost more than US$5 in total. 2017-01-04

By shared taxi

The quickest method of getting from the Poipet border to Siem Reap is a shared car. A four-seater car costs US$25-45, depending on your bargaining prowess, and takes 2-3 hr. Even if you're travelling solo, it shouldn't be too hard to find others to share the expense. Walk past the roundabout to negotiate a cheaper taxi fare, otherwise you will pay more by being in the police controlled pricing cartel area. Do not get on the "government approved" tourist bus unless you want to pay more for taxi's minibus, etc.

By private transfer

Family or group of tourists can book a private transfer to Siem Reap. It is comfortable, but expensive way. Comfort-class transfer from the Poipet costs US$65-75.

By helicopter

Helicopters can be chartered to go nearly anywhere in the country. They seat 5-6 people. Prices start at US$1,000 for trips to some of the temples north of Angkor Wat. Companies include Helicopters Cambodia and Helistar Cambodia. Helicopter transport is also available from other cities, e.g. from Battambang (US$1,600/helicopter) or Phnom Penh (US$4,700/helicopter).

Get around

Travel to and around the Angkor Archaeological Park is extensively covered in its own article. The following is a discussion of travel inside Siem Reap.

On foot

The city centre is fairly compact and flat.

By bicycle

Many guesthouses will lend you bicycles either for free or cheaply (US$1-3). Bicycle rental shops in town mostly don't open earlier than 07:00, so if you want to ride to Angkor Wat early in the morning, rent one the day before.

By motorbike

Motodops (motorbike taxi) abound and will make sure you know where they are. Rides within town should only cost US$0.50 or 2,000 riel, although prices can double at night or during bad weather. Agree a price first. Full day can be arranged for ~US$10. Helmets for passengers are rare though may materialize if requested in advance.

Renting a motorbike is prohibited for foreign travellers in Siem Reap, though motorbikes rented elsewhere are permitted.

Petrol stations vary from first world forecourts to roadside stalls selling fuel of dubious quality in drinks bottles.

By tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks, like motodops, will call at tourists from nearly any street corner, or you can summon one with PassApp.

A trip within Siem Reap should cost US$1.25 (Feb 2020) regardless of how many people pile on. Most tuk-tuks can convey four people comfortably though the extra weight can make the low-powered bikes laboriously slow. Prices can double at night or during bad weather.

Ensure you and the driver are in crystal clear agreement on the destination and total fare before departure. Payment is made on arrival and doesn't increase if the driver got lost or had to take a circuitous route.

By car

Cars with drivers can be hired for single or multiple days. While all drivers are familiar with the area and happy to suggest good routes, most speak little English and are not actual tour guides. Licensed tour guides charge US$45-50 per day for a driver and English speaking guide. Drivers will likely ask for US$5-10 extra for trips to further temples such as those of the Big Circuit, Banteay Srey and more for remote sites like Beng Mealea.

The taxis (US$7 fixed cost) from the airport to Siem Reap proper may provide a full day of touring for US$25-30.

Siem Reap Transport Service. A private tuk-tuk and car service providing transportation within Siem Reap and around the Angkor Wat temples. Private cars also available to and from Phnom Penh.

See

Most people come to visit Angkor Archaeological Park, which is thoroughly covered in its own article. The town has some worthwhile attractions and a number of beautiful modern Buddhist temples.

