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Cambodia

Welcome to Siem Reap

City description

Near Siem Reap, capital of the Cambodian province of the same name, the French School of the Far East has been endeavoring for some years to restore the temples of Angkor, a unique archaeological complex built in friable sandstone in the 10th and 11th Centuries, then abandoned by the kings in the 15th. Swiftly swallowed up by vegetation, the royal city fell into obscurity until the Frenchman Henri Mouhot rediscovered it, writing, “These temples would feature credibly alongside our most beautiful basilicas; for magnificence they prevail over everything which the art of the Greeks and the Romans ever built… The work of giants!”

Now these dozens of ruined buildings attract a plethora of visitors and serve as a backdrop to numerous documentaries and even fiction such as Jean-Jacques Annaud’s Two Brothers. It is even the course for the marathons and half marathons of Angkor and Siem Reap. It is, however, difficult to run whilst being enraptured before the Churning of the Ocean of Milk at Angkor Wat, a marvelous bas-relief deriving from Hindu mythology but taken up by Khmer culture; whilst wondering before the five monumental gates of Angkor Thom; whilst in open-mouthed contemplation of the thirty-seven towers of Bayon each decorated with four faces; or even whilst trying to penetrate the mysteries of Preah Khan, a magnificent ancient city.

Visits organised over several days will open the sites up to you but, so as to avoid saturation, it is good to intersperse architectural visits with trips on the Tonlé Sap and its villages on piles to meet a fishing and farming folk. It is an essential port of call in November during the Bon Om Touk, the “Water Festival” when the river reverses its flow, the only such phenomenon in the world, which the Cambodians welcome by organising processions of junks and other illuminated boats. After these celebrations, there will always be time to pace the aisles of the Angkor National Museum, which presents Khmer art in an interactive and very contemporary way. Then, with a heavy heart and dry throat, to cross the threshold of the Cambodia Landmine Museum, founded by a former child soldier so as never to forget the folly of man.

Siem Reap, a hub for exploring the region, undoubtedly benefits from the godsend of tourism. But certain initiatives prevent the town from becoming a gathering of tourist shops. With good intentions some have also set up organisations which highlight Khmer know-how. “Artisans Angkor” is a product of this approach, bringing the manual production of silk, weaving, lacquer, sculpted wood and stone together in one place. “Made in Cambodia” is written in the same vein. And, surprisingly, at the night market on Pub Street, the nerve centre for night owls, traders offer local quality produce. Even Lucky Mall, a sort of supermarket for expats, offers selected fruit, vegetables and other edible goods from the region alongside Western brands.

Taken by storm in mid-April, at the time of Chaul Chnam Thmey, the Khmer New Year, these places anchor Siem Reap in Cambodian tradition. Even though it is bolstered by its success, it never loses its unique identity.

Top things to do in Siem Reap

Enjoy our selection of finest attractions

Cambodian Cooking Lessons

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Once frowned upon, Khmer cuisine is now flourishing in its own right. Some chefs, such as that of the Paper Tiger in Siem Reap, even offer cooking classes in their restaurants. Try your hand at Amok, a fish or shrimp-based dish cooked in a banana skin.

Once frowned upon, Khmer cuisine is now flourishing in its own right. Some chefs, such as that of the Paper Tiger in Siem Reap, even offer cooking classes in their restaurants. Try your hand at Amok, a fish or shrimp-based dish cooked in a banana skin.

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Cambodia Landmine Museum & War Museum Cambodia

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Founded by Akira, an ex-child soldier enlisted by the Khmer Rouge, this open-air museum is located in the archaeological park of Angkor Wat. Entrance tickets fund the orphanage built just behind it, raising children affected by the mines and shells.

Founded by Akira, an ex-child soldier enlisted by the Khmer Rouge, this open-air museum is located in the archaeological park of Angkor Wat. Entrance tickets fund the orphanage built just behind it, raising children affected by the mines and shells.

