Siem Reap Guide, map and photos. boo.com members recommend hotels, restaurants and attractions in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is an essential stop on any trip round southeast Asia. It would be mad not to take in this pleasant town with mind boggling archaeological remains if you are anywhere near. Say within 1000 Km. First off, I confess I\'m 3 times the age of the average backpacker but Siem Reap is a...more Siem Reap is an essential stop on any trip round southeast Asia. It would be mad not to take in this pleasant town with mind boggling archaeological remains if you are anywhere near. Say within 1000 Km. First off, I confess I\'m 3 times the age of the average backpacker but Siem Reap is a great place to visit - big enough for variety and small enough to find your way around easily on foot if you don\'t fancy a tuktuk. Stay at the Rosy, visit the Funky Monky, Warehouse, Le Grand Cafe for refreshment after breathtaking Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, and of course Angkor Wat.close

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by Oswel6194 – posted on Nov 18, 2007

5

Siem Reap is really a jumping point for Angkor Wat. But, that being said, it isn't a bad town in and of itself. There is a strip with many bars and restaurants which cater to the tourists. The food here isn't bad, and the beers are plentiful and cheap. After climbing around the temples all...more Siem Reap is really a jumping point for Angkor Wat. But, that being said, it isn't a bad town in and of itself. There is a strip with many bars and restaurants which cater to the tourists. The food here isn't bad, and the beers are plentiful and cheap. After climbing around the temples all day, a nice cold Tiger beer is well needed.close

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by gracebw2 – posted on Jun 26, 2007

21

We really liked Siem Reap. The main attraction here are the Angkor Wat temples just outside the town. The area is marked as a World Heritage Site so obviously well worth a visit. It's amazing walking around the temples....there is even a group of monkies which run around the area. We got a...more We really liked Siem Reap. The main attraction here are the Angkor Wat temples just outside the town. The area is marked as a World Heritage Site so obviously well worth a visit. It's amazing walking around the temples....there is even a group of monkies which run around the area. We got a balloon ride above the temples...its restricted by a steel cable, but one balloon broke free a few years ago...good fun :-)close

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by paul – posted on Jun 18, 2007

13

Siem Reap is really hot and i mean hot in several ways. 1) The weather in Siem Reap is very hot. We were there in Mar which is not exactly the best time to go. The temperature in Mar during day can be as hot as 36C 2) The attractions and scenary are hot. It was totally awesome to see sunrise...more Siem Reap is really hot and i mean hot in several ways. 1) The weather in Siem Reap is very hot. We were there in Mar which is not exactly the best time to go. The temperature in Mar during day can be as hot as 36C 2) The attractions and scenary are hot. It was totally awesome to see sunrise and sunset at Angkor Wat. 3) The food is hot and tangy. Relatively similar to Thai Food, Khmer cuisine is rich in flavour as it uses lots of spices, chilli and coconut milk.close

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by ppeini6135 – posted on Mar 27, 2007

4

There is a very noticeable difference between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The tourist dollars that Angkor Wat is bringing in are definitely benefitting Siem Reap in the form of improved roads and better hotels. It definitely is going to look like a resort town in a few years, which may not be a...more There is a very noticeable difference between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The tourist dollars that Angkor Wat is bringing in are definitely benefitting Siem Reap in the form of improved roads and better hotels. It definitely is going to look like a resort town in a few years, which may not be a good thing for those looking for a less "touristy" location. However, more tourist dollars means more jobs for this poverty stricken country. So if the price of elevating the Cambodians' standard of living means the gentrification of Siem Reap, then I think the price is well worth it.close

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by violator17699241 – posted on Mar 24, 2007

10

Siem Reap is much different to what we thought. The restaurants in the Old Town could compete with any major city in the world. The only problem we had was at the temples where we found the children to be very aggressive and well versed in some very colourful language. Asde from that and the...more Siem Reap is much different to what we thought. The restaurants in the Old Town could compete with any major city in the world. The only problem we had was at the temples where we found the children to be very aggressive and well versed in some very colourful language. Asde from that and the expense of a VISA and departure tax ($25 USD) we had a great time.close

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by Nellso1808 – posted on Feb 25, 2007

3

ITs a very safe city with no worries to walk around at night. The locals are very friendly. Shopping with budget can be done with persistent in slashing the prices, but also keep in mind that the few dollars may mean nothing to you but a lot to them. Getting around to the temples can be quite...more ITs a very safe city with no worries to walk around at night. The locals are very friendly. Shopping with budget can be done with persistent in slashing the prices, but also keep in mind that the few dollars may mean nothing to you but a lot to them. Getting around to the temples can be quite cheap with yourself getting a driver cum guide.close

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by Angeldio – posted on Jan 30, 2007

2

An expensive little city- featuring much wealth and desperate poverty simultaneously. A strip of resturants and bars can be found here that seem dedicated to the famous Khoa San Rd- which to stumble on in poverty stricken Cambodia is surreal to say the least. Getting to know the locals is hard,...more An expensive little city- featuring much wealth and desperate poverty simultaneously. A strip of resturants and bars can be found here that seem dedicated to the famous Khoa San Rd- which to stumble on in poverty stricken Cambodia is surreal to say the least. Getting to know the locals is hard, unless your guest house has freindly tuk tuk drivers- many are rude and openly make fun of you, while other chase you for your buisness. Unfortunatly the only place to feel at ease at times is in the western style bars, were there is a distinct lack of locals there relaxing or up for a conversation. This type of activity is simply beyond most Khmers means. Being unable to socialise with local people easily is one of the disappointing aspects of the city- as you dont always want to meet more travelers. But cleaner, and with more services than other smaller city\'s, Siem Reap is a beatiful city-but expect to pay more for it.close

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by SharnaRaine – posted on Jan 17, 2007

2

I have travelled 22 countries and many many lovely places all over the world. The temples of Angkor rate at the very top of all the fantastic things I have seen and experienced. My heart goes out to the little children in Cambodia. At first, they may seem to be annoying in trying to sell trinkets...more I have travelled 22 countries and many many lovely places all over the world. The temples of Angkor rate at the very top of all the fantastic things I have seen and experienced. My heart goes out to the little children in Cambodia. At first, they may seem to be annoying in trying to sell trinkets to tourists, but if you spend some time in talking to them, you will realise they are so genuine, sweet and heartfelt. Carry some little presents and candy for them, I am sure they will love you for it.close

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by saumilshah – posted on Dec 27, 2006

6

Highlights of Siem Reap are definitely in the sightseeing and Angkor Wat. Take your time getting a reliable, good tuk tuk or taxi driver--it will make a HUGE difference. If you get a good driver, you will get some insight into the personal sides of Cambodia and the effects of the recent history...more Highlights of Siem Reap are definitely in the sightseeing and Angkor Wat. Take your time getting a reliable, good tuk tuk or taxi driver--it will make a HUGE difference. If you get a good driver, you will get some insight into the personal sides of Cambodia and the effects of the recent history of the Khmer Rouge. There are also are also many ways to help the poverty problem other than giving money to beggers. Look around for restaurants, hotels, galleries, and NGOs that donate part or all of their profits to help the needy. If you are going out to Angkor Wat, there are dozens of locals selling things. The prices on these are just as good (sometimes better) then at the markets in town and you are really helping the community out there. Do your shopping there if you don't mind carrying a little extra weight in your back pack for the day!close

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by djaspersen – posted on Dec 24, 2006

6