Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap

KampotCambodia

architecturalspiritual

Why You'll Love Siem Reap

If you ever find yourself in Cambodia, you definitely cannot miss visiting Siem Reap! It's a city bursting with ancient and captivating culture and history. It's famous for being home to the majestic Angkor Wat temple complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an incredible feat of engineering from the Khmer Empire. You can spend days exploring the complex and marveling at the intricate carvings and stunning architecture.

But there's more to Siem Reap than just Angkor Wat! The city itself is a treasure trove of vibrant markets, bustling streets, and friendly locals. You can find delicious food at every turn, from traditional Cambodian dishes to international cuisine. And if you're up for some adventure, there are plenty of outdoor activities to try, like cycling through the countryside to see other temples, taking a hot air balloon ride, or even zip lining through the jungle.

But what sets Siem Reap apart is the warmth of the community. The locals are incredibly welcoming and always happy to chat and share their stories. This makes Siem Reap one of the most friendly and welcoming cities in all of Southeast Asia. So if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind experience that combines history, culture, and adventure, Siem Reap is definitely the place to be!

Getting to Siem Reap

To get to Siem Reap, Cambodia, you can fly directly into Siem Reap International Airport. It is also possible to travel by bus or taxi from nearby cities such as Phnom Penh or Bangkok.

The closest city to Siem Reap is Phnom Penh, in Kampot.

Travelling from Siem Reap International Airport to Siem Reap

When to Visit

The best time to visit Siem Reap is between November and March when the weather is relatively cool and dry.

Weather and Climate

Siem Reap, Cambodia has a tropical climate with generally hot and humid conditions throughout the year. The wet season runs from May to October with heavy rainfall, while the dry season from November to April is cooler and less humid. The hottest months are typically March and April with temperatures averaging around 35°C (95°F), while the coolest months are December and January with temperatures averaging around 25°C (77°F). Overall, Siem Reap is a great destination to visit year-round, but the best time to visit for outdoor activities is during the dry season from November to February.

Costs When Visiting

In Cambodia, the currency is the Cambodian Riel.
Some sample costs when travelling around Siem Reap are:

- Budget guesthouses: $10-20 USD per night
- Mid-range hotels: $30-60 USD per night
- High-end hotels: $100+ USD per night
- Street food stalls: $1-3 USD per meal
- Local restaurants: $3-8 USD per meal
- Western restaurants: $10-20 USD per meal

Safety Rating

Siem Reap is generally considered a safe destination, with low crime rates compared to other cities in the region. However, like any tourist destination, petty theft and scams can occur. As for safety for women, it is generally safe for women to travel alone in Siem Reap, but it is important to take precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night and being cautious around unfamiliar people. As for racial and LGBTQ tolerance, Cambodia has a predominantly Khmer population and is still developing in terms of LGBTQ acceptance, but Siem Reap has seen progress in recent years with the launch of an LGBTQ-friendly nightlife scene. Overall, while there are still some issues to be addressed, Siem Reap can be considered a relatively safe and welcoming destination.

Local Population

The population of Siem Reap, Cambodia is approximately 239,000. The majority of the population is Khmer, with smaller ethnic groups such as Chinese and Vietnamese. Buddhism is the predominant religion, with most of the population practicing Theravada Buddhism. The official language is Khmer, but due to the influx of tourists, a significant portion of the population also speaks English and French. The gender breakdown is roughly 50/50. As for racial breakdown, about 95% of the population is Khmer with the remaining 5% comprised of other ethnic groups.

Things to Do

Some of the activities that are common for tourists in Siem Reap, Cambodia are visiting the Angkor Wat temple complex, exploring the Angkor Thom city ruins, seeing the Bayon Temple, watching traditional Apsara dance performances, shopping at local markets and street vendors, visiting the Angkor National Museum, taking a cooking class to learn how to prepare Cambodian cuisine, visiting the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, and taking a tour through the countryside to see rice paddies and rural life.