Stray dogs wander past chic lounges where house music pumps at full volume. Ramshackle shacks stand uneasily on stilts between towering luxury hotels. Women carrying baskets on their heads squeeze around backpackers and well-dressed tourists.
Welcome to Siem Reap, Cambodia - a paradox that must be seen and experienced.
Siem Reap has everything the adventure traveler needs, and the nearby temples of Angkor Wat have turned it into one of Southeast Asia's primary destinations.
When you grow tired of exploring the ancient, vine-strangled temples, Siem Reap has plenty of places to eat, party, and recharge for another day in the jungle. Many travelers that came specifically for the temples end up staying longer to check out all the things to do in Siem Reap.
Getting Oriented Around Siem Reap
Life in Siem Reap mainly centers around the Old Market (also known as Phsar Chaa) that occupies a large block on the southeast of town near the river. In the bustling excitement of Old Market you will find every opportunity to shop, sample street food, and browse to your heart's content.
Budget travelers will most feel at home in Phsar Leu where there are cheap places to eat and sleep. Most boutiques and luxury hotels are situated between the airport and the center of town.
The sidewalk along the brown Siem Reap River offers an enjoyable stroll, but come prepared with mosquito repellent in the evenings. Walking around Siem Reap is easy - or for a different experience - hire one of the old French-style bicycles to get around.
- Read about ways to avoid mosquito bites.
Pub Street and the parallel Pub Street Alley are the places to be in the evenings for food and nightlife.
Wat Preah Prom Rath and Wat Damnak are interesting temples that you can visit without even leaving town. Both areas have accommodation and restaurants nearby and offer a brief escape from the persistent hawkers on the street. Read more about visiting Buddhist temples.
Shopping in Siem Reap
Outside of the Old Market Area, there are numerous shops and traveler amenities tucked inside of the colonial buildings along Sivutha Street as well as the Psar Leu district. Souvenirs can be found for cheap all around town or once you get to Angkor Wat.
The newer Central Market (Phsar Kandal) at the junction of Tep Vong Street and Sivutha Blvd. is a popular stop for tourists looking for souvenirs.
At the markets you will find excellent deals on silver, baskets, silk, and unique handicrafts which make great gifts. Avoid purchasing souvenirs made from giant insects, flowers, or wildlife taken from the jungle. Read more about choosing the right souvenirs for responsible travel.
Some haggling is expected - always negotiate for a better price!
Restaurants in Siem Reap
The aptly named "Pub Street" is the place to go for drinks, lounging, and budget eats. The menus offer favorites from all over the world as well as spicy Khmer curries and French dishes.
For some great food options try:
- Blue Pumpkin: an upscale lounge that seems to belong more in Manhattan than Cambodia.
- Khmer Kitchen: very popular with backpackers for its cheap, regional food.
- Singing Tree Cafe: authentic food and great vegetarian fare in an interesting setting.
- Molly Malone's: an Irish pub offering great western classics such as burgers and Irish stew.
Amok is the regional dish and consists of steamed catfish in a sweet-but-spicy coconut curry sauce. Don't leave Siem Reap without trying it at least once!
Many eateries in Siem Reap offer free Wi-Fi connectivity and/or movies.
Hotels in Siem Reap
The highest concentration of budget accommodation in Siem Reap is found on the paths that spider off Sivutha Street, while many pricier options can be found in the new area near the airport or along the road to Angkor Wat.
Along the fringes of town you will find budget guest houses and mid-range hotels of varying quality. Read about how to avoid bedbugs in Southeast Asia.
Read more about accommodation options in Siem Reap:
Visiting Angkor Wat from Siem Reap
Angkor Wat is a sprawling temple complex first constructed in the 12th century as the center of the Khmer civilization. First Hindu and then Buddhist, the temple ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temples are about four miles north of town and are easily reached by the busy road paralleling the river. You can purchase your entrance pass at the gate as well as hire a guide or driver - there is no need to book an expensive tour in Siem Reap.
One day is not enough to see the sprawling ruins. Consider getting a three-day pass ($40) and plan one of the days for hiring a knowledgeable guide ($20 negotiable).
- Read more about Must-See Temples in Angkor
Getting to Siem Reap
A majority of travelers either come from the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (REP) or cross the border by bus from Thailand on the newly-paved road.
For more, read Travel to Siem Reap