Siem Reap in Cambodia - information and guide to the city of Siem Reap. Entertainment and attractions of Siem Reap. What to see in Cambodia besides Angkor Wat? Attractions of siem reap cambodia

Siem Reap- This small town in Cambodia, located near the main tourist attraction of the country - temple complex Angkor. I have long been interested in the Khmer Empire, and I was always amazed that they could build such grandiose structures as Angkor Wat - the largest Hindu cultural and architectural monument in the world. And finally I decided to persuade my husband to go and figure it out himself. So we independently traveled to Siem Reap from Thailand for the first time.

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Personally, we have been to Siem Reap several times and we are always curious to return to Cambodia. So we will describe our impressions more than once about how the city next door to Angkor is growing and what is changing in it. For now, let's start with how to see this city.

There are six easiest options for getting to Siem Reap in Cambodia:

by plane from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and other Asian cities;
by bus from neighboring countries - Thailand, Vietnam, Laos;
by taxi from the border town of Poipet;
by train from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet, and the rest of the way by taxi or bus;
by boat from Phnom Penh and Battambang;
by helicopter from Phnom Penh and Battambang.

Now I’ll tell you in detail about each method.

By plane

Flying to Siem Reap by plane is the easiest way to come to the city of Angkor. Airlines fly here with direct flights from all neighboring Asian countries and cities. You can only choose the one that is more convenient. By the way, the departure tax from Siem Reap is always included in the ticket price if it is an international flight. If you bought a ticket for a home flight, you will need to pay $12 before departure. It's better to pay in cash.

Here is a list of all airlines flying to Siem Reap and departure cities:

AirAsia (Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok)
Air Hanuman (Pattaya)
Asiana Airlines (Seoul)
Bangkok Airways (Bangkok)
Cambodia Angkor Air (Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Bangkok)
Cathay Pacific Airways - Dragonair (Hong Kong)
Cebu Pacific Air (Manila)
China Eastern Airlines (Kongming, Nanning)
China Southern Airlines (Guangzhou)
Hong Kong Express (Hong Kong)
Jetstar Asia (Singapore)
Korean Air (Seoul-Incheon)
Lao Airlines (Luang Prabang, Pakse)
Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur)
Silk Air (Danang, Singapore)
THAI Smile Airways (Bangkok)
Vietnam Airlines (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Luang Prabang)

We recommend watching in advance Flights to Siem Reap via this link >> *
*airlines often have sales, don’t miss the opportunity to buy a ticket at a good price

You can board a plane in your own country and, with a transfer in one of the Asian megacities, fly to the second international Airport Cambodia. The most convenient way to fly from Moscow is to Siem Reap with a transfer in Bangkok. Transfer from Siem Reap airport to the hotel is usually free if the hotel is already booked, but they will take you to the airport for $5. A taxi from the airport costs $7.

Coming to Siem Rin by bus is also very easy. You can come from states bordering Cambodia. The most popular route to Siem Reap is from Bangkok. There are also excursions from Pattaya to Angkor. Some tourists prefer to do this route on their own, arriving by bus.

To Siem Reap from Thailand: Buses that do not need to be changed at the border are operated by Nattakarn Bus Company, which departs from Northern bus station Mo Chit in Bangkok. All other methods include different variations - how to come to the border from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet, and from there go to the Cambodian city of Poipet and go further to Siem Reap. We have traveled along this route several times and share our experience - history and practical information About, ).
To Siem Reap from Vietnam. Travelers to Southeast Asia can also reach Angkor Wat from Vietnam by visiting Cambodia by bus from Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City. Ticket price is from $18 to $25.
To Siem Reap from Laos. There is another very non-trivial way - to come to Siem Reap from southern Laos - from Pakse ($30) and from the 4000 islands of Don Det ($35). Read the story of how we did this the other way around and managed not to pay the border mafia a dollar.

By bus you can get to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh - $7-15, Sihanoukville - $13-18, Battambang - $5, Kampong Thom - $7, Sisopon - $5 and Poipet - $5 and other cities in Cambodia.

By taxi from Poipet to Siem Reap

Having arrived in Poipet by bus from Bangkok, most tourists do not transfer to another bus, but try to find travel companions in order to save on a taxi ride. A taxi in Siem Reap for 4 people costs $25-45, depending on the impudence of the taxi driver. Official taxis from the center of Poipet cost 25 dollars.

By boat to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh and Battambang

A passenger boat is one of the exotic ways to come to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh and Battambang and see Cambodia along the way.

From Phnom Penh. This trip along the Tonle Sap River and Lake is feasible from July to March during the rainy and cool season. The boat departs at 7.30 from Phnom Penh and arrives in Siem Reap 6 hours later. The cost of such a trip is $28-30.
From Battambang- a similar way to get to Siem Reap will take 5 hours and costs $20-25.

By train from Bangok to Aranyaprathet

The railway in Cambodia exists, but does not function to transport passengers. However, you can arrive by train from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet. Then cross the border to Poipet and choose a further method of transportation - by bus or taxi to Siem Reap.

The train departs from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet twice a day - at 5.55 and 13.05. Ticket price is 45-200 baht. Travel time is 4-5 hours. But we must keep in mind that trains in Thailand are always late.

By helicopter to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh and Battambang

In order not to waste time and immediately go to the temples of Angkor, you can order a helicopter and fly to Siem Reap from any city in Cambodia. Charter flights are provided by Helistar Cambodia and Helicopters Cambodia.

The cost of a helicopter flight that seats 5-6 people starts at a thousand dollars. A flight from Battambang costs $1,600, and from Phnom Penh – $4,700.

It will be quite easy for tourists to navigate the city of Siem Reap if they look at its maps in advance.

Open large Google map →

Different colors on the map indicate:

Blue - Siem Reap attractions, as well as a place to buy tickets to Angkor Wat;
Orange – airport and bus stations;
Purple – temples in the city and Angkor Wat;
Dark brown – bank branches in the city;
Light brown – gas stations, gas stations;
Green color – place for renting electric bikes (e-bike);
Dark red color – hospital and post office;
Grey - border crossings with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.

Siem Reap city maps

Since you need to spend some time in the city, cards will not bother anyone. But Siem Reap, or rather its tourist part, is very small and it’s quite easy to navigate there.

Map of the tourist area around the Old Market

Siem Reap, and especially its tourist part - the area around the Old Market - is not that big. However, you can use various modes of transport to get around the city, either on your own or by taxi.

