Siemreab People & Culture

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People in Siemreab 
1. Maria's Tip on Siemreab
Siemreab, Cambodia
This is the main base for people visiting Angkor Wat. The American dollar is valued more than the local currency.
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2. Debbie's Tip on Siemreab
Siemreab, Cambodia
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.
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3. Apurva's Tip on Siemreab
Siemreab, Cambodia
Siemreap is more a traveller-base for Angkor Wat rather than a destination itself (since Angkor has no hotels or restaurants) ... correspondingly most people chill out in Siem Reap over meals and drinks after a tiring day visiting the Angkor temples ... the city is geared towards this ... fix transport for Angkor here depending on whether you are visiting it for one, two or more days (the three-wheelers are a good option) or, if you are done, for the Thai border or Phnom Penh depending on your direction ... after tiring yourself out at Angkor, come to your hotel here (good range available), relax (good massages, if you want, especially the professional foot massage to soothe aching feet), eat (good place to try Cambodian dishes), change money, and exchange notes on Angkor and Cambodia with co-travellers...
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4. Apurva's Tip on Phumi Spean Angkor
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
The Angkor Wat temples are a class apart ... simply not to be missed if you are anywhere near that part of the world... could not understand how they never made it to the new list of the seven wonders... while there, spend more time on the few main temples rather than covering all...the temples are laid out over a vast area and you need conveyance to go from one to the other... best organised from Siem Reap in the form of a private 3 or 4 wheeler that takes you to Angkor, shows you around and brings you back for the night (no hotels/restaurants in Angkor)... within the temples there is much to be mesmerised by... climb up the temples too if you can for another perspective... if you get a chance, chat up the few monks you may meet there ... they are lovely people and some are very keen to talk to you ... also when you come out, its worth buying a little postcard or souvenir from the little children there... they have written it with their hands, it puts a smile on their faces, and its a loving memory of the place...
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5. Daskalakis's Tip on Siemreab
Siemreab, Cambodia
You won't trust your eyes. Cambodia rocks! Lovliest people I have ever met who always smile. It's another day for you in paradise...
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Siemreab Sports 
1. Leanne's Tip on Siemreab
Siemreab, Cambodia
The Dead Fish, we had a great, cheap meal and there was Crocs in the restaurant!!
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2. Hollie's Tip on Phumi Spean Angkor
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia

Kbal Spean

Kbal Spean is not a temple, but more of an archeological site. Known as the Valley of 1000 Lingas, this spot is quite unique. Your driver will drop you off at the trailhead where the local vendors and food stalls are located and then it’s a steep hike uphill through the jungle. The hike is gorgeous, and only mildly strenuous but a few of the older and less healthy travelers we saw on the way were struggling. Most anyone can do the hike, just take it at your own pace, just remember not to venture off the trail as there are still landmines in the jungle. The jungle provides some shelter from the sun, but you will need sun protection and water. The top of the hike takes you to a river. Look closely at the riverbed, it is actually hundreds of ancient carvings that make this site special. Slightly down river the is the waterfall, which is best seen during the rainy season when the water is running high and the butterflies are at their height. But we were there in the dry season and still enjoyed the waterfall and saw a couple of butterflies. Although we weren’t alone on our visit, there were very few other tourists who made the trek out here. And despite the heat, the hike through the jungle was a great departure from the beaten path.

 

If you plan to visit Banteay Srey or Kbal Spean your driver will likely be expecting more money due to the distance, so be sure to settle on the price beforehand. Our driver suggested visiting this temple and the even further a field Kbal Spean as our itinerary for the third day of our visit to Angkor. Unfortunately he left us under the impression that his payment would be the same as the day before and it wasn’t until we reached Banteay Srey that he changed the rules on us. Thankfully, we were able to reach a mutually agreeable settlement and it didn’t ruin our day, but keep this in mind when you are making arrangements to visit these distant temples. Our trip out to these remote sites was one of the highlights of our trip!

 

Directions: Located 49km outside of Siem Reap, this site is far removed from the tourist track. Part of the charm of visiting these remote sites is the drive out through the Cambodian countryside and the small villages along the way. Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-kbalspean.htm

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3. Hollie's Tip on Siemreab
Siemreab, Cambodia

Off the Tourist Track

Restaurant Name: Lucky Restaurant

We stumbled upon Lucky Restaurant, which you won’t find in any guidebook or on any tourist map, by accident. We only wish we had discovered this little gem sooner. Located on the outskirts of the tourist area, slightly southwest of Psar Chaa, this local hole in the wall doesn’t look like anything special, but looks can be deceiving. The food here was traditional and surprisingly delicious. We were the only tourists in the place and were able to dine outdoors and enjoy the ambience of the city while we dined. The service was great and the prices couldn’t be beat. They’re also open late – a definite plus! Don’t pass by this hidden gem if you’re looking for great Khmer food at rock-bottom prices off the normal tourist track.

Favorite Dish: Marc’s steamed fish was one of our best meals of the trip. And my chicken Amok (signature Cambodian dish) was great too.

Prices: less than US$10

Phone: 012 995 163

Address: N° 011, Street Sivatha Directions: Attached to the Mini Guesthouse

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4. Daniela's Tip on Siemreab
Siemreab, Cambodia
Ride your bicycle through the temples! This is the best way to see all of the nooks and crannies between the temples - places where the jungle has overtaken ancient walls and statues which others miss as they ride their bus or even their speedy tuk-tuk between the temples. You can join a trip through the temples with an experienced mountain bike guide, like a custom trip with PEPY Tours www.pepytours.com, which will allow you to access the hidden dirt paths which only a local could find. Alternatively, you could rent your own "basket bike" from nearly every guesthouse in Siem Reap, or contact PEPY or Hanuman Tours to rent a high quality mountain bike for the day. With all of these options, you will be glad you choose two wheels, and the Cambodians you pass will be equally as pleased with your transportation choice as they laugh and smile as you pass!
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Food in Siemreab 
1. Joey's Tip on Siemreab
Siemreab, Cambodia
Get a 3 day pass to the Temples of Angkor and explore history! Take a break in between.
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2. Eszter's Tip on Siemreab
Siemreab, Cambodia
If you choose to travel between Siem Reap and Battambang by boat it1s important to buy many litres of water  :o) because it's very hot, and just in the middle of the day you can buy anything in a shop on the river. 
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3. Bart's Tip on Siemreab
Siemreab, Cambodia
One of the 8 world wonders, Ankor Wat, built for King Suryavarman II in the12th century as his capital city.
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4. Jica's Tip on Siemreab
Siemreab, Cambodia
Get a foot massage after walking around Angkor Wat. It is cheap and so nice after a full day on your feet!
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5. Michael's Tip on Siemreab
Siemreab, Cambodia
Start your temple touring early, especially during the hotter periods of the year. One can cover a lot of ground in a morning and then come back to your hotel for a well desired dip in the pool by late afternoon. Dinner at Foreign Correspondents Club is always recommended.
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