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SIEM REAP - FAQ`S

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

Siem Reap is mainly serviced by one airport: Siem Reap International Airport which is about 4.5 miles away from the city center. If you have not booked a private transfer with us then you have a few options. Taxis, tuk-tuks, moto and taxi vans are available to get from the airport to your hotel.

What types of transportation can I find at the airport?

Taxis are available at the airport, the taxi stand can be found outside the terminals and costs approximately US$7 to the city center, the journey takes around 20 - 30 minutes. Taxis are metered and one of the fastest ways to get to your hotel. Van taxis are available for around US$10.

Moto`s (motorcycle taxi), Remork`s (Cambodian tuk-tuks) are available but can only accommodate a few passengers without a lot of baggage. The cost is around US$3 for moto`s and US$7 for a remork. These can be found outside the terminal by the taxi stands.

How do I get around the city using public transportation?

The most common forms of transportation in Siem Reap are traditional moto (motorcycle taxis) remork and tuk tuks where a quick trip around the downtown area costs approximately US$1 - US$3. Moto`s and remork`s can be found outside hotels, on the streets, and around most tourist attractions. A moto can only accommodate single riders and remork/tuk tuks are perfect for two passengers to get to and from places in the area. Most moto and tuk tuk drivers are available for hire for a whole day for around US$15 - US$20, the driver will spend the entire day driving you to your desired destinations. It is a good idea to have your destination written down on paper as some drivers may not speak very good English.

Taxis are available in the city, but not used as much as tuk tuks and moto`s due to cost. They can also be hired for a full day for approximately US$30.

Other forms of transport in the city include electric cars, horse drawn carriages and in the popular Angkor Thom temple area you can even take an elephant ride.

Is Siem Reap a walking city?

The city is extremely flat with a compact city center making Siem Reap a very walk able city. Taking a walk around town is convenient as many of the attractions are within walking distance to the city center. Visitors will do a lot of walking around the temples such as Angkor Thom offering beautiful sights and surroundings.

Can I rent a bicycle in Siem Reap?

Renting a bicycle in Siem Reap is a great idea and provides an easy and cheap way to get around costing approximately US$2 - US$4 a day. Bicycle rental places can be found in the city mainly along Old Market and Wat Bo Road. If you follow the river it will take you through the city center providing a scenic bicycle route with many side streets that are great for exploring. Many of the temples are a spectacular place to ride a bike with tree line paths and most of the temples are situated close together, making them easily accessible on a bike.

A company called White Bicycles is a non-profit organization that supplies hotels and guesthouses with bikes that can be rented for around US$2 for a full day. All the proceeds go towards funding youth education and clean water projects in the villages around Siem Reap. Call tel - 855-92-332-730 for more information.

Alternatively, Green E-bikes can be hired in the city costing approximately US$10 for 24 hours. Rental and charging stations can be found around the city and in the Angkor Archeological Park. Operating hours are 7 am - 7 pm.

Where can I ride a ferry in Siem Reap?

There are daily ferries offered in the city for trips on the Tonle Sap River and lake which is situated between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, a full trip can last 5 -6 hours providing picturesque views and a look into the traditional lives and communities of the villages along the river.

The main ferry dock in Siem Reap is located at Chong Khneas which is 9.32 miles south of the city center. Ferries depart daily at 7 am.

Should I rent a car in Siem Reap?

It is not recommended to rent a car in the city, driving in Cambodia can be very challenging and Siem Reap is seen best onboard traditional forms of transportation including motos and tuk-tuks.

Alternatively, electric cars can be hired in the Angkor Archaeological Park, around other temples, and in the countryside. They offer solar powered buggies which are specifically designed to travel along dirt roads. Blue Mobility is a popular company offering drivers and rentals for around US$60 a day to travel around Angkor Wat.

What is the weather like in Siem Reap?

Cambodia has two distinctive seasons: dry and wet. From November through May is the dry season and June through October is the wet season. Cooler temperatures occur from December to February with the highs still reaching around 86°F, but dropping at night. The hotter season is March through May where temperatures can reach a high of 91°F. April being the hottest month with scorching temperatures around 104°F and high humidity. Monsoon season is during the months of September and October with afternoon and evening downpours when flash floods are common.

Is the Water safe to drink in Siem Reap?

It is strongly advised not to drink the tap water in Cambodia as it may not be safely treated. Water from the tap should be boiled a few times before consuming; bottled water is advisable to drink.

What are some popular areas for shopping?

