Travel in Cambodia breakdown part I - Siem Reap

Hey, the point of this post series is to share my travel experience and provide some tips that help you plan a better trip.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

Basic information:

• Siem Reap
• 11-14th November 2017
• 3-day stay
• 160$ budget

Basic prices:

• Bottled water 0.5 - 1$
• Lunch 2.5 - 4$
• Draft beer 0.5 - 1$
• Tuk-tuk ride (2-3km) 1 - 2$ (bargain hard ;)

We flew into Siem Reap from Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) as a part of a bigger trip in the Indochina. At the Airport you have to fill out a visa application.

Visa information:
I'm from Slovenia (European Union)*

• Visa on arrival 30$ (One month)
• Profile image optional

The process was fast and easy after waiting for 20 minutes or so we were out of the Airport and in the mosquito heaven.

First tip:

• Take a strong mosquito repellent (50%DEET)

You have three options for getting to Siem Reap from the airport: Motorbike, taxi or tuk-tuk. We chose the tuk-tuk it's the cheapest way of getting to the center. The drivers are going to want around 6-8$ but don't forget you are in Aisa so you have to bargain, we got the price down to 4$.

Airport transfers:

• Tuk-tuk $4 with some bargaining skills ;)
• Taxi (up to $10)
• Motorbike ride (If you're alone) 2$

After a 15 minute ride, we arrived at the center. We stayed at Garden Village Guest House. It is a nice and pretty sociable place. It has a nice garden, big pool, slackline, pool table and serves happy hour drinks at the pool bar.
The first night we stayed in the big dorm rooms, they are really hot and humid but a good option if you travel on a tight budget.
The next day we upgraded the room to a 3-bed privet room with a privet bathroom and air-condition. It was well worth for the extra $2 a night.

Garden Village Guest House

Accommodation price:

• Dorm room 6$ /night
• 3-bed private room 8$/night (well worth the extra money!)

Let's talk about Angkor Wat!

Yes, it's amazing and well worth the somewhat expensive entrance fee.
I won't talk about the history of Angkor Wat but more about my experience and observations.

Angkor Wat main temple

When to go?
It's nice to go for the sunrise to see the temples in the magical golden colors. But if you're not an early riser you can also go during the day or in the evening to see the sunset.

How to go?
You have two options hire a driver (tuk-tuk) or rent a bike to see the temples. We took the first option it costs around 10-15$ for the full day. It's good that the driver speaks good English because he'll tell you some basic information about the temples.

Entrance fee?

• 1-day ticket $37
• 3-day ticket $62 (recommended)
• 7-day ticket $72

The best option is to buy the 3-day ticket it almost costs the same as two 1-day tickets and you basically get one day for free. Angkor Wat is huge and you will regret not seeing all the temples. Don't do the same mistake I did ;) You also have a 7-day ticket but if you're not Indiana Jones it seems a bit too long to me.

Which temples did we see?

• Angkor Wat the main temple
• Bayon temple
• Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider)
• Banteay Srei

Tomb Raider on the left and Bayon on te right

Other tips I wish a knew before I went:

• Wear or buy a hat, it gets really hot and it's not a lot of shade.
• If you have a budget get a guide for the temples, become your driver won't go with you inside the temple. And it's a lot of interesting things that you miss if you go in alone. If you don't have the budget just join a group with an English guide and walk with them :)
• Take your time, don't rush and try to see everything in one day!

Ok, what else to do in Siem Reap?

Walk around the city and try some local food. At the time we were there, was the water festival so there was a big fair with local food and cuisine. There was also a rowing contest on the Siem Reap river.

Water festival

Food prices:

• Breakfast 1 - 3$
• Lunch 2.5 - 4$
• Dinner 3.50 - 6$

You can also go on a day trip to Tonle Sap, it's a floating village near Siem Reap. I heard good things about it and will definitely go on my next visit in Siem Reap. Prices are around 30-50$ depends on where and when you book.

If you're interested in nightlife, Siem Reap has a lot to offer.

Just go to Pub street you can't miss it! It's full of lights, pubs, loud music and shooter stands :)
The party goes long in the night. Drinks are not expensive especially during happy hour.

Pub street

Drink prices:

• Local draft beer 0.5$ - 1$
• Shooters 1$
• Cocktail buckets 5 - 8$

If you are really on a budget you can just buy some Whiskey and Cola in the market it'll cost you around 3$. And don't drink the whole bottle yourself share it with friends :)

This sums up our stay in Siem Reap. It's an amazing city with a lot to offer from historical landmarks to easy going life. My recommendation if you're not in a hurry stay here 4 - 5 nights and enjoy the city. Can't wait to go back one day! :)

Next stop Sihanoukville and Koh Rong.

I hope it helps you plan a better trip and avoid some mistakes I did ;).

Feel free to comment below if you have some additional questions or different experiences.