Siem Reap

[[file:angkor Archaeological Park Banner (Angkor Wat) - Angkor Wat}}

The town of Siem Reap (សៀមរាប), in northern Cambodia, is the primary access point for the Angkor Archaeological Park, just north of the city.

Siem Reap Halal Travel Guide

Siem Reap street - French colonial architecture still dominates the streetscape.

The name Siem Reap literally means "Siam Defeated". These days, however and the only rampaging hordes are the tourists heading to the Angkor Archaeological Park. This once quaint village has become the largest boom town and construction site in Cambodia. It is quite laid-back and a pleasant place to stay while touring the temples. It is a nice compromise between observing Cambodian life and enjoying the amenities of modern services and entertainment, thanks to a large expatriate community. Since Siem Reap is a major tourist destination, prices in some instances are higher than elsewhere in Cambodia. Expect to receive almost constant offers for motodop and tuk-tuk rides, along with everything else which drivers may be able to offer to you.

Be sure to pick up your free Siem Reap Angkor Visitors Guide and the equally free and useful Siem Reap Pocket Guide from your hotel/guesthouse. It contains lots of info on Siem Reap and the Angkor Archaeological Park, including hotel/bar/restaurant/shop info, travel info, and maps. For the eco-sensitive tourist, check out Stay Another Day: Cambodia, a detailed guide with local spots that support the environment and community. Another address is the ConCERT tourist office, a local NGO committed to raising the standards of responsible tourism and eco-tourism activities and providing information on the causes and effects of poverty in Cambodia, volunteering opportunities and eco-tours.

Travel to Siem Reap

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Siem Reap

• Siem Reap International Airport IATA Code: REP This is the second largest airport in Cambodia. Its modern architecture is based on the traditional Khmer-style. Its facilities are limited. There are separate terminals for international and domestic flights. Siem Reap is served by Flights from East and Southeast Asia; from further away you can transfer for example in BKK|Bangkok, HKG|Hong Kong, SIN|Singapore, PEK|Beijing or KUL|Kuala Lumpur.

The airport is around 7 kilometers from the town centre. Prepaid taxis cost $ 10, see the prepaid booth just outside the terminal. Prepaid tuk-tuk rides for slightly less are also available. Thrill seeking solo travellers without much baggage can save money by opting for back of a motodop for $ 9. Most hotels offer a free airport pick-up if you've booked in advance.

Travel on a Bus in Siem Reap

Bus is a common way for getting around Cambodia with a range of bus companies serving Siem Reap, with several daily departures and arrivals (especially from Phnom Penh). Major companies include Phnom Penh Sorya Transport, Capitol Tours, and GST Express. Try to book at least the day before travel. Travel agents and guesthouses will do this for a $1-2 fee. Buses tend to leave in the morning or early afternoon. There are also night buses on some routes.

Many buses terminate at an out-of-town bus station to the east of Siem Reap, from where travellers will need to take a tuk-tuk into town. This should cost no more than $2, or maybe $3 if you're not keen to drive a hard bargain. If arriving from the west, consider getting off the bus as it passes through town on Hwy 6, say as it crosses the bridge over the river, before it reaches the bus station. If arriving from the east you have little choice but to face the agents. Capitol Tours buses, however, terminate at the company's office in the centre of town, near old market, making them the most sensible choice.

Siem Reap bus terminal - panoramio - At a bus terminal

Domestic services

Domestic services are frequent — for instance Phnom Penh is served by a dozen companies some of which have a departure every half hour during the day. The bus trip from the capital is 6-8 hours and tickets are around $10 depending on the company. This is a well traveled route by both local residents and tourists, but often an uncomfortable trip as buses will make many stops and go slow. A more expensive, but more comfortable option is by Wi-Fi-equipped shuttle van. Trip by shuttle van takes only 4-5 hours.

Other places with services include Kampong Cham, Soung, Battambang ($6-8), Sisophon, Poipet (for Aranyaprathet and the main route from Thailand), Preah Vihear ($12) and Anlong Veng (for Ban Pakard in Thailand). Destinations further away include Koh Kong (via Phnom Penh, a long journey), Sihanoukville ($15-25) by a 10-12 hour overnight sleeping bus or daytime sitting bus that should be booked at least 1 day in advance, Banlung ($24), Mondulkiri ($18-24.50), Stung Treng ($20) and Kratie ($24).

