ABOUT CONTACT PRIVACY POLICY THE PHL CHALLENGE                               
    

ads_banners

PROMO CODE ALERT! Use my promo code 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 and get 5% discount on KLOOK hotels, tours, tickets, activities and more!

2024 SIEM REAP TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG with DIY Itinerary, Things to Do, Tourist Spots, Budget & Tips for First-timers in Cambodia

NEW UPDATED First-timer's Siem Reap Travel Guide Blogs 2024 with DIY Itinerary and Expenses Cambodia

Planning a trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia this 2024? Let this Siem Reap Travel Guide Blog with DIY Itinerary, things to do in Siem Reap, and Budget for first-timers help you plan your trip!


Visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia to see its famed centuries-old temples? This First-timer's Siem Reap Travel Guide 2024 will help you plan your trip to the Angkor Wat Complex and other must-see destinations in Siem Reap by providing you an easy-to-follow travel guide and useful information on Siem Reap's tourist spots and attractions, things to do, recommended hotels and hostels in Siem Reap, how to get there from the Philippines, visa requirements, tours and activities to experience, sample 4D/3N DIY itinerary, travel tips and reminders, and a many more. Below is my practical, yet comprehensive Siem Reap Travel Guide, that is also ideal for first-timers.

First-timer's Travel Guide to Siem Reap, Cambodia 2024 (Updated)



WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS SIEM REAP TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG 2024?


VISA REQUIREMENTS


As a part of the ASEAN region, Philippine passport holders doesn't need a visa to enter Cambodia. You just need to have a passport with a validity of at least 6 months. Filipinos can stay in Cambodia up to 21 days without a visa.

As a rule of thumb in entering a country or a territory, always be ready with your return or onward tickets, proof of hotel accommodation booking, and tour and activities vouchers. To avoid any inconvenience, always have it ready just in case the immigration officer asks for it. If entering via land border from Vietnam or Thailand, there are no fees to be collected at the immigration if you're a Philippine passport holder.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIP: Getting a travel insurance is highly-recommended when traveling abroad. Travel with confidence anytime, anywhere you go! Get a travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage for your peace of mind!

√ GET A TRAVEL INSURANCE WITH COVID-19 COVERAGE HERE!




HOW TO GET TO SIEM REAP?


Here, I will share to you how to get to Siem Reap from different cities in Southeast Asia such as Manila, Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), Bangkok, and other ASEAN Cities.

How to get to Siem Reap from Manila, Philippines?


Siem Reap is accessible from many cities in Southeast Asia. From Manila, Cebu Pacific Air flies directly to Siem Reap. Air Asia also flies to Siem Reap with a layover in Kuala Lumpur. For cheap flights to Siem Reap, I highly recommend using Traveloka App to find the best affordable flights available.
Here's a sample flight booking from Traveloka App if you will book your flights few months in advance, let's say in June 2018. This is a regular fare from Manila to Siem Reap and vice versa. Click the photo to enlarge.

Cheap Flights from Manila to Siem ReapCheap Flights from Manila to Siem ReapCheap Flights from Manila to Siem Reap

How to get to Siem Reap from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam?


If you're in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Vietnam, you can also go to Siem Reap by bus. You can take a bus to Phnom Penh and then transfer to another bus going to Siem Reap. Total travel time is around 11 hours from Ho Chi Minh and bus fare is around $20 USD. This route is also a good chance to explore Phnom Penh - the capital city of Cambodia. There are also bus companies that offer direct bus transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap.

ALSO READ:

How to get to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh, Cambodia?


If you're coming from Phnom Penh, you just need to take a bus to Siem Reap. Travel time is around 6 hours and bus fare is ₱ 778 per person. If you're in a group, also good option is to book a Private City Transfer between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and get picked up or dropped off right where you want to be. RESERVE A PRIVATE CAR HERE.

RESERVE A SEAT HERE!

ANOTHER OPTION: Take a Ferry from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

How to get to Siem Reap from Bangkok, Thailand?


