Top Local Tips for Siem Reap

Khmer Kitchen Khmer Kitchen opposite old market serves cheap and good cambodia food.

Tuktuk driver The first time I went to Siem Reap I decided to visit the temples by a tuktuk and not by car, because I wanted to feel the air and hear the sounds instead of sitting in an airconditioned car, feeling isolated from the jungle, the temples and the people. I met and hired Mr Mom, a tuktuk driver, for a couple of days. He helped me choosing the temples to visit. I contacted him again this year, and I enjoyed driving with someone I felt I "knew". In the city he has a reputation of being a good driver and a good man. He never tried to sell me anything, which most drivers normally tries to. I can only give him my warmest recommendations. The staff at Viroth's Hotel knows him and has his number. P.S. It is perfectly safe to go by tuktuk as the traffic is slow and the temples are close to the city.

Ankgor Wat, Bayon, Angkor Thom, Bantey Srei The purpose of any trip to Siem Reap is to visit the temple. The best advise I would give is to get a really good guide. Mine was very good, efficient, on time, caring, very knowledgeble, attentive and knows all the best spot to photograph each and every temple. A good guide will cost you USD20 - USD25 and mine stayed with us from 5.30 am till 11.00 pm on one particular day. Research the temples well and where you want to go, give the itinerary to your guide and let them work out a suitable schedule. Most temples are nearby but still need a car. We had a Camry for 3 days at USD25.00 per day complete with driver, and a cooler with bottled water. You'll need lots of water because there are tons of walking, climbing - all under the hot sun and there are no shade within the temples itself. Generally, I wont say things are cheap in comparison to Thailand. Artisans Angkor is the upmarket for silk (good quality) but for the same silver, you can get it in their old market.