International services

Laos

There are buses from Don Det in the 4,000 Islands region ($25-29) and the Lao border ($25) nearby and Pakse ($30). Direct buses from Vientiane don't seem to be available as of February 2019.

Thailand

Buses in general start in the morning, though there are also night buses on this route. Starting from from Bangkok, agents in Khao San Road offer tickets to Siem Reap from 600 Baht. In the other direction tickets cost $17. The ticket is valid for the whole journey but you will change buses in Poipet.

If traveling independently to the Aranyaprathet/Poipet border, see those towns' articles for advice on how to reach the border, survive immigration and avoid the Poipet#Outside the Transport Monopoly|"Government" bus scam.

There are also some more expensive services; the government bus daily direct service from Bangkok (Mo Chit bus station) to Siem Reap and back. The trip is $28 per direction, but is scam-free and fast. The Cambodian side of the company is named Nattakan. Giant Ibis direct bus to Bangkok: the Cambodian premium transport company Giant Ibis offers daily direct transport for $32, departure time 7:45. The buses have free WiFi, power supply and generally good service, including free pick-up from partner hotels/ hostels in Siem Reap.

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City ($18-27) 12 hours on a sleeping bus. If you use this in the other direction, have your Vietnam visa ready (if your nationality needs one) and valid before taking this trip. Visas for Vietnam are not available at a land border even if you have visa on arrival.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Siem Reap

A more expensive and more time consuming option from Phnom Penh ($35, 6 hr, all seats are provided on a first come-fist serve basis so no benefits of reserving it online or Battambang ($20-25, 5 hr) is to take a Soviet-style hydrofoil across Tonle Sap Lake. These can be fantastic trips giving you the opportunity to view life on the lake, floating houses, working fishermen, and to get a suntan if you choose to sit on the roof of the boat. However and the trip can be ruined due to bad weather. Remember to use sunscreen and take a waterproof jacket. You may not be able to access your luggage during the journey (sometimes the baggage is available, sometimes it is not). If you have the time, it is better to visit the floating villages as day trips from Siem Reap rather than see them from the boat.

• Phnom Krom Port - The port you arrive at is about 20 minutes south of Siem Reap by tuk-tuk. The drivers will try to charge you $5 per person but the trip should not cost more than $5 in total.

By shared taxi

The quickest method of getting from the Poipet border to Siem Reap is a shared car. A four-seater vehicle costs $25-45, depending on your bargaining prowess, and takes 2-3 hr. Even if you're travelling solo, it shouldn't be too hard to find others to share the expense. Walk past the roundabout to negotiate a cheaper taxi fare, otherwise you will pay more by being in the police controlled pricing cartel area. Do not get on the "government approved" tourist bus unless you want to pay more for taxi's shuttle van, etc.

By private transfer

Family or group of tourists can book a private transfer to Siem Reap. It is comfortable, but expensive way. Comfort-class transfer from the Poipet costs $65-75.

Global companies providing high quality transfer services in Siem Reap include Kiwitaxi, Mozio and Suntransfers.

By helicopter

Helicopters can be chartered to go nearly anywhere in the nation. They seat 5-6 people. Prices start at $1,000 for trips to some of the temples north of Angkor Wat. Companies include Helicopters Cambodia and Helistar Cambodia. Helicopter transport is also available from other cities, e.g. from Battambang ($2,600/helicopter) or Phnom Penh ($6,900/helicopter).

How to get around in Siem Reap

Travel to and around the Angkor Archaeological Park is extensively covered in its own article. The following is a discussion of travel inside Siem Reap.

On foot

The downtown is fairly compact and flat.

By bicycle

• The White Bicycles | Well maintained bicycles can be hired through various guest houses affiliated with this local charity that uses hire proceeds to fund youth education and clean drinking water projects in villages around Siem Reap. The website lists location where the bikes are available.

Many guesthouses will lend you bicycles either for free or cheaply ($3-5).

