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Many haven’t visited Siem Reap, holding onto the belief that it’s no different from rural Vietnam. That’s a mistake. Go ahead and travel, and you’ll find Siem Reap far exceeds your expectations. It’s guaranteed to be an affordable and unforgettable adventure.
Grab These Tips for a Budget-Friendly Trip to Siem Reap
Located near Vietnam, Siem Reap is easily accessible with affordable food and accommodation. You can even explore it with just 3 million VND. So, how can you travel cheaply while still having fun? Let’s find out with Mytour.
The Best Time to Visit Siem Reap
Cambodia’s climate is quite similar to Vietnam’s, though slightly hotter. You can visit anytime, but it’s best to avoid the peak heat from April to May and the rainy season from July to August. The ideal time to explore Siem Reap is between November and February.
How to Travel to Siem Reap on a Budget
From Saigon, getting to Siem Reap is as easy as catching a bus to the Mekong Delta. For those looking to save money and enjoy scenic views, traveling by bus is the best option. It’s advisable to book all your rides in advance in Vietnam so that once you arrive in Cambodia, you can focus on exploring without the hassle of finding transportation or buying tickets.
Reliable bus companies include Mekong Express, Sapaco, and Sorya. A round-trip ticket from Saigon to Siem Reap costs around 800,000 VND per person, with an average travel time of 11 to 12 hours.
You can watch for promotions to snag cheap tickets to Siem Reap
The bus company handles all immigration procedures, so all you need to do is prepare a valid passport.
It’s a budget-friendly trip. If you prefer speed, consider checking flight prices from airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific, or Cambodia Airlines. Of course, flying will cost significantly more than taking a bus.
Affordable Transportation in Siem Reap
The primary mode of transportation in Cambodia is the tuk-tuk, which is especially suitable for large groups as sharing the cost makes it incredibly cheap. Tuk-tuks are ubiquitous throughout Cambodia. Typically, the fare ranges from 1 USD to 1.5 USD per kilometer, and it's essential to negotiate the price clearly before starting your journey.
Tuk-tuks offer a budget-friendly way to get around
In Phnom Penh, many tuk-tuk drivers can speak Vietnamese, while in Siem Reap, most drivers use English for communication. Knowing just a little English is enough to get by.
Where to Find Affordable Options in Siem Reap?
Unlike the bustling Phnom Penh, hotels in Siem Reap are more spread out and less concentrated. However, there are plenty of options to choose from. Staying near the night market or Pub Street is highly recommended, as it offers convenience for exploring other attractions and is not too far from Angkor Wat.
Choose accommodations based on your budget
Panpan Saga Hotel receives high praise, with rooms priced at just 560,000 VND per night. For groups, splitting the cost brings it down to around 100,000 VND per person. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the exterior offers a stunning view perfect for photos.
Meanwhile, Medamrei Villa is a charming two-story house nestled behind lush greenery, resembling a cozy home. Everything about Medamrei is quaint and uniquely charming, with only 19 rooms, including just one single room. If you stay during a special occasion like a wedding anniversary or birthday, they may have delightful surprises in store for you.
Exploring Siem Reap
This destination offers countless attractions, but the challenge is often finding enough time to experience them all.
The Angkor complex is a renowned tourist site and a source of pride for Cambodians. Due to its vast size and distance from the city center, navigating there on your own can be tricky. It’s wise to research transportation options and key sites beforehand. For groups, a one-day guided tour is ideal. Simply book a tuk-tuk driver for around 15 USD – 20 USD per day. Remember, the entrance fee is 37 USD per person for a one-day pass, and you must keep your ticket safe as guards at each checkpoint will inspect it—losing it means no entry. Start with Angkor Wat, then move to Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm. If time permits, add the Elephant Terrace to your itinerary. These are the must-visit spots.
Take charge of your travel plans
Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, is one of Siem Reap's most fascinating attractions. It is home to over 300 species of freshwater fish, snakes, crocodiles, turtles, and otters, along with 100 bird species like storks and pelicans. The rainy season is the best time to visit. However, the guided boat tours here are quite pricey, costing around 129 USD per trip.
Located about an hour's drive from Siem Reap, Prasat Banteay Srei stands out among the many temples in the area due to its striking pink sandstone structures and intricate 3D carvings of Hindu deities. This site is ideal for those interested in the Ramayana epic and the legendary female deities depicted holding lotus flowers in their hands.
Don’t miss the Angkor Night Market. This famous market is located right in the heart of Siem Reap and specializes in jewelry, souvenirs, clothing, and food. Feel free to bargain when shopping here. The locals are incredibly friendly, and the food is both delicious and affordable.
Explore the culinary scene without breaking the bank
Traditional Amok dish in Cambodia
The food in Siem Reap is quite similar to Vietnamese cuisine and incredibly tasty. For delicious and affordable meals, head to the night market, where dishes start at just 5 USD or less, with some as low as 2 USD. Don’t miss trying the traditional Cambodian Amok. Make sure to visit Old Market before 8 a.m. to enjoy a fantastic local breakfast. A must-try dish is Bai Sach Chrouk (Cambodian grilled pork with rice, similar to Saigon-style broken rice). The street in front of Old Market (Street 9) is also perfect for late-night snacks like Nom Krouk (coconut cakes), bánh leek, lort cha (short noodles with bean sprouts, meat, and a fried egg), and banana cakes. In the evening, Pub Street is the place to be for cheap beers, cocktails, and fresh fruit juices.
Tips for visiting Siem Reap
- Most attractions in Siem Reap are temples, so dress modestly and respectfully.
- Siem Reap’s weather can be quite sunny, so remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket for protection.
- Feel free to bargain when shopping at the night market, as the locals are very friendly and open to negotiation.
- Some places don’t accept 2 USD bills, so it’s best to avoid them when exchanging currency.
We hope these travel tips from Mytour help you plan a budget-friendly trip.
T.Hai, 01/08/2022 11:21