From Bangkok, you have to go to the border town of Aranyaprathet, then go through the immigration process, and then to Poipet on the Cambodian side. From there, you could take the bus or taxi to Siem Reap.

For ease and convenience, I highly recommend that you book a direct Shared Bus Transfer from Bangkok to Siem Reap.


RESERVE A SEAT HERE!


ALSO READ:

ASEAN Cities to Siem Reap


Of course, the easiest and fastest way to Siem Reap - although expensive - is by plane. Direct flights from Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Singapore, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh, and Hanoi are also available.

Indochina Adventure?


If you want to save on travel expenses, you can cross the land borders. If you're coming from Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and other cities in Cambodia such as Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh. Check out the different transportation options to and from Siem Reap on this link.


TRANSPORTATION IN SIEM REAP


How to get to Siem Reap city center from the airport?


Siem Reap Airport (REP) is located 6 kilometers away from the city center. Direct flights from Manila would usually arrive in Siem Reap at around 10:00 PM or before midnight. For ease and covenience, I highly recommend booking a Siem Reap International Airport transfer to your hotel at the city center.

RESERVE A PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFER HERE!


Alternatively, you can also take a remork or a tuk tuk which costs around US$ 6-10 from the airport to your hotel at the city center. There are also some taxis and vans from US$ 8 - US$ 10.

How to get to get around Siem Reap?


You can take the local transportation called remork (tuk tuk). It's bit expensive if you're traveling solo, but it comes cheap if you're in a group because it could fit 4-5 passengers. Tuk tuk ride is about $3-5 for short distances around Siem Reap city center. You can also charter a private tuk-tuk to take you around Siem Reap. With this, you can visit and explore the different tourist spots and wonderful destinations in Siem Reap city at your own pace in the comfort of your own private tuk-tuk charter.

RESERVE A PRIVATE TUK-TUK HERE!


If you are after comfort and convenience, you can also rent a private car in exploring Siem Reap. A private car charter in Siem Reap usually costs ₱ 1,660 for 4 hours, ₱ 2,594 for 8 hours, and ₱ 3,632 for 10 hours of car rental. This is a good option for groups or small family because you can customize your itinerary, and explore Siem Reap at your own pace with the comfort of your own private charter. It is available from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, so you could travel around Siem Reap for the whole day.

RESERVE A PRIVATE CAR CHARTER HERE!




HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND IN SIEM REAP?


The number of days to spend in Siem Reap depends on what are the tourist spots you want to visit, the activities you want to experience and things you want to do in Siem Reap. For first-timers in Siem Reap, a 4 days and 3 nights itinerary is good enough to experience what Siem Reap has to offer. If you don't have much time, 3 days and 2 nights itinerary is also possible.

In this Siem Reap Travel Guide Blog, I recommend 4D3N DIY itinerary for you to fully enjoy the tourist spots and activities I listed. You may refer to the Siem Reap DIY Itinerary I shared below for reference.

WHERE TO STAY IN SIEM REAP?


During our trip to Siem Reap, we stayed in a budget hotel and a luxurious resort. Be sure to book your room accommodation way ahead and as soon as you know you are going to Siem Reap because prices rarely go down the closer you are to your trip schedule. Below are the hotels and resorts in Siem Reap that we have personally tried.

Budget Cheap Hotels in Siem Reap
Twin room for as low as 1,000 pesos per night

If you're the kind of traveler who loves to shop, party, and drink all night long, I recommend hotels near the Night Markets and the Pub Street.

You might want to check out...

Sok San Street Boutique


Address: 169, Steng Thmey Village, Svay Dangkum District, Soutr Nikom, Siem Reap, Cambodia, 17251
Room Rate: starts at PHP 1,071.63 per night for a Twin Room

BOOK ONLINE: Click here to see updated room rates and book online

Ultimate list of to hotels and resorts in Siem Reap
Luxury villa for as low as 4,000 pesos per night

If you're traveling with family or with your special someone and you want some privacy and quiet environment away from the crowded streets of Siem Reap, I highly recommend Tresor d' Angkor Villa & Resort. It's one of the best hotels/resorts in Siem Reap!

