How to Travel Angkor Wat Siem Reap on Your Own

How to Travel Angkor Wat Siem Reap on Your Own: Advice from mr.hotsia

When it comes to the ultimate travel destination in ASEAN for mr.hotsia, “Angkor Wat” in Siem Reap, Cambodia is a must-visit at least once in a lifetime. The grandeur of Angkor Wat, recognized as one of the 7 Wonders of the World, is not accidental but the result of deep art and history that you can feel from the very first step on this land.

Easy Travel from Thailand to Siem Reap

For travelers from Bangkok, mr.hotsia recommends starting at Rong Kluea Market in Sa Kaeo Province, which is the main convenient border crossing with excellent roads. Traveling from Bangkok to Rong Kluea Market can be done by various means such as buses from Ekkamai or Mo Chit, or vans from Victory Monument, taking about 4 hours and costing around 200 baht. Then cross over to the Poipet checkpoint in Cambodia, where Thai tourists do not need a visa and can stay for up to 14 days.

After crossing the border, mr.hotsia usually chooses to take a shared taxi or tuk-tuk from Poipet to Siem Reap. The distance is about 50 kilometers, taking around 1 hour. The price is affordable and the ride is very comfortable.

For more details about this journey, you can read atTraveling from Rong Kluea Poipet to Siem Reapwhere I have shared my detailed personal experience.

Accommodation in Siem Reap: Choosing What Fits Your Travel Style

Siem Reap offers a wide range of accommodations from budget to luxury. Personally, mr.hotsia likes to stay atShadow Angkor Guest Housebecause of its excellent service, an on-site restaurant, and importantly, its location by a canal connected to the Siem Reap River. The beautiful view and peaceful atmosphere are perfect for relaxing after a full day of walking tours.

If you prefer budget accommodations with good standards, mr.hotsia recommendsReaksmey Chanreas Hotelwhich is close to the bus station, has cool air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and rooms starting at only 10 USD. It’s a great value and very convenient for backpackers who want complete comfort.

Exploring Angkor Wat Independently in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat is located about 6 kilometers from Siem Reap town. There are several ways to get there. Mr.hotsia has tried renting a bicycle for about 60 baht per day to ride leisurely by himself or hiring a tuk-tuk, which is convenient and less tiring. Tuk-tuks can be arranged from your accommodation or around Siem Reap town.

Entrance to Angkor Wat requires a ticket, available in options of one-day, three-day, or one-week passes. Personally, I usually choose the three-day pass to fully explore the temple and surrounding ancient sites, especially if you enjoy photography or want to experience the sunrise and sunset atmosphere here.

Traveling independently allows you to truly absorb the atmosphere of Angkor Wat more than joining large tours that rush to follow guides. On your own, you have time to admire the intricate stone carvings with details that deserve admiration.Stone Carving Sculptures at Angkor Watwhich I have recorded on YouTube

Read more about Angkor Wat atAngkor Watwhere I have shared complete experiences and travel tips.

Lifestyle and Food in Siem Reap: More Than Just Ancient Sites

After visiting the ancient sites, mr.hotsia recommends strolling through Siem Reap’s night market, especially the Psar Chaa area, which has restaurants, bars, and pubs open late. You can walk around comfortably without worrying about safety. If you want to experience authentic Cambodian life, try hiring a tuk-tuk to a community area about 4-5 kilometers away. There you can see local life up close, including parks and Beer Gardens street filled with local eateries and live music.

For food lovers, mr.hotsia suggests trying local dishes such as Pra Grik Fong (crispy fried fish) and mango sticky rice at the night market. This kind of atmosphere is hard to find in big cities.

Details about nightlife and food in Siem Reap can be read atNightlife in Siem Reap

Tips for Traveling Angkor Wat Siem Reap on Your Own

• Prepare your passport and Cambodian cash in advance, as many places do not accept credit cards yet.
• Buy Angkor Wat entrance tickets in advance or from your accommodation to reduce waiting time and get reasonable prices.
• For convenience and safety, use tuk-tuk services arranged by guesthouses or hotels, as they know the routes and offer fair prices.
• Travel early in the morning to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat and enjoy cooler weather.
• Don’t forget to bring a hat, drinking water, and sunscreen because the sun in Siem Reap is very strong.

Summary

Siem Reap Angkor Wat is a destination that adventure lovers and history enthusiasts must not miss. mr.hotsia guarantees that traveling independently here offers a deeper and more enjoyable experience than large group tours. Travel from Thailand is convenient, accommodations are diverse, and there is plenty of local food to try. I invite you to plan and embark on your own journey to experience it firsthand. You will surely fall in love with Siem Reap and Angkor Wat just like I did.

Watch my video of the atmosphere of traveling Angkor Wat Siem Reap hereHow to Travel Angkor Wat Siem Reap on Your OwnHave a great trip!