Cambodia Budget Trip Part 1: Siem Reap

Cambodia is 1 of the countries that most tourists that are really into visiting ancient sites, tombs and old ruins to learn more about the certain country's history. You can refer for more information about Cambodia on their official Site for Tourism of Cambodia. There are a lot of attractions which you can find during your visit at Cambodia. I’ll cover a few main destinations for your to visit and how you can minimize your budget during your trip around Cambodia.

Siem Reap

Cambodia Backpacker from outside

The living room

There are a few good accomodation for you to choose, either you travel with travel mates, or family members. One of it is Cambodia Backpacker which is located in the middle of Siem Reap where the exact location is just facing the Siem Reap River. You can refer to the map in the link as provided to get the specific location of this accommodation area.

Twin Room bed

Cambodia Backpacker provides 2 types of room which is dormitory and Twin Room/Double Room. The rates form dormitory is around RM15.00 per night which consists on basic single beds, ceiling fan and sharing bathroom and toilets. For Twin Room/Double Room, there are a few categories which as follows (kindly take note the rates are depending on currency exchange):

Single occupancy with no hot water and no air conditioning is around RM20.00 per room per night.
Double occupancy with no hot water and no air conditioning is around RM25.00 per room per night

Single occupancy with hot water and no air conditioning is around RM25.00 per room per night
Double occupancy with hot water and no air conditioning is around RM28.00 per room per night

Single occupancy with hot water and air conditioning is around RM35.00 per room per night
Double occupancy with hot water and air conditioning is around RM40.00 per room per night

Siem Reap at a glance

The Floating Village

It is easy to maneuver around Siem Reap as similar as Bangkok, "tuk-tuk" is everywhere and will take you to almost every corner of Siem Reap. Dont' forget to visit the Floating Market which is located 30 minutes southward from Siem Reap. You will then take a boat along the river. Besides the market, you can also see floating houses, shops even a school. This is definitely a new experience you would like to see.

The Old Market (Phsar Chas)

The Old Market or locally known as Phsar Chas is located nearby Pub Street. You can find various of stuff such as silks, silverworks, statuary art, handicrafts (e.g t-shirts, post cards, etc). The Old Market is open from morning and closed at 8pm.


Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat main temple

You need an admission pass or Angkor Pass to visit the temples and sites in Angkor Archeological Park. You can purchase these passes at the main entrance to Angkor Wat and Banteay Srey. These passes are sold in one day pass around RM64, 3 days pass around RM128 and seven days pass around RM192. (prices varies and may changed). The 3 day pass is valid for one week, which you can use in any days within a week and not necessarily consecutively. The 7 day pass is valid for one month, which you can use in any days within a month and not necessarily consecutively.

Banteay Srey temple

1 day visit allows you to see the famous attractions within the temple but this could be taking a very short period of time. 3 days should be sufficient to visit all of the major temples once, and a few of the minor and also have a little extra time for you to look around the scenery. 7 day pass is totally more than enough for you to explore more of the ruins, visit many more minor structures as well. Don't for get you need 1 passport sized photo at the time of purchase for 3 and 7 days pass. They provide free photo as well if you didn't bring any, just afraid that this will take longer time for the to process it at peak entrance hours.

Kbla Spean view

Visiting hours are from 5am to 6pm. Angkor Wat closes at 6pm, Banteay Srey closes at 5pm and Kbla Spean at 3pm. You should always keep your passes with you as it will be checked everytime when u enter at any park entry and at major temples. If you disobey the rules, they will not hesitate to fine you for not producing a valid pass in the zone area. A regular admission pass is not required to enter Phnom Kulen, Koh Ker or Beng Melea as there will be a separate entrance fee which will cost you around RM64, RM32 and RM16.

Angkor Archeological Park spreads more than 400km square and there are dozens and dozens of temple ruins in the area which all in different states of ruin and displaying a range of artistic and architecture styles. Try to get a plan on the temple itinerary as this will assist you more on the places that you would like to see as your own personal temple itinerary.

try and experience to cycle around the temple

Since the temples are quite far apart to walk, there are transportation for you to choose which include 2 person motorcycle trailers or moto romauk which costs around RM32-RM42, taxi RM64-RM80, motorcycle taxi or motodup RM20-RM29 or bicycles for RM7-10. These rates are based on day basis. Please take note that these prices are depending on the distant of the temple, such as Banteay Srey, Phnom Kulen, Kbal Spean and Koh Ker. Try to cycle around as it is currently the best solution so far which you can cover more areas rather than to get other transports. You can also get these arrangements by your hotel or travel agent.

My Red Backpack will continue on Part 2 for Cambodia budget trip where we'll cover Phnom Penh.