On foot. It's easy. As I said, the city is small.
By bike. Many guesthouses rent bicycles for $1-3 per day.
On an electric bike(E-Bike). This newfangled introduction has already paid off in, and has now captured Siem Reap. Electric bikes cost $10 per day (you need a passport to rent). They are usually charged at night, but they can also be charged along the way - pay attention to the special green signs (by the way, they are located along the Small and Large Circles of Angkor). A full charge allows you to travel 42 km. In one hour you can charge an electric bike for 5 km.
On a motorbike. Since 2016, it has become possible to ride motorbikes in Siem Reap! We personally tried this method of visiting the temples of Angkor and were very pleased with the freedom of movement. Renting a motorbike in Siem Reap costs $10-20.
By tuk-tuk or remorka. Tuk-tuks can be found everywhere in the city. Decent hotels have their own tuk-tuk drivers who drive you around the city for free. Typically a tuk-tuk ride costs $1. However, always negotiate the price and destination in advance.

One of the main issues that worries travelers is the weather in . Now I will tell you when is the best time to go to Siem Reap. It is worth keeping in mind that, like other countries in Southeast Asia, Cambodia is dominated by monsoons, and under their influence the weather in Siem Reap. There are usually three climate seasons in Cambodia - cool, hot and rainy seasons.

Cool season(November – January) is characterized by the coldest weather in Siem Reap and Cambodia. But this only means that rain will be rare, and the temperature will remain around 26-29 °C. However, this is the most best time for a visit to Cambodia and Siem Reap. Many of the less accessible attractions during the monsoon season, such as Mount Kulen and the Thousand Lingas River Kbal Spean, will be open to visitors.
Hot season(February - April) is the most difficult period of the year for traveling in Cambodia. And the main enemy will be the sweltering heat. In Siem Reap at this time the sun heats the air to 40 °C. There is no rain, and rivers and streams are drying up. The surrounding fields may also burn, and there may be smog in the air. Not the most pleasant time to visit Siem Reap, but possible if you can handle the heat. Plus - there are fewer tourists. Never forget to take extra water with you!
Rain season(May-October) is a good time to visit Siem Reap. And although rain is expected, which means clouds (Mount Kulen and Kbal Spean will be partially inaccessible), usually the bad weather does not last all day. As a rule, rains and thunderstorms occur at night or in the evening, which makes it possible to explore the sights of Siem Reap and Angkor in the first half of the day (from early morning to 16.00). At this time, the temperature stays around 30 °C.

Air temperature in Siem Reap and precipitation by month:

Month	During the day, °C	At night, °C	Amount of precipitation, mm per month	Number of rainy days days per month
January	+26	+20	4	2
February	+28	+22	5	1
March	+29	+24	29	3
April	+30	+25	57	8
May	+30	+25	150	17
June	+29	+25	214	18
July	+29	+25	193	18
August	+29	+25	209	18
September	+28	+25	288	17
October	+28	+25	200	15
November	+27	+23	51	6
December	+26	+21	7	2

A hotel in Siem Reap must be chosen in accordance with your own plans. There are a great variety of places to stay in the city, as they say, for every taste and budget, and every year there are more and more hotels. All hotels in Siem Reap

There are several criteria by which you should choose a hotel or guesthouse:

Are you a fan of going out in the evening, want to go around all the establishments and have fun in the company of other travelers? Stay close to Pub street. The name of the street alone will tell you that it is noisy and fun here every evening, seven days a week. And the guesthouses are the cheapest. You left your things in the room, you walk around all day and only come back to sleep.
We recommend choosing from best options:
– One Stop Hostel Siem Reap @ Pub Street- grade 8.9
– Onederz Hostel Siem Reap- grade 9.5
– Angkor Breeze Central Villa- grade 9.0

If, on the contrary, you do not want to live in the thick of things and be away from the noisy market, choose quiet streets. The most comfortable hotels in Siem Reap are located a little further from the city center. There are restaurants almost everywhere, just in slightly less concentration. Here are examples of hotels:
– Oriental Siem Reap- grade 9.5
– La Maison du Passant- grade 9.4
– Homestay Chreav- grade 9.6

If you plan to leave early every day - in particular for dawn at Angkor Wat or go to distant Khmer temples (for example, Banteay Srei or Beng Melia) in the best morning time, when the light is good and there are no people - then you should not choose a hotel with breakfast. But it’s better to think about how to eat on the road - stock up on food the evening before and eat while the tukker is driving you, or stop at some cafe along the way.
– Viroth's Villa- grade 9.5
– Sambath Residence- grade 9.4
– Sala Lodges- grade 9.4

And if you like to sleep well and have a good breakfast, then be sure to choose a hotel in Siem Rim with breakfast included in the price. And preferably with a swimming pool. By the way, even inexpensive guesthouses in Siem Reap, where rooms cost only $10-12, treat their guests to breakfast.
– The Bayon Villa- grade 9.7
– Central Indochine D'angkor Hotel- grade 9.3
– Bunwin Residence- grade 9.3

Our hotel in Siem Reap. Very good number with amenities and air conditioning in a quiet location for $11 with breakfast - Oral D’Angkor Guesthouse. Owners: British-Khmer family

The hotel restaurant will be convenient if you don’t want to walk around the city in the evening, but plan to relax in your room after a busy day. cultural program. Otherwise, it’s easier to go to one of the countless restaurants in Siem Reap and have dinner there.
– Chronicle Residence & Spa- grade 9.3
– Sumeru Boutique Hotel & Spa- grade 10.0
– Residence Indochine D'angkor- grade 9.3

But a swimming pool, if the budget allows, seems to me to be an almost obligatory criterion. After all, just the opportunity to swim in hot Siem Reap after a tiring day will be the best end to the evening.
– Dream Mango Villa- grade 9.7
–Villa b. Maison d'Hôtes Angkor- grade 9.8
– Silver Palms Residence- grade 9.5

And finally, if you want to stay in the most luxurious hotel in Siem Reap, we recommend you choose from these:
– Phum Baitang- grade 9.5 (luxury 5* villa for outdoor recreation. Terrace, spa, swimming pool, garden)
– The Privilege Boutique- grade 9.6 (unique 5* spa suites in the city)
– Prince d'Angkor Hotel & Spa- grade 8.7 (5* spa hotel in Cambodian style, the best in the city).

Where to look for hotels in Siem Reap?