Angkor National Museum, 968 Charles de Gaulle Blvd (T Galleria department store, beside the museum, runs a free shuttle (a little train) from the Old Market, every 30 min from 10:30 except on W), 13.3666°, 103.86°, +855 63 966 601, info@the-anm.com. Daily 08:30-18:00. A modern museum with exhibits covering the history of the Khmer Empire, and the art, architecture, clothing, and culture of Khmer civilization, with a special focus on the Angkor complex. It is worth spending a couple of hours in the air-conditioned galleries as a break from visiting temples. Lots of pre-Angkorian and Angkorian statues, plus informative videos. Some say the 1,000 Buddhas room is as impressive as it sounds. The gift shop has some lovely souvenirs and fascinating books, but they're very overpriced. Visitors are required to check bags, water, and hats at the entrance (for free). Photography prohibited. US$12; audio guide in many languages US$5 (credit card accepted) 2020-02-05
APOPO, Trapeang Ses Village, Kouk Chauk Commune, Siem Reap Koumai Road, 13.385074°, 103.861068°, visitor.center@apopo.org. M–Sa, tours every half hour 08:30–11:30 and 13:00–16:30. A demining organization that uses trained rats to sniff out land mines, a strategy which is much faster and safer than using metal detectors (if the rats step on a mine, they are too light to set it off). The visitor's center has guided tours including examples of land mines and UXO (unexploded ordnance) and a demonstration of how the rats find mines. The tour takes about 45 minutes and is a fascinating way to learn about the problem of land mines in Cambodia and support demining work. The guide's English may be hard to understand, but the demonstrations are so interesting, the tour is well worth doing anyway. US$5 2020-02-07
Angkor Eye, Phum Krous (a 15-min drive NW of town on Route 6), +855 63 210 770. An 85-m-high Ferris wheel expected to open on 1 March 2020. 48 baskets will be able to accommodate up to 192 people. It will be the third highest in Asia. 2020-02-09
In the main park near the Royal Residence, look in the trees to see bats flying around, even in broad daylight.

Temples

Wat Bo, Samdech Tep Vong St and St 22 (east side of the river; follow the road that continues from over Wat Bo Bridge), 13.3564°, 103.8626°. As one of the oldest temples it makes a nice contrast between the oldest and the glittering new ones, though the rough artwork wouldn't match the craftsmen of Angkor. The architecture of the ramshackle open air hall next to the main building blends French-style arches and balustrades with Thai-influenced Buddhist details. A forest of chedi surround the main hall, in between frangipani trees and some fine topiary.
Wat Damnak, 13.3518°, 103.8568°. A landscaped temple with many stupas, a small decorative pool, and a school on the premises. Within the site of the temple is the Center for Khmer Studies, an open reading library with materials about the art, culture and history of Southeast Asia with specific interests in Cambodia. 2019-02-03
Wat Preah Prom Rath, Pokambor Ave, 13.35526°, 103.85654°. The glittering modern temple grounds give few hints as to its 500-year history. Though the lotus-themed architecture seems to emulate temples from over the border, the front gate integrates 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 side, that looks like it could have been taken directly from Angkorian mural. Legend is that the site was established around 1500 when a famous monk landed ashore on a piece of his sinking boat. The boat wood was carved into the oddly foreshortened reclining Buddha installed in a swimming pool-like pit behind the imposing, yet despondent looking, seated Buddha in the main hall. Perhaps mimicking the construction materials origins, the reclining Buddha has taken on a sunken slant at the feet end. A pair of small weather worn cannons on either side of the hall are of unknown origin but their style, an embossed crown-like seal and mysterious numbers suggest a European origin.
Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields, 13.3830739°, 103.8589429°. A large Buddhist temple. In the grounds is a stupa with glass sides contains bones and skulls of victims of Pol Pot's army. Be wary of people purporting to be guides or asking for donations. Also, several of the photographs on the display boards are actually of the Holocaust in Nazi Germany. Take this attraction with a pinch of salt. Free, donations welcome

Cultural performances

Apsara Theatre, Wat Bo Rd, 13.3540°, 103.8594°, +855 63 963 561. 20:00-21:30. A flashy performance of traditional, popular and classical dances.
Phare The Cambodian Circus. Nightly 20:00 performances year-round. Additional 17:00 performances Nov-Feb: M Th Sa, and nightly 21 Dec – 4 Jan & 25 Jan – 1 Feb. Phare performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern. Depending what part of town you’re traveling from, it's normally a 10-20 minute tuk tuk ride. You may want to arrange with your driver to pick you up after the show, or there are always many tuk tuks available outside the parking area. Ring Road and parts of Sok San Road are unlit. Siem Reap tuk tuk drivers are very familiar with the location. Typical rates from most central Siem Reap locations are US$3-5. Adult US$18-38, child (5-11) US$10-18 2020-01-05
Smile of Angkor, Smile of Angkor Grand Theatre (Angkor COEX) (northeast outskirts of Siem Reap, direction Angkor; turn right on Apsara Rd), 13.3807°, 103.8822°, +855 63 6550168. Nightly, 19:15-20:30. A lavish production of Cambodian traditional dances equipped with a large screen featuring Angkor civilization. "Smile of Angkor" is the grand epic show that revives the Angkor dynasty in all aspects; from foundation to prosperity, tale of folk customs, past to present. The performance expresses traditional Cambodian culture with the latest technology. US$38-48
We Are The Champions, Night Market (back of Night Market adjacent to Island Bar), 13.35586°, 103.85174°, +855 12 676826. 20:30-21:15, every night except Sunday. Performances by the local disabled community. A two-act play written and performed by participants who share with great feeling what it is like to be disabled in Cambodia and the challenges of their lives. As many of the performers are in pursuit of education to better their lives they appreciate donations of school materials such pens and writing books. Free, donations encouraged

