Mat is traditional Cambodia product. The best-known types are made from river reeds, left in their natural blonde colour or dyed in rich jewel tones. The Mekong floodplains are known for their mat-weavers, particularly around Lvea Em district in Kandal Province. Vine mats from the country’s North West are cut from the forest. Mats are one of the few locally-made items that have not been replaced by imports, and are laid out for guests in every Cambodian home. Matting is also an important building material used in making village homes and internal dividing walls.
Mat medium bags Code: M003
It’s made by mat and cotton.
Interesting please order by mail
manithku@gmail.com
free shipping in Cambodia
Note book cover by mat Code: M004
It’s made by mat and cotton.
Interesting please order by mail
manithku@gmail.com
free shipping in Cambodia
Bag wearing Code: M005
It’s made by mat and cotton.
Interesting please order by mail
manithku@gmail.com
free shipping in Cambodia
Dish & glasses anvil in set many different color Code: M006
I took advantage of the holiday last Monday (Ninoy Aquino day) and went pasalubong shopping at the Toul Tompong or the Russian Market. It’s much less crowded during weekdays so Philippine holidays (including Christmas) are the best time to go shopping. Naturally, among the gifts I bought were dozens of kramas, for isn’t this colorful checkered scarf a national symbol of Cambodia, along with the great Angkor Wat itself? Just check out these beauties I bought:
These handwoven cotton scarves are worn by the rural Khmers (Cambodian people) as well as those in cities. The Khmers use it for almost anything: scarves and shawls to protect from the sun, wind, and dust; slung around the waist like tapis (especially when they take a bath in the river, then they can also use the kramas as towels); as baby carriers; as headdresses; table runners; placed on chairs to dress them up during important occasions like weddings and birthdays; as pillow covers; as picnic blankets… I could go on and on.
It is also famous among tourists who use it to protect themselves from the hot Cambodian sun and from the dust. I’m not sure but I think I see the reporter Abner Mercado always sporting a krama whenever he’s on TV.
I remember we gave Sis Bride two kramas a few years ago and she would wear it in her office in Manhattan. She said that all her officemates loved it and thought that it came from Hermes in Paris. Hahaha! It just came from a cheap market in Phnom Penh! The price? I’m not telling or the recipients of my pasalubongs would find out that I’m kuripot.
Myself, I use it to cover my neck at night (I get sick when my neck gets cold), as a shawl (lighter than carrying a jacket), and at home cover my shoes in my shoe shelf:
So check out the wooden sculpture of a Cambodian diety and an antique wooden Cambodian box… also from Toul Tompong.
Besides the different colored kramas, I also bought twenty red kramas for my friend who said he wanted like the ones the Khmer Rouge soldiers wore. FYI Khmer Rouge, which literally means red Cambodians, are the communist Cambodians who were allegedly responsible for the genocide in the country in the 1970s. This is part of their uniform:
Siem Reap has been booming over the past few years as more and more people learn about the wonderful town and Angkor Wat ruins.
Nowadays there are plenty of accommodation options available; in fact, you can find something to suit every taste and budget range.
One of the things that makes Siem Reap so special is that despite its boom in tourism, the Siem Reap residents have retained their simple ways and prices have not become inflated at Siem Reap hotels and hostels that are run by locals.
There are plenty of hostels in and around Siem Reap that provide comfortable lodging that does not stretch the hip pocket even for the most budget conscious backpacker.
You can still find budget Siem Reap hotels from around US$5.00 per person!
Budget Hotels (Hostels)
One of the advantages of budget hostels is that they are often run by Cambodian families and not multi-national corporations. This means that you get very personalized and friendly service in many cases as well as excellent tips and travel advice from Siem Reap residents.
You will find that although the budget Siem Reap hotels are cheap, they offer all the basic services that a budget traveler to Asia might want: hot showers, clean rooms, cable TV and Internet access. Although the décor in these budget hotels is simple, they are almost always very clean.
Many hostels and guesthouses have restaurants and tourist desks attached and they will almost certainly be able to put you onto a tuk-tuk driver who can show you around town and the ruins.
One of the disadvantages that you may experience upon arrival in Siem Reap, as in many other Asian cities, is the old commission trap. Many tuk-tuk drivers and taxi drivers get commissions for taking you certain budget guesthouses. Sometimes you may have trouble managing to get to the guesthouse you want as the driver tries to insist on taking you via 15 different commission paying hostels.
