Siem Reap
The whole town exists because of Angkor Wat, and honestly, that's reason enough. But Siem Reap has grown into more than just a temple base camp. The pub street is surprisingly fun, the food scene punches above its weight, and there's a real creative arts community worth exploring. Everything runs on US dollars here — the local riel is used for small change. A tuk-tuk for the whole day costs $15–20 and that's your best way to temple-hop.
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Siem Reap travel FAQ
How many days do I need in Siem Reap?
3 days is the standard. Day 1: The big circuit — Angkor Wat for sunrise (yes, get up at 4:30am, it's worth it), Angkor Thom, Bayon (the one with all the faces). Day 2: Ta Prohm (the Tomb Raider temple with trees growing through the ruins), Banteay Srei, and Preah Khan. Day 3: Tonlé Sap floating village, Phare Circus in the evening (legitimately one of the best shows in Southeast Asia — $18 for a front seat). A 3-day temple pass is $62 and covers everything in the Angkor park.
How hot does it get at the temples?
Very. March to May, you're looking at 38–40°C with no shade at many temples. Start as early as possible — gates open at 5am for Angkor Wat sunrise. By noon it's unbearable in peak season. Bring at least 2 liters of water, wear a hat, and take breaks. The cooler months (November–January) are much more pleasant, around 28–32°C. Even then, you'll be walking a lot — comfortable shoes and sunscreen are non-negotiable.
Is Siem Reap expensive?
One of the cheapest destinations in Southeast Asia. A local meal is $2–4, a decent hotel room $20–40, and a beer on Pub Street is $0.50 during happy hour. Tuk-tuks for a full day of temples run $15–20. The main cost is the temple pass: $37 for one day, $62 for three days, $72 for seven. Three days is the best value for most people. Cambodia uses US dollars almost exclusively — ATMs dispense dollars, restaurants price in dollars. Bring some small bills; change for $50s or $100s can be hard to get.