Nearby

Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre, Sanday Village (3 km before the Landmine Museum on the road to Banteay Srey temple), 13.50869°, 103.94096°, +855 97 852 7852. 09:00-1700. Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre is a community development project and tourist destination just down the road from the Landmine Museum and Banteay Srey temple. Revenue from admissions is used to pay families in remote villages who are farming butterflies for the exhibit. The project makes a real difference to the farmers' livelihoods and provides a wonderful experience for visitors as they can see spectacular local butterfly species flying close at hand in a beautiful tropical garden. US$4 adults, US$2 children under 12

Butterfly Paradise, Kantrak Village (5 km from Psar Chas Market on Butterfly Paradise Road), 13.350733°, 103.819108°, +855 12558768, butterflyparadisesr@gmail.com. 09:00-16:30 Sunday to Friday. A park with butterflies amongst many species of plants and flowers, with waterfalls and ponds. US$10 Adult, US$7 Child, US$4 Khmer Adult, US$2 Khmer child
Kampong Phluk Floating Village, 13.2113°, 103.9738°. This mangrove forest offers a much more authentic floating village experience than the one close to the Tonlé Sap ferry harbour. This fascinating fishing village on stilts can be reached by tuk-tuk, motorcycle, or taxi from Siem Reap - but don't take a tuk-tuk or motorcycle unless you want to get covered in a thin layer of reddish-brown dust from the dirt road. It takes about 1 hour to reach the village, depending on the road conditions and water level. Beware of scams. In addition to the tuk-tuk or taxi fare, the boat to take you around the village costs US$25 per person (which drivers will often conveniently forget to mention until you're almost there). In the dry season the village just has the appearance of a bunch of houses on stilts over the mud, but is still somewhat interesting as you can see the houses' structure. After touring the village you can eat in a floating restaurant with views of the lake. US$25 2020-02-01

Landmine Museum, 13.53959°, 103.94579°, +855 15 674 163. 07:30–17:30. This tiny museum was set up by local deminer Aki Ra to educate locals and tourists about the dangers of land mines. Piles of defused mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) lie around the site and the guides are mostly teenagers who were orphaned or injured by mines, many of whom live on-site. This is a very worthwhile attraction that brings home the scale of the problem and shows you a slice of real Cambodia. US$3
Phnom Bok, 13.466111°, 103.981944°. The highest hill in the area. Temple ruins similar to those found atop of Phnom Krom and Phnom Bakong can also be found on top of Phnom Bok. It lies 20 km to the north east of Siem Reap. Expect a tiring hike up the stairs. A guard may be able to show you around. Don't forget to check out the old howitzers from the civil war. Admission is free, no pass is needed for the Angkorian ruins.
Phnom Krom, 13.28573°, 103.81218°. The hill which dominates the view, as you approach the floating village of Chong Kneas from Siem Reap. At the top, temple ruins similar to the other two hills can be found. This particular hill is popular for sunsets, as it can be viewed over the flooded plains during the wet season, and over incredibly vibrant rice fields in the dry season.
War museum, 13.38755°, 103.83127°, +855 97 4578 666. 08:00–17:30. Collection of old (mainly Russian) tanks, artillery, landmines, handguns etc. Also some history background about the Cambodian civil war is displayed. Worthwhile for a 1-2 hour visit if interested in military. US$5 2017-08-19

