Siemreab Dos and Don'ts

Local food is available at the Bayon, Bayon II, and New Bayon restaurants. Try the local delicacy, chicken eggs, or fried noodles if you don't like the idea of feathers.

I took the local bus from Bangkok to Siem Riep and it was great. If you like dust and being cramped and doing things the local way with no aircon then you'll enjoy your sweaty bum being stuck to these seats. You can exchange money at the border and this is fine. Just make sure you do so on the Cambodian side as the rate is better. When u get off the bus in Siem Riep you will be approched by locals trying to get you to go to their hostels. This is fine, but I found it best to have a place in mind so check the travel guides. Someone on a motorcycle can take you and your backpack there without a problem. I am a woman and travelled alone without any problems. I ran out of money infact and a kind american helped me out. Thank-you! There are many VERY poor families in Siem Riep and they will ask you for money and the usual stuff. My suggestion: take milk when you walk the streets. There are always small thin children carrying even smaller thin children and they will be grateful for the calcium. This can be bought at many shops in the city. I was strapped for cash so spent my time at the local markets. There are some fancy restaurants that have popped up for the tourists but nothing beats a meal prepared right in front of you for next to nothing. It helps the man on the street and gives us tourists more of a human face. With regards to the awsome Angkor City, the best tip I have for you is go as early in the moring as possible! This way you will avoid the crowds and see the sunrise. Two days spent here is enough. The best transport for me to the city was on the back of a motorcycle, the best way to see the area.

This is the main base for people visiting Angkor Wat. The American dollar is valued more than the local currency.

Meet up with other travellers at your guesthouse and go in together on a taxi with a guide. Bring american cash, you might even not buy Cambodian riel. I believe that it costs $40 USD for a three day pass into Angkor Wat.. and you'll need at least that much time there. There are many beggars with severe physical injuries do not be shocked and keep in mind that if you give money to one you will probably have the entire street asking for more within minutes, but it is hard not to want to be generous even if you're a poor backpacker like me.

Siem Reap, Cambodia is a land of wonder and of tragedy. It is inspiring, heart wrenching and unique. Come to Siem Reap with an open mind and you'll enjoy every minute of your stay there. The only reason most people travel into Siem Reap is to see with their own eyes the magnificent Khmer temple ruins of Angkor, a World Heritage Site. To arrange your visit to the Angkor temple complexes, you will need to decide how long you're going to stay, purchase an admission pass (USD20 for one day, USD40 for a three-day and USD60 for a 7-day visit), arrange your transportation to the temples (transportation options include moto-romauk-USD10-13; car taxis USD20-25/day; motodup USD6-9/day; bicycles for USD2-3/day), obtain a tour guide (you'll be thankful for having a guide..they're useful when it comes to explaining the temple history as well as the many bas reliefs and designs in the temples. The charge between USD20-25 per day) and then plan out your temple itinerary. You'll also be well off traveling in Siem Reap if you have purchased yourself a guidebook prior to planning your trip. I highly recommend either the Rough Guide to Cambodia or the Lonely Planet version. These two guide books are almost very accurate. A one-day visit allows you to see the highlights of the most famous temples but very little more. Three days is sufficient to visit all of the major temples once, a few of the minor ones and have a little extra time at your favorites. Seven days is enough time to really explore some of your favorite ruins and visit many of the minor structures as well. If you are on a limited traveling time, you will really need to plan a temple itinerary. If you're only spending two or three days in Siem Reap, i recommend you to cover Ta Phrom (the temple famed for the scene in "tomb raider"), Ta Keo, Victory Gate, Angkor Thom (Bayon, Terrace of the Leper King, Terrace of the Elephants, South Gate), Angkor Wat and Phnom Bakheng the first day, second day, go north of the Angkor complex and visit Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, Banteay Srei and Pre Rup. Third day you may have it easy and go back and visit your favorite temples and do the Tonle Sap Lake in the later part of the day. Weather - as the sun can be very intense, bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. The de facto currency used in Siem Reap is in USD. Local currency (Riel) are also used. Riels would come in handy when you pay for small items.