By motorbike

Motodops (motorbike taxi) abound and will make sure you know where they are. Rides within town should only cost $0.50 or 2,000 riel, although prices can double at night or during bad weather. Agree a price first. Full day can be arranged for ~$20. Helmets for passengers are rare though may materialize if requested in advance.

Renting a motorbike is prohibited for foreign travellers in Siem Reap, though motorbikes rented elsewhere are permitted.

By tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks, like motodops, will call at tourists from nearly any street corner.

A trip within Siem Reap should cost $1 regardless of how many people pile on. Most tuk-tuks can convey four people comfortably though the extra weight can make the low-powered bikes laboriously slow. Prices can double at night or during bad weather.

Ensure both you and the driver are in crystal clear agreement on the destination and total fare before departure. Payment is made on arrival and doesn't increase if the driver got lost or had to take a circuitous route.

Rent a Car or Limousine in Siem Reap

Cars with drivers can be hired for single or multiple days. While all drivers are familiar with the area and happy to suggest good routes, most speak little English and are not actual tour guides. Licensed tour guides charge $60-70 per day for a driver and English speaking guide. Drivers will likely ask for $10-20 extra for trips to further temples such as the those of the Big Circuit, Banteay Srey and more for remote sites like Beng Mealea.

The taxis ($7 fixed cost) from the airport to Siem Reap proper may provide a full day of touring for $25-30.

• Siem Reap Transport Service | A private tuk-tuk and vehicle service providing transportation within Siem Reap and around the Angkor Wat temples. Private cars also available to and from Phnom Penh.

What to see in Siem Reap

Most people come to visit Angkor Archaeological Park, which is thoroughly covered in its own article. The town itself has some worthwhile attractions and a number of beautiful modern Buddhist temples.

Preah Prom Rath Buddha - The reclining Buddha at Wat Preah Prom Rath

• Angkor National Museum - Exhibits covering the history of the Angkor complex as well as Khmer culture and clothing using high tech displays and video screens. Some say the 1,000 Buddhas room is as impressive as it sounds.

• Wat Bo | As one of the oldest temples it makes a nice contrast between the oldest and the glittering new ones, though the rough artwork wouldn't match the craftsmen of Angkor. The architecture of the ramshackle open air hall next to the main building blends French-style arches and balustrades with Thai-influenced Buddhist details. A forest of chedi surround the main hall, in between frangipani trees and some fine topiary.

• Wat Damnak - A landscaped temple with many stupas, a small decorative pool, and a school on the premises.

• Wat Preah Prom Rath - The glittering modern temple grounds give few hints as to its 500 year history. Though the lotus-themed architecture seems to emulate temples from over the border and the front gate integrates Bayon-style heads and a scene in relief of the Buddha seated under a tree, while armies fire arrows on one side and others are eaten by crocodiles on the other side, that looks like it could have been taken directly from Angkorian mural. Legend is that the site was established around 1500 when a famous monk landed ashore on a piece of his sinking boat. The boat wood was carved into the oddly foreshortened reclining Buddha installed in a swimming pool-like pit behind the imposing, yet despondent looking, seated Buddha in the main hall. Perhaps mimicking the construction materials origins and the reclining Buddha has taken on a sunken slant at the feet end. A pair of small weather worn cannons on either side of the hall are of unknown origin but their style, an embossed crown-like seal and mysterious numbers suggest a European origin.

• Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields - A large Buddhist temple. In the grounds is a stupa with glass sides contains bones and skulls of victims of Pol Pot's army. Be wary of people purporting to be guides or asking for donations. Also, several of the photographs on the display boards are actually of the holocaust in Nazi Germany. Take this attraction with a pinch of salt.

Nearby

• Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre - Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre is a community development project and tourist destination just down the road from the Landmine Museum and Banteay Srey temple. Revenue from admissions is used to pay families in remote villages who are farming butterflies for the exhibit. The project makes a real difference to the farmers' livelihoods and provides a wonderful experience for visitors as they can see spectacular local butterfly species flying close at hand in a beautiful tropical garden.