Many of the family run guesthouses are charming and the staff friendly and helpful, one of the disadvantages is that the quality of service can be erratic. To avoid an accommodation nightmare do your research and talk to other travelers to find out which hostels and guesthouses have the best reputation. High end accommodation, while more expensive, will certainly be of high quality and standard.
Hostelbookers is one of the best website out there to familiarize yourself with the hostels and guesthouses in Siem Reap.
It has reviews by previous
visitors so you can see the good and the bad, and it covers more than 30 hostels and a few of the hotels.
The "no booking fee" is also great way to stretch the budget even more.
High End and Luxury Hotels
Since accommodation tends to be so affordable in Siem Reap, you may wish to take advantage of the prices and upgrade to a higher end hotel option. Siem Reap certainly has plenty of these options now available too, with many of them having sprung up in the past few years.
Worldwide hotel chains like Sofitel and Raffles have opened hotels in Siem Reap, but there are many 4 and 5 star hotels all throughout town.
If you are looking for a little luxury high end Siem Reap hotels can certainly provide it. The high end hotels in Siem Reap offer the lap of luxury, while exploring the ancient Angkor temples. Some of the facilities you can expect to enjoy in the high end hotels include: spas, swimming pools, baby sitting services, dazzling views and lush gardens, cafes, lounges, gymnasiums, beauty salons and much more.
At high end Siem Reap hotels, such as Hotel De La Paix, you will
almost certainly have a pleasant stay, but sometimes the disadvantage of glossy resorts is that you do not get to connect with the locals. And locals are most
certainly one of the town’s best attractions for their warmth and friendliness.
If you're looking to stay at higher end
hotels, try Hotels Combined. They search multiple hotel search websites and display the result all in one page, a la Bing.com, so it's very quick to sort and filter and you get all the results very easily. I've tried this search tool, and I'm very impressed.
Sometimes it is also worth checking with
the hotel directly, once you know what you want. In this difficult times, some hotels might give discounts when asked for, even though it's not advertised somewhere else.
So in short...
Both budget and high end Siem Reap hotels have their advantages and disadvantages. Before arriving in Siem Reap weigh up your budget with your vacation expectations and desires and work out which accommodation option is likely to work best for you.
Siem Reap Tourism industry will definitely not be the same without Angkor Wat and its other temples. But you can only see so many temples without getting cross eyed!
Sooner or later, you'll be looking for other things to do around town.
Not to worry, because there are a lot of non-temple activities available thanks to the booming Siem Reap tourism industry. So let's see what they provide.
These activities are great ways to see more of Cambodia and prevent (or cure) temple burn out. They can be easily done between your temple visits because most of them are around town.
Kompong Phluk
Kompong Khleang
Cambodian village
scenery
Stone quarry
Silk cocoon
Cambodian incense
Do crocodiles count as a Siem Reap tourist item?
Some of the activities involve 'natural' attractions, so they're not made up by the Siem Reap tourism industry just to please visitors.
Kampung Phluk - a large village of stilted houses near the Tonle Sap lake. Another of my favorite Cambodia activities. Website
Kampung Khleang - an even larger village of floating and stilted houses by the great lake.
Chong Khneas - the most visited floating village due to its short distance from town.
Tonle Sap Lake and Cruise - see how the largest lake in Southeast Asia controls the livelihood of many Cambodians.
Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary - a haven for birds, a heaven for bird enthusiasts.
Apsara Dance and Dinner Show - see the temple carvings of Apsara dancers come to life. There are lots of places to choose from, but Angkor Village is one.
Dirt Bike Motor Tour - roam around the countryside with your own bike. It provides a different view of Cambodia. Website
Bicycle Around Siem Reap - A great way to get to know the town, and one that is pretty easy due to the flat terrain. Most bicycles are available for rent though the hotel or hostels. There's the White Bicycle for easy rides, and Biking Cambodia for a more involved approach. Also, click on this bicycle adventure website to read more about cycling in Cambodia.
The Silk Farm - visit the farm to see how those lovely Cambodian scarves are made. A comprehensive tour from start to finish. Website
The Stone Quarry for Angkor temples - see the river where stones were carved and imagine how they were transported downstream to the temple construction site.
Visit the Buddhist Wats Monastery - you will probably stumble into one because there are several of them around town. Also, 95% of Cambodians are Buddhist.
Incense Factory - see how incense sticks are made by visiting this small family operation.
