Siem Reap had been sitting on my travel bucket list for years.
Like many travellers, I dreamed of visiting Angkor Wat, wandering through ancient temples, and experiencing one of Cambodia’s most famous destinations for myself.
When I finally visited, I spent 4 days and 3 nights exploring the city at my own pace. While I’m genuinely glad I made the trip, I also realised Siem Reap wasn’t quite what I had imagined.
Don’t get me wrong. There are places here that absolutely deserve the hype. Watching Angkor Wat in person was unforgettable, and Phnom Kulen National Park ended up becoming the highlight of my trip. However, after 4 days, I honestly felt that 3 days would have been enough.
If you’re planning your first visit, here’s everything I learned, what surprised me, what I’d do differently, and the places I think are truly worth your time.
✅ Flights to Siem Reap
I booked my return flight just two weeks before departure and paid RM487.80 (excluding seat selection). Since I booked quite close to my travel date, I expected the price to be a little higher.
If you’re planning your trip a few months in advance, you can often find return flights from Malaysia for under RM300, especially during airline promotions. Setting a price alert or keeping an eye out for sales can save you quite a bit.
I don’t usually book my trips very far in advance, so paying a little extra is something I’ve come to accept. For me, the freedom to travel when I feel like it is sometimes worth the higher airfare.
✅ USD Is King (But Your Notes Need to Be Spotless)
One thing that caught me by surprise was how widely the US Dollar is used in Cambodia. In fact, I hardly needed the local currency during my trip.
There’s one important thing to remember though. Your USD notes need to be in excellent condition. Even a small tear, a folded corner, or pen marks can be enough for some shops and businesses to reject them.
Before flying to Cambodia, I recommend exchanging your money in Malaysia and asking for clean, crisp notes. It might seem like a small detail, but it can save you from unnecessary headaches once you arrive.
✅ Visa & Entry Requirements
Good news if you’re travelling from Malaysia. Malaysian passport holders don’t need a visa to visit Cambodia and can stay for up to 30 days.
Just make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your date of entry. If you’re planning to stay longer than 30 days, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa before extending your stay.
Entry requirements can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest immigration requirements before you travel.
✅ Where I Stayed
I stayed at Mudra Angkor Boutique Hotel, which was recommended to me before my trip. While I appreciated how friendly and helpful the staff were, my overall experience didn’t quite meet my expectations, so it’s not a hotel I’d personally recommend.
One thing I found challenging was the location. It was quite far from Siem Reap’s main attractions, which meant relying on tuk-tuks more often than I would have liked.
If I were visiting Siem Reap again, I’d definitely choose a hotel near the Old Market area instead. It’s one of the liveliest parts of the city, with Pub Street, the Night Market, restaurants, cafés, massage shops, and plenty of convenience stores all within walking distance. Staying there would make it much easier to explore the city, especially in the evenings.
✅ Getting Around Siem Reap
Getting around Siem Reap was surprisingly easy. I mainly relied on tuk-tuks and Grab throughout my trip.
Before I arrived, I had already arranged a dedicated tuk-tuk driver through my hotel, so he became my main mode of transport whenever I wanted to visit temples or attractions. In the evenings, especially after spending time around Pub Street, I simply hired another tuk-tuk to get back to my hotel. There were always plenty waiting nearby, so finding a ride was never a problem.
One thing I learned quite quickly is that bargaining is part of the experience. Some drivers may quote a higher price at first, so don’t be afraid to negotiate politely. For example, if the usual fare is around USD4, you might be quoted USD6 instead.
If you’d rather skip the bargaining, Grab is also available in Siem Reap and gives you fixed fares upfront, making it a great option if it’s your first time visiting the city.
✅ Food and Halal Options
Finding halal food in Siem Reap was more challenging than I expected. During my trip, I only came across three halal restaurants, and they all served Indian cuisine. If you’re looking for more variety, it’s worth doing a little research before your trip so you know where to eat.
I was also quite cautious about eating street food. Many of the stalls I came across had food sitting out in the open for long periods, which personally made me uncomfortable. My partner unfortunately experienced food poisoning during our stay, although it wasn’t from the same food I had. That experience made us even more careful about where we chose to eat for the rest of the trip.
If you’re travelling from Malaysia and have limited halal options, it doesn’t hurt to pack a few familiar snacks or instant meals in your luggage. They came in handy on days when we struggled to find something suitable to eat.
✅ What to Pack for Siem Reap
I visited Siem Reap during the hot season, and the heat was no joke. Temperatures hovered around 34°C to 35°C, and despite applying sunscreen throughout the day, I still ended up with a pretty bad sunburn.
If you’re visiting during the hotter months, lightweight and breathable clothing will make a huge difference. You’ll also be doing plenty of walking, especially around Angkor Wat, so a comfortable pair of sneakers is a must.
Here’s what I’d recommend packing:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Comfortable sneakers for exploring the temples
- Sunscreen (don’t underestimate the sun!)
- A hat or cap
- Wet wipes
- Slippers for the hotel
- A pen for arrival forms, just in case
One more thing to keep in mind. Many temples have a modest dress code, so make sure your shoulders and knees are covered before you visit. A lightweight scarf or long outer layer can be useful if you’re wearing sleeveless clothing.