• Kampong Phluk Floating Village - This mangrove forest offers a much more authentic floating village experience than the one close to the Tonlé Sap ferry harbour. This fascinating village on stilts can be visited by tuk-tuk from Siem Reap. It takes about 1 hour to reach the village, depending on the road conditions and water level. Depending on where you buy your tour, your haggling techniques and your initiative to book a tuk-tuk and boat ride yourself the price varies between $7-60 per person for a round trip. Beware of scams.

MineMuseum MineDebris - Piles of mines, Landmine Museum

• Landmine Museum - This tiny museum was set up by local deminer Aki Ra to educate local residents and tourists about the dangers of land mines. Piles of defused mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) lie around the site and the guides are mostly teenagers who were orphaned or injured by mines, many of whom live on-site. This is a very worthwhile attraction that brings home the scale of the problem and shows you a slice of real Cambodia.

• Phnom Bok - The highest hill in the area. Temple ruins similar to those found atop of Phnom Krom and Phnom Bakong can also be found on top of Phnom Bok. It lies 20 kilometers to the north east of Siem Reap. Expect a tiring hike up the stairs. A guard may be able to show you around. Don't forget to check out the old howitzers from the civil war. Admission is free, no pass is needed for the Angkorian ruins.

• Phnom Krom - The hill which dominates the view, as you approach the floating village of Chong Kneas from Siem Reap. At the top, temple ruins similar to the other two hills can be found. This particular hill is popular for sunsets, as it can be viewed over the flooded plains during the wet season, and over incredibly vibrant Rice fields in the dry season.

• War museum - Collection of old (mainly Russian) tanks, artillery, landmines, handguns etc. Also some history background about the Cambodian civil war is displayed. Worthwile for a 1-2 hour visit if interested in military.

Best things to do in Siem Reap

Activities

• Angkor Pottery Center - Daily pottery classes for beginners as well as professionals in pottery making, carving and glazing by local potter, Mrs Paruth Hann. Make your own design and take your glazed pot home as a souvenir. An enjoyable experience whilst supporting an enterprise creating fair wage jobs for the poor village women in Siem Reap.

• Pottery Classes & Painting classes - With the pottery class and clay class course, you can make your own ceramic artifact on the potter wheel. After you finish your piece, you can add different designs on it with potter's tools. With the painting activities, you can draw and / or paint your own design on a pot, cup, plate or other kind of ceramics products.

• Backstreet Academy - An alternative tour experiences platform and they enable local residents to offer authentic and unique activities to tourists such as fishing on the mekong like a local fisherman, coconut carving workshops, Cambodian Boxing, Apsara dance classes. A social enterpise and they work with many underprivileged people who either serve as hosts or facilitators. The facilitators will pick you up from your hotel and translate for you. These facilitators are usually young students looking for work to pay for their education or orphans looking to transition into society. Transport is provided for most activities in Phnom Penh. A great way to interact with local people, take in the culture and have a memorable souvenir.

Adventure

• KKO - Off Track Mountain Bike Tours - KKO is a local charitable non-profit NGO. They offer unique Angkor park and countryside off track bike tours and mototours also to the nationside. The entire profit generated from the bike tours flows back to the local KKO School. $30-$40 for a guided full day biketour and $45-$60 for a full day mototour. Booking is required.

• Sabai Motobike and Jeep Adventures - Explore the Cambodian countryside on a guided motobike adventure or in a Jeep. On tour, get off the beaten path to discover authentic, rugged, and fascinating Cambodia. Sabai Moto and Jeep Adventures tours start from Siem Reap.

• Shooting Range - Along Road 67 to Banteay Srey, 3 kilometers north of the road to Phmon Bok, turn right down the large dirt road when you see a blue and red sign like their flag with "4th Troops Training Centre", past the school and take the left (1 kilometers), look for the sign "Shooting Range" at the 2nd base entrance on the right (720 m). $80 per AK-47 or Monday - 16 magazine, Monday - 60 belt (50 rounds) $120 (Nov 2022). Grenade throwing: $45. Armament and explosives availability apparently is only limited by how much you are willing to spend. Listening to the soldiers-turned-used vehicle salesmen put the hard sell on a new machine gun is almost worth the trip. This is a true game of Russian roulette. Fancy pulling the pin of a 30+ year old grenade and possibly getting the faulty one? Make sure that whoever is supervising you is also willing to stand next to you. It can be a little bit difficult to find, and a tuk-tuk driver may know where it is.

