About Siemreab
Planning a Trip to Siemreab
Guess what? You can be the first to write something about planning a trip to Siemreab! Share your travel knowledge! |
Siemreab, Cambodia
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.
Good tip?
(+1)
Siemreab, Cambodia
I had the unfortunate timing of going to Siem Reap during lunar new years, so the place was mobbed with locals, and they were all taking up the cheaper accomodations. After a difficult two hour search, we finally found the Siem Reap Hostel. This place is brand new, has a pool, bar, free internet, pool tables, comfortable beds, restaurant, etc. for $10 per night. This was by far the best hostel I have ever stayed at, and if you ever make it to Siem Reap, I highly recommend it.
Good tip?
(0)
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...
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Angkor Wat And The Surrounding Temples
Angkor Wat is the best known of all the temples in Angkor. In fact it is the largest religious building in the world. Angkor Wat, and the surrounding temples, were declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1992. When people think of Angkor, images of Angkor Wat are most often visualized, but many people are not aware of the actual scope of the entire Angkor complex. The park consists of 400 sq. km and hundreds of structures built between the 9th and the 15th centuries. Admission to the temples includes free reign to roam, explore and climb the ancient structures. The structures were built and carved entirely by hand for several kings. And the people who currently reside here are descendants of these ancient peoples. Although guests are allowed the unique opportunity to climb and explore the magnificent and often crumbling structures, care should be taken. It implore any visitor to these unique temples to exercise care and caution during their time in Angkor, it is the only way to ensure that this amazing edifice will remain for future generations to enjoy. Many of the temples are currently under reconstruction and some of the lesser temples still need to undergo major preservation. And removing any objects from any of the Angkor temples is strictly forbidden. But also, as a visitor to these sacred sites please be respectful, many of these temples are still in use. Much of the ugly behavior we experienced from other tourists were shouting and shoving – especially on the steep and narrow steps to the top of Angkor Wat, which is not only rude but dangerous. Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/srtemples.htm
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom is one of the most famous temples in the Angkor system, behind Angkor Wat and the Jungle Temple. Also known as the Banyon, this temple is best known for the faces carved into the many facades on the temple. Most visitors choose to spend sunrise and sunset at Angkor Wat, but I highly recommend skipping the crowds and enjoying the sunset at Angkor Thom. The setting sun reflects beautifully off the stony faces of the Banyon and this usually crowded temple is relatively vacant around sunset as most of the tourists flock to nearby Angkor Wat at this time. I believe that it is the best time to see Angkor Thom and we were nearly alone, save for a lone monk and one or two other tourists. Any other time of day this popular temple is overrun with other visitors.
During our exploration we encountered a nun who was attending one of the Buddha statues housed inside the Banyon. She greeted us warmly and offered us each three sticks of burning incense to make and offering to the Buddha. We followed her lead as she blessed us and showed us the proper way to pay our respects. In return for this a small donation is expected but well worth the experience.
Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/srtemples.htm
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Sras Srang If you want to avoid the crowds teeming around Angkor Wat for the sunrise check out Sras Srang. This active pool provides a peaceful venue to welcome the morning, in fact you’ll be surrounded more by the local area vendors waiting for the tourists to arrive for the day then other tourists. This pool, located directly across from the east entrance of Banteay Kdei, was constructed for Jayavarman VII. It was constructed in the mid 10th century but was remodeled in the late 12th century. The architecture features naga (ancient Angkorian snakes) and lions along the balustrade. We visited on our second morning in Angkor. It was pitch dark when we arrived so we didn’t know what to expect. The spot had been a recommendation from our new driver, Happy. In the dark some of the local children helped us to find the public toilets, which we never would have found on our own. The children are sweet and helpful, but they will also be trying to sell you everything from breakfast to scarves to books. Don’t make any empty promises to stop them from harassing you as they won’t forget your promises. Just be direct, and remember these children are professionals – they know exactly how to pull on a tourist’s heartstrings to make a sale. But the heavy sale aside, interacting with some of these kids made this morning special. We actually ate breakfast separately because I had made a promise to eat with the cute little girl who helped me to the bathroom and Marc had done the same with a little boy. I got a handmade picture from the little girl after breakfast as she was running off to school. Directions: Located directly across from the east entrance of Banteay Kdei Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-srahsrang.htm
Good tip?
(0)
Siemreab, Cambodia
I had the unfortunate timing of going to Siem Reap during lunar new years, so the place was mobbed with locals, and they were all taking up the cheaper accomodations. After a difficult two hour search, we finally found the Siem Reap Hostel. This place is brand new, has a pool, bar, free internet, pool tables, comfortable beds, restaurant, etc. for $10 per night. This was by far the best hostel I have ever stayed at, and if you ever make it to Siem Reap, I highly recommend it.
Good tip?