Tresor d' Angkor Villa & Resort


Address: Krous Village, Sangkat Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia, 17000
Room Rate: starts at PHP 4,164.23 per night

READ MY REVIEW HERE: Tresor d' Angkor Villa & Resort Review

When searching and booking for hotels, I always use Traveloka App. I really like using this safe and legit travel booking app because it gives so many choices, and you can even sort the search results by price or filter it by category (such as resorts, hotels, hostels, etc.). If you're traveling on a budget, you can easily find a hotel/hostel or resort that will fit your budget.

OTHER HOTELS AND RESORTS IN SIEM REAP


Below are the top-rates hotels and resorts in Siem Reap. These hotels are popular among guests and received excellent to exceptions guest ratings and reviews. To save as much as 50% on room rates, I highly recommend that you book your hotel in advance online.


SEARCH FOR HOTELS & RESORTS SIEM REAP HERE!




WHERE TO EXCHANGE MONEY?


If you're bringing in US Dollars in Siem Reap, there's no need to change it to their currency which is the Cambodian Riels (KHR). US Dollars are preferred and widely used anywhere in Siem Reap.

If you're coming in with Philippine Peso at hand, you could go to the money changers and change it to USD. Or if you're bringing in other currency, then be sure to exchange it only to USD and not KHR. But let me remind you that exchange rate is terrible, so this is not highly recommended. The best way to do is travel to Cambodia with US Dollars at hand.

Alternatively, you can withdraw money in US dollars at the ATMs in Siem Reap. Just be sure to advise your local bank before flying to be sure that you will be able to withdraw from the ATMs in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap Angkor Pass Rates Prices 2020

WHERE TO GET ANGKOR PASS AND HOW MUCH?


When visiting the temples in Siem Reap, you need to get an Angkor Pass to get inside the Angkor Wat Temple Complex. It is not available online. You have to buy it at the APSARA Office (Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap) on the day or at 5:00 PM the day before your planned Angkor Wat Temples Tour. Depending on how may days you plan to visit the temples, you may choose a 1, 3, or 7 days Angkor Wat Pass.

Below are the updated Angkor Pass rates:
  • Angkor 1 Day Pass - $37 USD
  • Angkor 3 Day Pass - $62 USD
  • Angkor 7 Day Pass - $72 USD

Top Best Things To Do in Angkor Wat Siem Reap Cambodia
Siem Reap tourist spots, attractions and things to do

TOP THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP + TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS



With so many unique and amazing things to see, do, and to experience in Siem Reap, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what to do first. With this, let me share to you my top 10 must-visit tourist spots and attractions, and best things to do in Siem Reap that you can use as your travel guide in creating your DIY itinerary if you plan to visit Siem Reap.

What to do in Siem Reap Travel Guide Blog 2020

But before traveling to Cambodia, let me share to you my List of Top 10 Things To Know Before You Go To Cambodia.

Top Best Things To Do in Angkor Wat Siem Reap Cambodia

1. Marvel at the Angkor Wat Sunrise


Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site is actually one of the top things to do in Cambodia. And a trip to Siem Reap will not be complete without a visit to the Angkor Wat temple complex. The very first thing to do is to wake up early and see the sunrise in Angkor Wat. It is definitely a must, and I could say that it's really worthy of waking up early. For convenience, you can book an Angkor Wat Sunrise and a visit to three of the most popular temples in the Angkor Complex. BOOK & RESERVE HERE!.

Top Best Things To Do in Angkor Wat Siem Reap Cambodia


2. Be Amazed by the Angkor Wat


Visiting Angkor Wat is definitely among the top things to do in Siem Reap and certainly one of the best things to do in Cambodia. It's an item in my bucket list, and I promised myself that I will never leave Siem Reap without seeing its famed temples. Visiting the Angkor Wat, which is a part of the bigger Angkor Wat Complex (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is considered as one of the largest religious monuments in the world. It's one of the temples in Siem Reap you should not miss to see.