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Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB)

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Located within the temple enclave, the ACCB ensures the preservation of nature and biodiversity. The Centre organises guided visits to fund research and programmes, including educating local communities in the protection of their environment.

Located within the temple enclave, the ACCB ensures the preservation of nature and biodiversity. The Centre organises guided visits to fund research and programmes, including educating local communities in the protection of their environment.

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Horse Riding in Siem Reap

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An excellent way to get from village to village and interact with locals is on horseback. The Happy Ranch Horse Farm takes good care of its horses, Arabian crosses, and trained instructors accompany riders. Available from aged 5.

An excellent way to get from village to village and interact with locals is on horseback. The Happy Ranch Horse Farm takes good care of its horses, Arabian crosses, and trained instructors accompany riders. Available from aged 5.

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The Floating Villages of Lake Tonlé Sap

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On Tonlé Sap, floating villages are home to the Khmer fishermen. It is easy to reach those of Prek Toal and Chong Khneas. But it's worth your while to choose Kompong Phluk, a preserved lake city, some kilometres away.

On Tonlé Sap, floating villages are home to the Khmer fishermen. It is easy to reach those of Prek Toal and Chong Khneas. But it's worth your while to choose Kompong Phluk, a preserved lake city, some kilometres away.

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Angkor National Museum

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The Angkor National Museum didactically tells the story of the Khmer civilization. Unique in the world, its thousand-Buddha gallery begs to be visited. Plan your visit between your temple trips, so that you can gain a clearer insight into these constructions.

The Angkor National Museum didactically tells the story of the Khmer civilization. Unique in the world, its thousand-Buddha gallery begs to be visited. Plan your visit between your temple trips, so that you can gain a clearer insight into these constructions.

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4x4 Quad Bike Adventures

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The advantage of a quad or 4X4 ride: it allows you to visit distant temples, rice paddies and villages away from the well maintained roads. Some organisations offer programmes with meals and a night in a local home.

The advantage of a quad or 4X4 ride: it allows you to visit distant temples, rice paddies and villages away from the well maintained roads. Some organisations offer programmes with meals and a night in a local home.

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Water Festival Cambodia

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Known as Bon Om Touk, the water festival takes place along the Mekong during the full moon in October/November and celebrates the reversal of the Tonlé Sap current. Dances and fireworks are highlights of this event which is the only one of its kind in the world.

Known as Bon Om Touk, the water festival takes place along the Mekong during the full moon in October/November and celebrates the reversal of the Tonlé Sap current. Dances and fireworks are highlights of this event which is the only one of its kind in the world.

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Ta Prohm

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Is there anyone yet to see the blackened stones of Ta Prohm with its entwined roots and branches? The French School of the Far East, responsible for its conservation, fought for the temple where the jungle had reasserted itself for five centuries, to be left unchanged. This was as a final testimony, and the school ensured that these embracing plants do not end up pulling down the fragile building. Now under control, the vegetation can no longer take over these truly romantic places built under Jayavarman VII, where every day thousands of priests, workers and apsaras paraded each day in a unique procession.

Is there anyone yet to see the blackened stones of Ta Prohm with its entwined roots and branches? The French School of the Far East, responsible for its conservation, fought for the temple where the jungle had reasserted itself for five centuries, to be left unchanged. This was as a final testimony, and the school ensured that these embracing plants do not end up pulling down the fragile building. Now under control, the vegetation can no longer take over these truly romantic places built under Jayavarman VII, where every day thousands of priests, workers and apsaras paraded each day in a unique procession.

Address

Banteay Srei

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When you visit this small isolated temple 20 km from Siem Reap, expect to hear a guide recount how, André Malraux, moved by the beauty of the apsaras in 1923, asked a henchman to cut him four of its ravishing dancers as a keepsake. The French writer was arrested by the Khmer authorities and returned his plunder. However, the building seems well protected behind its succession of gopuras, and its elegant, sculpted portals. It is its modesty, finesse and elegance which give the Banteay Srei its almost feminine charm. This is how it earned its name, "The Citadel of Women", thanks to its gentleness, fragility and preciousness.