As I already said, there are a variety of cafes and restaurants in Siem Reap: from those located right in the hotel, specialized expensive restaurants for wealthy travelers, eateries near the market where you can get large and tasty portions for $1.5 and ending canteens and cafes scattered along the city streets. The central part of Siem Reap, where tourists live, consists entirely of hotels and restaurants, and only occasionally there are shops, banks and government agencies.

In Siem Reap you can taste any cuisine in the world. Literally everything is represented: Khmer cuisine, Thai, Italian, Chinese, American. Lots of pizzerias and cafes serving sandwiches and burgers, KFC, Burger King - everything! Even vegetarians will be at ease in Siem Reap - almost every eatery has a vegetarian menu!
Don’t forget that, like in any hot country in Southeast Asia, fruit shakes are popular in Siem Reap, and their price is very low - $1-1.5.
And the famous Pub Street in Siem Reap, of course, speaks for itself - those who like to drink beer in the company of friends will not be disappointed.
Recently, many small shops and large supermarkets have opened in Siem Reap, selling an assortment of food, clothing and even souvenirs familiar to any European.

Nice little restaurant in Siem Reap that also has a great selection of vegetarian options

What about myself? Siem Reap city? Behind last years the city became cleaner, the people richer. There are many times more tourists and tukers on the streets. And the Chinese are the bulk of tourists in Cambodia today.

But the first thing that catches your eye when you walk around Siem Reap is the rows of new motorbikes! Yes, yes, now you can explore Angkor on your own by motorcycle! This is just great news for everyone who is so used to freely driving around neighboring Thailand, but in Cambodia was forced to hire a driver with a tuk-tuk.

However, tukers still carry tourists in their remorkas (tuk-tuks), and those who find it more convenient to explore the temples of Angkor without thinking about routes will still be happy.

Tuk-tuks are not only used to show tourists around Angkor. A truck carrying furniture through the streets of Siem Reap

Cambodia's glory as the country of one dollar is confirmed. There are a couple of tuk-tuks nearby, of course, ready to serve tourists!

And here they are - motorbikes in Siem Reap!

Sights of Siem Reap - what to see

Siem Reap is not a very rich city in terms of attractions, especially compared to Bangkok. But the residents of Siem Reap are not discouraged, because there are Angkor temples nearby. And yet, if you have daytime time to explore the city, then it’s worth visiting some of the highlights:

After visiting the temples of Angkor, the first thing you should do is relax. But I’ll tell you what to do in Siem Reap during the day and evening.

Things to do in Siem Reap during the day:

In the evening you can go to restaurants or cafes, do some shopping, and visit the night market. You can also spend your evening leisure time in Siem Reap by going to popular performances:

Dance - highly recommended!

Night market in Siem Reap not much different from daytime. But it is convenient precisely because it works in the evening. The same silver jewelry, T-shirts, paintings, food and other souvenirs. Salons offer massages of any kind right on the street. Foot massage with fish is generally one of the most favorite entertainments in Siem Reap for many tourists. You sit, drink a fruit shake, and the fish do their job.

Trading at the Siem Reap Night Market begins after dark

Various shows, both decent and not very popular, are still popular in the city of Siem Reap.

We are not big experts nightlife Asian cities, so we won’t be able to tell you about the details of nightlife, but such information can probably be easily found in the relevant blogs and forums. But it can’t be that someone gets bored here in tourist city. Everyone will find pleasure and leisure to their liking.

Numerous restaurants and bars are open where you can eat very inexpensively, drink beer, cocktails, meet other travelers and agree, for example, to go to distant temples and divide the cost of the trip in half.

All the flags of the world in Siem Reap! But, unfortunately, we could not find the high-quality flags that we bought several years ago. The ones presented are poorly stitched and will not withstand washing.

Sacred souvenirs. You need to be careful when buying Buddha statues. For example, in Thailand there is a rule banning the export of Buddha images. You must carefully read the rules in force in Cambodia and neighboring countries, about which souvenirs can be exported and which are prohibited

But there is a lot of clothing in the markets of Siem Reap - mostly not of very high quality, unfortunately. But if the goal is to buy a couple of t-shirts and pants to wear while on vacation, why not?

The city of Siem Reap is also famous for selling cheap silver. When purchasing, you must choose carefully to get a high-quality product of the highest standard.

And of course, in Siem Reap you can buy paintings to hang in your home upon arrival. The plots are all the same. You just need to choose a topic that is closer to you

If you want to bring a souvenir from Cambodia, then you need to be prepared for the fact that market in Siem Reap Most textiles and various crafts are of rather low quality. T-shirts last three washes, the seams are barely stitched, the threads are sticking out. You will have to look for a quality item for a very long time, unless of course you are lucky the first time.

But what is really worth buying in Cambodia, as a unique and real souvenir, is black pepper from Kampot. If you are not going to Kampot itself, where everything will be cheaper, then it is worth buying it either in any supermarket (cheaper) or at tourist market stalls throughout the city (very expensive). We went to a regular city market for locals, where they sell vegetables, meat and other foodstuffs. There they asked for 5 dollars for half a kilo of not very high quality pepper. And for quality they didn’t agree to take less than $6.5. But the pepper is very good, fragrant, hot and aromatic! And the price is two or even three times lower than in the store!

Pepper from Kampot - best souvenir, which can be brought from Cambodia, in addition to impressions, of course!

Siem Reap. Angkor - how to explore, maps and prices

Every tourist goes to Siem Reap in Cambodia not for the city itself, but with the goal of seeing the temples of Angkor and the famous Angkor Wat!

Angkor Wat

You can also see the most famous and vibrant temples, including Angkor Wat. The length of the route is 30 km, the time is from 4 to 6 hours for inspection.
combines the Small Circle with other temples that are located near Siem Reap. The length of the route is 35 km. Time for inspection is 5 - 8 hours.
- a miniature and unique temple. Many consider it the most beautiful in Cambodia and even place it in front of the Angkor Wat temple itself. It can be added to the Great or Small Circle of Angkor.
The very first temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, included in. Not the most popular among tourists.
Standing away from the routes of the Small and Large Circles, but very interesting, is the Banteay Samre Temple.
Distant temples of Angkor - and. You can only get to the pyramid by car, and you can take tuk-tuks to Beng Melia, but this trip will take half a day.
— Preah Vihea or Banteay Chma are also worth attention.
Natural and architectural wonders - Mount Kulen (it was here that Jayavarman II declared himself a god-king) and. They also need to be visited separately, or added to one of standard routes from Siem Reap to Angkor.
Ethnographic visit to a floating village on

How can all these attractions of Siem Reap fit into one itinerary - for a day or several days? We will write about all this in detail. And of course we will discuss each route, including non-standard routes that we personally invented, which we tried on our last visit to Siem Reap. Read about routes around Angkor.