BOOK & RESERVE HERE: Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour with Monk Blessing for as low as ₱724 per person

Top 10 Best Things to do in SIEM REAP CAMBODIA

Top 10 Best Things to do in SIEM REAP CAMBODIA

Top 10 Best Things to do in SIEM REAP CAMBODIA

Top 10 Best Things to do in SIEM REAP CAMBODIA

Siem Reap Tourist Spots and AttractionsSiem Reap Tourist Spots and Attractions

Top 10 Best Things to do in SIEM REAP CAMBODIA

Top 10 Best Things to do in SIEM REAP CAMBODIA

Top 10 Best Things to do in SIEM REAP CAMBODIA

3. Live out your Tomb Raider Fantasy at Ta Prohm


A favorite among tourists because of its popularity as the location of the movie Tomb Raider, Ta Prohm is a temple filled with jungle vines, crumbling towers, and centuries-old overgrown tall trees. You can live out your Tomb Raider fantasy by visiting this massive temple.

BOOK & RESERVE HERE: Classic Angkor Wat Full Day with Sunset Tour for as low as ₱540 per person

Tourist Spots in SIEM REAP CAMBODIA

Tourist Spots in SIEM REAP CAMBODIA

Tourist Spots in SIEM REAP CAMBODIA

Siem Reap Tourist Spots and AttractionsSiem Reap Tourist Spots and Attractions

Angkor Wat Temples Complex Cambodia

Angkor Wat Temples Complex Cambodia

Angkor Wat Temples Complex Cambodia

Angkor Wat Temples Complex Cambodia

4. Be amazed by the towers of Bayon Temple


A Buddhist temple known for it its towers with intricate bas-reliefs designs and huge faces. Here, you will be amazed at the numerous massive faces of Avalokiteshvara engraved on the towers of the Bayon Temple.

BOOK & RESERVE HERE: Sunrise Angkor Temples Small Circuit Private Tour by Tuk-Tuk for as low as ₱1,058

What to do in Siem Reap Travel Guide Blog 2024

What to do in Siem Reap Travel Guide Blog 2023

What to do in Siem Reap Travel Guide Blog 2020

What to do in Siem Reap Travel Guide Blog 2023

TRAVEL TIP: For convenience, you can book an Angkor Wat Sunrise and a visit to three of the most popular temples in the Angkor Complex with Klook.com for as low as 654 pesos. This is a join-in guided tour which already includes a private service van, English-speaking local tour guide, sunrise watching, and a visit to 3 temples: Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon Temple. Please note that the one-day Angkor Pass worth PHP 1,850.00 (USD 37) is not included in the package.

BOOK AND RESERVE HERE: Sunrise Angkor Exploration + Angkor Temples Tour

Siem Reap Angkor Pass Rates Prices 2020

TIPS AND REMINDERS:
  • To get inside the Angkor Wat Temple Complex, you need to get an Angkor Pass at APSARA Office (Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap). Below are the updated Angkor Pass rates as of January 2018.
    • Angkor 1 Day Pass - $37 USD
    • Angkor 3 Day Pass - $62 USD
    • Angkor 7 Day Pass - $72 USD
  • Buy your one-day Angkor Pass at 5:00 PM the day before your desired visit to the temples. Tickets bought after 5:00 PM, can be used on that day and the day after. This way, you can go to the temples and enjoy the sunset, and come back again the following day and use the Angkor Pass from sunrise until sunset.
  • The APSARA ticket booths open at 5:00 AM, if you buy your tickets the day before, you could go to Angkor Wat as early as it opens.
  • Take good care of you Angkor Pass and never lose it. You will need it every time you enter a temple. If you lost it, you need to buy a new one.

What to do in Siem Reap Travel Guide Blog 2020

What to do in Siem Reap Travel Guide Blog 2020What to do in Siem Reap Travel Guide Blog 2020

What to do in Siem Reap Travel Guide Blog 2019

5. Bargain Shopping at Siem Reap Night Markets


Siem Reap's many night markets are haven for shop-a-holics and bargain hunters. You could find many things here that you could bring back home as pasalubong to your family and friends. Goods are very cheap; you can even buy souvenir shirts for as low as $2 US dollars. Just make sure to practice your haggling and bargaining skills before going to Siem Reap because you will be using it most of the time.

