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Traveling to Siem Reap becomes a seamless experience with the detailed insights and tips shared by Mytour in this guide. Save these practical tips to make your journey more enriching and memorable!
Overview | Best Time to Visit Siem Reap | Transportation | Entering Cambodia | Attractions | Cuisine | Hotels and Resorts in Siem Reap | Travel Tips for Siem Reap
Siem Reap Travel Overview
Siem Reap is one of Cambodia's most iconic tourist destinations. When you travel to Siem Reap, you’ll immerse yourself in a wealth of cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery. It’s a destination not only for history buffs but also for those seeking profound cultural immersion.
Best Time to Visit Siem Reap
The ideal time to visit Siem Reap is typically from November to February each year. During this period, the weather in Siem Reap is cool and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. This creates favorable conditions for sightseeing and exploration. It is also the peak tourist season, attracting many international visitors to the ancient Khmer Empire landmarks, particularly the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple complex.
Transportation
Travel options to Siem Reap from Vietnam
Travelers can choose from various transportation methods to reach Siem Reap, depending on their preferences and budget.
Airplane
Flying is the fastest way to travel from Vietnam to Siem Reap. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, Bangkok Air, and Singapore Airlines offer direct flights from major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI). Additionally, if you are in Hanoi, you can book a flight to Phnom Penh and then take a ferry, bus, or taxi to Siem Reap. You can check flight schedules and ticket prices HERE.
Bus
This is a more budget-friendly option compared to flying. You can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City or Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. The journey from Ho Chi Minh City typically takes around 12-14 hours, while from Phnom Penh, it only takes about 6-7 hours. In Ho Chi Minh City, there are several bus companies operating routes to Cambodia, such as Kumho, Sorya, Sapaco, and Long Phượng, offering a range of prices and service quality.
Private car or car rental
If you're traveling in a group, you can rent a private car or drive from Vietnam to Cambodia. Keep in mind that you will need to pass through border checkpoints and comply with immigration procedures.
Getting around Siem Reap
Siem Reap lacks a public transportation system. Therefore, during your stay, you can opt for taxis, bicycles, motorbikes, or tuk-tuks for shorter trips. Most tourists prefer tuk-tuks as they are affordable, breezy, and safe.
Entering Cambodia
Passport and visa
Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Vietnam is among the 9 countries exempt from visa requirements when entering Cambodia. The visa exemption period for Vietnamese citizens is 30 days. If you plan to stay in Cambodia for more than 30 days, you will need to apply for a visa. For stays shorter than 30 days, only a valid passport is required.
Customs and immigration procedures
Upon entry, you will need to complete an immigration form and may be required to declare personal belongings as per Cambodian customs regulations.
Tourist attractions in Siem Reap
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is a must-visit destination when traveling to Siem Reap. This architectural marvel is the largest religious monument in the world, reflecting the grandeur of the Khmer civilization. Built by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century, it originally served as the capital and a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, later transforming into a Buddhist temple. It holds immense religious and cultural significance for Cambodia.
The site is renowned for its unique architecture, featuring thousands of intricately stacked sandstone blocks. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat stands as a symbol of national pride for the Cambodian people.
Angkor Thom
Another unmissable destination in Siem Reap is the temple of Angkor Thom. Constructed by King Jayavarman VII, it was once the powerful capital of the ancient Khmer Empire, boasting cultural landmarks as remarkable as Angkor Wat. The most striking feature of Angkor Thom is the Bayon Temple, adorned with 256 enigmatic smiling faces carved into 54 towers. Its extraordinary architecture highlights the ingenuity of the ancient Khmer people. If you enjoy exploring ancient structures and delving into historical narratives, this is an ideal destination for you.
Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake is a captivating destination for travelers. Here, you can board boats to observe the daily lives of locals and explore unique floating fishing villages. The serene and picturesque scenery of Tonle Sap Lake offers visitors a refreshing, relaxing, and unforgettable experience.
Siem Reap Night Market
The night market is a must-visit spot when traveling to Siem Reap. It awakens your culinary senses with a variety of delicious and enticing dishes, while street chefs showcase their skills. Additionally, visitors can explore unique stalls selling items like gemstone jewelry, traditional products (such as checkered scarves), and souvenirs to take home as gifts for friends and family.
