Posted by Siem Reap is the gate to Angkor Wat which undoubtably is the biggest tourist magnet in Cambodia. You won’t be surprised when I tell you Siem Reap is a touristy place but it is surprisingly OK.
The town itself is rather dull and has little to offer. It is situated on the river Siem Reap but fails to make something of it. Even the Royal palace is anything but impressive.
Link tip: Very good day trip in small group from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat: Click here for more info and booking
The most interesting part of the city is the area surrounding Pub Street. It lives up to its name. It is like a smaller version of the Kao San in Bangkok but not as disgusting.
There are plenty of guest houses in the area, shops, bars, restaurants and the market. At night there is a good party going on and prices are surpringsingly reasonable.
I rather like Siem Reap. It is not as touristy as expected and not as expensive as expected. During the day you go sight seeing and at night you can compensated the hard work – exploring the temples is just that – with some party and good food.
Things to do
Since the temples are a different subject I will discuss them in a different chapter. Depending on your stamina there are three to five tours you can take. There basically is the short tour and the long tour. Then there is Banteay Srey which is some 50 kilometres from Siem Reap. You normally combine this with Kbal Spean; a waterfall in the jungle.
If you still haven’t got enough operators offer a tour to the floating villages. You my not believe it but his is the most touristy tour of them all.
Other than that I could only name “things not to do because they are boring”. In this category I’d put pretty much all sites in town.
Accommodation
Prohm Roth Guest House doesn’t seem to appear in many guide books but I would call it THE place in town. The people are very hospitable, the rooms are more than OK and it is affordable. For 8 – 15 Dollars (depending on size and air condition) you get a clean and nice rom with, cable TV and free WiFi. They are most helpfull and can organize everything you’ll ever need at a fair price. It’s on of my favourite places in all Cambodia. Very highly recommendet.
Two Dragons is near pub street and a solid choice. They got nice and tidy rooms and free WiFi.
At the bus stop they might try to push you towards Down Town Guest House. The place itself is OK but it is in a drak and dodgy neighbourhood. I mainly disliked how they try to hijack you from the bus.
Places to Eat
It’s around the corner from pub street. The food is awesome and it is dirt cheap.
The World Lounge doesn’t look like much but it was my fvourite place for breakfast. Dinner is just as good.
Link tip: Very good day trip in small group from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat: Click here for more info and booking
Nightlife
You best choice for entertainment is the area around Pub Street. It sounds stupid but this is where the party rocks. I cannot recommend any particular place so just follow your gut feeling.
FACTS ABOUT Siem Reap:
- Siem Reap is in Cambodia
- Siem Reap is the gate to Angkor Wat
- One cannot rent a scooter day but rather has to pay for a driver
- The best night life is around Pub Street
- The bus “terminal” is far out of town. To travel from here book with an agency or the guest house.