For ease and convenience, you may book a Siem Reap Night Market Tour.

JOIN THE NIGHT MARKET TOUR HERE!


What to do in Siem Reap Travel Guide Blog 2019

What to do in Siem Reap Travel Guide Blog 2018

6. Enjoy the Pub Street


For the young, the "young at heart," and for those who love to get drunk and partying, the Pub Street is the place to be in Siem Reap when the night comes. You could find here many restaurants, bars, and night clubs where you could party and drink all night long.

Siem Reap 2018 Budget Travel Guide for First Timers

7. Watch PHARE, the Cambodian Circus


If you're not into partying and drinking all night long, an alternative activity to do at night in Siem Reap is to watch PHARE, the Cambodian Circus. It's a nightly show held in a small circus arena organized by Phare Ponleu Selpak, an NGO group that helps the youth by providing training and workshops in the performing arts, including circus. The show's beneficiaries are the young Cambodian boys and girls who perform in the circus, and other causes supported by the group.

RESERVE TICKETS HERE!


Siem Reap 2023 Budget Travel Guide for First Timers

Siem Reap 2018 Budget Travel Guide for First Timers

By watching the circus show, you don't just get to enjoy their awesome acts but you also support a charitable organization, dedicated to preserving Cambodian arts and helping disadvantaged local youngsters.

Siem Reap 2024 Budget Travel Guide for First Timers

Siem Reap 2023 Budget Travel Guide for First Timers

The show starts at 8:00 PM every night and it’s free seating so make sure to be there early to secure better seats. As a popular show in Siem Reap, it easily gets full, so it's better if you book and reserve your tickets in advance. We bought our tickets online via Klook.com.

BOOK AND RESERVE YOUR TICKETS HERE: PHARE The Cambodian Circus

Siem Reap 2018 Budget Travel Guide for First Timers

Siem Reap 2018 Budget Travel Guide for First Timers

8. Go on a Food Trip


One of the best ways to experience a place is to taste its local food. Sample some of the most palatable flavors of Siem Reap by visiting streets filled with food kiosks offering local delicacies, fruits, grilled items, as well as exotic dishes such as crickets, red ants, and spiders. You could also get to enjoy eating by sitting in a mat, the way locals do.

Visiting Angkor Wat and Other Things To Do in Siem Reap Cambodia

Visiting Angkor Wat and Other Things To Do in Siem Reap Cambodia

For this, we joined a guided group tour which includes transportation via remork (tuk tuk), English-speaking and friendly tour guide, and a lot of food!

BOOK & RESERVE HERE!


Visiting Angkor Wat and Other Things To Do in Siem Reap Cambodia

Visiting Angkor Wat and Other Things To Do in Siem Reap Cambodia

The best thing about this tour is our guide named Kim. He's a nice tour guide who introduced us to so many delicious food in Siem Reap. More to that, we also learned a lot about Cambodia from his stories. He's definitely one of the nicest and knowledgeable guides I've ever met. If you will avail this tour, request from him. I am sure, you will definitely enjoy the food tour.

ANOTHER OPTION: Siem Reap Evening Food Tour

Visiting Angkor Wat and Other Things To Do in Siem Reap Cambodia

Visiting Angkor Wat and Other Things To Do in Siem Reap Cambodia

9. Visit the floating village at Tonlé Sap Lake


This half-day tour will let you see and somehow experience the daily lives of the locals living in the Kompong Phluk floating villages of Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. We truly enjoyed the serene boat ride through the calm waters of Tonlé Sap Lake and the sunset viewing abroad the boat ends this half-day tour.

BOOK & RESERVE HERE!


