Siem Reap Travel Guide

W W W.A R R IVA LG U ID E S .CO M WWW.ARRIvAlguIDEs.COM ThE CITy BARs & nIghTlIFE DO & sEE shOPPIng EvEnT hIghlIghTs slEEPIng EATIng EssEnTIAl InFORMATIOn CAFés MAPs Population 90,000 Currency Cambodian Riel (KHR) Opening hours Most shops are open Monday to Sunday from 8.00 – 19:00. Markets open from 6.00 to 17.00. Stores and markets close on public holidays. Internet www.cambodia.gov.kh www.khmer.ws www.tourismcambodia.com www.visit-mekong.com Publications The Cambodia Daily Phnom Penh Post (bimonthly) Cambodge Soir Emergency numbers +855 (0)63 964 500 (Ambulance) +855 (0)12 402 424 (Police) +855 (0) 63 760 133(Fire) Tourist Office Address: Treang Village, Slorkram Commune Tel: +855(0) 12 630 200 www.tourismcambodia.com Siem Reap Angkor Wat WElCOME TO sIEM REAP Be ready to be embraced by a people with a warm culture and a country with unique traditions that date back from the Angkorian Empire. Be inspired by the Apsara dancing, Khmer traditional art, and by ancient temples surrounded by ancient trees in an eloquent collaboration between art and nature. ThE CITy | DO & sEE DESTinATion: SiEM REAP ThE CITy Siem Reap town is small, quaint and is centred around the small river running through it. Right next to the river is the 'old' part of town, known as the French quarter, which is nestled around the old Market. Get lost in the small side streets and browse through the many small boutiques. At night the area comes alive, the main street is pedestrianised and there is something for everybody. Have a cold beer, enjoy a foot massage or wander through the gift shops, and do it all at a leisurely pace. Though the country went through its own self-destructive turmoil under the rule of the Khmer Rouge (1975-1979), today the country is developing; roads are being built, electricity runs continuously and streets are not flooded any longer. Yet, this new modernization has not spoilt the natural beauty of the Cambodian scenery, as farmers work the rice fields, children skip to school and palm trees dot the landscape. This town caters to all kinds of tourists, from luxury upscale hotels to cosy basic guesthouses, from fine dining to the local hole in the wall eateries. Transportation is readily available so feel free to visit whatever is on offer, as nothing is too far or too hard to access. Entering the Angkorian temple complex is just a simple drive on a road magnificently lined with ancient trees. At night this small town livens up as people relax after a long day visiting the temples. The atmosphere around the old Market is pleasant and calm. it’s the perfect place to get lost in what Cambodia has to offer. DO & sEE Angkor Archaeological Park The former capital of the Khmer Empire, which ruled this region between the 9th and 12th centuries, this park evokes the rich historical, architectural and cultural past of the Khmers. The majestic Angkor complex offers temples galore, which are a marvel to explore. Each temple is unique from the grandeur of Angkor Wat to the beauty of Bantey Srei, this dynastic 'village' is spellbinding. You need a minimum of two days to explore. Tonle sap lake The largest fresh-water lake in Southeast Asia, this vast expanse of water is at the heart of Siem Reap's past and present lure. Cruising through the most popular village, Chong Khneas, you can see floating markets, a school and a bar. Around the lake’s mangrove forests live over 100 different waterfowl. Sunsets on the lake are recommended. Balloon Ride View the temples from above from this tethered helium balloon ride. From 200m high you can see the Angkorian ruins and the neighbouring countryside in all its splendour. Address: Road from the Airport to Angkor Wat Tel: +855 (0) 12 520 810 Entrance fee is US$20 per day. Passes for more than one day require a photo, which can be procured at the ticket office when entering the site. Before entering each temple you