When you visit this small isolated temple 20 km from Siem Reap, expect to hear a guide recount how, André Malraux, moved by the beauty of the apsaras in 1923, asked a henchman to cut him four of its ravishing dancers as a keepsake. The French writer was arrested by the Khmer authorities and returned his plunder. However, the building seems well protected behind its succession of gopuras, and its elegant, sculpted portals. It is its modesty, finesse and elegance which give the Banteay Srei its almost feminine charm. This is how it earned its name, "The Citadel of Women", thanks to its gentleness, fragility and preciousness.

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Angkor Wat & The Royal Temples

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Angkor Wat is the most well-known archaeological site in Angkor and covers 400 km2. Make sure you climb its pineapple towers, you'll reap the rewards once you reach the top. When building this State temple in the early 12th century, in the heart of the capital, King Suryavarman II did not imagine that one day a cosmopolitan crowd would be admiring his sculptures and recounting the history of the monarchy like a comic strip. Buried under dense vegetation, the site was rediscovered in 1860 by French explorer, Henri Mouhot. Angkor Wat offers an excellent introduction to Angkor, as long as you devote some time to it and avoid exploring the temples one after the other.

Angkor Wat is the most well-known archaeological site in Angkor and covers 400 km2. Make sure you climb its pineapple towers, you'll reap the rewards once you reach the top. When building this State temple in the early 12th century, in the heart of the capital, King Suryavarman II did not imagine that one day a cosmopolitan crowd would be admiring his sculptures and recounting the history of the monarchy like a comic strip. Buried under dense vegetation, the site was rediscovered in 1860 by French explorer, Henri Mouhot. Angkor Wat offers an excellent introduction to Angkor, as long as you devote some time to it and avoid exploring the temples one after the other.

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Angkor Thom & the Bayon Temple

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At the start of the 13th century in the times of Jayavarman VII, Angkor Thom was the royal city of Angkor. Its impressive ruins bear witness to its splendour with its succession of temples: Preah Palilay, Preah Pithu, Baphuon, the Temple Mountain and Bayon Temple. There is also the incredible Phimeanakas, a 10th-century laterite pyramid where the king would retreat to pray, the Terrace of the Elephants covering 300 m with its parade of elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King, enormous ruins of the Royal Palace. One day is not enough to soak up the special atmosphere of this 9 km2 territory and take it all in. It is quite simply breathtaking.

At the start of the 13th century in the times of Jayavarman VII, Angkor Thom was the royal city of Angkor. Its impressive ruins bear witness to its splendour with its succession of temples: Preah Palilay, Preah Pithu, Baphuon, the Temple Mountain and Bayon Temple. There is also the incredible Phimeanakas, a 10th-century laterite pyramid where the king would retreat to pray, the Terrace of the Elephants covering 300 m with its parade of elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King, enormous ruins of the Royal Palace. One day is not enough to soak up the special atmosphere of this 9 km2 territory and take it all in. It is quite simply breathtaking.

Address

Cultural Day Trip to Beng Mealea, Koh Ker & Preah Khan

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To enjoy Siem Reap's most isolated places of worship, the best way is to veer off the beaten track, with a guide if possible. For example, by walking to Koh Ker to discover the archaeological ruins, then climbing the highest Khmer pyramid - a dizzying ascent in astonishing heat. The same goes for if you wish to admire Beng Meal, which only surrenders after a two-hour walk, just like Preah Khan temple and the Neak basins. Pluck up the courage and grab your walking stick: it really is energy well spent. It’s quite challenging but is well worth the effort.

