Siem Reap — A land of temples waking in Angkor's shadow.
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Kamboçya

Siem Reap Travel Guide

A land of temples waking in Angkor's shadow.

BEST TIME: November–February CURRENCY: USD COORDINATES: 13.37°, 103.84°

Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument on earth, jungle-swallowed Ta Prohm, and smiling stone faces.

Last updated: 2026-07-16

PRACTICAL INFO

What to know before you go.

Tourist traps, SIM cards, cash vs card, taxis and safety — the city's reality in five questions.

Biggest tourist mistake

Rushing all of Angkor in one day — you'll wilt in the midday heat and the temples blur together.

SIM card & internet

Cellcard/Smart airport SIMs are cheap; coverage is good.

Cash or card?

USD is the de facto currency; carry small dollars, change comes in riel. ATMs dispense dollars.

Taxi & transport apps

Hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the day is the practical, cheap way; Grab exists (PassApp) too.

Safety

Safe for tourists; the real matter is heat, hydration and the temple dress code (shoulders/knees covered).

CITY PULSE

The city's 24-hour rhythm.

Turn the dial to any hour and it tells you where you should be.

12:00
0006121823
BUDGET

What will it cost me?

Pull the day dial; the estimated per-person cost is calculated instantly.

Total Estimated Budget
$264
$88 / day · 3 gün
1 day7 days14 days

Figures are per-person daily USD estimates compiled from BudgetYourTrip, Numbeo and recent traveller reports. Flight/ferry tickets not included.

Siem Reap budget in detail: daily costs & calculator →

TRAVEL GUIDE

Insider knowledge.

Things you won't find on the first page of a search engine.

Must Do

  • Buy the 3-day Angkor pass; one day blurs the temples together.
  • Hire a tuk-tuk driver for the whole day — very practical.
  • Don't miss Banteay Srei; the carving is unmatched in the complex.

Avoid These

  • Trying to buy the ticket at a temple; the official office is elsewhere.
  • Attempting the upper temples in bare shoulders/knees — you'll be turned away.
  • Rushing all of Angkor in one day; the midday heat drains you.

Tips

  • USD is the de facto currency; carry small dollars, change comes in riel.
  • November-February is dry and cool — the best but busiest time.
  • Tonle Sap floating villages make a half-day add-on.

Hidden Gems

  • Beng Mealea: a jungle-swallowed, unrestored temple (1 hour).
  • Kbal Spean: a thousand lingams carved in a riverbed — a forest walk.
  • Angkor's far temples (Preah Khan) are empty in the afternoon.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Siem Reap: frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Siem Reap?
The best time for Siem Reap is November–February. Weather and crowd levels are most favourable for travellers then.
How many days are enough in Siem Reap?
2-3 days is a good start for Siem Reap's highlights; extend to 4-5 to explore the surroundings and nearby routes. Our hour-by-hour City Pulse plan helps you organise each day.
Is Siem Reap expensive? What is the daily budget?
For a mid-range traveller, the estimated daily cost in Siem Reap is about $88 per person (food, local transport, accommodation and activities; flights excluded). Budget travellers can spend less; use the budget calculator in the guide to see your own figure.
Is Siem Reap safe?
Safe for tourists; the real matter is heat, hydration and the temple dress code (shoulders/knees covered).
How is internet and SIM in Siem Reap?
Cellcard/Smart airport SIMs are cheap; coverage is good.
Cash or card in Siem Reap?
USD is the de facto currency; carry small dollars, change comes in riel. ATMs dispense dollars.
How is transport and taxi in Siem Reap?
Hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the day is the practical, cheap way; Grab exists (PassApp) too.

Nearby routes