Exploring Siem Reap: My Personal Travel Experience in Cambodia

Posted on July 15, 2019May 27, 2025 by Hani by Hani

Siem Reap was on my travel list for ages—but after finally visiting for 4 days and 3 nights, I can honestly say it wasn’t exactly what I expected. It had its charm, sure, but I’m glad I didn’t plan a longer stay. In fact, 3 days would have been more than enough.

As usual, after booking my flight tickets, I made sure to arrange my accommodation and airport transfer in advance. However, when it comes to planning my itinerary and deciding which places to visit, I take a different approach. I prefer to wait until I arrive at the destination and rely on the recommendations of the locals for the best places to visit. I enjoy collecting pamphlets as references and then making spontaneous decisions on where to explore.

Here’s my real, unfiltered take on Siem Reap, Cambodia

Flights to Siem Reap

I booked my flight just two weeks before departure, which cost me RM487.80 (excluding seat selection). Book early if you want better deals. With early planning, you can easily find return tickets for under RM300 from Malaysia. However, if you prefer a more spontaneous approach and don’t make advanced plans, you might end up paying a bit more for your flight tickets.

Currency: USD is King (But It Has to Be Clean)

Cambodia’s unofficial currency is actually the US Dollar. Yes, you read that right. But here’s the catch: your USD bills need to be in perfect condition. No folds, marks, or tears. Even a tiny scribble might get your cash rejected.

So when you exchange your money in Malaysia, ask for clean, crisp notes. Trust me, this can save you a lot of hassle later.

Visa & Entry

Malaysian citizens do not require a visa to enter Cambodia and can stay for a maximum of 30 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. However, if you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for a visa. For accurate information on visa requirements, it is recommended to do some research online.

Where I Stayed

I booked a stay at Mudra Angkor Boutique Hotel based on a recommendation. However, I cannot personally give a strong recommendation for this hotel to my readers. Although the staff was friendly and helpful, I had some negative experiences during my stay. Additionally, the hotel’s location was quite far from the main tourist attractions.

If you’re planning a visit to Siem Reap, I would suggest staying near the Old Market area. It’s the heart of the city and full of life—pubs, night markets, restaurants, and temples, all within walking distance.

Getting Around: Tuk-Tuks, Grab & Haggling

I relied on Tuk-tuks and Grab to get around during my time in Siem Reap. I had pre-booked a dedicated Tuk-tuk driver through my hotel, whom I paid for all my trips. However, when I ventured out to Pub Street and returned late at night, I had to find another Tuk-tuk. Thankfully, it was easy to find one as there were many available in that area.

Pro tip: Negotiate the fare with the drivers, as they may try to overcharge you. For instance, if the standard fare is 4 USD, they might initially ask for 6 USD.

You can also use Grab for more predictable pricing, especially if you’re new to bargaining.

Food & Halal Options

To be honest, finding halal food options in Siem Reap was quite challenging. I only came across 3 halal restaurants, and all of them happened to be Indian cuisine. Additionally, I would not recommend trying street food in Siem Reap due to cleanliness concerns and exposed food. Once you visit, you’ll understand what I mean.

My boyfriend experienced severe food poisoning during our stay, although luckily, it wasn’t from the same food I had.

Pro tip: Bring your own food from Malaysia, even if it means relying on simple options like instant noodles. The priority should be avoiding food poisoning.

What to Pack for Siem Reap

When I traveled to Siem Reap, it was during the hot season, and temperatures reached around 34°C-35°C. The heat was quite intense, and even with sunscreen, I still got severely sunburned. So, it’s important to check the temperature online before your trip.

✅ Bring lightweight, sweat-wicking clothes
✅ Pack proper sneakers for temple visits
✅ Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, wet wipes, slippers, and a pen for customs forms

Temples usually require modest clothing—shoulders and knees covered—so bring something appropriate.

Shopping in Siem Reap

If you’re looking to buy souvenirs, head to the Old Market, Pub Street, or the Night Market. These spots are super lively at night and walking distance from most hostels and hotels. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of items to choose from.

Bargaining is expected, so don’t be shy! Aim for 30–40% off the initial price and smile while you do it—it makes the experience more fun for everyone.

📍 Where I Went & How Much It Cost

1. 🏛️ Angkor National Museum

Tix price: 15 USD / person

If you have a keen interest in history, you’ll definitely appreciate a visit to this place. However, since it wasn’t my thing, I found it less engaging. Nonetheless, if you’re seeking to spend some time or have exhausted other sightseeing options, it could be worth a visit to gain some insights into Cambodia’s past.

2. 🏯 Angkor Wat

Tix price: 37 USD / person

Angkor Wat is a must-visit destination in Siem Reap. It’s recommended to start your visit early in the morning, around 9:00 am. The tour usually concludes in the afternoon. There are numerous temples to explore within the complex. Remember to bring your own water as there will be a fair amount of walking involved.

Please note that you can’t purchase tickets on behalf of someone else, as each person needs to have their photo taken when obtaining the ticket.

3. 🌿 Phnom Kulen National Park

Tour Price: 80 USD

Upon the suggestion of my hotel, I decided to visit this park, and it turned out to be the highlight of my stay in Siem Reap. The journey from my hotel took approximately 2 hours, but it was well worth it. What made this place even more special is that it is popular among the locals but not overcrowded with tourists, allowing me to truly appreciate its natural beauty.

Phnom Kulen National Park is a highly recommended destination for nature lovers.

4. 🌃 Pub Street, Old Market & Night Market

These places were my go-to spots during my stay in Siem Reap. I found myself visiting these places every night, and the best part is that they are all within walking distance. If you prefer a tuk-tuk, simply tell the driver you want to go to the Old Market. These areas come alive at night, offering a vibrant and exciting atmosphere.

With a plethora of restaurants, pubs, and shops, you’ll never get bored. It almost feels like a different world, as the presence of foreigners adds to the lively and international vibe of the place.

✅ Final Thoughts: Worth Visiting, But Not for Long

Would I recommend Siem Reap? Yes—but probably just for 3 days max. The city has amazing historical sites and a unique charm, but once you’ve visited the main attractions, it does start to feel repetitive.

If you love history, culture, and exploring ancient temples, you’ll probably enjoy it more than I did. But if you’re more into nature, food adventures, or fast-paced cities—Siem Reap might feel slow.

Still, I’m glad I went. I saw Angkor Wat with my own eyes, had meaningful moments at Phnom Kulen, and got a taste of Cambodian culture.

If you’re planning a trip—go prepared, stay central, pack wisely, and don’t forget sunscreen!

With love,
Hani 🌏