Kampong Phluk Floating Village
Kampong Phluk Floating Village is located on Tonle Sap Lake, attracting visitors with its tall, beautifully structured houses. This village is not only a residential area but also features a police station, schools, and more, resembling a miniature city built on unique wooden platforms. This trip offers a chance to meet friendly locals and explore a new land filled with fascinating experiences.
Ta Prohm Temple
Constructed in the mid-12th century by King Jayavarman VII, Ta Prohm Temple boasts an impressive architectural design, offering visitors a remarkable exploration space. More than just a historical temple, it is a natural masterpiece exuding mystical beauty. The temple is famed for the giant roots of silk-cotton and strangler fig trees enveloping its towers and stone walls.
Cambodian Cultural Village
The Cambodian Cultural Village is regarded as a living museum, showcasing the glorious era of the Khmer Empire. Spanning over 200 square meters, it combines a museum, exhibitions, and replicas of temples and pagodas. Visitors can admire the heritage of the Khmer Empire and enjoy cultural performances such as the Apsara dance and traditional art forms.
Pub Street Walking Street
Pub Street, a famous walking street, attracts numerous international tourists. The vibrant atmosphere is filled with bars and restaurants, creating an authentic entertainment hub.
Kbal Spean River – ‘The River of a Thousand Lingas’
Kbal Spean River is located in Phnom Kulen National Park, Siem Reap Province. The fascinating feature of this river is a series of underwater stone carvings depicting Lingas, Yonis, and statues of deities like Vishnu, Deva, Brahma, and Apsara nymphs. This is why Kbal Spean is often referred to as the “Valley of 1000 Lingas” or “The River of a Thousand Lingas.” The Lingas are most visible during the dry season when the water level recedes.
Wat Bo Temple
Wat Bo Temple is one of the oldest temples in Siem Reap, having witnessed many historical and cultural changes in Cambodia. The temple features traditional Cambodian architecture with curved rooftops, red tiled roofs, and intricately decorated pillars.
Wat Bo Temple is a renowned religious center where monks live and practice their spiritual routines. Visitors are welcome as long as they respect the temple’s rules. Early risers may have the opportunity to hear monks chanting. Additionally, there is a school within the temple grounds, so visitors might see children playing during their breaks.
Siem Reap Cuisine
Amok (Amok Trey) – Steamed Fish
Amok is a traditional Cambodian dish that holds a special place in the country’s cuisine. The main ingredient is fish, typically freshwater varieties. The fish is deboned, chopped, and mixed with coconut milk, eggs, fish sauce, palm sugar, and chili. A key component is Kroeung, a unique Cambodian paste made from turmeric, lemongrass, shallots, and other local spices, which enhances the dish’s rich flavor.
The fish mixture is placed in small banana leaf bowls and steamed until cooked. Before serving, Amok is garnished with shredded lime leaves, red chilies, and a drizzle of coconut milk, making it visually appealing and irresistibly aromatic. While fish is the traditional ingredient, modern variations of Amok sometimes feature chicken, beef, pork, or tofu, offering a creative twist on this classic dish.
Lap Khmer – Khmer Beef Salad with Lime
Lap Khmer is a refreshing Khmer beef salad made with thinly sliced beef, either blanched or marinated in lime juice. It’s mixed with lemongrass, onions, garlic, fish sauce, basil, mint, green beans, and fresh pepper, creating a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors with a hint of chili.
Nom Banh Chok – Cambodian Fish Curry Noodles
Nom Banh Chok is a traditional Cambodian breakfast dish, often sold by street vendors. It consists of rice noodles topped with green fish curry made from mint, lemongrass, and other herbs, garnished with banana flowers, cucumbers, and assorted greens.
Palm Sugar Cake
In addition to the usual ingredients found in sponge cakes, palm sugar cake includes two special components: ripe palm fruit and palm sugar. These ingredients give the cake its appealing golden color, subtle sweetness, and enticing aroma. This humble treat is commonly found on the streets of Siem Reap.
