This blog post is all about a Siem Reap itinerary.
After spending one month travelling through the South of Thailand, our next destination was Cambodia. And our first experience of Cambodia was in the city of Siem Reap that followed this Siem Reap itinerary.
Nestled in northwestern Cambodia, Siem Reap serves as the gateway to one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites, Angkor Archaeological Park. Or as you may know it, Angkor Wat.
However, Siem Reap is more than just a starting point for Angkor exploration; it’s a vibrant city in its own right, offering a blend of rich culture, bustling markets, and beautiful landscapes.
Below is a quick travel guide and Siem Reap itinerary:
Related Siem Reap Itinerary blog posts to read:
- The Best Hotel to Stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Siem Reap Hotels: The Best 12 from Budget to Luxury
- Battambang Itinerary, Cambodia: How to Spend 48 Hours Here
- What to Do in Phnom Penh: The Ultimate 4 Days Itinerary
- The Best Cheap Hotel in Phnom Penh for Backpackers
- Incredible Floating Villages Of Cambodia: Everything You Need To Know
Top tip: for mobile data around Cambodia, we used the Airalo eSim. Which was super handy and easily installed onto our phones as soon as we crossed the border from Thailand!
This blog post is all about a Siem Reap itinerary.
Siem Reap Itinerary: How to Get to Siem Reap from Thailand
While Cambodia has several smaller airports, the three main international gateways are located in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.
Chances are, when arriving in Cambodia, you’ll touch down at either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
For us, our journey into Cambodia began from Thailand via road rather than by air. We opted to cross the border by taking a bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap.
Booking the Bus from Thailand to Cambodia with 12Go Asia
We booked a bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap using 12Go Asia and had a fantastic experience.
The service provided was excellent, with amenities like free WiFi, comfortable seats, and air conditioning. We highly recommend this service for hassle-free travel.
The bus company was called Giant Ibis and provided us with a coffee and croissant for breakfast, and then fried rice for lunch once we crossed the border. The bus also had two drivers to change halfway through, and a guide who talked us through the entire process.
You can book the border-crossing bus via 12Go Asia here.
Siem Reap Itinerary: Where to Stay in Siem Reap
During our four days in Siem Reap using this Siem Reap itinerary, we stayed at The Urban Hotel and would highly recommend it.
It was perfect for us – wasn’t expensive, had a swimming pool, was a five minute walk into town and far enough from Pub Street that you couldn’t hear the loud music. The staff were also lovely and accommodating.
If we came back to Siem Reap we would have no hesitations with booking this hotel again.
When looking for the best place to stay for this Siem Reap itinerary, we’d recommend staying west of the river and between The Urban Hotel and Pub Street (Street 08). If you stay around this area, you’ll be in the perfect location.
Siem Reap Itinerary: Where to Eat in Siem Reap
Below are my top restaurant recommendations in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Khmer Taste Restaurant
Offers local and western food that’s both very cheap and very good. Make sure to order the chicken amok to try the local dish!
Sister Srey Coffee
A cute little brunch spot down by the river. We recommend the avocado toast and also the potato hash as a delicious way to start the day in Siem Reap.
The Little Red Fox Espresso Cafe
We dined on coffees here every day whilst in Siem Reap. The perfect spot to get some work done on our laptops. They also serve food and the bagels we tried were great.
It’s not the cheapest place, but still affordable and is in a very cool neighbourhood that’s worth checking out.
Nick’s
The food here is so tasty and cheap. After travelling Asia for 50 days, we were craving some Western food. Nick’s served delicious chicken burgers that were only $1-2. They also serve local food if you’re in the mood for Cambodian cuisine.
Taste For Life
A cheap, cheerful and very good local food joint that also offers Western food.
Quinn Coffee
We spent our final morning here to get some work done on our laptops. It’s located slightly further away from the main area, but has great WiFi and is a very cool spot.
Siem Reap Itinerary: 6 Things to See & Do in Siem Reap
When visiting Cambodia and following a Siem Reap itinerary, there are two activities that stand out as essential experiences: exploring the iconic Angkor Wat in Siem Reap and learning about the country’s tragic history at the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh.
These activities offer a deep dive into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and its sombre yet important history. I’ll cover more on the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum in my travel guide to Phnom Penh, but here are the top things to see and do in this Siem Reap itinerary.
1. Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the crown jewel of Cambodia and one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.
Beyond Angkor Wat, the Angkor Archaeological Park houses numerous other temples worth exploring, such as Ta Prohm, known for its overgrown trees, and Bayon, famous for its smiling stone faces.
Siem Reap Itinerary: How to Get Tickets for Temples in Siem Reap
Getting tickets to explore the Angkor Archaeological Park is a straightforward process, with options for single-day, three-day, or seven-day passes available for purchase at the park’s entrance or online.
We highly recommend purchasing tickets online as it streamlines the process significantly. As you approach the various temples, you will need to show your pass on your phone, so having it readily accessible is convenient.
Online ticketing also requires you to upload a passport-style photo and specify the exact date of your visit, ensuring tickets aren’t being passed around illicitly.
During our visit, we opted for a single-day pass, and honestly, unless you’re Indiana Jones or deeply passionate about temples and history, one day should suffice. After exploring the fourth temple, we found ourselves feeling a bit “templed out.”
2. Check Out Kandal Village
This was our favourite area of Siem Reap. It’s a rising arts and culture neighbourhood, consisting of 25 cafes, galleries and shops.
Unlike the rest of Siem Reap and the closest you will get to Williamsburg, Brooklyn in Cambodia. Ok, maybe Williamsburg is a bit of a stretch, but it’s a very cool block of streets to check out.
3. Explore the Floating Villages
Experience the very unique lifestyle of Cambodia’s floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, where you can witness daily life on the water and interact with local communities.
4. Go For a Beer on Pub Street
After a day of temple hopping, head to Pub Street in the heart of Siem Reap for a lively nightlife scene.
5. Go to the Landmine Museum
Gain insight into Cambodia’s tragic history and ongoing efforts to clear landmines at the Landmine Museum. Learn about the impact of landmines on local communities and support the museum’s humanitarian mission.
6. See The Cambodian Circus at Phare
Be captivated by the talent and energy of performers at Phare, The Cambodian Circus. Watch as acrobats, dancers, and musicians showcase their skills in a dynamic and entertaining show that celebrates Cambodian culture and creativity.
Siem Reap Itinerary: Things to Know Before You Visit Siem Reap
Before you visit and use this Siem Reap itinerary in Cambodia, here are a few things you should be aware of. From the local currency, visas and cultural differences to look out for.
Cambodian Currency – Riel or US Dollar?
The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel. However, due to hyperinflation and the Khmer Regime, public confidence in the Riel disappeared, leading to Dollarization, with USD being seen as a more stable store of value.
Across Cambodia, both currencies are used and are interchangeable. You can pay with a mixture of notes and will often receive change in a mixture of notes. It’s quite common for your bill to show both the Riel and Dollar prices.
Must-Know: Businesses have the right to refuse damaged USD notes.
The Cambodian bank has declared they will only accept USD notes in pristine condition. So no rips, stains, marks, or any signs of damage or ageing at all.
Visa on Arrival
Upon arrival in Cambodia, you have the option of obtaining a visa on arrival or applying for an e-visa beforehand.
We chose the e-visa option, but keep in mind that it takes a few days to approve, so plan ahead. You’ll also need to upload passport style photos for the e-visa application.
Begging for Money
It’s unfortunately very common to encounter children and families asking for money, and while your instinct may be to help, it’s crucial to understand the broader implications.
Many children are pushed into begging as a means to provide for their families, often sacrificing their education in the process. This creates a cycle of poverty, as begging becomes a more lucrative option than attending school. While giving money may offer temporary relief, it ultimately reinforces this cycle.
While it’s natural to feel compassion and a desire to help, travellers should be cautious about giving money directly, as it may encourage dependency and exploitation. Instead, consider supporting reputable charities or organisations working to address the root causes of poverty and provide sustainable solutions.
Related Siem Reap Itinerary blog posts to read:
- The Best Hotel to Stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Siem Reap Hotels: The Best 12 from Budget to Luxury
- Battambang Itinerary, Cambodia: How to Spend 48 Hours Here
- What to Do in Phnom Penh: The Ultimate 4 Days Itinerary
- The Best Cheap Hotel in Phnom Penh for Backpackers
- Incredible Floating Villages Of Cambodia: Everything You Need To Know
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