Siem Reap is a shopper`s dream destination with plenty of excellent places to shop for souvenirs, handmade crafts, silks, textiles, and art including stone carvings. The city offers shopping malls, boutiques and one of the most popular attractions, the vibrant street markets with several night markets offered.

Markets not to be missed include the Angkor Night Market located near Sivatha Street in the downtown area. It is the original night market in Siem Reap featuring over 200 huts/stalls selling anything and everything from clothes to paintings and foot massages, along with street food and live music. The market is a few minutes away from the famous Pub Street where you can enjoy some drinks after shopping.

`Psar Chas` or Old Market is another popular attraction located in the historic center of town. A great place to shop early in the mornings. The market offers fresh produce and vegetables along with seafood, the locals shop here making it a great place to come and experience the authentic atmosphere.

The Made in Cambodia Market is situated in front of the Shinta Mani Resort on Oun Khum Street in Siem Reap. The market features local food, live performances and lots of Cambodian souvenirs. Held on every Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Sombai rice spirits are a must try at this market, a drink infused with cinnamon, mangoes, star anise and red chilies.

There are several different centers offered in the city specializing in the making of different products such as the Silk Center where visitors can witness the entire process of the silk being made. The Asia Craft Center is another one where handicrafts and carvings are made.

What is the currency? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The units of currency in Cambodia are the Riel (KHR) and US dollars are accepted. The US dollar is preferred at most places in the service industry such as hotels, shops, etc and places will set and show their prices in US dollars. The exchange rate is around KHR $4,000 to USD$1 and the Riel is a non-convertible currency so you can only exchange from Cambodian currency within Cambodia. Be sure to have Riel in hand as small change will come in useful for small purchases along with transportation, street food, etc.

Most major credit cards are accepted at major hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. ATMs can be found in the city and normally dispense in US dollars.

For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping in Cambodia by clicking Cambodia
Is there a certain dress code when visiting temples?

If visiting active temples please remember these are religious sites and a certain dress code should be followed. A woman should remember to cover up their shoulders (spaghetti straps and mini-skirts are prohibited), pants and skirts should be worn below the knee. Visitors will be respectable turned away if wearing revealing clothing.

What is the food like?

The city of Siem Reap offers authentic Khmer, Cambodian and international cuisine. Visitors can enjoy Thai, Italian, Japanese, French, American, Vietnamese and of course Cambodian dishes. Some of the city`s most authentic dishes include insect based dishes, fish amok and luc-lac (stir fried beef) and prahok (fermented fish paste). Cambodia`s cuisine is largely influenced by India and China along with Thai and Vietnamese. Rice is a staple with many meals as well as noodles. Fish and seafood dominate the plates in the city with most of the fresh water fish being caught right on the city`s Tonle Sap lake.

What is the nightlife like?

One of the most popular nightlife destinations in Siem Reap is on Pub Street, which is a well-known area full of vibrant nightlife and entertainment. Street 8 is filled with bars and nightclubs perfect for a night of bar hopping with many establishments open until the wee hours. Some of the most well-known bars situated on this street are Angkor What? (the first bar to open here), Temple Club and The Red Piano. There are also plenty of restaurants situated here offering upstairs seating and café`s during the daytime. The popular Night Street Market is within walking distance from Pub Street.

Other areas for a drink with a little less chaos include The Alley and The lane which are adjoining streets. Many high-class hotels offer stylish roof top bars with lounges and pubs which are a great place to enjoy a nice drink with a quiet ambiance.

Is Siem Reap a dangerous city, is there anything I should be aware of?

Siem Reap is a safe city where crime is low compared to other cities of similar size. The streets are safe to explore even late at night. Just be careful of petty theft like pickpockets who tend to target tourists and exercise common sense and street smarts while sightseeing. Make sure to secure your belongings when riding on tuk-tuks or bicycles.

I don’t speak Cambodian will there be many people who speak English?

The official language spoken in Cambodia is Khmer, however, English is widely spoken by people working in the service and tourism industries. We recommend you get a good English-Cambodian guidebook and familiarize yourself with a few common phrases, such as hello, goodbye, please and thank you, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?

In the case of an emergency dial 117 for the police or 097-778-0022 for tourist police. 118 for Fire and 119 for an Ambulance.

Hospitals:

Siem Reap Provincial Hospital tel. 855 63 764 091

Royal Angkor International Hospital tel. 855-63-761-888

Naga Healthcare International Medicine Center tel. 855-63-761-295