To enjoy Siem Reap's most isolated places of worship, the best way is to veer off the beaten track, with a guide if possible. For example, by walking to Koh Ker to discover the archaeological ruins, then climbing the highest Khmer pyramid - a dizzying ascent in astonishing heat. The same goes for if you wish to admire Beng Meal, which only surrenders after a two-hour walk, just like Preah Khan temple and the Neak basins. Pluck up the courage and grab your walking stick: it really is energy well spent. It’s quite challenging but is well worth the effort.

Address

Lucky Mall

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Like any big city, Siem Reap has succumbed to the shopping mall craze. The highly trendy Lucky Mall manages to attract the Khmer youth just as much as its curious visitors. A modern, air-conditioned design supermarket occupies the ground floor, and fills its shelves with local and imported products. It is particularly well stocked with French specialities. On the first floor, shops and banks stand alongside fast food restaurants and cafés, while the second houses smarter brands and the Lucky Shabu House, a Korean-Japanese restaurant. Good news for intellectuals: a bookshop has colonised the rooftop. There's something here to satisfy every taste.

Like any big city, Siem Reap has succumbed to the shopping mall craze. The highly trendy Lucky Mall manages to attract the Khmer youth just as much as its curious visitors. A modern, air-conditioned design supermarket occupies the ground floor, and fills its shelves with local and imported products. It is particularly well stocked with French specialities. On the first floor, shops and banks stand alongside fast food restaurants and cafés, while the second houses smarter brands and the Lucky Shabu House, a Korean-Japanese restaurant. Good news for intellectuals: a bookshop has colonised the rooftop. There's something here to satisfy every taste.

Address

Made in Cambodia

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A real trademark for promoting designers, artisans, artists and khmer designers, Made in Cambodia brings together up-and-coming talent and already-renowned brands underneath its banner. Their philosophy, just like the Artisans d'Angkok, is to support culture and promote training of often underprivileged staff, young people and women, among others. Every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4pm to 7pm, Made in Cambodia exhibits on the street in front of the Shinta Mani Resort. This is the time to discover Saomao products, gold and silver jewelry, accessories, clothing, Cambolac and Eric Stocker or silks by Grace Gecko.

A real trademark for promoting designers, artisans, artists and khmer designers, Made in Cambodia brings together up-and-coming talent and already-renowned brands underneath its banner. Their philosophy, just like the Artisans d'Angkok, is to support culture and promote training of often underprivileged staff, young people and women, among others. Every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4pm to 7pm, Made in Cambodia exhibits on the street in front of the Shinta Mani Resort. This is the time to discover Saomao products, gold and silver jewelry, accessories, clothing, Cambolac and Eric Stocker or silks by Grace Gecko.

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Angkor Night Market

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Siem Reap Night Market is a must-see once the sun flees to other latitudes. Created in 2007, near to Sivatha road, Siem Reap Night Market is a district in itself, and brings together over 250 shops. Give priority to the bamboo and wood stalls of the traditional Cambodian artisans. Treat yourself to silk, lacquer, wood and stone sculptures. Then, have a drink served with some tapas at the ultra-chic Island bar next to the botanical garden or at the Brick House before succumbing to a 20-minute massage session at the Spa near to the island for $3. You can then fit in a 3D screening of the history of Pol Pot.

Siem Reap Night Market is a must-see once the sun flees to other latitudes. Created in 2007, near to Sivatha road, Siem Reap Night Market is a district in itself, and brings together over 250 shops. Give priority to the bamboo and wood stalls of the traditional Cambodian artisans. Treat yourself to silk, lacquer, wood and stone sculptures. Then, have a drink served with some tapas at the ultra-chic Island bar next to the botanical garden or at the Brick House before succumbing to a 20-minute massage session at the Spa near to the island for $3. You can then fit in a 3D screening of the history of Pol Pot.

