Depending on the season, you can hire a driver and a tour guide for 24-hour service for as little as $60/day.
Siem Reap is a city that is the central hub for its rich history and home to the grand Angkor Wat. Fun fact: Angkor Wat was actually a Hindu temple originally that later converted to Buddhist. Many of the temples, in fact, have French and Hindu influences you can find in decorations and architecture. This beautiful temple was hidden from civilization for 400 years, covered by thick trees and forsaken of its people. For those interested in traveling to Siem Reap, use this as a guide for major decisions in your stay there.
How to get there:
You can land directly in the Siem Reap International Airport, or you can also rent a van, driver, and guide by the day. Depending on the season, you can hire a driver and tour guide for 24 hour service for as little as $60/day. This pays for gasoline, inexpensive hotels for the driver to stay, and the tour guide. There are tour guides for every language, and they make seemingly deteriorated stones have meaning and historical background. They will also take you to the best local restaurants. While you don’t have to pay for their food, it is customary to be polite.
How long:
The amount of time you want to spend there is entirely up to you. If you are able to walk long and hot days, you can visit a variety of temples in 3 days. For visitors, a $62 ticket can buy you 3 day access to every temple in Siem Reap. If you are not so athletic, 1 or 2 days to visit the greatest and grandest temples may be the route for you. Don’t forget to bring water and close-toed shoes!
What to do:
In addition to visiting temples every day, there are many activities in the city of Angkor. To visit the famous crocodile farm in Siem Reap, you must boat and pass through a city on water, which entails stores and homes on water. It is amazing to see two-year-old children paddling a boat on their own before they can even count to ten. Another MUST SEE is Pub Street, which is a night market where everyone and their mother congregate. You can find a variety of foods to choose from, ranging from cockroaches to the best rolled ice cream. Both locals and tourists come and go through this busy lighted strip.
What to bring:
As all the temples throughout Cambodia, there is a strict dress code whether you’re a guide or a local. To enter, you are required to cover your shoulders and wear pants/skirts/dresses below the knee. Additionally, you should consider covering your chest conservatively if you are a woman. The guards are very strict when it comes to dress code, so the more covered the better and you can even shield yourself from mosquitoes!
And just like that, you’re ready to visit Angkor Wat. Safe travels, and have fun visiting one of the beautiful seven wonders of the world!
Celine spent 4 days in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