Crocodile Farm - Cambodians sure do have lots of crocodiles. They're fun to watch, but they smell bad!
Horseback Riding - ride to the lesser known temples around town. You can choose between a one hour trip to a half day or even an all day trip. Website
Free Cello Recital at the Children's Hospital - performed by Dr. Beat Richner, a Swiss pediatrician working at the hospital. Donations accepted. Website
Visit a Mosque in Siem Reap - get a glimpse of the small Muslim community in Siem Reap and visit the mosque school there.
It looks like Cambodia is getting so popular that the Siem Reap tourism board decided to make an upscale Angkor museum. The Landmine museum is also great, though small and a little bit out of the way.
Defused land mines
Landmine Museum - a small museum by Aki Ra, a former Khmer Rouge soldier. He defused landmines and put them all in the museum. Website
Angkor National Museum - just opened in late 2007 so it's all posh and fancy. You'll see many artifacts here.
Cambodian Cultural Village - a wax museum and a mock up of a Cambodian village. Website
Civil War Museum - you can see weaponry that was used during the last Civil War.
Who doesn't like this particular Siem Reap tourist attraction?
Haggling is alive and well at traditional markets. You may want to shop around and compare prices because they all carry similar stuff. The Siem Reap tourism business seems to be growing because they recently opened up a new night market.
Central Market - the market for souvenirs and Cambodian trinkets. Best prices.
One of Siem Reap tourism leading industries: Artisans d'Angkor silk
Old Market - medium sized market selling clothes and souvenirs. Okay prices.
Night Market - geared towards tourists. Stays open until midnight. Highest prices. Website
Artisans d'Angkor - the leading Cambodian silk company. Unbelievably gorgeous stuff, but expect Western 'prices,' and no haggling. Website
Boutique shoppes around the Old Market area - from arts and crafts, to silk clothes and trinkets. These small shops are fun to visit and have unique items.
There you have it, a list of Siem Reap attractions and activities to get you started. There are so many things to do that you won't want to leave!
Who knew that there are so many Cambodia attractions in and near Siem Reap?
And I use the term attractions loosely, becuase sometimes you will be the only tourist! Considering that Cambodia is visited by millions and millions of people, getting a temple to yourself is an unbelievable treat.
You have at least 3 to choose from (or all 3 to go to): Chong Khneas (closest, very touristy, a floating village), Kampung Phluk (midway, not yet highly visited, a stilted village), and Kampung Khleang (the farthest, little tourist, a floating village).
We went to Kampung Phluk, and it was an amazing site to behold. It is a large village on the river, where houses are built on bamboo stilts. These stilts reach 10 meters high during the rainy season, and lowered down to 1 -2 meters during the dry season. Kampung Phluk is about half a day's worth of activities, approximately 2 hours away from Siem Reap, and definitely worth the trip. A great must see for a holiday in Cambodia.
Floating market at Kampung Phluk.
2. Visit the Beng Melea temple
Even if you're templed out, brace yourself for one more temple because you will thank yourself for it. This is the one place where you can literally climb the temple ruins, face your fear of heights, and wonder if you'll slip and break your leg while in the boonies (just kidding, ... or not?).
The temple is run over by plants (tree roots and algae everywhere), it is in ruins with falling walls and piling stone blocks.
BUT, you will get to see and feel that magical quality of a truly ancient temple, even more so than a morning exploration of Ta Prohm. Tourists are scarce, the jungle is quiet, and you will have the place for yourself.
Do not wait, though. This Angkor temple is the best kept secret of Cambodia, and soon it may very well be overrun by tourists. A must see and do for a holiday in Cambodia.
Walking on top of the roof of Beng Melea, trying not to fall down the holes.
3. Visit Ta Prohm temple in the early morning
Ta Prohm in the morning is magical. It's unbelievable!
This costs you only $5 for the tuktuk rental, and the willingness to wake up before sunrise.
Plan to be there before 6, and then just the enjoy your walk through the temple as the morning unfolds, and watch the sunlight streaming down the tree leaves while everything else is still silent.
This is the place where the trees, not the temple, are the attraction. Why in the morning? Hardly any tourist, unbelievable photo ops, and some peace and quiet.
Another must see and do for a holiday in Cambodia.
4. See the sunset from the top of Phnom Bakheng temple
Some people call this a tourist trap. Well, yes and no, it depends how you look at it. But either way, Phnom Bakheng (Bakheng Hill) is still an amazing place to see the Angkor Wat sunset.