Address

The Artisans of Angkor

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Artisans d’Angkor is a vast complex showcasing quality handicrafts, opened in 1998 to train young Cambodians in Siem Reap and its surrounds in traditional Khmer art techniques. The initiative also aims to find them a stable source of income. Self-managed, the company commits to the very current trend of sustainable development and ethics. It is impossible to leave the temple complex without visiting this authentic village, admire the artists at work and purchase, depending on your tastes, silk clothes or accessories, cotton linens, lacquered or wooden objects, such as a set of fabulous statues. And in this way you'll be supporting Cambodian culture.

Artisans d’Angkor is a vast complex showcasing quality handicrafts, opened in 1998 to train young Cambodians in Siem Reap and its surrounds in traditional Khmer art techniques. The initiative also aims to find them a stable source of income. Self-managed, the company commits to the very current trend of sustainable development and ethics. It is impossible to leave the temple complex without visiting this authentic village, admire the artists at work and purchase, depending on your tastes, silk clothes or accessories, cotton linens, lacquered or wooden objects, such as a set of fabulous statues. And in this way you'll be supporting Cambodian culture.

Address

Angkor Silk Farm & Angkor Handicraft Association

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The Silk Farm is an integral part of the Artisans d'Angkor and is located on another site 20 minutes from central Siem Reap. It shares the same aim, and invites you to discover all the trades involved in silk-making: silkworm breeding, the weaving of the threads, dyeing and high-end artisanal production. A free shuttle bus serves the Silk Farm twice a day, leaving from the Artisans d'Angkor village. It is also very easy to get there by tuk-tuk. Now, thanks to the quality of its work recognised by the most demanding of professionals, the Farm reinvests its profits in training and the constant improvement of production tools, via the association Angkor Artisanat (AHA).

The Silk Farm is an integral part of the Artisans d'Angkor and is located on another site 20 minutes from central Siem Reap. It shares the same aim, and invites you to discover all the trades involved in silk-making: silkworm breeding, the weaving of the threads, dyeing and high-end artisanal production. A free shuttle bus serves the Silk Farm twice a day, leaving from the Artisans d'Angkor village. It is also very easy to get there by tuk-tuk. Now, thanks to the quality of its work recognised by the most demanding of professionals, the Farm reinvests its profits in training and the constant improvement of production tools, via the association Angkor Artisanat (AHA).

Address

Sofitel restaurants
Café
Restaurants

Cuisine Wat Damnak

Cuisine Wat Damnak unquestionably bears the signature of its chef owner, Joannès Rivière. The Frenchman, settled in Cambodia for 12 years, presents a modern and creative take on the best local products with two unique tasting menus.

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Martini Lounge

Inside or garden? It is up to you to choose or taste one of the 14 Martinis on the Menu at Martini Lounge, nestled within La Résidence d’Angkor. Among them, you can find the famous Lemon Drop Martini.

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Mahob Khmer Cuisine

The garden, the decor, the ambiance: everything is to perfection at Mahob Khmer Cuisine. What's more, Sothea Seng cooks meat like nobody else - at 400° on a lava stone grill.

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Restaurant Le Grand & Apsara Terrace

Enjoy several exceptional restaurants at the Raffles Siem Reap: Restaurant Le Grand offers royal Khmer cuisine and one of the finest wine lists in Asia. The barbecue at the Apsara Terrace is a delight for the eyes and the taste buds.

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Mie Cafe

The setting of Mie Cafe: a beautiful traditional wooden house in the calm of a garden. The warm welcome and the menu offering a variety of Khmer specialities created with finesse are worthy of a serene and gourmet stop-off.

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Elephant Bar

From 4pm to midnight, Elephant Bar becomes THE place to be in Siem Reap for its ambiance and fabulous cocktails. Spectacular: the Airavata made with rum, passion fruit, coconut, lime, banana cream and pineapple.

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Damnak Lounge Fine Dining

In the heart of Siem Reap, Damnak Lounge Fine Dining is a wonderful place for fusion food and blends Cambodian and western flavours, offering outstanding value for money. Open lunchtimes and evenings.

