Blog about Thailand
Siem Reap is probably the safest destination in Cambodia. It has become a tourist hotspot and caters accordingly. While petty crime is unfortunately not uncommon, if one has their wits about them one will be safe . ATMs can be easily found everywhere in the major tourist areas.
You have to go to Siem Reap for Angkor Wat. It’s worth a look but we wouldn’t rate it as a destination. It’s gone too far to meet the needs of mass tourism. We didn’t see everything and do everything, obviously, these are just our impressions from our 8-night stay.
Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Wat, the millenium-old temple ruins of the Khmer Empire. Set along the Siem Reap River, this small provincial capital boasts hundreds of sightseeing opportunities such as well-preserved colonial buildings, museums, traditional markets, and cultural performances.
It’s about 400 kms from Bangkok to Siem Reap so flying is the quickest way to get there but going by bus is much cheaper.
Don ‘ t use your feet to point at someone. Don ‘ t touch a Cambodian person on the head. Don ‘ t begin eating if you are a guest at a dinner and the host has yet to take a bite. Women should never touch male monks or hand something directly to them.
You ‘ll be glad you dressed conservatively once you see how many monks are roaming the temples. Although flip – flops are the footwear of choice in Southeast Asia, many of the stairs to the top levels of temples are steep and dangerous. Trails can become slippery — take good shoes if you ‘ll be doing any scrambling.
Walking : Siem Reap is a great city to explore on foot. It is generally safe although there are the odd incidents of bag snatching. Take the usual precautions such as leaving your passport and valuables in the safe at the hotel, and walk with a group of friends, especially late at night .
Old French Quarter is the best place to stay in Siem Reap if you’re visiting for the first time. Located at the centre of the city, the Old French Quarter is close to main thoroughfares and well connected to the area’s top attraction, Angkor Wat .
Siem Reap Linen capri pants that cover the knee (but are open at the bottom to let the air flow in) A loose cotton swoop-neck t-shirt that covers the shoulders (but allows air flow to the neck and back) Comfortable walking shoes, either Teva-like sandals or tennis shoes.
Currency. Cambodian Riel ( KHR ) and United States Dollar (USD). The riel is their national currency, however, USD is widely accepted and generally preferred. This often means you will get your change in both USD and riel , which can be rielly confusing.
Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu , Angkor Wat became a Buddhist temple by the end of the 12th century.
Day 1: Sunrise at the Angkor Wat. Day 1 : Go for a morning stroll in Banteay Srei. Day 1 : Visit all the Temples in and around the Walled City of Angkor Thom. Day 2: Visit Beng Mealea. Day 3 : Relax Day .
Angkor Wat Admission Fee 2020 Single day (1-day) pass – $37.00 . Three day (3-day) pass – $62.00 . Seven day (7-day) pass – $72.00 .
There is no direct train , so to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap by train , you first have to take the train to Aranyaprathet, take a taxi to the border, then catch a bus the rest of the way.
The drive to Siem Reap took about 2 hours. The taxi driver, who didn’t speak any English, made it an interesting trip though. Firstly, it was a right-hand drive car driving on the right side of the road.