Things to Do in Siem Reap

About Siem Reap

The first thing you notice isn't the heat—it’s the quiet. After the roar of Bangkok or Saigon, Siem Reap's soundtrack is the soft whir of bicycle chains on dusty roads and the distant chime of temple bells. This is a town built for walking, specifically along the alleys of Wat Bo Road where French-colonial shophouses have been turned into galleries selling silk scarves, or through the evening chaos of Pub Street where the scent of grilled prawns and the sticky-sweet aroma of palm sugar from dessert stalls cuts through the bass from open-fronted bars. The temples, of course, are the reason you’re here: Angkor Wat at sunrise, the stone faces of Bayon staring from every angle, Ta Prohm strangled by the roots of silk-cotton trees. But the real Siem Reap happens in the spaces between—the $3 (.75) foot massage after a day of temple-hopping, the 4,000 riel (about .00) iced coffee sweetened with condensed milk at a roadside stall, the sudden downpour that turns the red-dirt roads to mud and sends everyone scrambling for cover under awnings. The catch: the town itself is flat, sprawling, and purpose-built for tourism, which means you’ll spend a surprising amount of time in tuk-tuks. That’s fine. The drivers know every back route, and the ride—wind in your face, passing monks in saffron robes—is often as good as the destination.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Your tuk-tuk driver is your lifeline. Agree on a day rate (currently around 15-18, depending on how far you’re going) rather than per-trip fares; it’s cheaper and you get a de facto guide who’ll know the best times to hit each temple to avoid crowds. Download the PassApp taxi service before you land—it works like Grab but is far more reliable for short hops around town, with trips starting at 1,500 riel (.40). Avoid the motodop (motorcycle taxi) unless you’re traveling very light; the roads are rough and the rides are, to be fair, a bit of an adventure. One insider trick: For Angkor Wat sunrise, book your tuk-tuk the night before and insist on a 4:30 AM pickup. The gates open at 5 AM, and being in the first wave means you get the reflection pools to yourself for about ten precious minutes.

Money: The US dollar is the de facto currency here, but your change will often come in a mix of dollars and Cambodian riel. Carry small US bills ( and under) religiously—vendors frequently claim they have no change for larger notes, which isn’t always true. ATMs dispense dollars, but they tend to charge a per-transaction fee of around -7. Your best bet is to withdraw a larger amount once to minimize fees. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants, but everywhere else is cash-only. A potential pitfall: Be wary of anyone offering an exchange rate that seems too good to be true; it usually is. Stick to banks or your hotel for large exchanges.

Cultural Respect: The temples are sacred sites, not just photo ops. Dress respectfully: shoulders and knees covered for both men and women when visiting any religious site (carry a sarong in your day bag). When giving or receiving something, or when paying a driver, use your right hand or both hands; using the left hand alone is considered impolite. It’s a bit counterintuitive, but don’t point your feet at people or Buddha images—feet are considered the lowest part of the body. If a monk initiates a conversation, it’s okay to talk, but women should not touch monks or hand them objects directly (place it on a table or have a man pass it). The most meaningful connection you can make is to learn a few Khmer phrases: “Sous-dey” (hello), “Aw-kun” (thank you), and “Som toh” (sorry). It changes every interaction.

Food Safety: You’ll eat magnificently here, and cheaply, if you follow the crowds. The rule of thumb: look for places with high turnover. The soup stall with a line of locals at 7 AM is a safer bet than a quiet restaurant. Stick to cooked foods from busy street vendors—things like num pang (Cambodian sandwiches) or grilled meats are generally safe. For fruit, choose things you can peel yourself. Ice in established restaurants and cafes is typically fine (it’s commercially made), but be cautious with ice from street carts. A bowl of kuy teav (pork and rice noodle soup) from a morning market stall might run you 6,000 riel (.50), and it’s likely to be the most authentic meal of your day. If you’re at all nervous, start with the cooked-to-order stir-fries at the no-frills restaurants along The Lane (off Pub Street)—the woks are scorching hot and the ingredients are fresh.

When to Visit

Siem Reap has two seasons: dry and wet, and your tolerance for heat and humidity dictates everything. The peak season runs from November to February, when daytime temperatures are a relatively mild 25-30°C (77-86°F) and rainfall is minimal. This is when hotel prices are at their highest (expect to pay 40-50% more than in the low season), and the main temples feel crowded by 9 AM. If you can handle the heat, March to May offers thinner crowds and lower prices, but temperatures soar to 35-40°C (95-104°F)—the kind of heat that makes exploring Ta Prohm at noon feel genuinely punishing. The rainy season (June to October) is surprisingly rewarding. The landscape turns an intense emerald green, the reflecting pools at Angkor Wat are full, and hotel rates plummet by as much as 60%. Afternoon downpours are heavy but brief, and the air is thick with the scent of wet earth and frangipani. Major festivals shape the calendar: Khmer New Year in mid-April is chaotic and celebratory, while Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day) in September/October is a profoundly religious time—many businesses close, and the atmosphere is solemn. For photographers, the soft light just after the rains in September is unbeatable. For budget travelers and those who don’t mind carrying an umbrella, the rainy season is likely your best bet for having the ancient causeways nearly to yourself.