First timers guide to Siem Reap Tourist Spots and Attractions

First timers guide to Siem Reap Tourist Spots and Attractions

First timers guide to Siem Reap Tourist Spots and Attractions

First timers guide to Siem Reap Tourist Spots and Attractions

First timers guide to Siem Reap Tourist Spots and Attractions

First timers guide to Siem Reap Tourist Spots and Attractions

First timers guide to Siem Reap Tourist Spots and Attractions

First timers guide to Siem Reap Tourist Spots and Attractions

For convenience, we availed this tour via Klook.com which also comes with an English-speaking local tour guide and roundtrip shuttle service from/to Siem Reap. Be sure to choose the afternoon tour so you could enjoy the sunset.

BOOK AND RESERVE HERE: Kompong Phluk Floating Village Half-Day Tour

First timers guide to Siem Reap Tourist Spots and Attractions

First timers guide to Siem Reap Tourist Spots and Attractions

First timers guide to Siem Reap Tourist Spots and Attractions

10. Be Amazed by the Cambodians


Last, but not the least, you will surely be amazed by the Cambodians. They are very nice, warm, friendly, and accommodating. They speak good English, so communication will not be a problem. They always greet you with a smile, and they are respectful and always ready to help in any way they can. Cambodians are polite and really amazing, and it's a big part that made our trip to Siem Reap very special and truly memorable.

Poor Travelers Guide to Siem Reap

TOP BEST ATTRACTIONS, TOURS & TRAVEL PACKAGES IN SIEM REAP



See links below in case you would like to go on a guided joining tour in Siem Reap, which we did. These are my recommend tours that you should not miss when traveling to Siem Reap.

Angkor Wat Sunrise and Temples Tour


For convenience, you can book an Angkor Wat Sunrise and a visit to three of the most popular temples in the Angkor Complex with Klook.com for only 654.00 pesos. This is a guided tour which already includes a private service van, English-speaking local tour guide, sunrise watching, and a visit to 3 temples: Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon Temple. Please note that the One-day Angkor Pass worth PHP 1,850.00 (USD 37) is not included in the package.

BOOK AND RESERVE HERE: Sunrise Angkor Exploration + Angkor Temples Tour

Siem Reap Street Food by Night


For this, we joined a guided group tour which includes transportation via remork (tuk tuk), English-speaking and friendly tour guide, and a lot of food! It lasts for about 3 hours which will give you an insight on the different flavors of Siem Reap.

BOOK AND RESERVE HERE: Siem Reap Street Food by Night

Kompong Phluk Floating Village Half-Day Tour


For convenience, we availed this tour via Klook.com, which also comes with an English-speaking local tour guide and roundtrip shuttle service from/to your hotel in Siem Reap. I highly recommend the afternoon tour so you could enjoy the sunset.

BOOK AND RESERVE HERE: Kompong Phluk Floating Village Half-Day Tour

Kulen Waterfall Day Tour


  • Treat yourself to a scenic drive up Phnom Kulen and explore the abundant greenery of Kulen Waterfall
  • Take a dip in the cool waters, or sit back and watch the local families relish in their sacred homeland
  • Make your way up to the River of a Thousand Lingas and see a gorgeous river with sophisticated carvings
  • Get a blessing the Cambodian way with the Holy Water from this sacred river
  • Discover the beautiful Pagoda and its world-famous Reclining Buddha at rest
  • Enjoy comfortable hotel transfers and the company of your expert local tour guide! -Klook

JOIN THIS TOUR HERE: Kulen Waterfall Day Tour

Banteay Srei Backcountry Tour


  • Visit some of Siem Reap's temples that are often overlooked by tourists on this one day tour!
  • Stop by the highly-intricate and pink Banteay Srei Temple, which translates to "The Citadel of Women"
  • Spend your afternoon exploring these unique temples: East Mebon, Ta Som and Preah Khan Temples
  • Marvel at these stunning buildings, all filled with detailed ancient carvings on the walls
  • Enjoy comfortable hotel transfers and the company of your expert local tour guide! -Klook

