Angkor Wat
A trip to Cambodia is not complete without a visit to Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples of Bayon and Ta Prohm. Nature has taken over Ta Prohm, and here you will see trees literally growing through the walls and ancient structures in a strange, symbiotic relationship. Ta Prohm's claim to fame is that the film Tomb Raider was filmed there. Bayon is also interesting in that the entire complex has over two hundred large visages of the legendary Khmer king Jayavarman VII carved onto the many large pillars and towers. Angkor Wat is, of course, the highlight and the most well-known temple in Cambodia. It is the world's largest religious building. It is a very impressive sight and great for photographs during sunrise and sunset. You should be able to see all three of these temples in half a day, but if you are a true history and temple enthusiast, there are plenty of other old Khmer complexes in the area and you can easily spend a couple of days visiting them all. Keep in mind that for each day of temple hopping, you will need to pay US$20 to access all of the temples.
Around Siem Reap
There are a few things to do in the city of Siem Reap, but not enough for more than a day. A visit to the Old Market and the surrounding streets is a must. This is a traditional market that caters to both foreigners and locals. Souvenirs, crafts, and knickknacks can be found around the perimeter of the market, while the center of the market sells produce, meats, and kitchen supplies to the locals. The surrounding streets are also worth a stroll and have relatively higher-end goods that are more fashionable, but still inexpensive. You should make it a point to have a meal on Pub Street, which is a strip of very affordable restaurants and bars where you can get both local and western food. The entrees are about US$5 and a local draft beer is only fifty cents, so you will not break your wallet. The restaurants are open for both lunch and dinner, in case you want to avoid the area in the evenings. One thing you do need to keep in mind are the beggars and touts who will harass you at every turn and will not take no for an answer. This is something you will just need to get used to.
During the evenings, you can drink your night away at Pub Street, or pick a restaurant that offers an Apsara dancing show. This is a traditional dancing style that incorporates slow movements, and is usually performed solo or in groups by men and women in traditional regalia. It's worth checking out if you have a free night.
Outside of Siem Reap
You can spend a day outside of Siem Reap by visiting some of the surrounding villages. One village worth visiting is Kompong Phhluk, about one hour away from Siem Reap by tuk-tuk. What makes Kompong Phhluk unique is that the entire village is built on high stilts as it is close to the river and the very large Tonle Sap Lake, where the water rises significantly during the rainy season and floods the entire countryside. Getting there requires a drive and even a boat ride if the water levels are high. From Kompong Phhluk, you can continue down a river by boat to Tonle Sap Lake to visit the floating village of Chong Kneas, also built on stilts, but situated on the lake itself. If you go during the dry season, the water will be brown and the water levels very low, sometimes making even travel by boat difficult. Regardless, I recommend it as it will give you a glimpse of village life outside of the tourist havens.
Places to Stay
A wonderful place to stay is the Pavillon D' Orient, a small hotel on the outer edges of Siem Reap. The price is very reasonable (about US$95 a night) and you will be treated like royalty. The food is great, service excellent, and there are plenty of frills. All room rates include a personal tuk-tuk driver that will be at your disposal for the entire duration of your stay. Having a personal tuk-tuk driver is a good idea during a visit to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat regardless of where you stay, as it is very difficult to get to town or the temples on your own, or more costly if you want to hire a driver separately for each excursion. Even within Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples, you will need a driver to take you from place to place as the temples are not within walking distance.
Getting in and Out of Cambodia
Cambodia taxes all visitors US$20 dollars upon arrival and US$25 upon departure. In order to get your visa, you will need to come with a passport photo of yourself. If you forget, you can pay a little extra and get one at the airport. US dollars are really the preferred currency for your visa and for pretty much everything else in the country. Oddly, even ATMs in the country only dispense dollars (not the Cambodian Riel), so don't hesitate to bring some with you as you will be able to use it easily.
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