Tips for travellers going to Siem Reap, Cambodia

If you are a history buff Siem Reap will outstand your expectation. Gateway to the famous Angkor Wat ,this town in Northwest Cambodia is a must visit place for all travel lovers. Here's a few tips for travellers wishing to explore this place.

• Country : Cambodia 
• Our travelling details : We had boarded a flight for Siem Reap from Don Muang Airport [DMK] in Bangkok. Travelling time was 55 mins. As we had booked an all inclusive package from Make my trip so air tickets and VISA formalities was handled by them.
• Currency : Cambodian Riel  [ But one can easily use Dollar which is although regarded as the second currency of the country but by experience we felt, its used more frequently than Riel in hotels/shops/public transport and the like. Carry small denominations like $1, $2, $5 and $10 more as most of the items will not cost you more than this ]
• Weather : It hot and humid almost throughout the year. Months from November to March are dry and temperature preferable for exploring. [ We had visited in the month of December and could comfortably move around in cotton tees and quarter length trousers ]
• Power Socket outlet used : Voltage 230V , frequency - 50Hz, Power socket Type A/C/G

• Cuisines to try : Fish / Chicken Amok, Khamer Red Curry, Nom banh Chok (Khmer noodles), fried ice creams, Banana chocolate milo pancake
• Places not to be missed :
• In Angkor Archeological Park - Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm,  Baphuon, Wall of king Leper, Terrace of the Elephants
• Banteay Srei
• Kbal Spean
• Tonle Sap lake and floating village
• Old Market
• Siem reap night market
• Pub street
• Angkor Pass Information : Angkor Pass is required for visiting all temples in Angkor Archeological Park, Banteay Srei and Kbal Spean. These places cannot be covered in a single day. 1 day pass costs $20, 3 days pass $40 (where you can visit the places on any three days within a weeks time) and 7 days pass $60. Its preferrable to get a 3 days pass and go around at ease. Donot lose your pass as its has to be produced before you enter the temples. Owing to innumerable travellers going to the destination the temples get overcrowded and if you wish to avoid standing in queue start your temple tour early in the mornings when the temperature is cooler and number of tourists less.
• Dress Code: In the temples espacially Angkor Wat you will not be allowed to enter unless you dress modestly (shoulders and legs covered.. A cotton t-shirt and trouser should be good enough). As the country is mosty hot carry light cotton fabric cloths along. Wear comfortable shoes when you are going for temple tour and Kbal Spean tour as you need to walk a lot in both the places.