Siem Reap Travel: 100 Questions Answered

What is the “e-Arrival” card? It is a mandatory digital form (replacing paper cards) that you must complete within 7 days before arrival via the official Cambodia e-Arrival app.

Can I get a visa at the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI)? Yes, visas on arrival are available; bring $30 in crisp USD and a passport photo.

How far is the new airport (SAI) from the city? About 45–60 minutes.

What is the best way to get from the airport to downtown? Airport taxis/vans are standard (approx. $35), or you can book a shuttle for roughly $8–$10.

Are the land borders with Thailand open? As of early 2026, some land borders may have restrictions due to regional tensions; flying from Bangkok is currently the most reliable method.

Is Siem Reap safe for solo female travelers? Yes, it is widely considered one of the safest cities in SE Asia, though standard precautions apply.

What is the best time of year to visit? November to February is the cool, dry season.

Should I visit during the rainy season? Yes! June to October is “green season”—the temples are lush, crowds are thinner, and prices are lower.

How many days do I need? 3 days is the minimum for the main temples, but 5 days allows for a relaxed pace and countryside visits.

Angkor Wat and Temples

How much is an Angkor Pass? 1-day ($37), 3-day ($62), and 7-day ($72).

Are the 3-day passes consecutive? No, they are valid for any 3 days within a 10-day period.

Where do I buy temple tickets? Only at the official “Angkor Enterprise” ticket center or through their official website/app.

Is the sunrise at Angkor Wat worth it? It’s iconic but very crowded. Many suggest going for “pre-dawn” to get a spot or skipping the main pond for a side view.

What is the “Small Circuit”? The classic loop including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (Bayon), and Ta Prohm.

What is the “Grand Circuit”? A larger loop including Preah Khan, Neak Pean, and Ta Som.

What is the dress code? Shoulders and knees must be covered. A scarf over a tank top is often not accepted; wear a T-shirt.

Can I rent clothes at the temples? Some vendors sell “elephant pants” and shirts nearby, but it’s better to come prepared.

Should I hire a guide? Yes, at least for one day. They provide historical context you won’t find on signs.

How do I find a good guide? Ask your hotel or look for licensed guides in yellow/khaki uniforms.

Is Angkor Wat stroller/wheelchair accessible? Only in very limited areas; the terrain is uneven with many steep stairs.

What time do temples open? Angkor Wat opens at 5:00 AM for sunrise; most others open at 7:30 AM.

What is the “Tomb Raider” temple? Ta Prohm, famous for the giant trees growing out of the ruins.

Which temple has the faces? Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom.

Is Banteay Srei worth the long drive? Yes, the pink sandstone carvings are the most intricate in the park.

Can I fly a drone at the temples? No, drones are strictly prohibited without a special (and expensive) permit.

Are there monkeys? Yes, especially around Bayon and Angkor Wat. Do not feed them; they can be aggressive.

Is it hot? Extremely. Bring more water than you think you need.

Can I bike to the temples? Yes, but it’s a long, hot ride. An e-bike or tuk-tuk is usually better.

What is the 5:00 PM ticket hack? If you buy your ticket after 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM, you can enter the park for sunset that evening for free without using up a day on your pass.

Money and Payments

What is the currency? Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollars (USD) are both used.

Do I need USD? It’s helpful for larger purchases, but the government is pushing for more Riel usage.

Can I use the “Bakong Tourists” app? Yes, this is a 2025/2026 initiative allowing tourists to use QR payments easily like locals.

Will they accept torn USD bills? No. Even a tiny tear or ink mark will cause a bill to be rejected.

What is the exchange rate? Roughly 4,000–4,100 KHR to $1.

Are ATMs common? Yes, but they often charge $4–$6 per withdrawal.

Do I get USD change? Usually, if you pay in USD, you get Riel back for anything less than $1.

Is tipping expected? It’s not mandatory but highly appreciated. $1–$2 for a driver or 10% at a restaurant is generous.

Can I use credit cards? In hotels and high-end restaurants, yes. In markets and tuk-tuks, no.

Should I carry large bills? Avoid $50s and $100s for small purchases; $1s, $5s, and $10s are best.

Transportation

How do I hail a tuk-tuk? Use the Grab or PassApp apps for fixed, fair pricing.

How much is a tuk-tuk ride in town? Usually $1–$3 via apps.

How much is a full-day temple tuk-tuk? Expect to pay $18–$25 depending on the circuit and sunrise.

Can I rent a scooter? Yes, but be careful of traffic and check if your insurance covers it.

What is a “Remork”? It is the traditional Cambodian tuk-tuk (a carriage pulled by a motorbike).

Is there a public bus? Within the city, no. For travel to Phnom Penh, yes (Giant Ibis is highly recommended).

Can I walk around Siem Reap? The riverside and Pub Street areas are walkable, but it’s often too hot for long distances.