Angkor - the main attraction in Siem Reap

Recently, many points have appeared on the central streets of Siem Reap where you can rent a motorcycle (electric or gasoline). We gladly took advantage of this option and happily explored Angkor Wat and other temples on motorbikes. On the main street or near Pub Street, you can go around several offices and choose the scooter you like at a price that suits you. Rental cost is $10-20. But you can bargain.

Gasoline is sold at the central gas station in Siem Reap or from plastic bottles at stalls in various villages.

Here is a short video from Angkor (Banteay Kdei) near Siem Reap:

Tuk-tuk prices in Siem Reap in 2016:

Prices for a tuk-tuk in Siem Reap - how much the big and small circle costs. These are the prices you can use as a guide

Maps of the Angkor temple complex

In this section we will introduce best cards Angkor, available online, which will help you understand the attractions of Siem Reap. And in our other articles we will provide a detailed map diagram for each temple to make it more convenient to understand what kind of structure it is.

The most convenient map for visiting the temples of Angkor and planning a route

Playful tourist map Siem Reap

Siem Reap - our review

We can say with confidence that it is getting better and cleaner, with more hotels and restaurants appearing. We liked that along with the influx of tourists, civilization is gradually coming to poor Cambodia, and Siem Reap is a clear leader in this indicator. This morning it’s nice to go out onto the balcony and see coconuts engulfed in sunlight. What can be said as a conclusion about visiting Siem Reap in comparison with what was here before:

Corruption in Cambodia is invincible, and you can only fight it with your feet, that is, without coming here;
Prices in cheap cafes in Siem Reap have not changed, and in expensive restaurants they have even decreased slightly;
Hotel prices have also remained unchanged (from $5 to infinity);
Prices for tuk-tuk at budget guesthouses have not changed;
But ticket prices to Angkor have increased. Since February 2017, the Angkor pass costs $37 for one day, $62 for three days, and $72 for a week. 2 USD from each ticket goes to support the hospital for children;
It became possible to travel around Angkor independently on a motorbike or bicycle;
Travel agencies have appeared offering new interesting tours, for example, to Pre Vihear.

In principle, you can exchange currency in Siem Reap for local riel - at a bank or at a hotel. But there is no real need for this, since in Cambodia US dollars circulate almost as a second national currency. Cambodian riel may end up in your collection when stores give you change that is not a multiple of dollars. It is possible and necessary to pay for your purchase in dollars and riel at the same time. Cambodian riel to US dollar exchange rate: 1 USD = 4000 riel.

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First of all, you need to find and compare prices of hotels with discounts on different booking sites. In order not to waste time, we use a convenient search engine - RoomGuru. He immediately looks for best deals on the Internet and shows the most profitable ones. All that remains is to choose the right one and go on vacation!

Not far from Angkor Wat and among the ruins of the ancient city of Angkor Thom is the second largest temple in Cambodia - Bayon. It was erected in the mid-12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII and is dedicated to the glorification of Buddha.

Tourists are presented with a monumental temple-mountain as if created by nature itself. Here and there fantastic boulders appear, like stone heads. Bayon consider stone miracle, an amazing vision for the human eye.

The monumental walls of the temple are guarded by lions with weary jaws, and the temple itself consists of three diminishing terraces. In the lower terrace, only pillars and stunning reliefs have been preserved, depicting not only the daily life of the common man, but also historical figures. The walls of the second terrace depict scenes from religious and mythological sources.

But the most important thing in this temple is its central tower, symbolizing the center of the universe or the world mountain. Initially, in the center of the tower there was a figure of Buddha, the height of which reached 4.75 meters. Unfortunately, only fragments of it have survived to this day. Around the tower there are another 52 smaller towers, each of which is topped with four human faces, facing the four cardinal directions. There are 208 such faces in total.

Thus, this bizarre, monumental and somewhat fantastic temple is a true masterpiece of medieval architecture in Cambodia and the cultural and historical heritage of this country.

Crocodile farm

The crocodile farm in Sien Reap is not just an attraction for tourists where you can look at exotic animals, but also a real farming operation, the purpose of which is to obtain the final product - crocodile skin.

The farm is located in the southern part of the city, on the road to Lake Tanle Sap. About 300 so-called Siamese crocodiles live here permanently. In nature, they prefer slow-flowing freshwater bodies of water, and here swimming pools serve as their habitat. The farm was created in 1979 under the auspices of the ministry Agriculture as a zoo and existed in this form until 1989. Now it is private property, and crocodiles are raised here not for the purpose of protecting and preserving the species, but solely for commercial interests. However, this does not in any way reduce the entertainment value of the visit, especially if you catch the predators feeding. However, for a small fee you can feed the crocodiles with fish, duck or chicken.

In the farm shop you can buy crocodile leather products: bags, wallets, belts. For those who are interested in exotic things, they sell stuffed crocodiles - the product is, of course, specific, but if you decide to make such a purchase, do not forget to take a receipt from the store. The fact is that when flying home from Thailand, the stuffed animal may be confiscated - they are prohibited from being exported from the country. If you present a purchase receipt in Cambodia, there will be no problems with export.

What attractions of Siem Reap did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Tonle Sap Lake

Lake Tonle Sap is the largest fresh lake in Southeast Asia. The area of the lake is variable - in the dry season it is about 2,500 square kilometers, and during the rains, the river of the same name flowing from the lake changes its flow direction, and the lake overflows to 16,000 square kilometers.

Translated from the Khmer language, the name Tonle Sap sounds like this: "Big Fresh Water", but is most often translated as " Big lake". This incident is explained by the fact that the literal translation does not correspond to reality at all - the lake is muddy and muddy. Travelers who come to these parts, as a rule, admire the Khmer and Vietnamese floating villages, as well as biosphere reserves with countless wading birds. They say that the Tonle Sap - an extremely fishy place, where since ancient times fish walked in huge schools, and Cambodians fishing got their own food.

Residents of this region spend their entire lives on the water. In this lake district you can find floating hospitals, police stations, restaurants, shops, schools, bars, cafes and even gas stations. This is how life works that from a young age the aborigines live with an oar in their hands. Because another way of transportation is simply impossible here.