Although this temple is the default choice for an Angkor Wat sunset, you won't see the sunset with Angkor Wat in the foreground.
You will, however, see the sunset from an the top of ancient temple (Phnom Bakheng is older than Angkor Wat by 200 some years), plus other amazing views that you can only see from being at the top. This place is tremendously popular, that you will be surrounded by fellow tourists when hiking up the hill, watching the sunset, going down the narrow stairs, and finally hiking back down.
It could be so crowded, that you even have to guard your sitting spot. In this case, being part of the tourist stampede is as interesting as the sunset watching itself. I still very much recommend it!
People climbing up the temple ready to catch the sunset at top of Phnom Bakheng.
5. Spend a day in a Cambodian village
We went on a tour called "A Day In A Life", and it was a blast!
We drove an ox cart, worked in the farm field, planted corn and cucumber, had lunch with a Cambodian family, taught children some English in their village school, and went to the city dam where Cambodian relax. That was a very tiring day at the Cambodian village, but there's nothing like it. Another must see and do for a holiday in Cambodia.
Squeezing ourselves into the little pig pen. We could hardly move.
So in short...
We had so much fun with these activities in Cambodia that are on my Cambodia must see/do list. If you have a limited time and can't see or do them all, I recommend the sunset and Ta Prohm visit, because they are easy to do even if you only have a day.
If you can stay longer though, and go to some more places, you'll find out that Cambodia is more than just the Angkor Wat. There are many sites out there that are worth seeing, and a holiday in Cambodia will be more memorable if you also visit the non-Angkor-Wat temple sites.
If you want to volunteer in Cambodia while visiting Angkor Wat, you have plenty of opportunity to do so.
There are numerous NGO’s in Siem Reap if you’re interested in doing a volunteer vacation, andmost would be glad if you can help them out by volunteering your time, or by giving some donation or contribution.
Many who visit this town realize quickly that although the tourism industry is booming, not everyone is getting the benefit from it.
Volunteering for one day or even a few hours will let you help the less fortunate people (of which most of them are children). Plus, it will also let you see a glimpse of the life behind the tourism world.
But it’s somewhat tricky to find a legitimate organization through online research. How do you determine whether the organization is a valid one, and really benefits the people they claim to help? Should you join a large international organization, or a small local one? If you're volunteering for an extended period of time, should you choose a paid volunteering program, or arrange everything yourself?
To help you answer these questions, there are several resources that you can look into prior to coming to volunteer in Cambodia.
Ethical Volunteering – a good read for anyone interested in volunteering abroad. It lays out some important questions about volunteering.
Women on the Road – an excellent page about volunteer vacation in general (where you pay money to work), with links to other volunteering resources.
Singing Tree Café – a café in Siem Reap that doubles as a community center for volunteering opportunities. They also lists volunteer organizations that they recommend on their website.
Preparing to volunteer in Cambodia
To get you started, below you'll find some organizations that you can look into. They are all located in Siem Reap or near Siem Reap, so you can be sure to have the best of both worlds: a vacation, and a giving of service to others.
Some of the NGOs below have excellent information about themselves on their website. I recommend future volunteers to read through them in detail, because knowing as much as possible about your organization will only benefit the both of you.
This way, you’ll find out which organizations match your interest the most, and could use your skills most effectively. By ensuring a good fit, you get the satisfaction that you've helped as much as you can, while the NGOs and its people benefit by being helped in the most effective way.
You can contact each organization for possible volunteering opportunities, and details such as whether you’d like to volunteer for a few hours, weeks, or maybe even months.
Volunteer organizations in Siem Reap
Here are some organizations that arrange volunteer programs regularly.
While the above are actual organizations that you can volunteer with, there are others whose main function is to allocate volunteers to the appropriate NGOs. If you choose to volunteer through these companies, usually you would have to pay in advance for the whole program, and it usually includes room and board. Cost varies, and they also depend on the length of stay.
Some of the companies that place volunteers in Siem Reap are:
Globalteer
WLS
United Planet
So in short...
Volunteering can be a life-changing experience, and it usually is, no matter what you end up doing. However, it is still worth it to find NGOs that fit your values and interest the most, so you know that your help is going towards the most appropriate need, and provide benefit to all.
