SIEM REAP & THE NORTHWEST
This is Cambodia’s ancient heartland, home to the magnificent temples of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s great historical treasures. Discover the spiritual depth, vibrant culture, and timeless artistry of the Khmer Empire in this unforgettable region.
Why Visit Siem Reap and The Northwest?
Angkor Wat: Witness the sunrise over the iconic temple, the world’s largest religious monument and a symbol of Cambodian pride.
Ancient Khmer History: Explore hundreds of jungle-clad temples, revealing the scale and ingenuity of the powerful Khmer Empire.
Vibrant Culture: Enjoy the modern energy of Siem Reap town, from bustling markets to traditional Apsara dance performances.
Smart Travel
Peak Season (November–February): The weather is driest and coolest. This is the best time for temple touring, but be prepared for higher prices and larger crowds.
Shoulder Season (March–May, September–October): Excellent value, with fewer tourists. March–May is very hot, while September–October is the end of the rainy season, offering lush landscapes.
Low Season (June–August): Lower prices and fewer crowds. Mornings are often clear, and the rain in the afternoons creates a lush, green backdrop for the temples.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Siem Reap Town
The gateway to the Angkor temples, Siem Reap is a vibrant town with a sophisticated culinary scene, night markets, boutique hotels, and lively Pub Street. It’s the perfect base for your explorations.
Your Smart Tip: To truly appreciate the local scene, explore the area around the Old Market (Psar Chas) and the alleyways off Pub Street for independent cafes and artisan shops.
Angkor Archaeological Park
Home to the world-famous Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and hundreds of other structures. The temples are scattered across a vast forested area, each with its own unique history and architecture.
Your Smart Tip: To beat the heat and the crowds, start your temple touring early, right at sunrise. Consider an afternoon break and return for sunset at a less-known temple like Pre Rup.
Floating Village on Tonle Sap Lake
This is the postcard-perfect Bavaria of Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, is home to unique villages built on stilts or floating on the water. It offers a fascinating glimpse into a unique way of life.
Your Smart Tip: Choose a smaller, less-touristed village like Kompong Phluk for a more authentic experience, especially during the wet season when the water levels are high.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is tropical, with two main seasons: the dry season (November–April) is hot, and the wet (monsoon) season (May–October) is hot and humid with frequent heavy showers.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Dress Code: When visiting temples, show respect by covering your shoulders and knees. This is strictly enforced at major sites like Angkor Wat.
Greetings: The traditional greeting is the Sampeah (a prayer-like hand gesture with a slight bow). A simple smile or nod is also acceptable.
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service, especially for guides, drivers, and restaurant staff.
Head/Feet: Never touch anyone’s head, as it is considered the most sacred part of the body. Do not point the soles of your feet at people or sacred objects.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($5–$15), mid-range hotels/guesthouses ($30–$60), luxury ($80+).
Food: Street food/local restaurant meal ($2–$5), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($10–$25 per person), fine dining ($40+).
Transport: Tuk-tuk for local travel ($2–$5 per ride), private driver for temple day ($30–$50).
Activities: Angkor Pass 1-Day ($37), 3-Day ($62), 7-Day ($72).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $35–$50 (hostels, local food, tuk-tuks).
- Mid-range: $60–$120 (mid-range hotel, restaurants, private driver).
- Luxury: $150+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
Tuk-Tuk: The most popular and atmospheric way to navigate Siem Reap town and the Angkor complex. Negotiate the price before you get in.
Motorbike Taxi (Moto): Good for single travelers and short distances, though less safe than a tuk-tuk.
Bicycle: Excellent for exploring the outer temples and countryside at your own pace. Many hotels offer rentals.
Must-Try Food
Amok Trey (ah-mok try): Cambodia’s national dish, a rich, creamy fish curry steamed in a banana leaf cup, flavored with coconut milk and kroeung (a local spice paste).
Khmer Curry: A milder, sweeter, and less spicy curry than its Thai counterpart, made with chicken, beef, or vegetables.
Lok Lak: Stir-fried cubes of beef, often served with a fried egg, a bed of lettuce, tomatoes, and a dipping sauce of lime juice and pepper.
Kuy Teav (kwee-tee-ow): A breakfast staple, this is a delicate, clear pork or beef broth noodle soup with herbs, sometimes served dry.
Nom Banh Chok (nawhm bahn chok): Khmer noodles with a refreshing green fish-based curry and fresh vegetables.
Prahok Ktiss (pra-hock ktiss): A thick, delicious, creamy pork dip made with prahok (fermented fish paste), served with vegetables.
Kralan: Sticky rice mixed with black beans or peas, coconut milk, and sugar, cooked inside bamboo shafts over an open fire.
Cha Houy Teuk (cha-hoy tuhk): A sweet dessert of sticky rice, taro, pumpkin, and beans in a sweet coconut milk base.
Sankhya Lapov (sahn-kya la-pov): Pumpkin custard, often steamed inside a small pumpkin, similar to a sweet egg custard.
Num Plae Ai (nawm pleh eye): Small sticky rice balls with palm sugar syrup, rolled in toasted sesame seeds.
Must-Try Drinks
Angkor Beer: The most popular local beer, a light lager available everywhere.
Sra Thip (sra tip): A potent rice wine, sometimes infused with local herbs or fruit for different flavors.
Palm Wine: A slightly sweet, slightly alcoholic drink made from the sap of the sugar palm tree.
Happy Hour Cocktails: Siem Reap bars often have great deals on classic cocktails, frequently using local ingredients.
Fresh Coconut Water (Teuk Dong): Served straight from a chilled young coconut, a perfect natural electrolyte.
Sugar Cane Juice (Teuk Aek Opo): Pressed from sugar cane stalks and often served with a squeeze of lime or kumquat.
Iced Coffee (Kafé Toek Doh Ko Toek Kok): Very sweet, strong filtered coffee mixed with condensed milk and poured over ice.
Fresh Fruit Shakes (Teuk Krolok): Blended fresh fruit (mango, passion fruit, banana) with ice and condensed milk.
Tamarind Juice: A refreshing, tart, and sweet drink made from tamarind pulp.
Pennywort Juice (Teuk Got Kola): Made from a local leafy herb, it’s believed to have health benefits and a subtle, refreshing taste.