Heading to Siem Reap? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 3–4 days
- Best for: Culture buffs, history nerds, outgoing newbies, foodies, photographers
- Why visit: Ancient temples, cheap eats, and lively nights—adventure made solo-friendly
SIEM REAP AT A GLANCE
- Population: About 250,000; compact & easy to explore
- History: Settled since 802 AD; home to the mighty Angkor Empire ruins
- Famous for: Angkor Wat, buzzing night markets, floating villages
- Nickname: “Great Gate to Angkor”
- Vibe: Warm, relaxed, and welcoming; solo travelers are everywhere—generally considered safe
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR); USD widely used, small notes ($1/$5/$10) essential
- 🗣 Language: Khmer (English spoken everywhere tourists go)
- 🌦 Best time to visit: November to April—cool, dry, and festival-filled
- ✈️ From airport:
- Cheapest: Tuk-tuk direct to city, $7–$10 (20 min)
- Other: Taxi $7 (pre-book or direct from airport); check your hostel/hotel for possible free pick-up
- 🧳 Safety: Stick to tourist routes; never wander into unmarked areas (risk of unexploded ordnance); watch for pickpocketing in crowds
- 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: Water Festival (late October): Epic boat races + fireworks
- 🎦 What to watch on the plane: “Tomb Raider” (iconic Ta Prohm scenes!)
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️ Best hostel: Onederz Hostel Siem Reap. Chill vibes with 3 pools, friendly staff, and a spot just minutes from Pub Street — it’s a clean, social hub where solo travelers easily make new friends. One of the most in-demand hostels in town, so book early! 🌴
- 🏘️ Best neighborhood for hotels: Around Pub Street—close to food, bars, and a tuk-tuk away from temples
- 🧭 Alt neighborhood: Riverside/Wat Bo area—quieter, artsy, with boutique hotels and chill cafes
- Tip: Book hostels near the river or Pub Street for easy night returns; always double-lock valuables
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: City center is small and easy to navigate on foot
- 🚌 Bus: Intercity to Phnom Penh (5 hrs) or Bangkok (8 hrs); no real citywide bus network
- 🚋 Tuk-tuk: $15–$20/day for temple runs; found everywhere—always agree on price first!
- 🚖 Taxis: Grab app or street hail; about $3–$4 for short trips, $35+ for full-day temple tours
- 🚲 Bikes: Rentals $5/day or less; nice for sunrise circuits—watch the mid-day heat!
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ Angkor Wat & Angkor Temples: Sunrise at Angkor Wat is magical and safe; Ta Prohm & Bayon face-to-face with history
- 🌿 Hike Bakheng Hill: Short, safe climb, top-notch sunset views over Angkor—hydrate and bring a flashlight for descent
- 🧠 Theam’s Gallery: Unique, personal art museum in a garden setting—ideal for solo wandering & reflection
- 🧭 Stroll Night Markets: Feast on street food, shop crafts, and people-watch in the neon buzz—super solo-friendly
- 🎨 Khmer Cooking Class: Shop the market, cook up a feast, and dine with new friends
- 🔀 Wildcard: Tonle Sap Floating Village: Eye-opening boat tours ($18 sunset cruise); see a surreal way of river life
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ Street children/vendors near Riverfront: Can be pushy; best handled with a polite “no thanks.”
- ❌ Elephant rides: Unethical and outdated—see temple ruins on foot or by bike instead.
- ❌ Expensive “Apsara” dinner shows: Tourist-trap energy; better food and culture elsewhere
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: The Little Red Fox Espresso—local coffee, awesome people-watching, chill vibe
- 🥃 Quiet pub/bar with character: Miss Wong Cocktail Bar—retro Shanghai style, best for laid-back nights
- 🍽️ Try these local foods: Amok curry & Nom Banh Chok noodles—grab at Cuisine Wat Damnak or the Night Market
- 💸 Best cheap eats: Night markets—BBQ skewers and fresh rolls under $3; hostel bars with $1 beers
- 🥦 Veg/vegan options: Vitking House—loved by vegetarians for creative Khmer dishes
- 🍸 Cocktails or nightcap: Long’s Bar—cool local crowd, killer happy hour, right off Pub Street
BEST OF SIEM REAP IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat (very early wake-up!) for a world-class sunrise photo
- Morning: Explore Bayon and Ta Prohm before crowds roll in
- Lunch: Refuel at Christa Restaurant & Bar (quick Khmer lunch)
- Afternoon: Chill at Theam’s Gallery or opt for a Khmer massage
- Evening: Stroll Night Market for street eats, souvenirs, and street performances
- Dinner: Grab Amok curry at Cuisine Wat Damnak or another central Khmer eatery
- Night: Drinks at Miss Wong or join the hostel crowd at Mad Monkey
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival/seasonal tip: Water Festival is a party—lights, boat races, and major energy
- 📍 Hidden gem: Kbal Spean waterfall hike—carved riverbed, jungle tranquility, few crowds
- 📷 Photo spots: Reflective sunrise at Angkor Wat lake; rooftop bars for a city panorama
- 🧠 Etiquette tip: Smile, say “No thanks” politely to touts; avoid giving to child vendors
- 🚩 Safety reminder: Stick to marked trails—Cambodia still has landmines in rural areas
- 👀 One last thing: Don’t just tick off Angkor—meet locals, sip coffee, and soak up the Siem Reap street life!