must show your pass. As the temples are spread out, transportation is required. Bicycles, motorbikes, tuk-tuks and air-conditioned cars are at your disposal. Guides can be sought through most hotels and guesthouses. Make yOuR trip s tart at hoMe w w w.arrivalguides.coM MAkE your TRIP sTART AT hOME | W W W.ARRIvAlguIDE s.COM DO & sEE | EATIng DESTinATion: SiEM REAP Cambodian Cultural village A new attraction in town, this Disney-styled village recreates Cambodian culture and history. From hill tribes to Phnom Penh's Central Market this tour gives you an original insight into the country's past and present. Opening hours: Open every day apart from public holidays. 9 am – 9 pm Price: US$12 Address: Airport Road Tel: +855 (0) 63 963 098 Address: Sivatha Boulevard Tel: +855 (0) 63 966 000 www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com MiD-RAnGE Baray Petit garden Away from the bustle this lovely restaurant in a garden setting offers delicious and refined Khmer food and excellent service. A perfect place to relax. Address: Off the road to West Baray (Chez Om hotel) Tel: +855 (0) 12 543 404 www.chezom.com Miniature Replicas of Angkor Mr Dy Proeung has over the years, laboriously replicated Angkor's famous temples. His passion for these Khmer marvels and his craftsmanship have been recognised by former King norodom Sihanouk who awarded him a special prize for his contribution to the Cambodian arts. Address: No16, Slokram quarter, south of Polinka pagoda. Artisans D'Angkor/Artisans D'Angkor at national silk Center This workshop produces stone carvings and woodcarvings. Browse around the workshop as craftsmen work and then cross the garden to the shop, which offers the finest silk designs and the famous carvings. The making of these fine silk products can be seen at the Silk Centre, which gives an interesting insight into the steps needed in silk production. Artisans D’Angkor Address: just off Sivatha Street, Old Market Area Tel: +855 (0) 63 963 330 Artisans D'Angkor at National Silk Center Address: Road No6, 16km west of town Tel: + 855 (0) 63 963 330 EATIng Khmer food is neither too spicy nor too bland and is mainly based around fish and meat. To find local food, look around the main market and on the other side of the river where there are many food stands. Breakfast consists of noodles, soups and rice with some type of meat. in the evening you can smell the barbecued beef rising through the air, which most locals have with the local ‘Angkor’ beer. Siem Reap is also a haven for fruit lovers, from mangoes of all shapes and sizes to delicious mangoustines. le Jardin des Delices Set in a beautiful garden this restaurant is part of the Ecole d’Hotelerie et de Tourism Paul Dubrule, which is a unique training school for underprivileged children. Address:Road 6, Airport Road Tel: +855 (0)63 963 673 soup Dragon Another popular eatery which offers Vietnamese and international cuisine. Lively atmosphere, healthy portions. Address: Pub Street Tel: +855(0) 63 965 169 EXCLUSiVE Raffles grand hotel D’Angkor A Siem Reap institution, probably one of the finest dining experiences in town. Address: No1, Charles De Gaulle Tel: +855 (0)63 963 888 FCC (Foreign Correspondents Club) The FCC overlooks the river with its inspiring colonial décor. Mainly western dishes and some typical Asian food. Address: Old Market area, near the riverfront Tel: +855 (0) 63 760 280 shinta Mani organic produce mixed with European cuisine with a touch of Khmer. Good hearty food. Address: Oum Khun Street & 14 Street Tel: +855 (0) 63 761 998 Meric Set in the Hotel De La Paix’s boutique surroundings, this restaurant offers distinct Khmer fine-dining an international cuisine. Abacus Small eatery in a traditional Khmer house, serving good French food. MAkE your TRIP sTART AT hOME | W W W.ARRIvAlguIDE s.COM Make yOuR trip s tart at hoMe w w w.arrivalguides.coM EATIng | CAFés | nIghTlIFE DESTinATion: SiEM REAP BARs AnD nIghTlIFE Most of Siem Reap's nightlife is around the old Market area, concentrated on 'Pub Street'. This street becomes pedestrianised after 17.00 and stays open late. The choice of nightspots is growing as the city caters to an increasing number of tourists. Due to the small area, enjoy the evenings simply walking around the town's centre. nice atmosphere. Address: Oum Khun Street Tel: +855(0) 12 644 286 BUDGET Khmer Kitchen This small family-run side-street restaurant offers what some people would say is the best food in town. Delicious food with quality service. Address: Off the old market Tel: +855(0) 12 774 287 CAFEs Café de la Paix Part of the exclusive Hotel de la Paix’s complex, this café offers fresh sandwiches, good coffee and delicious ice-cream. Address: Sivatha Boulevard Tel: +855 (0) 63 966 000 www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com Angkor Wat? Bar Probably the most popular drinking spot in town, this institution rocks until the early hours of the morning. Great drinks, loud music to dance to. open from 6.00 pm till early morning. Address: Pub Street laundry Bar Chill-out bar open very late. Western run. Happy hour 9.00 pm Address: Pub Street Tel: +855(0)12 871 263, www.still-pub.com Old Market Breakfast, Lunch and dinner are served in this bustling market. Enjoy the inexpensive local food. Address: Old Market Red Piano Popular with the expat community, this establishment offers good fruit shakes and a relaxing ambiance. Angelina Jolie came for a drink when she was filming Tomb Raider. Address: Pub Street Tel: +855 (0) 63 964 750 Temple Bar/Club Turns into pub and club after the dinners are finished. open late. Address: Pub Street Martini Pub Disco Locally run club, popular with locals and tourists. Loud music. Address: East River Road, Tel: +855(0)12 838 688 Barbecued Meat Cross the bridge to the east side and choose from various stalls offering freshly barbecued meat in the evenings. A favourite local hangout. Blue Pumpkin Great pastries, good fruit shakes, and ice-creams. Great seating area to relax, read and eat. Address: Old Market Tel: + 855 (0)63 963 574 Dead Fish Tower Very special Asian decoration. Live music all day. Live Filipino band evenings. Address: Sivatha Street, Tel: +855 (0) 63 963 060 Elephant Bar Set in the most luxurious hotel in town, Le Royal, the Elephant Bar's happy hour (4pm to 8 pm) serves the best cocktails in town. Live piano, comfortable seating. Address: Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor, No1, Charles de Gualle Tel: +855(0)63 963 888 Make yOuR trip s tart at hoMe w w w.arrivalguides.coM MAkE your TRIP sTART AT hOME | W W W.ARRIvAlguIDE s.COM shOPPIng | EssEnTIAl InFORMATIOn DESTinATion: SiEM REAP shOPPIng Siemp Reap has a lot to offer in terms of local products, from hand-woven silk scarves to carvings. if you are looking for typical local souvenirs head to the old Market. Here, you will find a mix of small crafted silver objects, traditional musical instruments, hand-woven scarves and baskets. least two passengers. Bicycles are also available for rent and are a pleasant way to explore the temples and town. Most transportation can be organized through you hotel or guesthouse. FyI: no tourist is allowed to rent or drive a motorbike/tuk-tuk or car in Siem Reap. Taxi Set Vanna Taxi Service Address: no44, Wat Bo area Tel: +855(0)12 893 652 (24H everyday) Post Address: Modul 2, Svay Doangkum Commune Tel: +855 (0)63 760 000 Pharmacy UCare Pharmacy The newest Pharmacy and the largest stock of medicine (from France) in town. Address: next to the old market, opposite Dragon Soup restaurant. Tel: +855 (0) 63 965 396 open from 8 am to 12pm Doctor & Dentist naga international Clinic (24 hours) Address: no 513, Road no 6 (airport road) Tel: +855 (0) 63 964 500 Telephone Country Code: +855 Area Code: 063 Electricity 220 V, 50Hz if you are looking for something