Do

Activities

Angkor Pottery Center, 13.3249°, 103.8480°, +855 12 755 286. 08:00-17:00. Daily pottery classes for beginners as well as professionals in pottery making, carving and glazing by local potter, Mrs Paruth Hann. Make your own design and take your glazed pot home as a souvenir. An enjoyable experience whilst supporting an enterprise creating fair wage jobs for the poor village women in Siem Reap. US$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), 13.3687°, 103.8613°, +855 17 843 014, info@khmerceramics.com. from 08:00 to 20:00. With the pottery class and clay class course, you can make your own ceramic artifact on the potter wheel. After you finish your piece, you can add different designs on it with potter's tools. With the painting activities, you can draw and / or paint your own design on a pot, cup, plate or other kind of ceramics products. All activities from US$15
Backstreet Academy, Siem Reap, Road 60, Trang Village, Sangkat Slorkram - 200m East of Naga Bridge (Opposite Angkor Village), 13.3545°, 103.8394°, +855 089746459, info@backstreetacademy.com. 08:00-06:00. An alternative tour experiences platform, 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, even a fear factor challenge where you learn to cook insects which are sold by vendors along the streets in Phnom Penh. A social enterprise, they work with many underprivileged people who either serve as hosts or facilitators. The facilitators will pick you up from your hotel and translate for you. These facilitators are usually young students looking for work to pay for their education or orphans looking to transition into society. Transport is provided for most activities in Phnom Penh. A great way to interact with local people, take in the culture and have a memorable souvenir.

Adventure

KKO - Off Track Mountain Bike Tours, St 20, Wat Bo Rd (Close to the New Apsara Supermarket on Wat Bo Rd), 13.35918°, 103.86161°, +855 93 903 024, contact@kko-cambodia.org. KKO is a local charitable non-profit NGO. They offer unique Angkor park and countryside off track bike tours and mototours also to the countryside. The entire profit generated from the bike tours flows back to the local KKO School. US$30-40 for a guided full day biketour and US$45-60 for a full day mototour. Booking is required. US$25-40 for a full-day tour
Sabai Motobike and Jeep Adventures, 13.37301°, 103.86587°, +855 0 88 372 3121. Explore the Cambodian countryside on a guided motobike adventure or in a Jeep. On tour, get off the beaten path to discover authentic, rugged, and fascinating Cambodia. Sabai Moto and Jeep Adventures tours start from Siem Reap.
Shooting Range, 13.485414°, 103.956328°. Armament and explosives availability apparently is only limited by how much you are willing to spend. Listening to the soldiers-turned-used car salesmen put the hard sell on a new machine gun is almost worth the trip. This is a true game of Russian roulette. Fancy pulling the pin of a 30+ year old grenade and possibly getting the faulty one? Make sure that whoever is supervising you is also willing to stand next to you. It can be a little bit difficult to find, and a tuk-tuk driver may know where it is. US$50 per AK-47 or M-16 magazine, M-60 belt (50 rounds) US$80 (Nov 2011). Grenade throwing: US$30

Cooking classes

Beyond Unique Cooking Class, 13.35743°, 103.85753°, +855 77 562 565. Daily 09:30-15:30. Cambodian cooking classes in a village 10 min from town. The classes are three hours long and include a visit to a local family and information on Cambodian cooking customs and beliefs. Hands on classes for a maximum of six people unless you book a private group. US$24 2017-10-28

Festivals

Angkor Photography Festival: Photography for Change. Annual festival that showcases outdoor projections and various exhibitions around Siem Reap of regional and international photographers. The festival is held during the last week of November every year, consisting of 7 evenings of outdoor projections and more than 10 gallery exhibitions across various venues in the city. The festival is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia and is also the biggest. It aims to highlight the work of Asian photographers and provides free workshops for 30 young photographers from the region every year, led by world renowned professionals, which are showcased during the event. There is a full time office/gallery for the festival located on the East river road near the Bopha Angkor Hotel. As well as the festival, the organisers support a local NGO working with street children, that promotes the arts and runs a photography course with students. Photography from these students is also showcased as part of the festival programme.
The Annual Street Puppet Festival. An exciting pageantry with the concept of sticks and stilts manipulated puppets much like those which debuted in the opening parade of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and also quite similar to the Trinidad & Tobago Carnival.
The Water Festival. This vast festival is probably the most extravagant festival in the calendar. Over three days starting with the last full moon day in October or the beginning of November up to a million people from all walks of life from all over the country flock to the banks of Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers in Phnom Penh to watch hundreds of brightly coloured boats with over 50 paddlers battle it out. The boat racing dates back to ancient times marking the strengths of the powerful Khmer marine forces during the Khmer empire. In the evening brightly decorated floats cruise along the river prior to and complementing the fireworks displays. there is often a parallel festival at Angkor Wat and although it is smaller in scale it is just as impressive due to the backdrop of Angkor Wat. The festival marks the changing of the flow of the Tonle Sap and is also seen as thanksgiving to the Mekong River for providing the country with fertile land and abundant fish. It is at this time when the river flow reverts to its normal down stream direction. The remarkable phenomenon that is the Tonle Sap sees the river flowing upstream during the rainy season and then change direction as the rains cease and the swollen Tonle Sap Lake empties back into the Mekong River leaving behind vast quantities of fish.

