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Siem Reap

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Siem Reap

Situated in the southwest part of Cambodia, this small city is the gateway to a world where the past and present collide. No wonder, because Siem Reap was a part of Angkor, the center of the Khmer Empire which ruled from the 9th to the 15th centuries.

During the day, explore the majestic nine square kilometers of Angkor temples. This UNESCO-listed site is also the largest religious site in the world. At night this small town lightens up as people relax after a long day of visiting the temples.

Stopping by or passing by, Pub Street will surely catch your attention with its restaurants, bars, and cafes. Don’t skip the Old Market and give Cambodian’s less discovered dishes a try, if you dare.

Get to Know Siem Reap

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Siem Reap

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Siem Reap

A guide to Siem Reap's local transportation

Car Rental

Remok

Motorbike Rental

Motorbike Taxi

Bicycle Rental

It is good to look for car rentals online before you go to Cambodia so that you see the price and book with convenience. If you have an international driver’s license and you’re not too bothered by traffic jams, driving a car or hiring a driver can be a good way to travel. Renting a car may cost you US$40–US$150 a day depending on model, rental duration, and seating capacity.

Practical Tips for Siem Reap

Things to prepare and best way to visit

Passport/Visa Policies

Visitors from an ASEAN member country do not need a visa to enter Cambodia, as long as they have a valid passport. If you need to obtain a visa, visas for Cambodia are available at airports and land borders. In order to obtain one, make sure you can provide a passport valid for at least six months and a passport-sized self photo for your visa.
Citizens from the following countries will need to make advance arrangements for their visa: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Sudan.

Be aware that overcharging can be an issue at land borders with Thailand and Laos. To avoid that, you may want to arrange a visa in advance.
Online e-visas are only accepted at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports, and at the land borders of Bavet/Moc Bai (Vietnam), Cham Yeam/Hat Lek (Thailand) and Poipet/Aranya Prahet (Thailand).

Best Time to Visit

Dry season runs from November to April, and temperatures are at their most comfortable from December to February (which is around 25°C), with the least rainfall in December and January.

Can tourists ride motorbikes?

Yes. Now Cambodian government allows tourists to ride rental motos. Keep in mind, though, that you would need a Cambodian driver's license, not an international driver's license. The local license can only be obtained in Phnom Penh.

Where is the best place to exchange money?

You may get better exchange rates at local markets. Try and spot shops that show foreign money in the front. Exchanging small amounts at a time is ideal since you can use US dollars at many places. Keep in mind that if you pay with US dollars you might also receive Riel in return, so try to not use bigger banknotes.

Is it necessary to tip?

It is not necessary to give a tip in Cambodia. However, a small tip at your discretion when you receive good services can go a long way for workers.