The Long Way Round Asia 20258 views
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Step 14/60: Cambodia - Siemreab

Siemreab photo by Jantine De jong

About Siemreab

Ofcourse Siem Reap is the starting point for your visit to the Temples of Angkor. Siem Reap itself is a pretty nice little city. You'll get acquainted easily with its dirt roads, markets, small city center and a really big supermarket, where you'll be able to find produce and products you haven't seen in a while... Which is pretty welcome after eating street food for a few weeks! Bar Street, where all the restaurants and 'clubs' are, is the place to be at night. A lovely place to call your home when visiting the famous Tempels of Angkor.
Bus/Coach icon
How I got here ?

Price: 5 $

Traveling time: 4 hours

Bus from Phnom Penh Sorya Transport (PPST) at Capitol next to Psar Thmei Square.

Tips & Tricks

  • The ATM's give US Dollars. But you get Riel back when spending your dollars.
  • Use up your Riel as much as possible, you can't exchange them outside Cambodia.

Things to see

The Temples of Angkor 9 /10
- €
The Temples of Angkor photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
This 'Holy City' was established under the reign of Jayavarman II after he declared himself the God-King in 802 AD. Between 1113 and 1150 Angkor Wat was build by Suryavarman II. After his death Jayavarman VII got his hand on the throne and build Angkor Thom, the walled city within the complex, which became the spiritual center. Angkor is said to have been big enough to support 1 million people!
Roluos Group, Preah Ko (day 1) 7 /10
9 $
Roluos Group, Preah Ko (day 1) photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
20 Kilometers East of Siem Reap. This is a group of temples from an earlier period. You do see a lot of similarities. Dating from 897, Preah Ko was dedicated not only to the gods Shiva and Gauri, but also to the ancestors of the king.

Practical

Earthwalkers 7/10
Price 5 $
Address

2 Sangkat, Sala Kanseng Village
Siem Reap

User's opinion:

It has a pool!! Which is really nice with this hot weather! The hostel was OK, but more family oriented. No backpackers. Slow internet, bikes $1. 2 Km out of town.


Breakfast Included No Curfew Washing Machine Available
The siem reap hostel 9/10
Price 8 $
Address

Wat Bo Road
Siem Reap

User's opinion:

Great hostel! All backpackers! Nice rooms with big sturdy bunkbeds and ensuite bathrooms, good internet, free bikes, near Bar Street, indoor pool, movie nights, tv-room. $1 For a nice breakfast.


Luggage Room Available Breakfast Included Air Conditioning Available No Curfew Lockers Available Internet Available 24h Reception Hot Shower Available Washing Machine Available
Street food 9/10
Price 1 $
Address

At the end of Bar Street
Siem Reap

User's opinion:

This is where you'll get the best food and shakes for only $1!! Right at the end of Bar Street, where the buildings end and little stalls pop up. Great noodles with beef, pork or veggies. Loved it!


Angkor what? 8/10
Price - $
Address

Bar Street
Siem Reap

User's opinion:

Get the Angkor Sunrise! It's delicious! Almost everything goes by the pitcher/bucket. Happy Hour from 5pm-8pm. Great for meeting fellow backpackers.


Dr. fish 8/10
Price 3 $
Address

At the night market
Siem Reap

User's opinion:

At first it tickles, but after that it feels pretty good; little fish eating all the death skin cells off your feet. You pay for 15 minutes, but they'll let you sit longer to attract more customers.