Massage

The Khmer believe that Thai massage is derived from Khmer massage and that it is more relaxing as it requires less twisting and turning. The numerous Khmer-style massage shops mostly offer genuine massage and are not a front for sexual services. Contrary to common belief, blind massage services do offer special massages too.

Fish Massage, 13.3547°, 103.8546°. This Thai fad has crossed the border. Dip your feet in a tank of fish and wince as they eat the dead skin off your toes. Trying a tank with feet already inside it will tell you if the fish are hungry. Some claim to have no piranhas while others offer a free beer to subdue any doubts. US$1-2 for 15 min
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.), 13.35749°, 103.85615°, +855 63 964391, info@frangipanisiemreap.com. Wonderful spa with a nice atmosphere, peaceful rooms, and experienced staff. The massages actually feel like trained people are giving them. No special services or hidden fees. It is a nice place to go as a couple or alone. They have massage tables and air conditioning. Tasteful exterior surrounded by frangipani plants (partly obscuring their tasteful green sign saying "frangipani"). US$35-75
Lemongrass Garden, 7 Sivatha Blvd, 13.35460°, 103.85352°, +855 12 387 385, lemongrassgardenspa@gmail.com. 11:00-23:00. Lovely little spa with a relaxing atmosphere and experienced staff. 60 minute Khmer massages are US$15, while 90 minute Khmer massages are US$22. They also offer oil massages, "spiritual massages," and manicures/pedicures. Treatment rooms have air conditioning, and they provide a cool drink before treatment and warm tea afterwards. They also claim to pay higher wages than most places in Siem Reap, as well as provide other benefits to their workers. US$10-70 2016-09-01

Orphanage visits

Children are not tourist attractions, and especially orphaned children. Some visitors feel visiting an orphanage is a good way to make a positive contribution to Cambodia, while others feel that orphanage tours do more harm than good. The largest child protection group in the country has asked that tourists not to visit orphanages. The great majority of Cambodian children in orphanages have living parents, who rent them to the orphanages. Most are scams and have histories with severe child abuse. It is strongly encouraged that you do not support this 'business'.

However, some transparent and genuine, long running orphanages that have a good reputation are:

Cambodian Children's House of Peace (Santepheap Orphanage), No.004 Phum Mondul 3, Sangkat Slorkram (Turn right off of Charles de Gaulle Blvd, just after the SOS School), 13.3817°, 103.8743°, +855 92 407077. Sundays, 19:00. The Cambodian Children's House of Peace (aka Santepheap, which means Peace in English) is an orphanage in Siem Reap responsible for over 30 children. The children of the orphanage put on a traditional Khmer Dance show every Sunday night from 19:00-20:15 to highlight traditional Cambodian culture as well as draw attention to the orphanage in general. Free

Buy

As elsewhere in Cambodia, US dollars, and to a lesser extent, Thai baht are preferred over Cambodian riel except for the very smallest purchase. Using riel for small purchases can be better than using dollars as retailers tend to round up US dollar prices.

The Heritage Watch non-profit organisation supports business that promote Cambodia's arts, culture, heritage and development. Certified businesses display either a gold or silver Heritage Friendly logo.

International ATMs in Siem Reap are plentiful and most banks will do cash advances from credit cards.

