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Siem Reap Cambodia

Gateway to Angkor Wat temple complex, ancient Khmer civilization, and Cambodian culture.

NovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarch

Weather & Climate

Tropical savanna climate with a dry, cooler winter and a steamy wet season.

Jan

31° / 21° 2 mm

Feb

33° / 21° 8 mm

Mar

35° / 24° 25 mm

Apr

36° / 26° 60 mm

May

34° / 26° 120 mm

Jun

33° / 25° 140 mm

Jul

32° / 25° 175 mm

Aug

32° / 25° 200 mm

Sep

31° / 25° 210 mm

Oct

31° / 24° 150 mm

Nov

30° / 23° 45 mm

Dec

30° / 22° 5 mm

Transportation

  • Airport

    Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) · 40 km east (new airport opened 2023)

  • Transfers

    Hotel Shuttle (45-60 min, $15-25 pre-booked) · Shared Minivan (45-60 min, $9-12) · Private Taxi (45-60 min, $25-35) · Grab (45-60 min, $18-28)

  • Transit

    Tuk-tuk, Remork-moto (motorcycle tuk-tuk), Bicycle, Grab

  • Tips

    No formal public transport - tuk-tuks are main option · Hire same tuk-tuk driver for multiple days (discount) · Negotiate all prices BEFORE getting in · Bicycle great for Angkor small circuit (flat 17km) · Download Grab for modern alternative · E-bikes available for rent ($5-8/day) - great for temples

  • Walkability

    moderate

Culture & Etiquette

  • Language

    Khmer (Cambodian), English common in tourist areas, some French

  • Currency

    Cambodian Riel (៛, KHR) and US Dollar (widely accepted)

  • Customs

    Buddhism central to culture (Theravada Buddhism) · Sampeah greeting - hands together in prayer position with bow · Monks highly respected - don't touch or sit higher than · Remove shoes before entering temples and homes · Head is sacred, feet are lowest - never point feet at Buddha · Angkor Wat culture and history central to national identity

  • Etiquette

    Sampeah greeting to monks and elders · Don't touch people's heads · Don't point feet at people or Buddha images · Dress modestly at Angkor temples - cover shoulders and knees · Remove hats at temples

Practical Basics

  • Visa

    Visa required for most. Visa on arrival available ($30). E-visa available online. 30 days tourism.

  • Power

    230V, 50Hz · A, C, G

  • Healthcare

    Limited healthcare. Royal Angkor International Hospital for tourists. Bangkok or Phnom Penh for serious issues. Insurance critical.

  • Safety

    SAFE · Generally safe for tourists · Watch for pickpockets in Pub Street and markets · Bag snatching by motorbike can occur · Scams common - taxi overcharging, fake tickets · Landmines still exist outside tourist areas - stick to marked paths · Use reputable tuk-tuk drivers and agree on price first · Avoid walking alone late at night

  • Emergency

    Police 117 · Ambulance 119

Neighborhoods

Old French Quarter

moderate

Colonial shop-houses, leafy lanes, and boutique hotels near the river.

Best for history, walkability

Wat Bo Village

moderate

Chic guesthouses, yoga studios, and roasteries across the river.

Best for remote work, cafes

Kandal Village

expensive

Creative block with design shops, vegan cafes, and co-working lofts.

Best for shopping, digital nomads

Sok San Road

budget

Budget-friendly nightlife street lined with hostels and street food.

Best for backpackers, nightlife

Sala Kamreuk

moderate

Residential pocket with riverside villas, breweries, and slow-food spots.

Best for long stays, foodies

Taphul Village

budget

Local neighborhood with markets, laundry services, and craft classes.

Best for budget, culture

Restaurants

Cuisine Wat Damnak

Modern Khmer tasting

Chef Joann s rotating menus highlight river fish and rare herbs.

Must-try: Tasting menu, Wild fish amok

Mahob Khmer

Khmer fine-casual

Garden restaurant in a traditional home serving lok lak and BBQ platters.

Must-try: Beef lok lak, BBQ set

Miss Wong

Cocktail bar + snacks

Lantern-lit speakeasy pouring craft cocktails with dim sum bites.

Must-try: Lychee martini, Bao trio

Tevy s Place

Vegetarian Khmer

NGO cafe with plant-based takes on Khmer staples and smoothie bowls.

Must-try: Vegan amok, Banana blossom salad

Chanrey Tree

Farm-to-table Khmer

Riverfront dining with refined curries and house-made condiments.

Must-try: Fish amok, Crepe banh chao

Pou Restaurant and Bar

Creative Khmer tapas

Chef Meng experiments with prahok, banana blossoms, and pomelo.

Must-try: Prahok dip, Banana blossom ceviche

Itineraries

Angkor Sunrise and Old Market Nights

1 day

Classic temple loop at dawn followed by spa time and market bites.

  • Day 1: Sunrise sprint

    Sunrise at Angkor Wat and guided circuit · Massage + pool break

Temples, Tonle Sap, and Cowork Cafes

3 days

Blend temple time with floating villages and remote work-friendly cafes.

  • Day 1: Big circuit + cafe hop

    Bike or tuk-tuk big circuit (Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Ta Som) · Cowork sprint at The Hive or Footprint Cafe

  • Day 2: Tonle Sap and crafts

    Boat trip to Kampong Phluk floating village · Night market eats and rooftop drinks

  • Day 3: Kulens and slow morning

    Day trip to Phnom Kulen waterfalls and reclining Buddha

Slow Siem Reap Residency

5 days

Five-day cadence mixing remote work, volunteer gigs, and countryside rides.

  • Day 1: Arrival setup

    Check-in, SIM purchase, and Angkor pass pickup · Orientation walk and monk blessing at a local pagoda

  • Day 2: Remote work + wellness

    Remote work block at coLAB or The Missing Socks · Yoga and ice bath session

  • Day 3: Temple sunrise + artisan class

    Angkor sunrise photo mission with local guide · Silk weaving or silver-smith workshop

  • Day 4: Countryside cycling

    Cycle tour through rice paddies and Rolous temples

  • Day 5: Give-back + departure

    Volunteer morning at Rehash Trash or local NGO shop · Last-minute shopping + airport transfer

Day Trips

  • Angkor Wat Sunrise + Temple Circuit

    7 km north · Half day (6 hours)

    Sunrise at Angkor Wat followed by Ta Prohm and Bayon loop.

  • Tonle Sap Floating Villages

    40 km southeast · Full day (8 hours)

    Boat ride through stilt houses, floating schools, and mangrove forests.

  • Phnom Kulen Waterfalls

    50 km northeast · Full day (9 hours)

    Jungle plateau with waterfalls, reclining Buddha, and riverbed carvings.

  • Banteay Srei + Countryside

    37 km north · Full day (8 hours)

    Pink sandstone temple paired with palm sugar villages and landmine museum.

  • Battambang Bamboo Train

    170 km west · Long day (12 hours)

    Full-day outing to Battambang for colonial streets, bamboo train, and caves.