JOIN THIS TOUR HERE: Banteay Srei Backcountry Tour

Koulen Restaurant Apsara Cultural Show and Dinner


  • Visit Koulen Restaurant, a local restaurant popular among locals and travelers
  • Choose from an assortment of authentic, local dishes from the eclectic buffet
  • Witness the Apsara traditional Khmer dance, created in the 20th century
  • Discover stories about the ancient mythical creatures and gods of the Khmer Empire
  • Convenient hotel pick up and drop off services for a hassle-free journey to the restaurant -Klook

JOIN THIS TOUR HERE: Koulen Restaurant Apsara Cultural Show and Dinner

Bike the Temples in Siem Reap


  • Embark on a 30km biking adventure of nature and temples
  • Dig into lunch at a local restaurant, plus enjoy fruit, snacks and water throughout
  • Listen closely to your local English speaking guide who will tell you all about the area
  • Kids sized bikes are available too so the whole family can get involved -Klook

JOIN THIS TOUR HERE: Bike the Temples in Siem Reap

Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Day Tour


  • Go on an adventure and get away from the crowds as you visit two of Cambodia's hidden gems!
  • Travel 40km to Beng Mealea Temple, a wild and overgrown temple built in the middle of the 12th century
  • Explore Koh Ker, an ancient capital of Cambdoai abandoned to the forests of the north of Siem Reap
  • Enjoy comfortable transfers and the company of an expert local tour guide! -Klook

JOIN THIS TOUR HERE: Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Day Tour



SAMPLE DIY SIEM REAP ITINERARY 4 DAYS AND 3 NIGHTS


A 4 days/3 nights Siem Reap trip itinerary is good enough to see and experience most of what Siem Reap has to offer, especially for first-timers. You may adjust this semi-DIY itinerary depending on your interests and the tourist spots and attractions in Siem Reap you want to visit.

Day 1 - Arrival in Siem Reap

10:30 PM - Arrival in Siem Reap, Check-in at the hotel

Day 2 - Sunrise and Temples Tour

03:00 AM - Wake-up early
04:00 AM - Get a One-day Angkor Pass at APSARA Office
05:00 AM - Sunrise Angkor Exploration
  • Angkor Wat Sunrise Watching
  • Angkor Wat
  • Ta Prohm
  • Bayon Temple
02:00 PM - Back at the Hotel, have lunch, freshen-up, rest
03:00 PM - Free time
06:30 PM - Dinner
08:00 PM - Watch PHARE The Cambodian Circus
09:00 PM - Back at the Hotel / Go to Pub Street or Night Market

Day 3 - Kompong Phluk

06:00 AM - Breakfast
08:00 AM - Old Market / Shop for Souvenirs and Pasalubong
12:00 NN - Lunch
01:00 NN - Kompong Phluk Floating Village Half-Day Tour
07:00 PM - Back to the Hotel / Have dinner
08:00 PM - Go to Pub Street or Night Market

Day 4 - Free Time + Food Tour + Departure

06:00 AM - Breakfast
08:00 AM - Free time
12:00 NN - Check-out of the Hotel
01:00 PM - Lunch
05:00 PM - Siem Reap Street Food by Night
08:00 PM - Go to Siem Reap Airport
11:30 PM - Depart for Manila


SIEM REAP TRIP BUDGET AND EXPENSES


If you will follow the sample 4D/3N itinerary above, stay in a budget hotel, and share some of the expenses with a travel buddy, here are the basic expenses for a PHP 10,000 Siem Reap Itinerary. It could go lower if you travel with a group of friends. Feel free to adjust it depending on how many are you in the group and the tours and activities you want to visit in Siem Reap.
  • Budget Hotel (3 nights) - PHP 3,213.00 / 2 = 1,606.00 per person
  • Food Expenses - PHP 1,700.00 per person
  • Transportation - 700.00 per person
  • One-day Angkor Pass - PHP 1,850.00 (USD 37)
  • Tours and Activities:
    • Angkor Wat Sunrise and Temples Tour - PHP 654.00
    • PHARE The Cambodian Circus - PHP 906.00
    • Kompong Phluk Floating Village Half-Day Tour - PHP 906.00
    • Siem Reap Street Food by Night - PHP 2,255.00

GRAND TOTAL = PHP 10,577.00 per person


If you're traveling solo and stay in a hostel, these expenses can be lowered down to below 10,000 pesos. Here's a sample computation and breakdown of expenses.