Arts and crafts

Artisans d'Angkor, Stung Thmey St, 13.35263°, 103.85186°, +855 63 963 330. 07:30-17:30. A workshop in the city centre. Showcases traditional Cambodian handicrafts such as wood and stone carving, lacquering, gilding and silk painting. Visitors are conducted on a free guided tour where they can see the craftsmen in action. The boutiques display the many items produced. Tours available in Khmer, English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese.
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), 13.3687°, 103.8613°, +855 1784 3014. 08:00-19:30. Glazed stoneware bowls, plates, teapots and decorative objects made with traditional Khmer ceramic techniques.
Samatoa, Kolkran, 11 Road 63, 13.3326°, 103.8495°, +855 63 965 310, gm@samatoa.com. 08:00-22:00. Specialises in Cambodian natural silk products. Samatoa encourages fair-trade. From US$50
Theam's House Gallery, Veal Village, Khum Kokchak, 13.3849°, 103.8524°, +855 78 20 81 61. Daily, 08:00-19:00. Exhibits paintings and art created by the artist-designer Theam Lim, who has studied at Ecole Boulle and Ecole Supérieure des Beaux-Arts. Theam's House Gallery and atelier are located in the house of the artist, built by himself, inspired by Khmer rural architecture, surrounded by a luxurious and tropical garden.

Beverages

Georges Rhumerie, 13.34785°, 103.85888°. Infused. Alcohol made in Siem Reap, composed of 10 flavours, inspired by Cambodian fruits and taste. It can be found at Georges Rhumerie restaurant for a free tasting during the day, and also at night. The packaging comes in 2 forms, one normal composed of cardboard, making it legit for the picky custom agent, and the other one more traditional, best for a gift, made by villagers around Siem Reap. 2019-01-31
Sombai Cambodian Liqueur Shop & Workshop, 176 Sombai Road, Salakamreuk Village (head to Salakamreuk police station, go straight over 1200 m, it is between Suorkear Boutique Hotel and Jardin d'Angkor Hotel), 13.338782°, 103.8649448°, +855 63 555 02 80 (Khmer and English), contact@sombai.com. 08:00-20:00. This shop is the factory outlet of the locally-produced infused liqueur called Sombai. The beverage comes in nicely hand-painted bottles. The shop offers free tasting and a general presentation of the production. Also available: a range of non-alcoholic products that also come in hand-painted bottles and jars. It is recommended to book in advance. 2019-12-19

Markets

Angkor Trade Centre, St 9 and Pokambor Ave, 13.3566°, 103.85372°, +855 63 766 666. The mall, Cambodian-style. A reasonably extensive selection of packaged food, drinks whitening deodorant, imported alcohol and the familiar feeling of shopping in air conditioned comfort.
Central Market, 13.35705°, 103.85613°. Eclectic collection of clothes and trinkets. Bargain. Most stalls carry the same selection so you can shop around and find the cheapest price.
Psar Chas (Old Market), 13.35388°, 103.85523°. A range of knick-knacks and tourist junk. Some items purport to be antique, but they probably aren't. If so, most likely it has been stolen.

Other

Lex Roulor Tattoo Shop, In the X Bar, at the end of Pub St, 13.35143°, 103.85053°, +855 97 3042827. 10:00-18:30. Lex Roulor's Tattoo Shop Siem Reap features a French artist with a personal and professional approach to each project. European hygiene standards. Interesting combination of Western old school style and traditional Khmer designs.

Eat

Budget: under us$5, mid-range: us$5-10, splurge: over us$10 (meal for one + soft drink).

Eating options span the full spectrum of tastes and budgets from the rudimentary Asian staples and pizza to authentic Khmer and sophisticated fine-dining featuring exotic local ingredients. The highest assortment of restaurants are in few blocks north of the old market, but there are appetizing alternatives along Wat Bo Rd and hidden in the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Old Market area

Though Pub St is better known for its bars, a handful of places serve great food, many with seating upstairs so you can escape the partying milieu on the street below. Crammed along The Alley is a wider selection of restaurants that offer a generally quieter and more intimate experience. The local restaurants lining Phsar Chas have extensive, yet near identical, menus of cheap fried rice and Westernised approximations of Khmer dishes. At dusk the Kindergarten on the corner of Street 8 and 11 becomes a jumble of small BBQ stalls, replete with billowing smoke, noise, and the persistently entreating peddlers. The phnom pleurng here is the cheapest you will find.

Wat Bo Rd and environs

Outside of the main part of town in the sometimes dusty neighbourhood streets and area along Wat Bo Rd are some trendy restaurants and small local places serving the most authentic Khmer food.

