Now is the best time to go to Siem Reap, Cambodia! Here's how!

Last year, we celebrated our wedding anniversary by going on a trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia.  It was one of the best trips we had.

Here's how you can plan for your trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

We were told that April or May is very hot.  We went there February but is was already very hot.  I can't imagine how much hotter it would be during April or May.  Always wear a cap and drink lots of water to avoid heat stroke. Avoid rainy seasons also.

We took JetStar and spent around SG$500+ for 2 people. Try to look out for promos from Jetstar so you can save a bit more.

We booked at Bopha Angkor Hotel which is about US$45 for double bed. We booked using http://www.angkorhotels.org/.  I suggest you don't get the taxi booking option.  Ask Mara Long, our recommended tour guide to pick you up from the airport.

 For tours, you can email Mr. Mara Long of http://www.angkortourguides.com. Just tell him the type of tour you want and he can give you a quote. Our 3-day tour (private car) cost about US$254. That includes some of the extra charge for going to farther temples and some meals. Again, ask Mara to pick you up form the airport (usually free as part of the tour package).

You need to pay separately for the entrance to the temples. A 3-day pass would be US$40 per head (Note:  this was last year's rate). This pass is applicable to most temples already. This is convenient since you don't need to pay entrance fees at every stop.

Angkor Wat

 

Ta Prohm Temple - famous for being the location for the Tomb Raider movie

Food is not really as cheap as expected since they follow US$ as their main currency.  Expect meals to be around US$15-20 per person.

The "fish amok" and exotice barbecues are a must try.

Fish Amok - fish in coconut milk with different spices.

 

Exotic BBQ - crocodile and snake meat tastes like chicken

They use US$ as a main currency even if Riel is their official currency. So when you exchange money, ask for small US$ bills. When you pay, they would give US$ as change except for coins, which they convert to Riel.  Collect these Riel coins so you can use it for souvenir items.

There will be a lot of people at the temple selling you books about Angkor. They will try to sell it to you at US$30. We were able to haggle for 2 books at US$10. Only to find out that each were being sold at US$1 only in other temples!!!!!  I recommend you get the Book Guides Ancient Angkor or Cambodia (Country Guide).  I highly recommend the Book Guides Ancient Angkor because of the very detailed explanation of each temple.

For more information on what places you can visit in Siem Reap, check out my previous blog posts about Siem Reap, Cambodia.

I would again remind you to drink lots of water during this hot season.  You don't want getting heatstroke there.

Finally, enjoy the trip! ;)


Hope these help.

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