more unique here are a few suggestions. Try Angkor Candles which offers scented candles in Angkorian designs in the old Market Area. For local artists browse into the Asasax Art Gallery (Pub Street). For dramatic photographs of Angkor Wat go to McDermott Gallery (at FCC Angkor or old Market area). Paintings of all kinds are also available, mainly around the old Market and mainly depicting the temples or the former grandeur of the Angkorian Empire. Silk is availabe in this provincial town. For high-end silk products head to Artisans d’Angkor, Couleurs D’Asie (Sofitel Royal Angkor) and Carnets D’Asie (Sivatha St.) which all offer designs made from Cambodian silk. if you want your money to go to a good cause, browse through Hagar Design (old Market area) where the profits are reinvested in an organization which provides skills for Cambodia’s disadvantaged women. EssEnTIAl InFORMATIOn Airport Siem Reap international Airport is new, opened in early 2006. Visas can be purchased on arrival (US$25, 2 passport photos). The airport is 6 km away from the centre of town. There is an official taxi rank so when you arrive you can get a taxi (US$5) or a motor-taxi (US$1) to town. independent taxis and motorcycles wait just outside the airport. The price is the same for both: motorcycles are $1 and cars are $5 into town. Most hotels offer free transportation from the airport but you must notify them in advance of your arrival. www.cambodia-airports.com/siemreap/en local transport Siem Reap’s transportation consists mainly of motor-taxi drivers or tuktuks, most of whom speak English. Per day, renting a motor-taxi driver costs between US$6- US$9 and tuk-tuks between US$11-US$14. Tuk-tuks are convenient because they are covered and can seat at Make yOuR trip s tart at hoMe w w w.arrivalguides.coM MAkE your TRIP sTART AT hOME | W W W.ARRIvAlguIDE s.COM MAP | sTREET InDEx DESTinATion: SiEM REAP A B C D 1 6 Exhibition of Khmer Heritage Ro ute Wat Kesararam d R oa ei A ch a Vith sva r Chh ay Str eet Ro ute Stre 2 Cambodian Cultural Village al et Na tio n Si v a th a B o Na t io na l ulevard oul eva r Tap Siv ath aB St r eet 14 Str eet 03 K hu Wa t Bo Str eet Residence 02 Royal Roa d h ol Wat Po Lanka d National Ro er ute 6 nS B oulevard Wa tB 3 Acham ean Str eet oR oad Stre et 0 5 Pok Vit amb hei Ach or A asv ve n Siem ar ue Str Rea eet pR iv t Oum Ou m Wat Bo Wat Preah Prom Rath Siv atha Apsara Theater French Cultural Center Roa d Wat Bo 4 7 th Wat Damnak Ja n uar y St ree t 7 th Jan u 0 250 m ary St reet Information Information Information Information Information Sehenswürdigkeiten Sehenswürdigkeiten Sehenswürdigkeiten Sehenswürdigkeiten Museum Sehenswürdigkeiten Museum Museum Museum Museum Bahnhof Bahnhof Bahnhof Bahnhof Bahnhof Busbahnhof Busbahnhof Busbahnhof Busbahnhof Busbahnhof Fähre Fähre Fähre Fähre Fähre Museum RailwayRailway station Bus BusBus station FerryFerry Information Information Information Information Information Sights Sights Museum Sights Sights Sights Museum Museum Museum Museum Railway station Bus station Sights Ferry Railway station Railway station Railway station station station station Bus station Bus station information Ferry Ferry Ferry Information Information Information Information Information Sevärdhet Sevärdhet Sevärdhet Sevärdhet Sevärdhet Museum Museum Museum Museum Museum Järnvägsstation Järnvägsstation Järnvägsstation Järnvägsstation Järnvägsstation Bussterminal Bussterminal Bussterminal Bussterminal Bussterminal Färja Färja Färja Färja Färja 7 th January Street Achamean Street national Route oum Chhay Street oum Khun Street C4 D4 B3 A1 A2 B2 D3 B2 B3 B3 C3 Pokambor Avenue Sivatha Boulevard Street 02 Street 03 Street 05 C3 B2 B3 B4 C1 C2 B2 C2 B3 C3 B3 Street 14 Taphol Road Vithei Achasvar Street Wat Bo Road C3 B2 C2 C3 C2 C3 C4 Make yOuR trip s tart at hoMe w w w.arrivalguides.coM MAkE your TRIP sTART AT hOME | W W W.ARRIvAlguIDE s.COM