Budget

Bong Srey Mith Laor, Taphul Road, 13.361467°, 103.853781°, +855 92 155 466, konsovatana@gmail.com. Tasty Cambodian food with lots of vegetarian options. Try the white mint tea shake. US$2-5 2020-02-06
Molop Wat Damnak Restaurant, Rambutan lane (south of Wat Damnak Pagoda Rambutan Ln), 13.35104°, 103.85569°, +855 98 663 929. Daily 07:00-23:00. 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 US$3 2019-01-31
My Little Cafe, Taphul Rd, 13.360199°, 103.85307°, +855 12 799 284. Daily 07:00-21:00. Sometimes closes a bit early. Absolutely phenomenal Khmer food. The other dishes are great as well. Always full, with locals, tourists and expats alike. But they'll magically make a seat for you, somehow. Around $3 mains 2023-01-24
TRY ME Restaurant, Taphul Rd, 13.36071°, 103.8536°, +855 17 419 343. Daily 09:00-22:00. A popular restaurant with a good selection of both Khmer and western food. $3-4 mains 2023-01-24
Viva, 13.35455°, 103.85553°, +855 17 838 854. A bright orange Mexican restaurant. Burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas are reasonably authentic considering the location. They have some Khmer dishes if you want to eat more local food while enjoying the view over the balcony. US$2-6

Mid-range

Amok with fish in Siem Reap](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/Amok_with_fish_(8259154034).jpg/440px-Amok_with_fish_(8259154034).jpg)

Angkor Herb, 13.354929°, 103.854096°. Delicious Khmer and international food. US$6-8 2020-02-01
Common Grounds Restaurant (American Coffee Shop & Cafe), #719, St. 14 / Mundol 1, Khum Svay Dangkum (Behind Central Market, across street from U-Dara Guesthouse), 13.35731°, 103.85730°, +855 63 965687. M-Sa, 07:00-20:00. Serving Western dishes; chicken tenders, grilled cheese, crispy chicken apple salad, German chocolate cake, seasonal muffins, cinnamon rolls and some Asian dishes. All profit goes to fund local humanitarian projects through NGO People for Care & Learning. Air-con & high speed Internet. US$5-10
L'Annexe French restaurant, Sok San Road 17259, 13.35481°, 103.85093°, +855 95 839 745, booking.annexe@gmail.com. 16:00–22:30. French food. Exquisite cuisine made by a passionate chef, who prefers excellence and quality before all. Subtle and creative cuisine in a friendly atmosphere, bringing authentic French cuisine, wines and hospitality to Siem Reap. US$4.50-17
Curry Walla, Two locations Sivatha Blvd & Night Market Rd, 13.36000°, 103.85507°, +855 63 965 451. Authentic vegetarian & non-veg Indian food.
Haven, Chocolate Road, Wat Damnak area (West of Angkor High School), 13.349556°, 103.860934°, +855 78 34 24 04, eat@havencambodia.com. M-Sa 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. 2017-09-04
Le Malraux, Sivatha St, 13.35407°, 103.85606°. French cuisine and Khmer specialties, all made with local and fresh products. Central city location that opens early in the morning for breakfast.
Neary Khmer Restaurant, 13.3687648°, 103.8504392°, +855 12 422 247. 16:00–22:30. Local food along with good vegetarian options. US$4.50-17
Peace Cafe, East River Road, 13.368547°, 103.863714°, +855 63 965 210, peacecafeangkor@gmail.com. Sit outside in a big, soft, minimalist chair in the shade of a tree while you eat delicious vegetarian versions of Cambodian and international dishes. Large menu of authentic Khmer food, grilled sandwiches, fresh salads, juices, and shakes. The atmosphere eating in the courtyard is quite nice, and a gift shop is attached. Good vegan options. US$5-8 including a drink 2020-02-07
The Red Piano, Pub St, 13.35474°, 103.85429°. 2 floors. Serves a variety of Italian and other European food with Britney Spears music videos in the background.
The Source Cafe, Taphul Rd, 13.35948°, 103.85277°, +855 85 864 188. Daily 07:30-17:00. Delicious western-style dishes, many healthy options. The mushroom omelette makes a good breakfast and the coffee is great. $3.50–7.50 mains 2023-01-24
Taj Mahal, Street 11 (near Pub St), 13.35484°, 103.84856°. Classic Indian dishes. All the food is halal.
Viroth's Restaurant, #246 Wat Bo Rd, 13.35641°, 103.86009°, +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. US$5-8

