Siem Reap travel tips: what to know before you go

Things to know

1. Greet people with the sompeah: palms together at chest height with a slight bow; the higher the hands, the greater the respect.
2. Cover shoulders and knees at temples; it is enforced at Angkor Wat's upper level and at the Royal Palace and pagodas.
3. Remove shoes before entering a pagoda prayer hall or someone's home, and do not point your feet at Buddha images or people.
4. Women should not touch monks or hand objects directly to them.
5. Do not climb on fragile carvings or sit on temple walls; follow signs closing sections of the ruins.
6. Avoid giving money or sweets to children selling souvenirs, and do not visit orphanages as a tourist activity; child-protection groups advise against both.
7. Book Angkor Wat ahead: Buy your Angkor Pass online or at the official ticket centre before the first morning; it carries your photo and is checked at temple entrances.
8. Book Phnom Bakheng ahead: Numbers on the summit are capped at sunset; arrive well before sunset if you want to get in.
9. Book Phare, The Cambodian Circus ahead: Shows can sell out in the December–February high season; reserve a day or two ahead.
10. US dollars are used for most tourist prices, with change under a dollar given in riel (roughly 4,000 riel to the dollar).

Tipping

Tipping is not traditional but has become common in tourism. A dollar or two for good restaurant service is appreciated; tuk-tuk drivers and guides who spend a full day with you are usually tipped a few dollars more.

Language

What to wear

Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees suit both the heat and temple rules. Wear shoes with grip for steep, uneven stairs, and carry a hat and a scarf or krama for sun.

Practical details

Plugs and voltage

Type A, C and G sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz

Drinking water

Do not drink tap water; bottled and filtered water is cheap, and many cafés and hotels offer refills.

Emergency number

117 police, 118 fire, 119 ambulance

Phone and internet

Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs from Cellcard, Smart and Metfone are inexpensive, and Wi-Fi is standard in hotels, cafés and restaurants.

Time zone

Asia/Phnom Penh

Siem Reap is relaxed for visitors, but bag snatching from passing motorbikes and overcharging by touts at the floating villages are the common problems. Heat and dehydration are the main risks at the temples, especially from March to May. At remote sites such as Koh Ker, stay on marked paths.

Plan the trip

Siem Reap travel guide · When to go · Costs.

Questions travellers ask