Angkor Wat Siem Reap, Cambodia Travel Guide
Local SIM cards are easily purchased at the airport or in The City of temples town. Smart Axiata, Cellcard, and Metfone are main providers. Data packages are affordable.
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and cafes in Siem Reap. Quality varies but generally suffices for basic browsing and messaging.
Postal services are available. Reliability for sending packages has an issue. Postcards generally reach their destination.
Khmer is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas by hotel staff, restaurant workers, guides, and tuk-tuk drivers. Some older Cambodians speak French.
For consistent mobile internet, an ESIM from Airalo presents a digital solution. Local SIM cards offer good value for longer stays. Wi-Fi remains widely available in tourist hubs.
Be aware of typical operating hours and holiday impacts on services.
Angkor Archaeological Park generally operates from 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Angkor Wat opens earlier at 5:00 AM for sunrise viewing.
Restaurants are in operation from early morning until late evening, often past 10 PM. Pub Street bars remain open very late. Old Market operates from 7 AM to 6 PM, Night Market from 5 PM until midnight. Gift shops are generally open 9 AM to 9 PM.
Banks usually run from 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. ATMs are widely available 24/7 in Siem Reap.
Khmer New Year (mid-April) marks a major national holiday. Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day, Sep/Oct) represents an important religious holiday. Water Festival (Oct/Nov) is another significant national holiday.
Some smaller businesses or rural attractions experience reduced hours or temporary closures during the low (wet) season due to fewer tourists.
Check public and religious holiday dates before travel, as services and transport availability change. During major festivals, book accommodation and transportation well in advance.
Engage respectfully with Cambodian culture and traditions.
The traditional Cambodian greeting, the Sampeah, involves pressing hands together in a prayer-like gesture with a brief inclination of the head. Handshakes are common with foreigners, especially in professional settings.
Covered shoulders and knees are mandatory for both men and women while visiting temples. Guards strictly enforce this, especially at Angkor Wat. Modest dress shows honoring local traditions generally outside of temples as well.
Refer to sections related to dining for detailed information on culinary customs and tipping customs.
Generally, photography of people is acceptable, but always ask permission, especially for close-up shots. Military installations are not for photography. Respect religious settings.
Remove shoes before entering Buddhist pagodas or local homes. Do not point your feet at Buddha images, people, or sacred objects. Women should not touch monks. Sit with feet tucked away, avoiding pointing them towards others or religious symbols.
Travelers with mobility challenges or other accessibility needs may encounter certain limitations in Cambodia.
Infrastructure remains limited. Most temples, notably Angkor Wat, feature numerous steep stairs, uneven surfaces, and long distances. These aspects present challenges for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties.
The Angkor National Museum offers ramps and elevators, making it relatively accessible. Some modern hotels in The Cultural capital of cambodia feature accessible rooms.
Not many specialized services exist for travelers with visual or hearing impairments. Planning ahead and travel with a companion or an agency specializing in accessible travel are recommended.
Seek out specialist tour providers who cater to travelers with disabilities in Southeast Asia. They provide tailored advice and arrangements for accessible journeys.