The most outstanding fact of its modern history Cambodians consider the country's liberation from French colonization. The symbol of the newfound sovereignty was the Independence Monument, opened in Phnom Penh on December 9, 1962. An exact copy of this monument has been recreated in the city of Siem Reap.

The author of the structure was the famous Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann. The monument is designed as a modern interpretation of traditional Khmer buildings. The monument is believed to be modeled after the Main Tower of Angkor. It looks like a five-tiered pagoda with through passage doors, built of terracotta-colored stone. The total height of the structure is 20 meters. The edges of each tier are decorated with cobra heads - they say there are 100 of them. Now the monument represents not only deliverance from the protectorate of France, but is also a symbol eternal memory and gratitude to all those who died in terrible years civil war.

The unique style and excellent execution made both the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh and its replica in Siem Reap very attractive tourist sites. Both are especially good in the evening under floodlights. On national holidays, the monument is decorated with red, blue and white ribbons symbolizing the Cambodian flag.

Siem Reap Airport

Siem Reap International Airport (IATA: REP) is Cambodia's largest international commercial airport, located in the city of Siem Reap. It is located 8 kilometers from the city of Siem Reap and serves mainly tourists flying to visit Angkor - the main attraction of Cambodia. The airport accepts aircraft of class A310/320 and below.

Banteay Kdei Temple

Not far from Siem Reap you can find the dilapidated Banteay Kdey Temple. The date of its foundation dates back to the twelfth century, during the reign of Jayavarman VII. For unknown reasons, the construction of the temple was carried out very chaotically - projects were constantly changing, which resulted in absolute confusion in the architectural plan. In addition, the material used in the construction turned out to be of poor quality, which was the main reason for the current state of Banteay Kdei.

The name of the temple Banteay Kdei translates as "Citadel of Shrines". Presumably, the temple was built on the ruins of an ancient Buddhist temple. Today, Banteay Kdei is undergoing planned renovation work. A lot of work has already been successfully done to rid the temple of tree roots.

Lolei Temple

Lolei Temple was built in 893, during the reign of Yashovarman I, king of the Khmer Empire. The temple was dedicated to the father of Yasovarman I - King Indravarman I. The main feature of the Lolei temple was that it was located on artificial island in the middle of the Indratataka barai - a man-made reservoir (which has not survived to this day). The area of the island was approximately 80 by 90 meters.

Today Lolei Temple is a monastery. For this reason, many architectural features the buildings were destroyed - the monks did not want to waste time on research and began to improve them with their own hands. At the same time, everything that seemed “unnecessary” to the monks was demolished, including terraces and pavements.

On the walls of the Lolei Temple you can see paintings depicting gods, monsters and snakes.

Are you interested in knowing how well you know the sights of Siem Reap? .

Ta Prohm Temple

Ta Prohm Temple was built by the Khmers at the end of the 12th - beginning of the 13th century. Its original name is Rajavihara. The temple is located approximately one kilometer east of Angkor Thom. It was founded by King Jayavarman VII - he conceived the temple as a Buddhist monastery and university.

Ta Prohm is dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma. The temple was discovered in the 20th century during the restoration program of the Angkor temples. The appearance of the temple makes a huge impression - the walls and roofs of the temple buildings are crowned with centuries-old trees, whose roots are woven into the stones. When the temple began to be cleared of trees, it became clear that the roots of the trees were the main fastening element, without which the temple would hardly have survived to this day. After this, it was decided to leave everything as it is, which is why trees decorate the walls of the temple to this day.

The most popular attractions in Siem Reap with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Siem Reap on our website.

More attractions of Siem Reap

Let's be honest with each other and with Cambodia: if there were no such powerful attraction of Siem Reap as Angkor, no one would know about this town. But although for inspection ancient capital One day is enough; many tourists stay in Siem Reap for a longer period. And so that they would not die of boredom, the Khmers quickly invented new attractions in Siem Reap. Many of them are very worthy of attention.
What to do in Siem Reap: attractions and excursions

Yes, I was also very surprised when I found out that the attractions of Siem Reap exist))) Moreover, you can easily find what to do in Siem Reap if you have a day free from visiting Angkor. Or even two. And our article will help you with this.

Siem Reap attractions: what to see and do

The good thing about Siem Reap’s attractions is that you can get to them all quickly and for just $1. Well, or a maximum of two - this is the tariff of local taxi drivers. And in general, prices in Siem Reap are quite low.

The downside is that many of the attractions of Siem Reap are, so to speak, somewhat exaggerated and made in a hurry just to get your money. Therefore, out of all the options for what to do and what to see in Siem Reap, we have selected seven of the most interesting. But before moving on to their description, we advise you to read our other useful articles about Cambodia:

So, entertainment and attractions of Siem Reap: where to go in a city where there is nowhere to go?

1. Pottery master class

official site

If you don’t know what to do in Siem Reap, be sure to take a master class at the ceramics school! And you will take with you not only pleasant memories, but also pleasant crafts.

2. Khmer Circus

There are no clowns or trained dogs here. The circus in Siem Reap is more of a theater where acrobats, jugglers and other circus artists will show you scenes from Khmer myths and legends, as well as from the life of ordinary people. Performances start every day at 19:30, adult tickets start from $18, children's tickets start from $10.

Khmer Circus in Siem Reap, official site

3. Cooking master class

Almost every reputable cafe in Siem Reap offers a master class on preparing Khmer cuisine, as is always stated on the sign on the gate. In our opinion, Khmer cuisine is even closer to Europeans than Thai: at least not a single Amok or Lok Lak forced us to order a double portion of juice or tea to quench the fire in our mouths. And in Thailand this happened often. average price one-hour culinary master class in Siem Reap – $20.

Here are the websites of several Siem Reap restaurants that offer cooking classes:

Khmer cuisine is no less tasty than Thai, and not as spicy. And the ingredients for many dishes - such as - can be found in Russia.

4. Khmer boxing

The official name of this martial art is Kun Khmer. In general, it is very similar to, but it has its own aspects. One of the best boxing stadiums in the country, CTN Angkor Arena, is located in Siem Reap. Fights with the participation of the country's best athletes take place twice a week: on Mondays (starts at 17:30) and Wednesdays (starts at 15:30). The start time of the show may change, check on the official website. Entrance ticket price starts from $15.

CTN Angkor Arena, official site

5. Siem Reap Museums

If you are a history buff, including very recent history, then these Siem Reap attractions are at your service.