Cooking classes

• Beyond Unique Cooking Class - Cambodian cooking classes in a village 10 min from town. The classes are three hours long and include a visit to a local family and information on Cambodian cooking customs and beliefs. Hands on classes for a maximum of six people unless you book a private group.

Cultural performances

Traditional musicians - Traditional musicians at a temple

• Apsara Theatre | A flashy performance of traditional, popular and classical dances.

• Cambodian Cultural Village | Cambodian culture in a nutshell, miniature of Cambodian monuments, Cambodian traditional house replicas, and cultural performances.

• Smile of Angkor | A lavish production of Cambodian traditional dances equipped with a large screen featuring Angkor civilization. "Smile of Angkor" is the grand epic show that revives the Angkor dynasty in all aspects; from foundation to prosperity, tale of folk customs, past to present. The performance expresses traditional Cambodian culture with the latest technology.

• Wednesday Are The Champions Performances by the Local Disabled Community | A two act play written and performed by participants who share with great feeling what it is like to be disabled in Cambodia and the challenges of their lives. As many of the performers are in pursuit of education to better their lives they appreciate donations of school materials such pens and writing books.

Festivals

• Angkor Photography Festival: Photography for Change | Annual festival that showcases outdoor projections and various exhibitions around Siem Reap of regional and international photographers. The festival is held during the last week of November every year, consisting of 7 evenings of outdoor projections and more than 10 gallery exhibitions across various venues in the city. The festival is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia and is also the biggest. It aims to highlight the work of Asian photographers and provides free workshops for 30 young photographers from the region every year, led by world renowned professionals, which are showcased during the event. There is a full time office/gallery for the festival located on the East river road near the Bopha Angkor Hotel. As well as the festival and the organisers support a local Business dealsing with street children, that promotes the arts and runs a photography course with students. Photography from these students is also showcased as part of the festival programme.

• The Annual Street Puppet Festival | An exciting pageantry with the concept of sticks and stilts manipulated puppets much like those which debuted in the opening parade of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and also quite similar to the Trinidad & Tobago Carnival.

• The Water Festival | This vast festival is probably the most extravagant festival in the calendar. Over three days starting with the last full moon day in October or the beginning of November up to a million people from all walks of life from all over the nation flock to the banks of Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers in Phnom Penh to watch hundreds of brightly coloured boats with over 50 paddlers battle it out. The boat racing dates back to ancient times marking the strengths of the powerful Khmer marine forces during the Khmer empire. In the evening brightly decorated floats cruise along the river prior to and complimenting the fireworks displays. there is often a parallel festival at Angkor Wat and although it is smaller in scale it is just as impressive due to the backdrop of Angkor Wat. The festival marks the changing of the flow of the Tonle Sap and is also seen as thanksgiving to the Mekong River for providing the nation with fertile land and abundant fish. It is at this time when the river flow reverts to its normal down stream direction. The remarkable phenomenon that is the Tonle Sap sees the river flowing upstream during the rainy season and then change direction as the rains cease and the swollen Tonle Sap Lake empties back into the Mekong River leaving behind vast quantities of fish.

Massage

The Khmer believe that (Thai) massage is derived from Khmer massage and that it is more relaxing as it requires less twisting and turning.

• Fish Massage | This (Thai) fad has crossed the border crossing. Dip your feet in a tank of fish and wince as they eat the dead skin off your toes. Trying a tank with feet already inside it will tell you if the fish are hungry. Some claim to have no piranhas..

• Frangipani Spa - Wonderful spa with a nice atmosphere, peaceful rooms, and experienced staff. The massages actually feel like trained people are giving them. No special services or hidden fees. It is a nice place to go as a couple or alone. They have massage tables and air conditioning. Tasteful exterior surrounded by frangipani plants (partly obscuring their tasteful green sign saying "frangipani").

