My personal tips for Angkor Wat and Siem Reap, Cambodia covering the best restaurants, cafes, accomodations and things to do.
Angkor Wat
Note:
Cambodia uses a mix of US dollars and Cambodian riel. Any change under $1 is given in riel. US coins are not used.
Getting In
If you're coming from Bangkok, fly with Air Asia or Bangkok Air. Bangkok Air will be a little more expensive but the service is superb. They have a separate lounge at BKK with complimentary food and drinks. If you fly with Air Asia, you will need to depart from DMK, just a heads up.
Coming from Ho Chi Minh, there's only one airline, Cambodia Angkor Air. Tickets are expensive at $135 but it beats a long brutal bus ride. A 30-day visa can be applied for on arrival for Americans (check current regulations for your nationality). Make sure to have a passport photo or you'll get fined.
Lodging
Funky Flashpacker - For a nice social environment, stay at Funky Flashpacker. They have a great pool and rooftop bar. Music is played all day around the pool and then the party moves up to the skybar in the evening. It's easy to meet people here if you're a solo traveler.
Topsky Hostel - When you're ready to get some sleep, stay at Topsky Hostel, just around the corner. Talk to the owner Manh, who is a great guy and trustworthy, and tell him I sent you. If you need to work out, ask him to bring you to the local gym with him.
My tip is to stay at Topsky Hostel since the private rooms with AC are less expensive than at Funky and you can still get access to the facilities at Funky since the owners have a mutual agreement.
Cambodia uses a mix of US dollars and Cambodian riel. Any change under $1 is given in riel. US coins are not used.
Getting In
If you're coming from Bangkok, fly with Air Asia or Bangkok Air. Bangkok Air will be a little more expensive but the service is superb. They have a separate lounge at BKK with complimentary food and drinks. If you fly with Air Asia, you will need to depart from DMK, just a heads up.
Coming from Ho Chi Minh, there's only one airline, Cambodia Angkor Air. Tickets are expensive at $135 but it beats a long brutal bus ride. A 30-day visa can be applied for on arrival for Americans (check current regulations for your nationality). Make sure to have a passport photo or you'll get fined.
Lodging
Funky Flashpacker - For a nice social environment, stay at Funky Flashpacker. They have a great pool and rooftop bar. Music is played all day around the pool and then the party moves up to the skybar in the evening. It's easy to meet people here if you're a solo traveler.
Topsky Hostel - When you're ready to get some sleep, stay at Topsky Hostel, just around the corner. Talk to the owner Manh, who is a great guy and trustworthy, and tell him I sent you. If you need to work out, ask him to bring you to the local gym with him.
My tip is to stay at Topsky Hostel since the private rooms with AC are less expensive than at Funky and you can still get access to the facilities at Funky since the owners have a mutual agreement.
Pool at Funky Flashpacker
Restaurants and Cafes
Here's a list of my favorite restaurants and cafes in Siem Reap.
Sala Bai - An establishment that trains locals in the hospitality industry, reducing the risks of poverty and human trafficking. Set lunch meals are a great value and meticulously presented.
Here's a list of my favorite restaurants and cafes in Siem Reap.
Sala Bai - An establishment that trains locals in the hospitality industry, reducing the risks of poverty and human trafficking. Set lunch meals are a great value and meticulously presented.
Sala Bai - Grilled turmeric fish with apple salad appetizer
Sala Bai - Bacon wrapped pork filet medallions on mashed pumpkin
Sala Bai - Ripe mango panna cotta with seasonal fruits
Joe to Go - My favorite cafe in Siem Reap. I went there at least a half dozen times. Strong wi-fi, plenty of power outlets and AC in the upstairs room. Great for getting some work done in the afternoon.
Joe to go cafe
Breakfast burrito at Joe To Go
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Club Sandwich at Joe To Go
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Sister Srey - Delicious food and free book exchange upstairs. Located next to the river by the old market.
Book exchange at Sister Srey
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View from upstairs - Sister Srey
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Curry Walla - Check out this place for some nice Indian thalis (set meals). My favorite is the thalis with lamb masala, pappadom, daal, buttery naan, basmati rice and yogurt.
Lamb masala set menu at Curry Walla
New Leaf Book Cafe - Good breakfast and they sell books for around $5. They screen movies on Monday night for $2 which includes popcorn.
Chae Ngek, 9999, Siv Long, My Little Cafe - These are a few of the numerous cheap street eateries down the street from Topsky Hostel near the corner of Samdech Tep Vong St and Taphul Road for those on a super tight budget. Rice dishes start at $1.
Chae Ngek, 9999, Siv Long, My Little Cafe - These are a few of the numerous cheap street eateries down the street from Topsky Hostel near the corner of Samdech Tep Vong St and Taphul Road for those on a super tight budget. Rice dishes start at $1.
Chae Ngek across the street from My Little Cafe
Little Cafe, 9999 BBQ and Siv Long
Things to do
Angkor Cinema - Located in the Angkor trade center next to the old market. You can rent out private rooms with your friends and screen movies for $5.
Angkor What? - A bar with a good happy hour which turns into a dance club later on in the night.
Pub Street - This street has turned into the spot for partying. Touristy but fun in the evenings.
Psar Chaa (Old Market) - Wander through the stalls for some cheap shopping.
Angkor Cinema - Located in the Angkor trade center next to the old market. You can rent out private rooms with your friends and screen movies for $5.
Angkor What? - A bar with a good happy hour which turns into a dance club later on in the night.
Pub Street - This street has turned into the spot for partying. Touristy but fun in the evenings.
Psar Chaa (Old Market) - Wander through the stalls for some cheap shopping.
Psar Chaa - Old market in downtown Siem Reap
Night market - Opens at 4pm and another great spot for bargain shopping.
Phare Cambodian Circus - Like Cirque de Soleil but carries a subtle social message. $18 Adults.
Phare Cambodian Circus - Like Cirque de Soleil but carries a subtle social message. $18 Adults.
Angkor Wat - Book a tuk tuk driver for the full day through Topsky Hostel. The price should be $15. This will ensure that you don't get scammed on the street. (*Sidenote: I heard from a girl who got scammed by a tuk tuk driver she found on the street. The driver agreed to take her to Angkor Wat for $15. Once they arrived at the gate, he said the price was now $75. He knew she wanted to see the sunrise and that all the other drivers coming through were booked. She of course argued but he threatened to leave. She gave him the $15 that they agreed upon but after that he left her stranded at the entrance. The majority of drivers are honest but like always, just be careful and hire a trusted driver through your hostel.)
Leave at 4:30am so you catch the sunrise over Angkor Wat, it's absolutely amazing. I rank it just a few spots under Machu Picchu. As soon as you catch the sunrise, run around to the back side of Wat to get a few minutes to take photos without the crowds. Then make your way over to Ta Prohm (where Tomb Raider was filmed) which was my favorite temple. The jungle and tree roots intertwine with the walls of the temple and it's quite a spectacular sight.
Leave at 4:30am so you catch the sunrise over Angkor Wat, it's absolutely amazing. I rank it just a few spots under Machu Picchu. As soon as you catch the sunrise, run around to the back side of Wat to get a few minutes to take photos without the crowds. Then make your way over to Ta Prohm (where Tomb Raider was filmed) which was my favorite temple. The jungle and tree roots intertwine with the walls of the temple and it's quite a spectacular sight.
Ta Prohm temple
Bayon temple
Try to get at least a 2 day pass. You can cover the main sights on day one and take your time with the temples on day 2. Enjoy and happy travels!