(0)
Siemreab, Cambodia
If you go here, you know what you came to see: hundreds of ancient temples that had been swallowed by the jungle, particularly the deservedly famous Angkor Wat. You will not stop with AW, of course, as there are also Angkor Tom, Bayon, Banteay Srei, Ta Phrom, and many, many more worth seeing. Getting to the top of Angkor Wat is a strenuous climb and not for those afraid of heights, but is well worth it for those who visit. Visit early in the morning when the heat and crowds are not so oppressive.
Bring a digital camera with a zoom lens and LOTS of batteries and a large memory card. You will want to take a lot of photos. We brought a laptop so we could upload the photos every night at the hotel, keeping the memory cards fresh for the next day.
When visiting the temples, don't forget that there are people who live there in extreme poverty. They are not just begging and trying to sell handicrafts because they want to annoy you. Visit a village and see how they live. The Cambodians we met in this area were exceptionally friendly and welcoming to visitors. No visit would be complete without taking a little time to get to know some of them.
Bring a digital camera with a zoom lens and LOTS of batteries and a large memory card. You will want to take a lot of photos. We brought a laptop so we could upload the photos every night at the hotel, keeping the memory cards fresh for the next day.
When visiting the temples, don't forget that there are people who live there in extreme poverty. They are not just begging and trying to sell handicrafts because they want to annoy you. Visit a village and see how they live. The Cambodians we met in this area were exceptionally friendly and welcoming to visitors. No visit would be complete without taking a little time to get to know some of them.
Good tip?
(0)
Siemreab, Cambodia
Take passport photos with you to get a pass for Angkor Wat
Good tip?
(0)
Phumi Spean Angkor, Cambodia
Admission to Angkor Wat If you are planning on visiting Angkor Wat while you are in Siem Reap, and face it, why else would you be here, be sure to come prepared. In order to visit the temples you will need to purchase a pass. There are three types of passes to Angkor Wat available: 1 day for $20 US, 3 consecutive days for $40 US or 7 consecutive days for $60 US. You will need to purchase this pass if you are planning to visit any of the temples. They are diligent about checking people’s passes at the major temples and will charge a fine if you are caught without a pass. You will also need to provide a passport photo for the Angkor pass so make sure you bring one with you to avoid any troubles. The process is simple and takes very little time. The ticket booths are easily accessed on the main road into Angkor. Join the que, pay your fee, hand over your passport photo and your Angkor pass should be read in a matter of minutes. If you forget your passport photo they will take a Polaroid of you on site. Ticket booths are open from 5 am to 6 pm daily. We visited in the off-season (as if there is an off season here!) so the lines in the morning were a breeze. If you are concerned about lines you can purchase tickets for the following day after 5 pm but the lines at 5 am weren’t bad at all. And if you hire your own driver for the day he will wait for you through the process. Website: http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/srtemples.htm
Good tip?
(0)
Siemreab, Cambodia
Admission to Angkor Wat If you are planning on visiting Angkor Wat while you are in Siem Reap, and face it, why else would you be here, be sure to come prepared. In order to visit the temples you will need to purchase a pass. There are three types of passes to Angkor Wat available: 1 day for $20 US, 3 consecutive days for $40 US or 7 consecutive days for $60 US. You will need to purchase this pass if you are planning to visit any of the temples. They are diligent about checking people’s passes at the major temples and will charge a fine if you are caught without a pass. You will also need to provide a passport photo for the Angkor pass so make sure you bring one with you to avoid any troubles. The process is simple and takes very little time. The ticket booths are easily accessed on the main road into Angkor. Join the que, pay your fee, hand over your passport photo and your Angkor pass should be read in a matter of minutes. If you forget your passport photo they will take a Polaroid of you on site. Ticket booths are open from 5 am to 6 pm daily. We visited in the off-season (as if there is an off season here!) so the lines in the morning were a breeze. If you are concerned about lines you can purchase tickets for the following day after 5 pm but the lines at 5 am weren’t bad at all. And if you hire your own driver for the day he will wait for you through the process.
Good tip?
(0)
Siemreab, Cambodia
Aspara Dancers
Aspara Dancing is a traditional Khmer art and there are several places to experience it in Siem Reap. If you’re looking for a touristy, but free way to see this Cambodian custom check out the free show upstairs at the Temple Bar. This place gets packed, especially with the $5 US dinner buffet. If you’re not hungry you’re still welcome to grab a table and watch the show, daily 7:30 to 9:30 pm.
There are other places in the city to see this art form, but this one is free!
Address: Bar Street Website: http://www.talesofasia.com/cambodia-templeclub.htm
Good tip?
(0)
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!
Good tip?
(0)
Siemreab, Cambodia
Get a 3 day pass to the Temples of Angkor and explore history! Take a break in between.
Good tip?
(+2)
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.
Good tip?
(+2)
Siemreab, Cambodia
One of the 8 world wonders, Ankor Wat, built for King Suryavarman II in the12th century as his capital city.
Good tip?
(+1)
Siemreab, Cambodia
Get a foot massage after walking around Angkor Wat. It is cheap and so nice after a full day on your feet!
Good tip?
(+1)
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.
Good tip?
(+1)