Splurge

L'Angelo, 13.3773°, 103.8613°. 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 US$100 for two.
Cafe D’Angkor (Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor), 13.3644°, 103.8600°. This restaurant is inside the colonial-era Raffles Hotel. Main courses include western and Khmer dishes, and range from US$20-30. Both the food and services were excellent. There are other restaurants in this hotel. 2019-02-05
La Creperie Bretonne, Lane 10A, between Pub Street and Street 7, 13.35410°, 103.85404°, +855 86 814 303. French restaurant owned by a Belgian expat. Excellent meats, crepes and a wide beer collection. US$10-20
Cuisine Wat Damnak, Wat Damnak Market St (behind Wat Damnak Pagoda, between Psa Dey Hoy Market and Angkor High School), 13.34965°, 103.86016°, +855 77 347 762, info@cuisinewatdamnak.com. 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. US$19-26
The Dining Room (Park Hyatt Hotel), Sivutha Blvd, 13.35850°, 103.85392°. 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. 2017-02-19
Malis Restaurant, Pokambor Avenue, Siem Reap Riverside, 13.35618°, 103.85780°. High end restaurant with chefs who produce specialities from around Cambodia $$ 2019-11-19

Drink

Coffee

Sister Srey Cafe, 200 pokambor St, Siem Reap, Siemreab-Otdar Meanchey (a one minute walk from the old market), 13.35389°, 103.85606°. Run by two Australian sisters. Located in an old colonial building. Excellent coffee. Wonderful atmosphere. 2018-10-25
footprint cafe, Street 26, Krong Siem Reap (just opposite of the city center), 13.3541997°, 103.8560789°, +855 92 800 308. 07:00–22:00. Cafe focused on sustainability and supporting local communities while serving tasty food and drinks. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. 2020-02-06

Bars

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. A range of international tourists start 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 US$0.50 and cans of other beers for US$1-2. Cocktails and spirits go for as little as US$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.

KTV

These are hostess clubs popular with the locals, room charges are about US$5-10 per hour, beer is US$2-4. Most of these places are fronts for prostitution. Many of these places have two menus. One for Cambodians, which has cheaper prices, and one for foreigners, which have higher prices. If you see that the beer is US$4, they probably gave you the foreigner price.

Bars

Pub St features two main late night bars, Angkor What? and Temple Club which are directly across from each other. Commonly late night bar-goers will also congregate and drink in the street between the two bars and consume their own alcohol there, which is readily bought at stalls or shops in the immediate area.

Khmer Pub Street Beergarden KTVs, 13.35483°, 103.85477°. 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 US$1.50. Beers are US$1. US$0.50 for draught beer 2015-04-04
Angkor What?, Pub St, 13.35478°, 103.85484°. sundown until late. The most famous backpacker bar in Siem Reap, located directly across from competing late night spot Temple Club. US$1 draught beers, US$2 mixers, US$6-8 buckets. Large Western crowd. Offers inside and outside drinking. Open until late.
Banana Leaf Cafe, Pub St, 13.35510°, 103.85505°. Small contemporary street side café, with weekend live music. Efficient and professional staff will entertain the crowd until late. Great cocktails.
X Bar, 102 Sok San Road, 13.35425°, 103.85349°, +855 12 263 271, carlo@xbar.asia. 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.
Miss Wong Cocktail Bar, The Lane, behind Pub St, 13.35520°, 103.85460°. 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

Budget: us$5-30, mid-range: us$30-100, splurge: us$100+ (standard double room).

A seemingly inexhaustible range of sleeping options from upmarket hotels to grubby backpacker hostels, with many guest houses, boutique rooms, bungalows, concrete cells, wood huts and French villas in between, make finding a place to sleep one of the easiest things you will do on your trip.

Hotels are spread over the entire city but most larger hotels line the national highway to the airport, cheap backpacker hostels tend to surround the old market area and stylish boutique hotels a nestled in the trees along Wat Bo Rd. Small Khmer run hotels and guest houses, especially in the low season, can be surprisingly good value if you are willing to do a bit of hunting for one that hasn't been overrun by the guidebook-toting hoards.

Accommodations at every price point generally offer hot showers, cable TV, Internet and airport or bus pickup. Some may include free breakfast, though don't expect much more than an egg on toast and a coffee.