  • Hostel (3 nights) - PHP 200 x 3 = 600.00 per person
  • Food Expenses - PHP 1,700.00 per person
  • Transportation - 1,000.00 per person
  • One-day Angkor Pass - PHP 1,850.00 (USD 37)
  • Tours and Activities:
    • Angkor Wat Sunrise and Temples Tour - PHP 654.00
    • PHARE The Cambodian Circus - PHP 906.00
    • Kompong Phluk Floating Village Half-Day Tour - PHP 906.00
    • Siem Reap Street Food by Night - PHP 2,255.00

GRAND TOTAL = PHP 9,871.00 per person


Exclusions:
  • Round trip airfare Manila-Siem Reap-Manila
  • NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
  • Budget for pasalubong and tips
  • Food expense for snacks

Please note that ticket prices, airfare, hotel rates, entrance fees, and other expenses are subject to change and depend on the date of booking.


SIEM REAP TRAVEL TIPS AND REMINDERS

  • To get inside the Angkor Wat Temple Complex, you need to get an Angkor Pass at APSARA Office (Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap). You need to buy it personally because they will your photo for the pass. Below are the updated Angkor Pass rates as of January 2018.
    • Angkor 1 Day Pass - $37 USD
    • Angkor 3 Day Pass - $62 USD
    • Angkor 7 Day Pass - $72 USD
  • Buy your one-day Angkor Pass at 5:00 PM the day before your desired visit to the temples. Tickets bought after 5:00 PM, can be used on that day and the day after. This way, you can go to the temples and enjoy the sunset, and come back again the following day and use the Angkor Pass from sunrise until sunset.
  • The APSARA ticket booths open at 5:00 AM, if you buy your tickets the day before, you could go to Angkor Wat as early as it opens.
  • Take good care of you Angkor Pass and never lose it. You will need it every time you enter a temple. If you lost it, you need to buy a new one.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting the temples. Shoulders and legs should be covered for ladies.
  • You'll be walking a lot when exploring the temples. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
  • Plan your trip carefully and wake up early for the sunrise at Angkor Wat to get a good spot to take photos.
  • Bring a universal adaptor. Most hotels and establishments use 3-pin square plugs and sockets at 220–240 V.
  • Join group tours to save on costs. You can find discounted tickets and affordable joining tours and activities in Siem Reap via Klook.com.
  • Plan your Siem Reap trip ahead of time. Take advantage of flight seat sales and promos.

SIEM REAP TRAVEL BLOGS


To help you in planning your Siem Reap Cambodia adventure, you may also read my previous Siem Reap Travel Blogs below:

I hope this updated Siem Reap Travel Guide for First-timers with sample DIY itinerary, basic expense breakdown for 10,000 pesos, hotel and resort recommendations, and other important travel tips will help you plan your trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia! Happy Travels!


Top Best Things To Do in Angkor Wat Siem Reap Cambodia

Don't Leave Yet...

Check out these blog articles for more travel guides for your future travels:


This trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia was made possible by Traveloka and Klook Travel. Thank you very much!


FOLLOW MY ADVENTURES ON YOUTUBE @PinoyAdventurista


Thank You For Sharing!


SHARE this on Facebook SHARE this on Twitter



2 comments :

  1. Hi.
    I just want to ask something, because we will be departing from Manila going to Siem Reap then to Bangkok and I only booked one way for Siem Reap as our plans were to just go by bus from Siem Reap to Bangkok and then Bangkok to Manila, my question is will the immigration officer in Manila would ask us a return ticket for Siem Reap? Or we will just show our ticket for Bangkok and say that we will ride a bus going to Bangkok. By the way is it true that Airbnb in Bangkok is illegal? Thanks for your help.

    Regards,
    JP

    ReplyDelete
  2. 5J is no longer flying to Siem Reap :( Pls update your blog entry

    ReplyDelete

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries?
Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!"

Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.