I spent 43 days travelling through South East Asia, and Cambodia was my third country after Laos. My main intention of visiting Cambodia was to explore one of the most ancient temples in Siem Reap, The Angkor Wat Temple.
If you haven't read my earlier blogs on Thailand and Laos, then do ensure to check them out!
I spent 3 days admiring the beauty of the architecture of the ancient temples. I rode almost 200kms through the complex to see as many temples as I could. The scooter rental place gave me a map that included all details of the temple routes, descriptions, etc.
Day 1:
Spent the first day touring the small circuit. These were the temples I visited between 8am to 12pm - Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, Ta Keo and Bayon Temple. In the afternoon, I was back at the hotel to rest, as it was challenging to do any sightseeing in the scorching sun. I went out again at 4pm to witness the sunset at Phnom Bakheng temple.
Day 2: Made an early start towards the main Angkor Wat Temple to see the sunrise. This is one of three temples that allows tourists to enter before 7am for tourists to see the sunset. However, entry into the temples is not permitted before 7:30am. Spent the rest of the day visiting these temples in the Grand Tour Circuit - Pre rup, East Mebon, Ta Som Neak Poan and Preah Khan.
Day 3: Made an early start again to visit one last temple on my list - Banteay Samre (Lady Temple). This temple is about 30KM away from the main Angkor Wat Temple.
I thoroughly enjoyed 3 days admiring all the temples. I think this is an experience everyone should have at least once in a lifetime.
After Siem Reap, I left for Cambodia's capital city, Phnom Penh. From there, I took a bus to the last country of my South East Asia trip, Vietnam. Do read my Vietnam blog to know more about my 3 week adventure in that country.
Useful Notes:
Flights: I flew to Siem Reap from Vientiane, Laos via Pakse. I flew with Lao Airlines and the service was good.
Visa: I had applied for eVisa online and my application got approved within 4 working days. Link - https://www.evisa.gov.kh/
Pro tip - Always carry a pen with you. It will come in use after you land at the airport and need to fill in a form before proceeding towards immigration.
Angkor Wat Pass: I bought a 3-day pass online for 62 USD. 3 days were enough for me to see all the main temples. There are also passes available for 1, 7 and 30 days depending how much time you want to spend exploring the temples. Buying the pass online is convenient and hassle free, as tickets sold at the counter for the same prices.
Do ensure to buy a pass, as you will find yourself getting randomly asked to show your pass. I was asked to present my pass at least 5 times a day.
Best time to visit: I was in Siem Reap early January 2024. It was hot during the days and pleasant during early mornings and evenings. Would suggest to avoid roaming around in the sun between 12pm to 4pm if you're not accustomed to the heat.
Google Map navigation: Google wasn't always able to provide accurate routes to certain temples. It is best to ask the local tuk tuk/taxi drivers for directions. But do ensure to download offline maps, as network might be weak in certain areas.
Accommodation: I stayed with a local family. They were warm and friendly and also very helpful with guiding me.
Pro tip - Most temple structures are asymmetrical. So if you aren't great with directions, then I would suggest saving the location of where your vehicle is parked so that it's easy walk back towards it once done. If you aren't confident with riding bikes at all, then best to rent a tuk tuk at $15/day. Moreover, the drivers will be great guides!
Airbnb link - https://www.airbnb.co.in/rooms/19969697?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76&source_impression_id=p3_1723717411_P3UMI2bTvUTUooOS
Food: You will find several eating places at within the Angkor complex. Meal prices seemed quite steep but most vendors are open to negotiating so ensure to bargain well. I ate my dinners at the night market, where there are local beers available for cheap and a wide variety of cuisines to try.
Airport Bus: The international airport is located on the outskirts of Siem Reap town. You can reach the town center by taxi or public bus. I paid $8 for a bus ride to the city center.
Scooter Rental: Scooty is available for rent for $10/day. The rent is exclusive of gas. There are e-scooters also available for rent.
Local Currency: Both USD and Cambodian Riel can be used in Cambodia. Both currencies can be withdrawn from their local ATMs. Would suggest carrying some USD before travelling to Cambodia.
Safety: As a solo female traveller, I felt safe spending 3 days in Siem Reap. I had no problems riding through the Angkor Wat premises before sunrise. However, I would suggest to leave the premises soon after sunset if you are riding alone, as the roads do get lonely.
