How to Plan Your City Walking Tour in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a bustling tourist town, known for its prominent temples, vibrant night markets, and natural beauty. A city walking tour is an excellent way to explore the city’s inner core and learn about its history and culture while enjoying a leisurely stroll. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to plan your city walking tour in Siem Reap, along with some key highlights of the tour.

Experience

On this walking tour, you’ll explore Siem Reap’s inner city and visit some of its most notable attractions, including:

Highlights

– Take in the Royal Residence
– Explore the pagoda and stroll through the Royal Gardens
– Wander through Kandal Village with its boutique stores and coffee houses set among historical colonial architecture
– Visit the largest pagoda in the city with its epic reclining Buddha
– Experience Pub Street by day and learn some local tips for a great nighttime experience
– Explore a little of Siem Reap’s central market

How to Plan Your City Walking Tour in Siem Reap

Booking your city walking tour in Siem Reap is easy. Simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose Your Date and Time

Before booking your tour, it’s essential to choose the date and time that works best for you. The tour is available daily, and you can choose from three different start times: 8:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM.

Step 2: Book Your Tour

Once you’ve decided on your preferred start time, it’s time to book your tour. Click on the following link to book your tour: book the tour here. By using the link, you’ll be redirected to a third-party booking platform where you can complete your booking.

Step 3: Meet Your Guide

You’ll meet your tour guide at the meeting point as specified in the booking confirmation email. The guide will take you through the various stops on the tour and provide you with insightful commentary on the city’s history and culture.

Tour Description

The tour begins at the Royal Residence, where you’ll explore the lavish gardens and learn about the city’s former empire. After that, you’ll visit Kandal Village, a quaint area with boutique stores and coffee houses set among historical colonial architecture. While wandering through the village, you’ll learn about its history and culture from your guide.

The next stop is Wat Preah Prom Rat, the largest pagoda in the city known for its epic reclining Buddha. Here, your guide will give you an introduction to how pagodas and Buddhism factor into daily Cambodian life.

Your tour will then take you to Pub Street, one of the most popular areas in Siem Reap. Here, you’ll get tips from your guide on how to make the most of your nighttime experience in the city. Finally, you’ll explore a little of Siem Reap’s central market, where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs or local food.

Conclusion

A city walking tour is an excellent way to explore Siem Reap’s inner city and experience the historical and cultural significance of its landmarks. By following the steps above, you can easily book your tour and enjoy a memorable experience in this vibrant Cambodian city.

Frequently Asked Questions About Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a charming city located in the northwestern part of Cambodia. It is best known for its stunning temples, including the famous Angkor Wat. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the city.

1. What is the best time to visit Siem Reap?

Siem Reap is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from November to February. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and there is minimal rainfall. However, this is also the high season, and prices for accommodations and tours may be higher than usual. March to May is the hottest time of the year, and the crowds are relatively less. The rainy season starts in May and ends in October, but the rain rarely lasts all day. The countryside is lush and green during the rainy season, making it a perfect time for nature lovers.

2. How do I get to Siem Reap?

Siem Reap has an international airport, the Siem Reap International Airport. There are direct flights from many Asian cities, including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Singapore. If you are traveling from the US or Europe, you can take connecting flights via one of these cities. There are also several land border crossings from neighboring countries, including Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

3. What are the must-visit temples in Siem Reap?

Siem Reap is home to many ancient temples, and a visit to the city is incomplete without exploring at least some of them. Here are some of the must-visit temples in Siem Reap:

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the most famous and iconic temple in Siem Reap, and for a good reason. It is the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II to honor the Hindu god Vishnu.

Bayon Temple

Another popular temple in Siem Reap is Bayon Temple. It is known for its many smiling faces carved on the towers. The temple was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII and is a representation of the Buddhist Mahayana philosophy.

Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is a unique temple that has been left to the mercy of nature. The temple is known for its massive trees that grow on top of the ruins, giving it an eerie, yet beautiful atmosphere. It was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery.

4. What are the best things to do in Siem Reap?

Apart from exploring the ancient temples, there are many other things to do in Siem Reap. Here are some of the best things to do in Siem Reap:

Ride a Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-tuks are the most common mode of transportation in Siem Reap, and riding one is a must-do experience. They are affordable, fun, and a great way to see the city.

Visit the Night Markets

Siem Reap has many night markets, and visiting them is an excellent way to experience the local culture. You can shop for souvenirs, sample local delicacies, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Take a Khmer Cooking Class

Khmer cuisine is delicious, and taking a cooking class is an exciting way to learn more about it. There are many cooking classes in Siem Reap, and they usually include a visit to the local market to buy fresh ingredients.

5. What is the currency used in Siem Reap?

The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR). However, US dollars are widely accepted in Siem Reap, and it is often more convenient to use dollars instead of the local currency. ATMs are widely available in Siem Reap, and most of them dispense US dollars.

6. Is Siem Reap safe for tourists?

Siem Reap is a relatively safe city, and violent crimes are rare. However, tourists should be cautious of petty theft, particularly in crowded areas like markets and busy temples. It is advisable to keep valuables like passports, credit cards, and cash in a safe place and not carry them around unnecessarily.

7. What should I wear when visiting the temples?

The ancient temples in Siem Reap are sacred sites, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees, and avoiding revealing or tight-fitting clothing. It is also recommended to wear comfortable shoes as exploring the temples often involves a lot of walking.

8. Do I need a visa to visit Siem Reap?

Yes, most visitors to Cambodia require a visa to enter the country, including Siem Reap. You can get a visa on arrival at the airport or land border crossings by paying a fee. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa online before your trip. Make sure to check the latest visa requirements and fees before your trip.

Conclusion

Siem Reap is a city that has a lot to offer, from ancient temples and delicious cuisine to vibrant night markets and exciting activities. By keeping these frequently asked questions in mind, you can prepare for a memorable trip to this fascinating city.