At the very least, it is helpful to know what you’ll be doing when you volunteer, so that you can come prepared, and be ready to contribute as much as you can.
When you search for Cambodia tour on Google, you will get lots and lots of results.
And for the most part, a lot of what you'll find will be generic ho hum tours that actually make Cambodia look boring. What a crime! What's more, they're costly. A two-day Cambodian tour package in Siem Reap could cost $200 or more.
Now, if you have the means then go for it. But I think one of the reasons people visit the Asian region is because Asia is cheap. Cheap compared to Western countries that is.
So if you spend big money on tours then that point is completely lost isn't it?
But do not worry. There are other ways to go on tours, have great experiences, visit interesting places, and still pay a reasonable price! How you ask? By going on day trip tours my friend.
Compared to an all comprehensive tour package that can last for 2 days or more, day trips are low-cost and give you great flexibility for customization. They keep you busy during the day and free during the night to roam the town for dinner and shopping.
Here are the best Cambodia tours we've found:
Angkor Wat Discovery Tour
This is the most popular tour out there and for good reason. The Angkor Wat temple alone is a legitimate reason to visit Cambodia, but this tour includes other great sites as well.
Some of them are the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the giant trees at the Ta Prohm temple (the set of Tomb Raider), the Bayon temple (4 mystical faces of Buddha that are oh so famous), the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, and other lesser known but equally interesting temples.
This introductory tour gives you all you could want from an Angkor Wat tour.
This Cambodia tour allows you to see other ancient temples that are farther away from town.
The main event will be a visit to Banteay Srei where the temple carvings are so detailed and very well preserved. It is touted as the most beautiful temple of all and it lives up to the claims.
Also included is a hike through the lush green Cambodian forest to Kbal Spean where waterfalls and 1000 Linggas on the riverbed await. A visit to Banteay Samre, a picturesque temple that is lesser known, is also included.
Best price found at The Villa Siem Reap, $28 per person. Lunch and water throughout the day is included.
Kampung Phluk, A Stilted Village By The Lake
A visit to one of the three river villages of the Tonle Sap lake is a must, and Kampung Phluk is one of those villages. You may have seen pictures of river villages, but none will compare to the real experience.
During the wet season when the water level is high, villagers adapt by raising their stilted houses as high as 10 meters to prevent them from being flooded. You can see how they base their livelihood on the rising and falling of the Tonle Sap lake by fishing and shrimp harvesting.
This Cambodia tour is number #1 on our Top 5 list.
Best price found at The Villa Siem Reap, $25 per person. Lunch and water throughout the day is included. Click here to read our experience at Kampung Phluk.
Kampung Khleang, A Floating Village
This is the farthest river village from Siem Reap, which means there are hardly any visitors. Like Kampung Phluk, Kampung Khleang has for the most part remained the same as it has always been.
A visit to this remote village will allow you to see how life really is in a Cambodian village with floating and stilted houses. A great Cambodia tour that you will definitely be memorable.
Best price found at Peace of Angkor, $35 per person. Lunch not included.
Beng Melea, Temple Ruins In The Jungle
The ultimate Cambodia adventure tour. A temple that will satisfy any travel adventurer.
This great temple has almost no tourists so you will get the place to yourself. For now, this is one of the best kept secrets of Cambodian magical temples. You must visit before it gets more famous.
At this temple, you really can put on your "Tomb Raider" hat because it involves a lot of climbing, over, under, and through fallen walls and tree roots.
On the way, you will also visit several other sites like the charming Banteay Srei 2, the stone quarry mine on the river, and incense stick production.
Best price found at The Villa Siem Reap, $30 per person. Lunch and water throughout the day is included. Click here to read the amazing time we had at Beng Melea.
A Day in a Cambodian village
Visiting Cambodia is not the same as living there, but this tour gives you a chance to be part of a Cambodian village for one day.
You will get to plant corn or harvest rice, teach English to village kids, spend time with Cambodian villagers, and have lunch with a local family.
Be prepared to enjoy your your day thoroughly. Nothing else will get you a closer look at Cambodian life short of living there. This is a Cambodia tour unlike any other.
Tour found only The Villa Siem Reap, $30 per person with part of the proceeds going towards the local village. Lunch and water throughout the day is included. Click here to read about our day at a Cambodian village.
'Make A Difference' Tour
The Other Side of Cambodian Life
Although tourism is flourishing in Siem Reap, most Cambodians still live in poverty. Several non-governmental organizations have been created to help their condition.
