Phnom Penh | Khmer News | Cambodian Website | Cambodia Travel Guide

Siem Reap, next to Tonle Sap Lake, is a popular tourism province located in northwestern Cambodia. It used to be a Cambodia capital but was dismissed in 1431. Siem Reap was named to remind of the victory of Khmer empire on Ayutthaya Thai troop in 17th century- Siem means Thai, Reap means loss.

Siem Reap starts pulling tourists quickly because Siem Reap is the gate way to the world’s heritage temple of Angkor Wat- if you fly from Phnom Penh city, it will take less than an hour. There are alot of historical resorts and temple which were built by Cambodia’s Kings in Angkor Empire- like Angkor Wat Temple, Angkor Thom Temple, Bayon Temple, Bakheng Temple, West Mebon Temple, and Phnom Kulen water fall where a large Buddha statue and one thousand lingams are located on the top of the mountain.

Siem Reap is hot and steamy with a classic tropic climate. Temperature starts from low 20 °C (68 °F) in the cool season in December to January, and as high as 30 °C (86 °F) in the hot season in April to May. There will be a slightly rain around June and heavy rain through August to September.

Governing:

To make it a better place and easy to manage, government had divided it into 12 Srok and 100 Khum (Srok means district, Khum means commune)- 1. Angkor Chum 2. Angkor Thom 3. Banteay Srei 4. Chi Kraeng 5. Kralanh 6. Puok 7. Prasat Bakong 8. Siem Reap 9. Sout Nikom 10. Srei Snam 11. Svay Leu  and 12. Varin district.

Getting in and out

1. Plane: you can just take a direct flight from Phnom Penh City. Siem reap airport is only 6 km from Angkor Wat so you will have a great view of a masterpiece ancient temple while landing. You will find a ticket booth at the terminal for taxi.

2. Ferry: There will be daily ferries taking you from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. You may buy ferries ticket at any hotel or travel agent, because you can get it cheaper than ferry office. After you arrive of each dock, there will be moto dubs (moto taxis) or taxis waiting to serve you with a pleasant smile.

3. Bus: You can buy your bus ticket from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap at Hotels, Travel Agencies, or Bus companies. It will be 314 Km and about 6 to 7-hour trip to get to Siem Reap. Bus may stop two times during the trip Skun & Kampong Thom.

Arriving and traveling around town

If you are going to visit from temple to temple, you should hire a taxi or moto taxi. You don’t want to go on foot because from each temple to another is about two or three kilometers. Taxi or moto taxi should be hired for the whole day period so that you can go as many places you want. The price is very reasonable price. Car taxi may charge you about 20 to 30 US dollars while moto taxi or tuk-tuk will charge 8 to 15 dollars a day. Some drivers may charge you crazy price since you are not from local, especially, when you are from Europe- the rule is you need to bargain, everything in Cambodia is bargain-able. If can’t get a good price from first driver, you might want to go to the second.

Shopping for Gifts in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is the best place to get a unique hand-made gifts for your lover, friends, or family at home. There will be a big selection in old market such as arts, painting, baskets, handcrafts, high quality silks, and caving products made from silver or wood.

Attractive Places Of Siem Reap Province:

1. The early 12^th century, Angkor Wat Temple which is 7 km from Siem Reap province.

2. The early 10^th century, Baksey Chamkrong Temple which was completed in building by Rajendravarman II.

3. Bayon Temple which was built in late 12^th and early 13^th century.

4. Banteay Kdey Temple which was built in built later 12^th and early 13^th century.

5. Phnom Kulen (Kulen Mountain) where thousand lingams are located on the top of the mountain.

6. Khmer Traditional Dancing: You can spend 22 US dollars for dinner buffet and see the show at The Hotel Grande de Angko.

7. Angkor Zoo: Nature Wildlife and Preserves.

8. Civil War Museum: Free admission, if you want to donate some money, it will be appreciated.

9. Phnom Krom Hilltop Temple: it is a huge hill- you will see it near the dock if you take the ferry from Phnom Penh. If you stand from hilltop area, you will notice a magnificent views of Tonle Sap Lake, surrounding by beautiful countryside and Siem Reap town.

10. Crocodile Farm: Going south on Sivutha Street, cross the bridge about half km, you will see the crocodile farm. It contains over 300 crocodiles, and there will be a lot of gifts to buy too. Admission fee is 1 US dollar for international visitor.