There are three museums in the city. Foremost - Angkor National Museum(Angkor National Museum) where you can see archaeological artifacts and learn the history of Angkor, including through a multimedia presentation. Admission ticket costs $12 plus $2 for photo and video.

Many attractions in Siem Reap, including National Museum Angkor are located in the very center of the city.

Siem Reap Military Museum(War Museum) will show you the different types of weapons that were used during the wars in Cambodia at the end of the 20th century. Including (well, what would we do without them) a Kalashnikov assault rifle and a T-34 tank. Admission is $5.

Anti-Personnel Mine Museum(Cambodia Land Mine Museum) is an eerie place and at the same time a charitable organization, where you will see mines, bombs and other means of genocide of their own people - a favorite pastime of people who, until recently, were in power in this country.

Angkor National Museum, official site
Siem Reap Anti-Personnel Mine Museum, official site

6. Old Market

The market is like a market))) On the one hand, there is an opinion that prices there are too high. On the other hand, there is nowhere else to buy souvenirs from Siem Reap. Therefore, if you want to take a piece of Cambodia (made in China) with you, this is the place for you.

7. Pub Street

What to do on this short but pretty street is clear from its name))) Draft beer here is probably the cheapest in Siem Reap. But it’s worth coming here not even for a drink, but for a pleasant, peaceful atmosphere at the end of a hard day spent sightseeing in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap attractions: Pub Street is somewhat similar to Bangkok's Khao San. Only the backpackers here are already without backpacks, and they are not yet trading. It’s also very hot there, so in the photo I’m actively cooling down. What did you think?)))

With the development of tourism, Siem Reap began to create tourism infrastructure. Today, the city has hotels of various levels and price categories, and 6 km from Siem Reap there is an international airport, the largest in Cambodia.
I visited Cambodia and Siem Reap with my wife in 2011, the country left a very vivid impression.

How to get to Siem Reap

To buy an air ticket at the best price, it is best to use air ticket search systems that include the largest number of airlines and ticket sales agencies.

How to get to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh)

Getting from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is not difficult. The easiest way to do this is by bus; travel time is about 6 hours. Phnom Penh does not have a single carrier to Siem Reap; this function is performed by many companies. You can buy bus tickets to Siem Reap at hotels and guest houses or travel agencies.
There is also an option along the Tonle Sap River, but it is less convenient, but more romantic.

How to get to Siem Reap from Thailand

Many travelers and tourists, while in Thailand, combine a visit to this country with a trip to Cambodia. In most cases, people enter Siem Reap from Pattaya and Bangkok.

How to get to Siem Reap from Bangkok
1.Air flight, in principle you can fly for around $100. The flight time is about an hour, well, add the road to the airport and you have to be at the airport 2 hours before departure.
2.Taxi prices start at about 3,000 baht and the journey takes about 4 hours.
3.Bus tickets can be bought, for example, on Khao San Road, at any of the travel agencies, of which there are a lot. Alternatively, you can take a government bus from Mo Chit station. Buses depart every half hour, tickets are sold on the ground floor of the station (inside the building) in booth No. 23. The fare is 212 baht. (subject to change).
Road from the border to Siem Reap
From Thailand you will be taken to the border town on the Thai side of Aranyaprathet, on the Cambodian side there will be the city of Poipet. From Aranyaprathet to the Cambodian border you can take a tuk-tuk, the price is about 100-150 baht. There is also a shuttle bus going to the border with the inscription “free”, in quotes. All they need from you, just like tuk-tukers, but they will also take money from you, is to take you to agencies that issue a visa for a certain fee. After passing the checkpoint you will be put in free bus, which will take you to the bus terminal, from where you will travel the last 160 km to Siem Reap for about $10.
There is an option get from the border to Siem Reap by taxi, the price in 2013 was $30-35, but you will have to bargain hard.

How to get from Pattaya to Siem Reap
Here are three main ways to do this.
1. By taxi - the easiest way and the most expensive.
2.Order a transfer from a Pattaya travel agency. The price is approximately 500 baht for 2011. Travel time is 3-4 hours. In my opinion, this is the best way: price, comfort and effort. A minibus picks you up directly from your hotel.
3. By bus, which departs from the bus station on North Road near Sukhumvit Road. Bus passing from Bangkok ticket price 250 baht. The ticket can be purchased in advance. The bus takes you to the town of Aranyaprathet, bordering Cambodia.
Personally, I ordered a transfer from an agency where a Russian guy worked and he gave us the whole schedule of how and where to go at the border.

We got to Siem Reap from Pattaya by ordering a transfer from one of the travel agencies. On the way we were taken to this cafe. where they offer to obtain a visa to Cambodia “without problems,” but the price is several times higher. In fact, there are no special problems when obtaining a visa at the Cambodian border.

Border between Cambodia and Thailand

Now in Cambodia

How to get to Siem Reap from Vietnam

Siem Reap can be reached by plane from the main cities of Vietnam without transfers. While in Ho Chi Minh City, you can also get to Siem Reap by bus, the journey will take 12-14 hours. Most likely there will be two transfers at the Vietnam-Cambodia border and in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. Tickets can be purchased from Ho Chi Minh City travel agencies.

Attractions, things to see and do in Siem Reap

The main attraction of Siem Reap, of course, is Angkor, which is located 6 km from the city itself.

In addition to Angkor, the city has a number of other places worth visiting.
There are several in Siem Reap interesting temples, which Buddhists call Wat.
is a large and very beautiful temple, which is located almost in the center of Siem Reap.

On the walls at Wat Preah Prom Rath are paintings depicting the life of Buddha.

Reclining Buddha statue at Wat Preah Prom Rath.

This is one of the oldest and most revered temples in the city; paintings from the 19th century have been preserved on its walls.

Wat Bo is one of the oldest and most revered temples in the city. The wat was created in the 18th century and has 19th century paintings on its walls.

12 km. from Siem Reap on a mountain 140 meters high there are ancient ruins of a temple built by Yashovaraman I around the 10th century.

Staircase to Prosat Phnom Kraom.

Ruins of Phnom Krom

Next to the ruins there is a very picturesque small Buddhist temple, and from the mountain itself there are beautiful views of the entire area.

Phnom Kraom Mountain offers views of the entire area.

On Phnom Kraom, you can order a table with champagne or something stronger, which will sit right on the grass, and you will watch the sunset in such a romantic atmosphere.

Angkor National Museum The museum tells the history of Khmer culture and civilization. The museum is very modern and interactive, it has eight halls, each dedicated to a different topic. Opening hours: daily from 8:30 to 18:00. Entry fee is $12.