This tour will show you some organizations that help Cambodians live a better life.
You will walk through the local streets where people live, visit a school for the disabled. You will also see orphanages, the AIDS organization that houses the people and teaches them craft skills, a water filter foundation, the silk farm company that employs many Cambodians, and the pottery workshop. A Cambodia tour that puts Cambodian life in perspective.
Tour found only The Villa Siem Reap, $25 per person. Lunch and water throughout the day is included.
Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
A delight for anyone who is interested in wildlife. Thousands of storks and other birds gather in vast numbers during the dry season. Truly one of the wonders of Asia.
The sanctuary is government run and is quite a distance from Siem Reap. This Cambodia tour usually leaves very early in the morning and goes first to the Chong Kneas floating village and then takes a boat across the Tonle Sap lake to the environment centre.
Best price found at Peace of Angkor, $90 per person (depends on group size). Lunch and entrance ticket is included.
* There is another tour program organized by Osmose Tonle Sap for $80 per person, but their website is often down.
So In Short...
For more information and about these Cambodia tours, you can contact the above two villas directly. The details or price may change slightly, but the general idea should remain the same.
We went with The Villa Siem Reap tours on our trip, and we had such a great experience with them that we would not hesitate to use their services again.
Have fun planning a great Cambodia tour!
Where would you like to go now?
Bored of seeing the same package holidays everywhere? Contact Exotissimo Travel for a tailored made experience in Southeast Asia.Kampung Phluk: A Different World
Would you like a real and authentic cultural experience while in Cambodia? Kampung Phluk is your answer. Going to this river village by the Tonle Sap lake is like stepping into another world. No# 1 on our list. Angkor Wat Sunset At Phnom Bakheng
Where is the one great place to watch the sunset in Angkor Wat? You will get different answers to this question, but one name will come up often and that is Phnom Bakheng. And we agree, but for a totally different reason than most everyone else. Number #4 on our list. Life in a Cambodian Village
When you're in Cambodia, why not visit a Cambodian village? We did, in fact, we spent a whole day there and we had so much fun! We go so far as to put it as number #5 on our must-see and must-do list.
Amok Restaurant on Pub Street's Passage
If this is your first time trying Cambodian food? Why not start with amok, their national dish?
This coconut based 'curry' dish is flavorful without being too strong and is familiar enough to many taste buds. The perfect choice for a first time encounter with Cambodian food.
Amok at the passage
The Red Piano on Pub St.
With its corner location, this Cambodian restaurant is probably the most prominent in Pub Street. You can enjoy your meal on the balcony upstairs, that way you have a great view of the scenery below.
View from Red Piano's balcony
Le Tigre de Papier on Pub St.
Le Tigre de Papier (The Paper Tiger) is one of those cute restaurants in Siem Reap. It has good food, free internet, free Wi-Fi, fast service, book exchange, and a cooking class. What more can you ask for?
Le Tigre de Papier seen from Pub St.
FCC Angkor Restaurant on Pokambor Ave.
This restaurant has a relaxing view, great service, good food, and comfortable surroundings. I'd go here again in a heartbeat. I think this is one of the nicer Siem Reap restaurants.
Relaxing view at FCC Angkor
Madam Sachiko Cookies and Cafe Puka Puka, on the road to Angkor Wat.
You simply must stop by Café Puka Puka and the Madam Sachiko Cookies store on your way back from Angkor Wat. The cookies and the shake are just the perfect way to end your Angkor Wat day tour
The best drink ever
Traditional Khmer Food Restaurant on Pub Street's Passage
The Khmer curry at this restaurant is really good! Come here if you’re looking for good, hearty, cheap Cambodian food at a nice Cambodian restaurant. They have a $3.25 daily special which includes food and drink.
Cambodian owned and run restaurant
Curry Walla on Sivatha Blvd.
One of Siem Reap's restaurants was dubbed as the restaurant with Best Value for Money in 2006, and that is Curry Walla on Sivatha Blvd. I decided to try it based on that claim alone. It turns out the food is good; there's fast, free internet; and they do delivery also. See a page of the menu here.
Curry Walla from the sidewalk
Chamkaron Pub Street's Alley
Looking for a vegetarian restaurant in Siem Reap? Chamkar is one of them, and it's easily one of the best restaurants I've tried in town. The food was simply delicious! Whether or not you're a vegetarian, don't miss trying out this restaurant. They serve Cambodian food here, but I think it'll suit most tastebuds.
