🌍 Complete Travel Guide to Angkor Wat, Cambodia

✈️ Getting to Angkor Wat

🛬 Arrival in Cambodia

• Nearest Airport: Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI)

  • About 50 km from Angkor Wat

  • Opened in late 2023, replacing the old Siem Reap airport

• Flight Options: Direct international flights from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, and more.

💡 Visa Info: Most nationalities require a tourist visa. Apply online (e-Visa) or on arrival. Cost: ~$30 USD for 30 days.

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🚖 Getting from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat

• Tuk-Tuk: $10–$15 USD per day (most popular option)

• Private Car or Van: $30–$50 USD (ideal for groups or families)

• E-Bike or Scooter Rental: $8–$15 USD/day (great for solo adventurers)

🛺 Tuk-Tuk Tip: Hire a reliable driver for the whole day via your hotel or platforms like Grab or PassApp.

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🏨 Where to Stay in Siem Reap

🎯 Best Areas

• Old Market / Pub Street Area: Lively, walkable, and packed with restaurants and nightlife.

• Wat Bo Area: More tranquil and stylish — boutique hotels and riverside cafes.

• Charles de Gaulle Blvd: Close to Angkor Park entrance.

🛌 Recommended Hotels

• 💎 Luxury: Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang

• 🎨 Boutique: Jaya House River Park

• 💰 Budget: Onederz Hostel Siem Reap

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📅 Suggested Itinerary: Angkor Wat and Beyond

🗓️ Day 1: Explore the Angkor Main Circuit

• Sunrise: Angkor Wat (arrive by 5:00 AM)

• Morning: Bayon Temple, Terrace of the Elephants

• Afternoon: Ta Prohm Temple, Banteay Kdei

• Evening: Rest or visit Angkor National Museum

🗓️ Day 2: Venture into the Grand Circuit

• Morning: Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som

• Afternoon: East Mebon, Pre Rup (good sunset spot)

• Evening: Dinner at Haven Restaurant, a social enterprise supporting local youth

🗓️ Day 3: Go Off the Beaten Path

• Option 1: Visit Banteay Srei, known as the “Jewel of Khmer Art”

• Option 2: Half-day trip to Tonlé Sap Lake for floating villages

• Option 3: Hike Phnom Kulen National Park and see the waterfall + Reclining Buddha

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🍜 What to Eat in Siem Reap

Must-Try Khmer Dishes

• Amok Trey: Steamed fish in coconut curry

• Lok Lak: Stir-fried beef with lime dipping sauce

• Nom Banh Chok: Khmer noodles, great for breakfast

Popular Restaurants

• Cuisine Wat Damnak: Fine dining Khmer-style

• Marum: Training restaurant supporting marginalized youth

• Embassy Restaurant: Elegant dining with seasonal tasting menus

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🛍️ Souvenirs & Local Shopping

Where to Shop

• Angkor Night Market: Souvenirs, art, clothing, and snacks

• Made in Cambodia Market: Artisan goods, ethical fashion

• Artisans Angkor: Silk, wood, and stone crafts made by locals

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💡 Insider Tips for Travelers

• Buy the Angkor Pass the day before (after 5 PM) — it counts for the next day, and you can preview the sunset for free!

• Avoid peak heat: 12–2 PM is best spent having lunch or a nap

• Stay hydrated: It’s hot year-round — always carry water

• Respect local customs: Always dress modestly and act respectfully in temples

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📆 Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat

• November to March: Cool and dry — ideal for sightseeing

• April to June: Hot and dry — fewer tourists, but very warm

• July to October: Rainy season — lush greenery and dramatic skies, but muddy in places

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🇰🇭 Final Thoughts

Angkor Wat is more than a tourist destination — it’s a spiritual and architectural marvel that tells the story of a mighty civilization. Whether you explore for a day or an entire week, each stone, tower, and carving leaves you with a profound sense of wonder.