Siem Reap Travel Guide

Introduction

Siem Reap exists as the gateway to Angkor — the ancient Khmer temple complex that draws tourists to Cambodia. But the town itself is increasingly worthwhile: excellent restaurants, a lively arts scene, Pub Street’s chaotic energy, and some genuinely interesting day trips beyond the temples.

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Using Siem Reap as Angkor Base

Siem Reap is 6km from the main Angkor temples. All accommodation in town can arrange tuk-tuk drivers (₩15,000–20,000 USD/day) for temple visits.

Angkor ticket office: Located 5km from town. Buy 1-day ($37), 3-day ($62), or 7-day ($72) passes here.

Temple strategy:

• Day 1: Main circuit — Angkor Wat sunrise, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm
• Day 2: Outer circuit — Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, Banteay Srei (25km from town)
• Day 3: Sunrise at Angkor Wat again + lesser-visited temples

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Siem Reap Town

Pub Street Area

The tourist center. Bars, restaurants, massage parlors, night markets. Lively every evening.

Old Market (Psar Chas): Day and night market near Pub Street. Better quality than the night market stalls on Pub Street.

Artisan d’Angkor

Social enterprise employing disadvantaged Cambodians. Silk weaving, stone carving, lacquerware — beautiful quality crafts. Free factory tour. Main shop in town.

Angkor Night Market

Evening market with handicrafts, clothing, food stalls. 500m from Pub Street.

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Day Trips from Siem Reap

Floating Village (Kampong Phluk or Kampong Khleang): Villages built on stilts over Tonle Sap Lake — the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Boat tour through flooded forest (dry season) or between stilted houses (wet season). ₩15–25 USD.

Banteay Srei: Best carved temple at Angkor — pink sandstone with extraordinary detail. 25km from Siem Reap. Usually included in 3-day temple passes.

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