Cambodia Cultural Village In this theme park-museum, you can get acquainted with the life and life of numerous peoples of Campoja since ancient times. In fact, there are 11 villages in the park belonging to individual cultures living in the kingdom of Cambodia. In each of the villages you can watch traditional performances, including wedding ceremonies, acrobatic and dance shows, elephant shows, as well as the traditional Apsara dance. There is even a wax museum here, telling about historical events and famous personalities, from ancient times to modern times. There is a traditional restaurant in the village. The opening hours of the cultural village are from 9:00 to 21:00. Admission is $11, free for children.

War Museum (Siem Reap War Museum) On the Road from Siem Reap to the airport there is a military museum. Under open air Large exhibits are on display - tanks, helicopters, airplanes, many of which are already overgrown with grass and are not in very good condition. Some of the equipment was most likely moved here after it was hit. Entry to the museum costs $3.

Crocodile farm. Just like in Siem Reap itself, you can buy products made from crocodile leather, only much more expensive. Sellers explain this by guaranteeing that they do not have counterfeits.

Apart from a souvenir shop and enclosures with crocodiles, there is nothing else on the farm.

Siem Reap hotels where to stay

Today in Siem Reap there is a large selection of accommodation, for every taste and budget, from 5 to 200 $ per night. To choose a hotel or guest house in the city, it is better to use hotel search systems, which include the largest number of booking agencies. You can use the hotel search form on the website; it includes more than 100 hotel reservation systems, including well-known leaders in this segment booking.com and agoda.com. Before booking a hotel, check its location and what amenities are available.

And in this hotel we lived in a room for two with all amenities, for only $7 per night.

A coconut tree grew right in front of our window.

Transport

In Siem Reap public transport, as such, there is no such thing. Transport is provided in the form of tuk-tuks and taxis. As elsewhere in Asia, you should bargain, the price can really be reduced several times. A trip within the city will cost 0.5-1 dollar. Most places in the city itself are not difficult to reach on foot, since the city is not big at all. Many hotels rent bicycles from $1 to $5 per day, and some are even free. But don't forget about the heat; if you go cycling, take enough water with you.
For sightseeing it is better to rent vehicle for a day or several days. In 2011, I hired a driver in a Japanese car with air conditioning for 3 days and he took us not only to the sights, but also everywhere we wanted, for $95 (for some reason he didn’t bargain). Later I learned that renting a car with a driver for the whole day starts from $25.

Cafe in Siem Reap

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Its history is closely connected with the very origins of the Khmer Empire. Who knows what the future of this place would have been if, at the dawn of the 9th century, the local ruler Jayavarman II had not called himself Devaraj - the god-king of his lands. It is generally accepted that it was at this time that the Khmer Empire emerged.

General information about the city

The city of Siem Reap is located in the north-west of Cambodia in the province of the same name and is its administrative center. Since its founding, the city has had several ancient names, and the modern one was firmly established after the victory in the 16th century. over Thailand. Indeed, translated from Khmer, “Siem Reap” (“Siem Reap”) means “victory over Siam” or “Siam is defeated,” because Siam is the second ancient name of Thailand.

Climate and weather of Siem Reap

IN historical city, as throughout, the tropical climate reigns. Regardless of the time of year, Siem Reap is hot every day, average annual temperature+35 degrees. From November to April the so-called dry season reigns. During this period, precipitation is extremely rare, average temperature It is quite comfortable and, as a rule, does not rise above +25 degrees.

From May to mid-October the rainy season begins, the average air temperature rises to +35 degrees, and about 80% of the annual precipitation falls.

Natural landscapes

The surroundings of Siem Reap are practically untouched by civilization. A river of the same name runs through the city, which is closely approached rainforests, entirely consisting of various palm trees, mangroves and lianas. The forest is densely populated with wild monkeys and exotic birds. But sometimes you can see a tiger or an elephant.

Natural attractions include the Eastern and Western artificial reservoirs. They were created to supply water for the city during severe drought. In the center of each lake there is an island with a Buddhist temple. Today the lakes have become very shallow, the Vostochnoye lake has practically dried up.

History and present of Siem Reap

Even at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries, the city actually did not exist; it was a very modest settlement that had only historical special significance for its country. Everything changed when, in 1908, under an agreement with the Cambodian government, visiting French restorers began large-scale work to restore ancient temples. The first curious tourists began to appear in the village, hotels were actively built, restaurants were opened, and an extensive tourism infrastructure was created at a rapid pace.

During the dictatorship of Pol Pot, a “dark streak” came for the city: there were neither locals, nor, especially, wealthy foreign tourists. However, under the Khmer Rouge regime, neither the city itself nor the precious Angkor were destroyed or looted. The next stage rapid development overtook Siem Reap in the 90s of the twentieth century.

Today Siem Reap is already a real city, the population of which is close to 200 thousand inhabitants, a significant part of whom work in the tourism sector. Visitors have a choice of rooms in both prestigious luxury hotels and inexpensive home-type hotels. The city has many different shops and markets, spas, private tour guides, especially worth noting is the appetizing quarter with bars, cafes and restaurants and Pub Street. In general, absolutely all conditions have been created so that tourists can relax and unwind well after an excursion visit to the temples. About 2 million people come here every year.

Sights of Siem Reap

Of all the things you will see during excursions in Siem Reap, this is certainly the most memorable. It is believed that this magnificent complex was built between the 12th and 13th centuries. The towers built here are decorated with amazingly finely carved faces of forgotten gods. Entering the territory of Angkor, you immediately begin to feel like a bug under the menacing gaze of stone sculptures. It is also surprising that depending on the angle at which the light falls on the statues, their facial expressions change. In their faces one can read an ironic grin, and then a grin distorted by a grimace of hatred. Many scientists believe that this was noticed and local residents. Perhaps that is why they left these majestic buildings. Only Buddhist monks remained faithful to their alma mater. Available in the city and.

In addition to ancient Angkor, in the vicinity of Siem Reap there are many other interesting natural attractions and man-made monuments.

Roluos complex Located just 10 km from Siem Reap, it was once the ancient Khmer capital built by Hariharalay (Jayavarman II). The first striking buildings worth paying attention to are the religious buildings: the Lolei Temple with its operating Buddhist monastery, Preah Koh Temple and Bakong Temple, it has five levels and three protective walls. total area these great objects are about 3 sq. km.