How do I get to Battambang? By private car (3 hours) or a scenic boat ride (6–8 hours, seasonal).

Is the boat to Phnom Penh worth it? It’s long and can be bumpy; most prefer the bus or a short flight.

Are helmets required on motorbikes? Yes, for the driver and passenger.

Food and Drink

What is the must-try dish? Fish Amok (a coconut curry steamed in banana leaves).

Is the street food safe? Generally yes, look for busy stalls with high turnover.

Can I drink the tap water? No. Use bottled or filtered water even for brushing teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.

What is “Beef Lok Lak”? A popular stir-fried beef dish served with a lime and pepper dipping sauce.

Where is the best place for food? The Night Market area and Wat Bo Road offer great local and fusion options.

Is coffee good in Cambodia? Yes! Try the local iced coffee with condensed milk.

How much is a beer? At “Happy Hour” on Pub Street, a draft beer can be as low as $0.50–$1.00.

Are there vegetarian/vegan options? Yes, Siem Reap is very vegan-friendly (check out “Banlle” or “Brother Bong”).

What are “Happy Pizza” shops? Pizzas infused with cannabis. Use caution as they can be very potent.

Is insects/bugs common food? You can find fried crickets and spiders at the markets, but it’s more of a novelty for tourists now.

Sightseeing (Beyond Temples)

What is Pub Street? The nightlife hub filled with bars, music, and neon lights.

Should I visit a Floating Village? Kampong Phluk is popular. Avoid Chong Kneas as it is often cited as a “tourist trap.”

What is Phare, The Cambodian Circus? An amazing social-enterprise circus with no animals; it’s a “must-see” evening activity.

What is the Landmine Museum? A sobering but educational museum about Cambodia’s history with landmines.

Can I visit Kulen Mountain? Yes, it’s a great day trip for waterfalls and a giant reclining Buddha. It requires a separate $20 ticket.

What is the “Killing Fields” of Siem Reap? Wat Thmey is a smaller memorial site dedicated to the victims of the Khmer Rouge.

Where can I see traditional dance? Many restaurants offer Apsara Dance shows with dinner.

Is there a mall? Heritage Walk and Lucky Mall are the main shopping centers with AC.

What is the Artisans Angkor? A workshop where you can see traditional silk and stone carving crafts.

Can I go ziplining? Yes, Angkor Zipline is located inside the archaeological park.

Culture and Etiquette

How do I say hello? “Choum Reap Sur” (formal) or “Susadei” (informal).

What is the “Sampeah”? The traditional greeting of placing your palms together like a prayer.

Is it okay to touch someone’s head? No, the head is considered sacred.

Should I give money to begging children? No, it encourages them to stay out of school. Donate to reputable NGOs instead.

What should I do if I’m invited to a local home? Remove your shoes before entering.

Is it okay to haggle? Yes, in markets, but do it with a smile and don’t fight over pennies.

What is the “face” concept? Avoid losing your temper or shouting; it causes both parties to “lose face.”

Can I take photos of monks? Always ask permission first and never touch a monk (especially if you are female).

What is the main religion? Theravada Buddhism.

Are there many festivals? Khmer New Year (April) and the Water Festival (November) are huge celebrations.

Communication and Tech

Should I get a local SIM card? Yes, Smart or Cellcard are cheap and have great 4G/5G coverage.

Is there Wi-Fi? Almost every cafe and hotel has free, decent Wi-Fi.

What plug type is used? Types A, C, and G are all found, but the 2-pin flat or round (A/C) is most common.

What is the voltage? 230V.

Is there 5G? Yes, 5G is rolling out in the city center as of 2025/2026.

Can I use Google Maps? Yes, it is very accurate for Siem Reap.

What apps should I download? Grab (transport), PassApp (transport), and FoodPanda (food delivery).

Is English widely spoken? In the tourism industry, yes, very well.

Can I use my phone’s eSIM? Yes, Airalo and similar services work, but local SIMs are cheaper.

Is there a post office? Yes, near the riverside, but international shipping is expensive.

Health and Safety

Do I need malaria pills? Generally no for the city/temples, but check with a travel clinic if heading to deep jungles.

Are mosquitoes bad? Yes, especially at dusk. Use repellent to prevent Dengue.

Is there a good hospital? Royal Angkor International Hospital is the best for tourists.

What is “Belly”? Standard traveler’s diarrhea. Stick to cooked foods and bottled water.

Are there bag snatchers? It happens occasionally on motorbikes. Keep your bag on the side away from the street.

Is the sun dangerous? Yes, the UV index is very high. Wear a hat and sunscreen.

Should I get travel insurance? Absolutely. Medical evacuations are costly.

Is it dusty? Yes, especially in a tuk-tuk. A light scarf or mask helps.

Are there pharmacies? Yes, pharmacies are everywhere and many drugs are available over-the-counter.

What is the emergency number? 117 for Police, 119 for Ambulance.

Logistics, Visas, and Entry