SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
If you are passionate about ancient temples and partying, there is no better place in this world for you than Siem Reap! Just a short drive from Angkor Wat, this small Cambodian town has a lot of personality. In addition to Pub Street and Angkor Wat, backpackers also visit many of the floating villages nearby! You’d be hard-pressed to go to Siem Reap and not have fun!
Attractions:
Angkor Wat: This is the main reason you’re in Siem Reap, let’s be real! And, wow, is it worth the visit! I did the sunrise tour so I was up at 3:30am to see the sun come up over the temples - stunning! I highly recommend! Other temples that are awe-striking and worth seeing: Angkor Thom (Bayon) and Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider). There are so many temples to choose from though, you can’t go wrong! A fun fact that I learned while here is that this site was originally dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. This changed at the end of the 12th century though, when Angkor Wat became a Buddhist temple! A one-day pass costs $37 USD, a three-day pass costs $62 (which can be used over a period of ten days), and a week pass costs $72 (which can be used over one month).
Pub Street (Street 08): This is where everyone parties at night. The bars and atmosphere are wild; be prepared for noise and drinks all night long!
Floating Villages: There are many options but the most popular destinations are Kompong Phluk, Kompong Khleang, and Chong Kneas. Day-trips cost between $15-$25 USD.
Other spots include: Srah Srang, War Museum Cambodia, ANM Khmer Market, and Phare, The Cambodian Circus.
Accommodation:
Funky Flashpackers: Party central! Huge pool and an extremely social atmosphere. Some found sleeping hard to come by considering the bar is open 24/7 but I enjoyed my stay! They have very fun pool parties twice a week as well!
Transportation:
Phnom Penh is 6 hours by bus from Siem Reap and costs $10 USD. The flight is 45 minutes and costs $58-$90 USD.
Bangkok, Thailand is 11 hours by bus from Siem Reap and costs $28 USD. The flight is 1 hour and costs $70-$110 USD.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is 15 hours by bus from Siem Reap and costs $21 USD. The flight is 1 hour and costs $80-$150 USD.
Vientiane, Laos is 22 hours by bus from Siem Reap and costs $55 USD. The flight is 4.5 hours (indirect) and costs $100-$200 USD.
The above photo is compliments of our tour guide, Johnny Pravo! Thanks, Johnny!