Siem Reap, Cambodia | DIY Travel Guide

One summer, had an opportunity to visit Siem Reap, Cambodia - The Land of Ancient Temples.

We were there, when the temperature was scorching, 39° to be exact. It was hotter than what I'm used to. But we didn't allow the weather to stop us from experiencing the Wonders of Cambodia.

On our first day, our plan was to explore the Angkor Temple complex. A UNESCO World Heritage site. With around 50 temple ruins, it is the largest religious monument in the world. This means, a lot of ground to cover. So we picked the top three; Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm.

As early as 3am we started the tour with our guide Veasna. We wanted to catch the sunrise in Angkor Wat. But the sun was shy that morning and only peeked a little. Even without the spectacular sunrise, the sky was painted with mixed hues of orange, pink and purple. This made the walk to the main temple magical.

Seeing the main structure of Angkor Wat up close, really made me wonder - how did they build a structure so grand without the tools we use today.

Massive uneven stones, dark corridors, moss, cracks and weathering - adds character or a mysterious atmosphere to the place. The more I explore, the more I was astounded. The temple shared snippets of Khmer myth through the intricate design engraved from the walls to ceilings.

Then, we hopped on our tuktuk and went straight at the heart of Angkor Thom to see Bayon Temple. Famous for the 216 gigantic smiling faces on top of the temple's towers.

We’ve completed exploring the place when the sun is at its peak. The blistering heat made us skipped some tourist sites near Bayon.

The 3rd temple - Ta Prohm, is a tourist favorite. It was featured on Angelina Jolie's Tomb Raider movie.

In this part of the temple complex, the forest is denser. The tree-lined path from the entrance to the temple was sunbaked. Dusty air from tourist walking on red dry soil.

As we walked further, there lies the temple ruin. Ancient trees growing from the ruins itself. Roots crawling out cracks and creases. Securing its grip to what is left of the temple. The forest claiming the ruins of Ta Prohm - a sight to see.

We spent the night in Pub Street. A Street full of restaurants, food stalls, bars and night clubs. A go-to destination of tourists in Siem Reap at night.

For Day 2, went to a floating village. These villages are located in Tonle Sap, the largest lake in Southeast Asia. There are several options to choose from but we picked Kampong Khleang because it is not commercialized, not touristy and the money goes directly to the local community. It is a 51km ride southeast of Siem Reap.

Tuktuk is the best option going to Kampong Khleang. But during our visit, the constant gust of the scorching wind to our faces was an unpleasant experience :)

When we arrived in Kampong Khleang, I've noticed 2 things: the colorful stilt houses with mostly blue accents and a blood red soil.

We rented a boat to take us to the floating village somewhere in Tonle Sap.

View from the boat ride from Kampong Khleang

Here, I've witnessed the authentic life of locals, living in the floating village. It was depressing. At the same time, an eye opener. I recommend to include this in your itinerary, should you visit Siem Reap.

Floating village in Tonle Sap in Cambodia

Late afternoon, we had a full body massage at Lemongrass Garden Spa before heading to Pub Street for dinner.

On our 3rd day, we went on a side trip to a Koh Rong, a paradise in Cambodia.

On our last day, we visited Angkor National Museum to learn more about the Khmer Empire. Unfortunately, they do not allow cameras inside the museum.

Afterwards, we headed back to our hostel and spent the remainder of the day, drinking and playing foosball.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SIEM REAP

The best time to visit Siem Reap, Cambodia is during its cold season. This is from November to February. Exploring the temple ruins is much better during cold and dry weather.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO SIEM REAP

Comfortable outfit
Sneakers / Sandals / Slippers
Protection from the sun
Jacket
Camera / Action Cam
Extra batteries / memory cards
Charger
Universal Adaptor
Tumbler
Back pack or bag for tours
Back pack Rain Cover
Dry Bag
Passport
Powerbank

HOW TO GET TO SIEM REAP FROM MANILA

The most convenient way to get to Siem Reap, Cambodia from Manila is via direct flight. The cheapest option is Cebu Pacific. Travel time is a little over 3 hours.

SIEM REAP BUDGET AND ITINERARY

The estimated budget for a 4 days 3 nights trip to Siem Reap is PHP11,000.00 per person. Plane fare is not included. Also, I have a separate guide to Koh Rong. See detailed budget and itinerary below:

NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING SIEM REAP

Flight Schedule
- Timing of flight like the ones we took will arrive in Siem Reap late night. This will require you to add an extra night on your schedule.
Accommodation
- We arrived late night in Siem Reap from Manila. We checked in at Lub D, located near the Old Market and Pub Street.
- Lub D is a hostel ideal for digital nomads and backpackers.
Transportation
- We’ve used tuktuk in going around the city.
- There’s no standard rate for tuktuk within the city.
Food
- These are the restaurants we’ve tried in Siem Reap that I would recommend:
  - Rohatt Café
    - An open air restaurant that serves Traditional Khmer Cuisine.
  - Khmer Family Restaurant
    - A restaurant in Pub Street that serves traditional Khmer Cuisine.
  - Menaka Cafe
    - A cozy little café across the old market and close to Pub Street. This café also serves western and Asian cuisine.
  - KOI The
    - An international tea shop located in The Heritage walk.
Communication is not an issue since locals can speak English.
Credit card is widely accepted but do bring cash just to be sure.
USD is widely accepted.
There are plenty of ATMs in Pub Street and Old Market area.
Signal is not a problem.

SIEM REAP TRAVEL TIPS

Secure your Passport
Best to have a credit card.
Check the weather and pack accordingly.
You can buy your SIM card at the airport.
Look for an accommodation that already includes airport pickup and drop-off.
We’ve contracted the tuktuk driver we had from the airport pickup to be our tour guide to all our tours.
Ask the hotel receptionist for the rates of tours and tuktuk rides. Then use it as your basis.
To catch the sunset in Angkor Wat, you need to go as early as 3am.
You can buy your tickets for the temple tour directly at the tourism office on the day of your visit.
Wear appropriate clothing when visiting temples.
Bring extra shirt when on tours.
During summer best to hire a van or car on longer trips.
Tips are not mandatory but is practiced in Cambodia.
Not required but if you’ll eat lunch on tours, order a meal for your guide.