• Lemongrass Garden - Lovely little spa with a relaxing atmosphere and experienced staff. 60 minutes Khmer massages are $15, while 90 minutes Khmer massages are $22. They also offer oil massages, "spiritual massages," and manicures/pedicures. Treatment rooms have air conditioning, and they provide a cool drink before treatment and warm tea afterwards. They also claim to pay higher wages than most places in Siem Reap, as well as provide other benefits to their workers.

Orphanage visits

Children are not tourist attractions, and especially orphaned children. Some visitors feel visiting an orphanage is a good way to make a positive contribution to Cambodia, while others feel that orphanage tours do more harm than good. The largest child protection group in the nation has asked that tourists not to visit orphanages. The great majority of Cambodian children in orphanages have living parents, who rent them to the orphanages. Most are scams and have histories with severe child abuse. It is strongly encouraged that you do not support this 'business'.

However, some transparent and genuine, long running orphanages that have a good reputation are:

• Cambodian Children's House of Peace - Santepheap Orphanage | No.004 Phum Mondul 3, Sangkat Slorkram - Sundays, 19:00 Free. The Cambodian Children's House of Peace (aka Santepheap, which means Peace in English) is an orphanage in Siem Reap responsible for over 30 children. The children of the orphanage put on a traditional Khmer Dance show every Sunday night from 19:00-20:15 to highlight traditional Cambodian culture as well as draw attention to the orphanage in general.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Siem Reap

Night Market - panoramio - The night market As elsewhere in Cambodia, US dollars, and to a lesser extent, (Thai) Baht are preferred over Cambodian riel except for the very smallest purchase. Using riel for small purchases can be better than using dollars as retailers tend to round up $ prices.

The Heritage Watch non-profit organisation supports business that promote Cambodia's arts, culture, legacy and development. Certified businesses display either a Gold or silver Heritage Friendly logo.

International ATMs in Siem Reap are plentiful and most banks will do cash advances from credit cards.

Arts and crafts

• Artisans d'Angkor | A workshop in the downtown. Showcases traditional Cambodian handicrafts such as wood and stone carving, lacquering, gilding and silk painting. Visitors are conducted on a free guided tour where they can see the craftsmen in action. The boutiques display the many items produced. Tours available in Khmer, English, French, (German), (Spanish), Japanese and Chinese.

• Bloom Bags | Sturdily made totes, messenger and laptop bags made from recycled fish feed sacks. Though you can buy cheaper knock-offs from the market and these are genuine and you can be assured that your money is going to the women who made your bag.

• Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre | Glazed stoneware bowls, plates, teapots and decorative objects made with traditional Khmer ceramic techniques.

• Samatoa | Specialises in Cambodian natural silk products. Samatoa encourages fair-trade.

• Theam's House Gallery | Exhibits paintings and art created by the artist-designer Theam Lim, who has studied at Ecole Boulle and Ecole Supérieure des Beaux-Arts. Theam's House Gallery and atelier are located in the house of the artist, built by himself, inspired by Khmer rural architecture, surrounded by a luxurious and tropical garden.

Markets

• Angkor Trade Centre | The mall, Cambodian-style. A reasonably extensive selection of packaged food, drinks whitening deodorant, imported and the familiar feeling of shopping in air-conditioned comfort.

• Central Market | Eclectic collection of clothes and trinkets. Bargain. Most stalls carry the same selection so you can shop around and find the best price.

Halal Restaurants in Siem Reap

Eating options span the full spectrum of tastes and budgets from the rudimentary Asian staples and pizza to authentic Khmer and sophisticated fine-dining featuring exotic local ingredients. The highest assortment of restaurants are in few blocks north of the old market, but there are appetizing alternatives along Wat Bo Road and hidden in the surrounding neighbourhoods.

• Curries Walla | Two locations Sivatha Blvd & Night Market Road 13.36000, 103.85507 ☎ +855 63 965 451 | Authentic Vegetarian & non-veg Indian food.

• Taj Mahal | Street 11 13.35484, 103.84856 near Pub St. Classic Indian dishes. All the food is halal.

Amok with fish (8259154034) - Cambodia#Eat|Amok with fish in Siem Reap

• Butterfly Garden | Vegetarian restaurant serving Western and Cambodian food. Vegan options available. In a quiet street (opposite Karavansera Hotel).