A little further, 45 km away, you can get acquainted with the most popular place among pilgrims Phnom Kulen, near sacred mountain. It was here that the history of the development of modern Cambodia and its independence from Java began. After climbing the mountain, you can visit the temple located right in the rock. Inside the temple, a Buddha statue and a small pool with a central lingam were once hollowed out of the stone; these are very revered creations and places of worship. IN national park Phnom Kulen falls one of the largest waterfalls of the same name in Cambodia, its height is 25 meters.

Natural water is very popular; in addition to its beauty, it supplies rice fields with abundant moisture during floods, thanks to which Cambodians can harvest at least three rice harvests a year. In addition, there are a lot of fish in the lake.

Siem Reap has a magnificent Cambodian Butterfly Garden. This is a real cloud of thousand 50 different types winged beauties who carelessly fly over numerous fountains and ponds with colorful exotic fish.

One former deminer recently opened in Siem Reap. An interesting collection is exhibited here, which tells about the consequences of the civil war and minefields. Near the city, excursions are held at the silk factory for everyone, where you can see in person the process of obtaining excellent material, from raising silkworms to making unique products.

Entertainment and relaxation in Siem Reap

In addition to all kinds of excursions to the sights and suburbs, the city of Siem Reap offers other entertainment. The most popular is elephant riding; such walks are usually carried out near Buddhist temples and at sunset. Animal lovers will enjoy an excursion to a crocodile farm. Thanks to tourists, it is gradually turning into a local zoo: in addition to hundreds of crocodiles, deer, gibbons and many lizards already live on the farm’s territory.

It can be said that Siem Reap is famous for its gentle spa. IN luxury hotels Additionally, there are massage rooms and treatment rooms where you can enjoy various types of oriental massage and receive high-quality cosmetic care. From evening to morning, the central streets of the city are lit with signs of nightclubs, bars and discos; all the vibrant life is concentrated on Pub Street. Beach holiday not here, you can only get an even tan near the hotel pool.

Tourists are offered educational excursions to fishing villages, mineral springs and to the rice fields. Anyone can fly by helicopter or hot-air balloon. Technically, the city is very small in size: in just a few hours you can easily get around it on foot or cycle around it before leaving.

Hotels in Siem Reap

Those who come to Siem Reap usually have no problems with accommodation; there is a large selection of hotels and inns, and even with a very high level of service.

The most popular hotels among Europeans are the Victoria Angkor Resort & SPA, Amansara Hotel, Angkor and Century Resort & Spa. You will be offered spacious, comfortable rooms with a private bathroom, air conditioning, TV and internet. Here these are considered excellent benefits of civilization. Room rates range from $150-350 per night.

A budget accommodation option is considered to be ghethouses scattered throughout the city. The rooms are more comfortable and tidy, equipped with everything you need, and the cost is significantly lower. For example, a single room costs $60-90.

Siem Reap Restaurants

Over the course of several decades, Siem Reap has undergone major tourism development. Visiting tourists do not have to look for catering establishments; there are plenty of them in the city. big variety. Restaurants are pleased to offer dishes of Chinese, Italian, Thai cuisine, French, European and Japanese cuisines, etc. Most of the restaurants and food establishments are located along the roads that lead towards ancient city Angkor, as well as near the Old Market.

Vibrant culinary ceremonies and experiments can be seen and tasted in the restaurants of the Sofltel and Grand D'Ahgkor hotels. The chefs offer a menu of national Khmer dishes and masterpieces of European cuisine.

At the DeadFish restaurant you will be treated to a very unusual atmosphere - next to crocodiles. Inside you will be surprised by several multi-level decorated rooms, and the menu consists of the best dishes of European, Thai and Khmer cuisines.

In addition to individual restaurants, there are many pizzerias in Siem Reap where you can treat yourself to the usual pizza or pasta. Happy Special Pizza and Happy Herb Pizza are considered very popular.

The tourism city is actually not expensive in terms of service and food. The average bill is no higher than $10-15, and in most simple cafes and gastronomy establishments you can have a very tasty meal for $6-7 per person.

Is shopping possible in Siem Reap?

Despite the modest size of the city, sometimes it seems that it is simply overrun with souvenir shops, in addition to which there are also several tourist ones. The most popular and largest of them are the Old Market, the Night Market and the Central Market. Here, in addition to souvenirs, you can buy food, clothing, and even precious stones that are mined in the Kingdom of Cambodia. This is the best place for.

If you haven’t decided yet, go to the Psar Leu area: there are many different shops open here, where, in addition to the market assortment, you will find excellent wood carvings and very high-quality inexpensive clothing, items for the home and everyday life made of natural silk. And jewelry or processed gemstones can be bought at very nice price, cheaper than at home.

When selling a stone product, you must be provided with a certificate stating where and by whom the work was carried out, as well as a store mark, so that customs will not have any questions that you stole this beautiful stone from an ancient temple.

Transport Siem Reap

In the Kingdom of Cambodia, the main popular budget car is a tuk-tuk, which can even be rented for one passenger, a bicycle or a motorbike. Wealthier citizens travel by taxi, and in the tourist city it is common practice to rent a car with a driver from morning until evening for sightseeing or out-of-town trips.

By the way, in Siem Reap it is common to bargain everywhere and for any reason.

How to get to Siem Reap?

Siem Reap is one of the must stops of any bus route, passing through the province of the same name. A wide highway connects Siem Reap with the capital of Cambodia and further, with the Thai border. Many wealthy tourists travel from Siem Reap by ferries and speedboats, additionally enjoying the exotic journey along the water route.

It is believed that Siem Reap is a city with its own airport. Indeed, just 7 km from the tourist capital of Cambodia there is one of the international ones. It receives direct flights from nearby cities and countries: Phnom Penh, Singapore, Thailand (Bangkok), Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi), China (Taipei), South Korea(Seoul) and other big cities in Asia.

None from the CIS countries direct flight there is no connection to Siem Reap, but there are convenient options with a transfer in Thailand (Bangkok) or Vietnam (Hanoi).

Note to tourists

Don’t worry that you didn’t find an exchanger in a timely manner; you can also pay for any product or service in Siem Reap in US dollars.
Be sure to bargain, this will allow you to reduce the price in some cases several times.
The roads here are rarely repaired, and they are often flooded with rain; take this into account when choosing shoes.
In hotels you can get a free guide to the city and attractions in English.
Be attentive and respectful: almost all religious denominations of the world are represented in Siem Reap.

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