Travel Tips
Things to bring
Almost practically everything can be found in the Siem Reap markets and shops. Here is the check list of things to bring:
- At least 3 passport-sized photo, one for VISA and one for the temple pass,
- Light and long-sleeves clothes to cover yourself from the sun and mosquitoes. Proper covered shirts and at least knee-length shorts should be worn inside the temples as they are sacred places,
- Sunblock, sunglasses and hats will come handy. A local-made leaf hat is light and has good covering. Sunblock is also available locally,
- Mosquito and insect repellent for sunrise and sunset hour,
- Temple stairs can be very steep and narrow, so bring appropriate outdoor shoes for climbing,
- Some US dollar cash in small denomination.
Road Safety and Personal Security
Siem Reap has probably one of the best records amongst towns in the Asean region in term of personal security, road safety and crime rate. Tourist safety and security are taken very seriously by the local authority.
It should be noted that Cambodians drive on the right lane of the road unlike in Thailand or Singapore. There are some shops offering dirt motorbike rental service. Unless you know the roads well and are very confident in your driving skill, it is not advisable for you to operate vehicle. Most foreigners who drive are either expatriates or NGO workers. Tourists are free to take up bicycle tour, which is becoming a very popular way of seeing temples right now.
It is safe to walk or ride bicycle in and outside the town during the day. You should however be cautious with pickpocket in the crowded areas and be careful to look after your belongings. From midnight, it can be quiet even in the middle the town as the nightlife is concentrated in the Old Market area. If you expect to come back to hotel very late, it is advisable to ask your known taxi driver to wait for you. Take note that polices and security guards (usually on motorbike in group of two) are on patrol in and around the town during the night.
Currency and Money Exchange
Riel is the national currency but most businesses set their prices in US dollar (US$1 = 4100R). It is good to have some Riels to purchase small things such as drinking water or refreshments. There is no ATM in Siem Reap. You may draw money by credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, JCB) from the local banks. Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards by charging some 2 to 5% commission. Palm Village accepts VISA Electron and MasterCard with 0% commission.
Traveler’s Cheque and various international currencies can be exchanged into Riels and US dollars at the banks or exchange shops which offer better rates. Beware of scamming and fake notes. We recommend Apsara Exchange on the Sivutha St., next to Bakong Lodge, whose reputation is well respected over the years.
Tips for Photographers
The wet season from June to October brings out the best colors from the temples and sceneries. It is also less crowded and easier to plan your shots during this period. Photographers should take note that commercial photography and professional cameras are prohibited inside the Angkor Archeological Park and other ancient tourist sites. This is apparently to prevent commercial exploitation of the temples, but it is still unclear how professional is a professional camera in this context. Personal photography by medium-sized SLRs or D-SLRs with small lens and small tripods seem to be fine, but make sure you do not bring equipments, long lens or large tripods.
Other than temples, there is little restriction on photography in the public areas. Inside the pagodas, restaurants and schools however, please ask for permission first. Khmer people especially children like to have their photographs taken. Just approach or wave at them and point to your camera, they will give their very best smiles. Older people tend to be shier to have their photographs taken, although most do not mind. It is a very good act if you can print and send the photos to them via the tour guide or our hotel staff.
There are a few shops in town offering photo processing services including printings, camera services, and accessories. Batteries, films and memory cards are widely available. Internet cafés are practical places to upload your digital photos to the internet or burn into CDs. It is therefore no need for you to bring your own laptop.
Traveling by buses from Thailand
If you plan to cross the border from Thailand, and take a bus to Siem Reap, please take note of the followings. It had happened to some of our guests. Some bus operators in Bangkok and some local operators arranged well-rehearsed trips from the border checkpoints to Siem Reap town such that they arrived very late at night. By then, they would bring the guests to their guesthouses and would not allow them to communicate with their hotels of choice. The groups are taking advantage of the well-publicized bumpy road from the border to the town by purposefully stop several times along the way as though the bus (or pick-up truck) is broken down.
The problem is less serious in the Poipet checkpoint than other border crossings. To avoid this, choose only the bus companies with known names and offices in Siem Reap. Nameless mini-vans and pick-up trucks should be avoided. The good news is that the road from Siem Reap to Poipet is being rebuilt now and soon the bus trip from the border will take less than 5 hours.
Healthcare and Hygiene
Bird flu may have a lot of publicity lately, but there is no case of bird flu reported in Siem Reap, and foreigners should be more cautious on the more common dengue fever and malaria. Both of them can be transmitted by 2 different types of mosquitoes: the low-flying day-time mosquito and female anopheline mosquito respectively. Both diseases however are rare in the town and are more common in country side and the areas near the jungles. Children are to be more cautious.
Water in Siem Reap is generally cleaner and safer than you would have expected, and drinking-water is widely available. Look for cube ice rather than the block ice, and always drink bottle water. Drink more water than you usually do when touring. The 500-Riel bottle water is not only cheap but also safe.
Restaurant hygiene is of good standard; food court’s one may be lower- but still acceptable. The public restrooms inside the Angkor Archeological Park are very well maintained, but there isn’t any in the town. You may find private ones at shops and restaurants.
There are two hospitals for children, Jayavarman VII hospital on road to Angkor and Angkor Hospital for children in the middle of the town. Both of them are very well equipped with foreign and local doctors, and offer free medical service and treatments. For adults, Naga clinic is the only foreigner-friendly clinic in town.
 Siem Reap hotels |
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