✅ Shopping in Siem Reap
If you’re planning to bring home a few souvenirs, make sure you spend some time exploring the Old Market, Pub Street, and the Night Market. These were the places I found myself returning to the most, especially in the evenings when the whole area came alive with lights, music, and plenty of people wandering around.
You’ll find everything from fridge magnets and handcrafted souvenirs to clothing, artwork, and local snacks. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s still a fun place to walk around and soak up the atmosphere.
One thing to remember is that bargaining is part of the shopping culture here. Don’t be afraid to negotiate politely, as the first price is often higher than what sellers are willing to accept. I usually aimed for around 30% off the initial price, and most of the time we managed to meet somewhere in the middle. Just smile, be respectful, and enjoy the experience.
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✅ Places I Visited in Siem Reap
📍 Angkor National Museum
Admission: USD15 per person
I decided to visit the Angkor National Museum before exploring Angkor Wat, hoping it would give me a better understanding of Cambodia’s history and the ancient Khmer Empire.
The museum is well organised, modern, and fully air-conditioned, making it a comfortable place to spend a couple of hours, especially if you’re looking for a break from Siem Reap’s heat. There are plenty of artefacts, sculptures, and exhibits that explain the history behind Angkor Wat and the temples you’ll later visit.
Personally, history museums have never been my favourite attraction, so I didn’t find it as engaging as I had hoped. Still, I can see why many visitors enjoy it, especially if you’re interested in archaeology or Cambodia’s rich history.
⭐ My verdict: Worth visiting if you enjoy history and want more context before exploring Angkor Wat. If museums aren’t really your thing, I’d spend more time exploring the temples instead.
📍 Angkor Wat
Admission: USD37 per person
No trip to Siem Reap is complete without visiting Angkor Wat. It’s one of those places you’ve probably seen countless times in photos, but standing in front of it in person is a completely different experience.
The temple complex is enormous, so be prepared for plenty of walking. I recommend arriving early in the morning before the afternoon heat becomes overwhelming. Wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of drinking water, and don’t forget your sunscreen because you’ll be spending several hours outdoors.
One thing worth knowing before you go is that every visitor needs to purchase their own ticket in person, as your photo will be taken and printed on the entrance pass.
Even though Angkor Wat is the city’s most famous attraction, I never felt disappointed visiting it. It’s one of those places that deserves its reputation and is something I believe everyone should experience at least once.
⭐ My verdict: An absolute must-visit. Even if you’re not usually interested in temples, Angkor Wat is too iconic to miss.
📍 Phnom Kulen National Park
Tour Price: USD80
Out of everywhere I visited in Siem Reap, this was easily my favourite.
I hadn’t originally planned to visit Phnom Kulen National Park. It was actually recommended by my hotel, and looking back, I’m so glad I listened. Although it took almost two hours to get there, the journey was completely worth it.
Unlike Angkor Wat, Phnom Kulen felt much quieter and less crowded. I noticed far more locals than international tourists, which made the whole experience feel more authentic and relaxing. Surrounded by lush greenery, waterfalls, and nature, it offered a completely different side of Cambodia that I wasn’t expecting.
If you’re someone who enjoys escaping busy tourist spots and spending time in nature, I can’t recommend this place enough. It ended up becoming one of my favourite memories from the entire trip.
⭐ My verdict: If you only have time for one day trip outside Siem Reap, make it Phnom Kulen National Park.
📍 Pub Street, Old Market & Night Market
Every evening, I somehow found myself back around Pub Street and the Old Market area. It’s easily the liveliest part of Siem Reap after sunset and, in my opinion, one of the best places to simply wander around without a plan.
The streets are filled with restaurants, pubs, cafés, massage shops, souvenir stalls, and night markets, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere that feels completely different from the peaceful temple visits during the day.
Even if you’re not interested in shopping or nightlife, it’s still worth spending an evening here just to soak up the atmosphere and watch the city come alive.
If you’re staying nearby, you’ll be able to walk almost everywhere. Otherwise, simply ask your tuk-tuk driver to take you to the Old Market, and you’ll be right in the heart of the action.
⭐ My verdict: One of the best places to spend your evenings in Siem Reap.
✅ Is Siem Reap Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, but I personally don’t think you need more than 3 days to experience the best of what Siem Reap has to offer.
The city is home to incredible historical landmarks, fascinating culture, and, of course, the world-famous Angkor Wat. Once you’ve explored the main attractions, however, I found that things started to slow down, and there wasn’t enough to keep me there for much longer.
If you enjoy history, ancient temples, and learning about different cultures, I think you’ll fall in love with Siem Reap. On the other hand, if you’re someone who prefers vibrant food scenes, shopping, or fast-paced cities with lots to do, you might feel ready to move on after a few days.
Even so, I don’t regret visiting for a second. Seeing Angkor Wat with my own eyes was an unforgettable experience, and Phnom Kulen National Park turned out to be one of the biggest highlights of my trip. Those memories alone made the journey worthwhile.
If you’re planning your first trip to Siem Reap, my advice is simple. Stay near the Old Market, prepare for the heat, pack plenty of sunscreen, and give yourself enough time to explore at a relaxed pace. I hope my experience helps you plan a trip that’s even better than mine.
With love,
Hani 🌻