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The Little Red Fox Espresso

Run by two Australian expats, Siem Reap’s The Little Red Fox cafe is famous for its superb specialty coffee, featuring refreshing cold-drip, iced coffees and smooth espressos made by friendly baristas. The cafe’s shared wooden tables and cosy wicker chairs on the streetside terrace offer an inviting setting for lovers of good coffee and people-watching.

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Mouhot’s Dream

Enjoy refined French - Khmer fusion cuisine at Mouhot’s Dream, the celebrated restaurant of the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort. Chef Dominik Ambros creates delicate and artistic plates to delight the senses, featuring superb pan-seared foie gras and the speciality Wagyu beef. Beautiful tiled floors and warm honey-tone woods make for an elegant yet relaxed setting, dotted with lush green palms and sweeping lagoon views. Don’t be surprised if the chef appears to greet his guests or to explain the latest dishes ; it’s all part of this warm and welcoming fine dining experience in Siem Reap.

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Practical information

Travel transportation
event calendar

Siem Reap • Cambodia

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

In a peaceful garden sanctuary, the luxurious rooms and suites of Sofitel Angkor...

When to go

Siem Reap has a warm and humid tropical climate with average temperature of 27°C.

It is a great destination to visit all year round, however avoid the rainy and monsoon season from June to October. At that time of the year you can expect 90% humidity and abundant rainfall.

November to May is the best moment of the year to visit Siem Reap, when temperature is warm and the rainfall totally absent.

Siem Reap annual calendar

Jan

Victory Day over Genocide, end of the Khmer Rouge regime, 7 January 2016
Fev

Meak Bochea Day, Buddhist tradition, 22 February 2016
Mar

International Women’s Day, 8 March 2016
Apr

Khmer New Year Day and Khmer New Year Holidays, 13 – 16 April 2016
May

Buddha’s Holiday in Cambodia, 13 – 14 May 2016
Jun

Queen Mother Norodom Monineath’s birthday, 18 June 2016
Jul

Book a Balloon Ride Over Angkor Wat in the early morning
Aug

Visit the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake
Sep

Constitution Day, Cambodian Public Holiday, 24 September 2016
Oct

Pchun Ben Day, Ancestor’s day religious celebration, 11 – 13 October 2016
Nov

Bon Om Touk, Cambodian’s water festival, 13 November 2016
Dec

Angkor Wat International Half-Marathon, 4 December 2016

Travel transportation

Transportation

Transportation is limited in Siem Reap and mainly includes taxi, motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks. Many bus companies link Siem Reap to the other major Cambodian and regional cities, such as Phnom Penh. However, Siem Reap’s centre is fairly compact and can easily be discovered by foot. Most hotels rent bikes, which can be a very convenient option to discover the city and the Angkor Archaeological Park. Note that foreigners are not generally allowed to rent motorcycles.

Taxis

The best way to move around Siem Reap is by taxi, motorbike-taxi and tuk-tuk. You can hail them in the street and the journey is usually very inexpensive. For example, a motorbike taxi ride will cost approximately $1, a tuk-tuk less than $2 and a taxi $4. Always clearly agree on the price with the driver before each trip.

A full day through Siem Reap and Angkor can be organised with a motorbike taxi for about $10.

getting to & from the airport

Siem Reap-Angkor International airport is located 7 km from the city centre of Siem Reap. A taxi will cost you less than $10, and $7 if you use a tuk-tuk. Always agree on the price with the driver before the trip.

The shuttle between the airport and the city center will cost $10 per person for a one-way ticket.

Getting around

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* Prices start from. Offer subject to the hotel's conditions and availability. See the sales conditions for the rate. Depending on the country, these prices may not include taxes, may include VAT only or may include all taxes (VAT and city tax). When prices do not include all taxes, the relevant taxes (VAT and/or city tax) will be stated in the following stages of the reservation process. The price is only guaranteed at the time of reservation.