Siem Reap 2012

Siem Reap 2012: Experience Angkor Wat like never before with mr.hotsia

When talking about Cambodia, the name "Siem Reap" often comes up first in the minds of many travelers, including me, mr.hotsia, because this city is the gateway to the incredible World Heritage sites ofAngkor Watand Angkor Thom, the Ta Prohm temple that travelers from around the world dream of visiting at least once in their lifetime.

Siem Reap is located in the province of the same name, just over 100 kilometers from the Thai border at Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo Province. It takes about 2 hours by car. The journey is very convenient for Thais who want to experience the beauty of Angkor Wat without flying far. I, mr.hotsia, often take this route whenever I visit Cambodia because the Poipet checkpoint is the main gateway with good roads and many bus options.Read more about traveling from Rong Kluea Poipet to Siem Reapright here.

A small city full of life all year round

Siem Reap town is not very large but is full of lively atmosphere blending traditional Khmer lifestyle and tourists from around the world. The central area I like to call “Psar Chaa” is the old market with many shops, restaurants, and accommodations ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. Life here is enriched by the Siem Reap River flowing through the town, along with old French-style buildings that create a nostalgic atmosphere.

I stay atShadow of Angkor Guesthouseevery time I come to Siem Reap because the service is excellent, staff are professional and helpful, and they offer affordable bicycle rentals at only 2 USD per day. If you want a cool air-conditioned budget stay, I recommendReaksmey Chanreas Hotelwhich is near the bus station and Capital bus queue. It has cool air conditioning, good WIFI, and room rates starting at just 10 USD.

Simple life and easy travel in Siem Reap

The commission system here is quite clear, making city travel very convenient. I usually rent a bicycle for about 1-2 USD per day to ride around town or visit nearby attractions comfortably. If you want to go to Angkor Wat, you can hire a tuk-tuk for 12 USD per day, leaving early at 8:30 AM and returning at sunset. For those who want to truly experience local life, try walking around Angkor Night Plaza or the old market area. The nighttime atmosphere here is lively and very safe.Check out my article about nightlife in Siem Reapfor more details.

Angkor Wat: A wonder within reach

If you have never been to Angkor Wat, I, mr.hotsia, recommend planning an independent trip to fully experience it. The Angkor Wat temple is only 6 kilometers from town. Getting there is very easy, and you will see the exquisite stone-carved architecture along with fascinating historical stories. I have visited many times but still feel excited every time I walk through the gates and admire the carvings.

Entrance tickets to Angkor Wat come in various options: 1 day, 3 days, or 1 week. If you want to see all the major temples in the Angkor area, I recommend the 3-day pass for a complete and unhurried experience.Read more details about Angkor Wat here.

Food and relaxation in Siem Reap

Food is another important topic for me. There are restaurants ranging from simple local curry rice stalls that are slightly cheaper than in Thailand, especially near the old market. My favorite dishes I order almost daily are ginger chicken stir-fry and Cambodian-style pork stew with bold flavors unlike anywhere else. There are also international restaurants from Western, Indian to fusion cuisine priced around 90 baht per dish.

After a full day of sightseeing, I usually end with a Khmer massage known for its relaxation benefits. Prices are reasonable at 200-300 baht per hour. If you choose a location a bit farther out, it’s even cheaper. Or if you prefer, you can have the massage in your room.

Money use and tips for travelers

In Siem Reap, the US dollar is the main currency used, with the Cambodian riel at about 4000 riel per dollar. I, mr.hotsia, recommend using US dollars for convenience and better value, as it’s easier to calculate and helps avoid counterfeit bills.

For those worried about cash, I suggest withdrawing money directly from ATMs in Siem Reap. The machines display VISA logos and English language options, dispensing US dollars with only about 1.5% fee. This is much more convenient than carrying large amounts of cash.

Summary of my Siem Reap experience with mr.hotsia

I spent about 3 nights in Siem Reap, which is just right for exploring the town, Angkor Wat, and still having time to stroll the old market, taste local food, and relax with massages. This place is not just a tourist spot but a living city ready to let you experience Khmer culture and lifestyle up close.

If you plan to visit Siem Reap, I, mr.hotsia, recommend mixing bicycle and tuk-tuk travel for convenience and choosing accommodation in the city center likeShadow of Angkor GuesthouseorReaksmey Chanreas Hotelwhere I have stayed and been very impressed.

Finally, I want to share this video to help you see the beauty of Angkor Wat and the atmosphere of Siem Reap as I experienced it.
Stone Carving Sculptures Angkor Wat Siem Reap Cambodia
Angkor Wat Siem Reap Cambodia