Chamkar restaurant
What's Your Favorite Cambodian Restaurant in Siem Reap?
Please do share with other visitors your favorite restaurant in Siem Reap. What did you like about it? Great food? Great price? Great location? Free internet? Free delivery?
Siem Reap is a small town. You can walk around the downtown area and still cover a lot of ground.
That said, there are several choices of transportation to get around this town. Especially useful when you're trying to visit the Angkor temples, whether near or far.
Bicycle
Since Siem Reap's terrain is pretty much flat, it's is easy to cruise around with bicycles. You can even go to Angkor Wat using bicycles, because although that's rather far, it is still doable. I personally think bicycle is the way to go for getting around town (once you get over the traffic quirks here).
You can rent a bike easily from your hotel or guesthouse. There are also many small mom and pop places that rent out bicycles. If you see several bicylces lined up by the street or major roads, you can be sure they are for rent.
The rate ranges from $1 - $2 per day, and choices vary, from a proper mountain bike with speeds, to the regular cruising bikes. They will also give you the bike lock when you rent, so you can wander around without worrying about the bike.
There is charity organization that rents out bicycles through guesthouses for $2/day. The proceed will be used to aid projects for the rural areas. You can find out more about The White Bicycles here.
The white bicyles
Moto (Motorcycle)
Somehow, in Siem Reap foreigners aren't allowed to rent motorcycle and drive it themselves. So the next best choice is to rent one and hop on behind the driver. No helmet is provided, so hop on with that risk in mind.
If you're a solo traveler, moto would be good choice. It's cheaper than tuktuk, and faster as well. The going rate is between $6 - $8 per day.
PS. Although theoretically foreigners are not allowed to rent motorcycles, there is a tour company that does that. You can find out about dirt biking from Hidden Cambodia Adventure tours.
Tuktuk
By far the most popular choice of Siem Reap and Angkor transportation. A tuktuk is a motorcycle pulling a hooded carriage. Some can fit only 2, some others up to 4 (or more if you can squeeze yourselves in).
It is comfortable method for exploring the area. The cushion is comfortable, you can put your feet up if you're really tired, and lean back and just enjoy the sights. The hood is also a big plus, because it protects you from the hot sun or the pouring rain.
Some tuktuks also have plastic 'doors' and 'windows'. Most of the time they are rolled up to keep them out of the way, and pulled down only when necessary. The plastic barrier comes in several sections, but they all zip up together nicely.
This feature could be particularly useful when it's raining outside or if you find the wind and dust are just too much.
Tuktuks usually cost $10 - $13 per day, and drivers usually charge few dollars more for longer distances. For a short ride to town, it' usually 2000 Riel - $1 per ride.
Also, you won't have a hard time finding an empty tuktuk. Tuktuk drivers fully anticipate Siem Reap tourism to increase, so their number seems to increase as well. Some even have a website that you can book in advance, like Mr Pik Savuth at Angkor Tuktuk, or Mr. Sotheara, at Angkorwat Driver.
Taxi, Car or Van
You can also rent a car or a van to get around. Although they are a bit of an overkill for short distances, I wholeheartedly love them for long distances.
If you plan to go to Phnom Kulen, Kbal Spean, Banteay Srei or Beng Mealea, you might want to use a car or a van. Those Angkor temples are rather far for a tuktuk ride, and the roads aren't exactly tuktuk friendly, ie. bumpy roads and dust particles flying around.
A car /van should cost $20 - $30 per day, depending on the distance. At this point it helps if you can find other people to share the ride.
So In Short...
Getting around Siem Reap is tremendously easy. Traffic isn't so bad either, merely regular slowing downs and stops at the lights.
It is still such a small town, that you can get from point A to point B in five minutes, and reach faraway Angkor temples without traffic. There is no stress at all in regards to traffic, but be forewarned that sometimes drivers go around a bit recklessly. This could look a bit alarming, but since all drivers are used to driving style, it seems they get around just fine.
It’s made by mat and cotton. 
One of Siem Reap tourism leading industries: Artisans d'Angkor silk 
This is the most popular tour out there and for good reason. 
This Cambodia tour allows you to see other ancient temples that are farther away from town. 
The ultimate Cambodia adventure tour. A temple that will satisfy any travel adventurer. 
Although tourism is flourishing in Siem Reap, 