• Chamkar | Vegetarian restaurant with Cambodian food and numerous vegan options in the lively Pub Street area

• Molop Wat Damnak Restaurant - Cosy restaurant offering Organic Khmer and International food of high quality. The vegetables are from the uncle´s farm, which can also be visited on a nice and educating half-day tour. Plenty of Vegetarian and even vegan options available. They also offer cooking classes for Khmer cooking. The dishes are rich and delicious, and not too spicy. Always serve some spicy peanuts.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Siem Reap

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About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Siem Reap is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Siem Reap, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Siem Reap Media: info@ehalal.io

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

A seemingly inexhaustible range of sleeping options from upmarket hotels to grubby backpacker hostels, with many guest houses, boutique rooms, bungalows, concrete cells, wood huts and French villas in between, make finding a place to sleep one of the easiest things you will do on your trip.

Hotels are spread over the entire city but most larger hotels line the national highway to the airport, affordable backpacker hostels tend to surround the old market area and stylish boutique hotels a nestled in the trees along Wat Bo Rd. Small Khmer run hotels and guest houses, especially in the low season, can be surprisingly good value if you are willing to do a bit of hunting for one that hasn't been overrun by the guidebook toting hoards.

Accommodations at every price point generally offer hot showers, cable TV, Internet and airport or bus pickup. Some may include free breakfast, though don't expect much more than an egg on toast and a Coffee.

Siem Reap Sunset - Sunset

• Baphuon Villa - A 16 bedroom secluded colonial-style villa with a courtyard, parking area and tropical garden. The hotel offers a range of bright, spacious and clean fan and air-con single, twin, double, and family rooms. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, cable TV with 100+ channels, private WC, washbasin, and hot showers, complimentary toiletries, and mineral water. Deluxe rooms have fully stocked minibars. A variety of breakfasts are served and the hotel offers an evening meal delivery service and packed breakfasts for those viewing the sunrise at Angkor. The hotel has its own tuk-tuk drivers and a free tuk-tuk service for guests staying 3 or more nights. Bus tickets to all destinations in Cambodia and to other destinations in Southeast Asia are available at the 24-hour reception. Free tea and coffee available all day. Bicycle hire. Beautifully decorated with artefacts, travel posters and photographs from throughout Southeast Asia. Very friendly and helpful English-speaking staff.

The Wat Bo temple

• Robam Inn formerly Auberge Mont Royal d'Angkor | French villa style building with 30 rooms decorated with an Asian feel.

• Central Boutique Angkor Hotel - Locally owned and operated. Clean, comfortable hotel, not too far from the centre of town, with Western bathrooms, gardens and a swimming pool.

• Shining Angkor Boutique Hotel | 21 rooms. Free tuk-tuk service one way to the centre of Siem Reap daily. It is a ~$2 per ride back. Free pickup by tuk-tuk from the airport, and free breakfast of cold bacon and over-runny egg and toast. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Decor is traditional wooden furniture with Buddhist elements. Family-owned.

• Ta Phrom Hotel - Free in room Wi-Fi 24 hr, restaurant, wooden interior and beautiful statues, terrace, traditional atmosphere with French colonial exterior, friendly English speaking staff, in-room refrigerator, Minibar with alcohol removed, slippers, air-con, hot water and bathtub, cable TV, 24 hours services and 24 hours security. Lovely hotel with exceptional wooden interior, breakfast is included and free airport pick-up for longer stays.

• La Residence d'Angkor | The hotel is finished in stone and wood that reflects traditional architecture, centred around a baray-inspired swimming pool.

• Sokha Angkor Resort - A new resort in the downtown with large salt-water swimmingpool and state of art lobby. The resort has 6 restaurants. Guests stay at this beautiful resort can acquire temple passes at the lobby.

• Starry Angkor Hotel | Offers 127 rooms ranging from superior and deluxe Rooms; business, junior and Starry suites; all equipped with plasma cable TV with remote control, Wi-Fi, separated luxurious showering cabinet and bathtub.
• Suites and Sweet Angkor | If you can overlook the name and the nine villas set in tropical gardens offer privacy and each of the suites face a traditional Khmer lake that includes a private swimmingpool with a wooden terrace.

• Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa - Very luxurious hotel, beautifully decorated.

• Anantara Angkor Resort - They offer butler services, free wi-fi, fitness centre and outdoor pool.

Stay Safe

File:酒吧街的年轻警察 Young Police Man In Pub Street (106916947) - Policeman in Pub Street

Scams in Siem Reap

Most local residents are decent people just trying to make an honest living, but a few shady characters try every trick to take advantage of travellers' good will. Be alert to deceptive dealers but don't let suspicion ruin your trip.

Convenience stores have been known to give incorrect change and pocket the rest. Check your change before you walk out of the store and point out any short changing. Most likely they will admit to their "mistake" and give you the right change.

Street vendors and beggars in competition for generous travellers' handouts have developed cunning, if underhanded, techniques to get your attention (and money). The "beggar army" of young children will come up to you in the crowd and grab your hands, leading you to a shop where they will then try and have you buy food/baby milk/water for them. Baby milk powder seems to be a popular one. It might sound like a more humanitarian way to help than simply giving them money, but once you leave the store the goods you bought for them are sold back to the shop owners or to other local residents and the cash goes to an adult. Young women with babies cradled in a krama perform a similar trick.

Donation-collectors for orphanages may approach you in the street claiming to be volunteer workers, showing you convincing photos of themselves in the orphanage and a clip board listing the generous donations made by foreign visitors. Though these young adults may be well groomed and speak excellent English it's feasible that your donation will go directly into their pockets. A donation (either of money, or your time) to a recognised charity might be a better way to help.

Baby-milk scams may be encountered in the centre of town, outside supermarkets. A very poor looking woman will beg for some milk powder, pointing to her baby. If one cracks and buys the milk, she later returns it to the shop, and the money is split half-half.

Dollar bills need to be checked, as you will find out that you won't be able to change bills with any tiny cut. Fake dollar bills are also wide spread, and can even be issued from ATMs.

NGO safari should be avoided. Do not schedule any orphanage visit unless this is the main purpose of your trip.

Paedopilia scam is a danger for any Western male travelling alone to Siem Reap. Crooked NGO APLE ("Agir pour les enfants"), is trapping individuals with child-abuse related false allegations. Do not stay alone with young people (room, temple, school, countryside, stadium, car) and do not respond to any favour they ask of you (transport, phone call, help, use your toilet or a glass of water)

Medical Issues in Siem Reap

For general information on health in Cambodia, see the article on Cambodia.

• Royal Angkor the international Hospital | ☎ +855 63 761 888 - Owned by the Bangkok Hospital Group and caters specifically to tourists. The care is not cheap, but it is of a very high standard. There is a fully stocked pharmacy, general surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, paediatrician and other hospital services such as treatment for fractures and intestinal problems.

Telecommunications in Siem Reap

Internet Cafe's in Siem Reap

The numerous Internet cafés charge anywhere $0.50-1.50/hr. Speed of connection, and speed of PC, very much depends from place to place. A free public Wi-Fi network covers the Pub Street and Alley areas but it can sometimes be spotty and always terribly slow.

Most hotels will have cable TV with many international channels such as Al Jazeera and CNA (Channel News Asia) as well as those from surrounding countries. There are several FM radio stations, which include international broadcaster Radio France International on 92.0MHz.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Siem Reap

• Banteay Chhmar - the forgotten Angkorian complex in neighboring Banteay Meanchey Province. A bit ambitious for a day trip by tuk-tuk but makes for a wonderful excursion by helicopter (about $2,900).
• Battambang - Cambodia's second largest city with Buddhist temples, shrines and statues.
• Koh Ker - the ancient capital, much less tourist than Angkor.
• Kampong Thom - a gateway to the world legacy listed ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk.
• Phnom Penh - the modern capital, with the Royal Palace and sites related to the gruesome Khmer Rouge regime and the Cambodian genocide.
• Thailand - the border crossing at Poipet is a couple hours away, and there are several daily buses to Bangkok
• Tonle Sap Lake - Southeast Asia's biggest lake with floating villages and a rich biodiversity.

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