Insects
Cambodians enjoy using insects to create a variety of dishes. From crickets and ant eggs to water bugs and spiders, they are fried, stir-fried, stuffed with peanuts, steamed with rice, or pickled in vinegar, all resulting in delicious flavors. Among these, dishes made from water bugs, a beneficial insect, are particularly aromatic and spicy, adding a unique appeal to the cuisine.
Compared to insect-based dishes in Thailand and Laos, Cambodian insect cuisine is less varied, primarily featuring crickets and spiders. The preparation is simpler, with fewer spices and less complexity.
Prahok (Fermented Fish Paste)
Prahok is made from small fish like trey riel or snakehead fish, chosen for their meaty texture and natural sweetness when fermented. The fish is thoroughly cleaned to remove any fishy odor, heads are removed, and then seasoned with garlic, sugar, soy sauce, and other spices. After sun-drying for a day, the fish is rinsed again and packed into jars with rice and salt. Bamboo strips are used to seal the jars, and the mixture is fermented for 4 to 6 months. The final product has a deep red color, a thick consistency, and a rich, aromatic scent.
Samlor Kako
Samlor Kako is considered one of Cambodia’s national dishes. It features green Kroeung, Prahok, roasted rice, catfish, pork or chicken, vegetables, fruits, and herbs. In Khmer, “Samlor” means soup, and “Kako” refers to mixing or stirring, making it a mixed vegetable soup cooked to personal preference. Common ingredients include pumpkin, papaya, green bananas, eggplant, and long beans. The meat or fish is mixed with Prahok, and all vegetables are simmered in boiling water over moderate heat.
Prahok Ktis
Prahok Ktis, a rich Cambodian dish, is served with fresh vegetables and rice. The main ingredients include fermented fish (Prahok), lemongrass paste (Kroeung), coconut milk, palm sugar, and minced pork. The accompanying ingredients mellow the spiciness of Prahok, making it enjoyable even for picky eaters. Prahok Ktis is typically eaten with rice and boiled vegetables or sliced cucumbers.
Hotels and Resorts in Siem Reap
Amansara Siem Reap Resort
Amansara Siem Reap is located on the outskirts of Angkor, just a 10-minute drive from the world-famous temple complex. This resort is often described as a “hidden gem” that radiates a fresh and inviting ambiance, captivating guests from the moment they arrive.
Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa Siem Reap
Anantara Angkor Resort is an all-suite luxury hotel in Siem Reap, offering the closest proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat. It features some of the most spacious and elegant suites in the city, with meticulous attention to detail. The resort is perfect for couples and families, offering interconnected rooms for added convenience.
Park Hyatt Siem Reap Hotel
As a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city, Park Hyatt Siem Reap has been completely reimagined by award-winning designer Bill Bensley, blending Khmer architecture with Art Deco-inspired decor.
The hotel features 104 modern rooms, including 13 elegant suites with private gardens and/or plunge pools. Each room offers spacious layouts and state-of-the-art amenities, seamlessly combining modern comforts with the charm of an ancient land.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is a destination steeped in history. Its rooms, suites, and villas beautifully blend the allure of a bygone era with Cambodian influences and contemporary touches.
Dining at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor takes guests on a journey, not only through Cambodian cuisine but also through the kingdom’s rich history. Behind every flavor lies a story: memories of childhood homes, grand kitchens, and royal palaces.
Sabara Angkor Resort & Spa
Sabara Angkor Resort & Spa is situated in a tranquil area of Siem Reap, away from the bustling city center. It embodies the serene and relaxed Khmer style, offering rooms and suites with stunning views of the pool surrounded by expansive gardens. The design cleverly combines traditional elements with modern amenities.
Tips for Traveling to Siem Reap
– Upon arriving in Siem Reap, you can easily purchase a local SIM card at any mobile phone shop.
– While the Riel is Cambodia’s official currency, the US dollar is also widely accepted.
– When visiting temples, palaces, or museums, ensure you dress modestly and appropriately.
– For greetings, you can use the Sompiah gesture by placing your palms together and bowing slightly.
– Women should avoid physical contact with male monks, as this is considered highly inappropriate.
By Mytour.vn
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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnApril 19, 2024
