Below is something which was written up as a guide for some friends to help with their visit but it’s mostly relevant for anyone.
Visas, etc.
This applies for US citizens. Please check this site.
You will need exact change on arrival at Siem Reap International Airport for visa application + 2 passport size photos. Non-negotiable.
Visa requirements for Cambodia in 2025 have been updated. Here’s what you need to know:
- E-Visa: Travelers can apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) before arrival. It allows a 30-day stay and can be obtained online through the official eVisa website.
- Visa on Arrival: Available at major airports and land borders. The fee is $30 for a tourist visa and $35 for a business visa, with an additional $7 processing fee.
- Electronic Arrival Card: Starting in 2025, air travelers must complete an Electronic Arrival Card (CeA) at least 7 days before arrival.
The guys letting you in at immigration—after they issue your visa (separate counter)—may ask you for extra $$ but you can ignore them. There are large notices asking you NOT to give them ‘tips’. (this was several years ago – your mileage may vary – just be polite)
Booking a Hotel
I booked my hotel via hotels.com. Look through and select ones that have free WiFi—most offer free airport pickup/drop-off. I had two cars show up to pick me up. The tour guide also included pick-up and drop-off in the tour price (you could opt out from hotel and save a few bucks if applicable).
Tour is paid in US dollars, so carry that amount. Hotels accept credit cards, and if using Hotels.com you will prepay for the stay and be charged extra for food and drinks.
If you prefer to try different restaurants, you should book closer to the city center. I stayed at Cyclo d’Angkor Boutique hotel.
But check the prices and user review stars and choose accordingly.
Flying In
I did not have a direct flight to Siem Reap (Phnom Penh is the capital a few hours away by road), so I flew from Chennai to Bangkok and then to Siem Reap.
Stayed in a hotel (Lotus Apartment Hotel) in Chennai, a little far from the airport. I used Ola and it cost me about 300 Indian Rupees vs. the 900 Rupees the cabs were charging.
Only two flights per day from BKK: one at 8 AM and one at 3+ PM. Return flights are at 7 PM.
Check Hipmunk, Kayak, and Hopper for flights. I now use google.com/flights.
I stayed at U-Tiny Boutique in Bangkok a few minutes away and they offered pickup and drop off – I landed the night before and my flight was at 8 in the morning.
The Tour and the Guide
I used Happy Angkor Wat Tours; my guide was Mr. Veasna (a localized version of Vishnu).
I used tripadvisor.com to find the tour, looked for the most positive reviews and reached out to a couple and Happy Angkor was quick to respond and customize the tour for me.
If you book through your hotel, the costs will go up considerably. Book directly. They can arrange for a small van or a couple of cars for larger groups.
Pacing the Tour
The actual tour differed from the plan—I let my guide adjust based on weather, crowd, and comfort. We visited all the sites but reduced wait times and long walks.
Start early. Tours often begin at 5 AM for sunrise at Angkor Wat. Plan for lots of noisy tourists.
Departure Planning
On my last day, my flight was at 7:30 PM, but hotel checkout was noon. I paid for the extra night so I could shower and check out comfortably around 4:30 PM. The airport is only 15 minutes away, but reach at least 2 hours early.
Photography
Best pictures were taken on my Nexus 5 phone—better than my Canon G1X! Travel light – today’s smart phones are light and take awesome pictures!
Money and Currency
Cambodian Riels (1 USD = ~4000+ riels), Thai Baht, and US Dollars accepted. Prefer US Dollars everywhere.
Bring small bills—$1 and $5 notes are especially useful.
Bargaining Tips
Outside supermarkets, bargain like in an Indian vegetable market. Start at 50% off, work up to 70% max. Be kind 🙂
Tourist Pass
A 3-day tourist pass is $40. Must be shown at every temple. It includes your picture.
The Angkor Pass prices for 2025 have been updated! Here’s the latest breakdown:
- 1-Day Pass: $37
- 3-Day Pass: $62 (valid for any 3 days within 10 days)
- 7-Day Pass: $72 (valid for any 7 days within a month)
This pass grants access to Angkor Wat and all the temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, including Bayon, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, and Banteay Srei2.
Where to Buy?
- Angkor Ticket Office (Road 60, Siem Reap) – Open 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Online Purchase – Available at Angkor Enterprise for convenience.
Food
Very good local Khmer food—similar to Thai cuisine, often served in coconut milk.
For me the vegetarian options were okay. Chicken wasn’t great. Fish was good.
I stayed in for meals—weak stomach. For variety, try the TripAdvisor restaurant listings or maps.google.com and type in restaurants near me.
Comfort & Dress Code
- Guide provides cold towels and water.
- Wear light cotton clothing.
- Temples have dress codes: shoulders covered, shorts below the knees (men & women).
- Hats advised (some temples have shade).
- Have your guide buy bulk water (hotel bottles are pricey).
Connectivity
Most restaurants and hotels have WiFi, enough for WhatsApp calls.
But if you prefer you can now find local sim cards on arrival. Remember SMS or texts are limited in SEA – data is cheap so use WhatsApp to text locals or each other.
Where to Buy?
- Siem Reap International Airport (REP) – SIM cards available upon arrival.
- Local Stores & Malls – Official stores for Smart, Metfone, and Cellcard.
- Convenience Stores – Some small shops sell SIM cards, but activation may require a passport.
Top Mobile Operators in Cambodia
- Smart Axiata – Largest network, good coverage in cities and tourist areas.
- Price: $2–$5 for a SIM
- Tourist Plan: $10 for 30GB data, 300 minutes, 300 SMS (valid for 15 days)
- Metfone – Strong coverage, especially in rural areas.
- Price: $2–$5 for a SIM
- Best Plan: $6 for 60GB data, 150 minutes, 150 SMS (valid for 30 days)
- Cellcard – Expanding network, competitive pricing.
- Price: $2–$5 for a SIM
- Best Plan: $6 for 60GB data, 150 minutes, 150 SMS (valid for 30 days)
Angkor Wat and Other Sites
Read the following Wikipedia pages to make the experience richer:
- Angkor Wat
- Pre Rup
- Preah Ko
- Bakong
- Lolei
- Phnom Bakheng
- Banteay Kdei
- Terrace of the Leper King –> Dedicated to Yama Dharma Raja
- Bayon
- Ta Prohm
- Banteay Srei –> Iswarapura (City of Lord Shiva)
- Kbal Spean
Find it here
Here are some Latest findings about this area!
Lidar and maps reveal population of ancient Angkor: Futurity
(LiDAR mapping revealed that 700,000–900,000 people lived in Greater Angkor, covering 3,000 square kilometers.)
Laser Scans Reveal Massive Khmer Cities Hidden in the Cambodian Jungle: Smithsonian Magazine
Lidar Reveals a New City Hidden in the Cambodian Jungle: Discover Magazine
YouTube: Unconventional history
Final Thoughts
I hope you all have a wonderful experience!