Travel Guide to Siem Reap

Indian Embassy Near Siem Reap

Embassy of India
50 Samdach Pan Ave (214), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel No.: (+855-23) 210912 / 210913, Fax No. (+855-23) 213640 / 210914
Embassy Working Hours: 08.30 AM to 05.30 PM

Visa Process for Indians

The following documents are required to get a Cambodian visa:

• Original Passport which is valid for 6 months after leaving Cambodia
• 1 photo: 35mm X 45mm, white background, matte finish, 80 % face size. eyes, ears and forehead clearly visible
• Confirmed air ticket
• Confirmed hotel reservation

Visa Processing Time - 3- 5 Working days

About Siem Reap

Situated on the north-eastern side of the Tonle Sap Lake, Siem Reap is the main access point of the glorious Angkor Wat Temple. The French style houses and the old constructed make this city etched in history. However, the city surprises every traveller when it comes to nightlife. The scene is such that the party never stops until the sun shines again. From world-class hotels to hip hostels for the backpackers, the city has an ideal place for everyone.
 

Top Places to Visit in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat – Serving as the symbol for Cambodia, Angkor Wat has found its place in the national flag. Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument that measures roughly around 162.6 hectares. The temple was initially dedicated to Lord Vishnu during the Khmer Empire; however, by the end of the 12th century, it gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple. This temple square is 5.5 kilometres away from Siem Reap. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, this is the most visited attraction of Cambodia.

Angkor Wat National Museum – Showcasing the majesty of Angkor, the Angkor National Museum lets you walk through the Khmer civilisation and its evolution. The displays in this museum are themed by religion, era, and royalty as visitors move through the striking galleries. Zen-like Gallery of a Thousand Buddhas is the highlight of this museum. To avoid sweltering midday temperatures, plan a visit in the evening.

How to Reach Siem Reap

All major international airlines offer connecting flights from major Indian airports to Siem Reap. Major airlines offering regular flights from India to Cambodia include Bangkok Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Air Asia and Silk Air. For a hassle-free trip, travellers are advised to get their visa sorted from India. 

Best Time to Visit Siem Reap

November to April is a dry season in Siam Reap. December to February is when the temperature starts dropping, and the city becomes a little cooler. If you are travelling between December and January, expect a little rainfall and don’t forget carrying a raincoat and an umbrella.

Things to Pack

Carry appropriate attires when travelling to Siem Reap. Most of the temples don’t allow entry to those wearing shorts and sleeveless uppers. Some other things that you must carry when visiting Siem Reap include:

• Linen clothing – trousers, scarf and uppers
• Flip-flops and sandals
• Water bottle
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration sachets
• An umbrella
• Travel insurance policy

Remember, revealing outfits are not allowed within temple grounds. 

Top Delicacies of Siem Reap

Green Mango Salad – This delicious salad is served with holy basil, lime, garlic and grilled fish is one of the best foods you will taste in Siem Reap. From breakfast to dinner, you can enjoy this dish at any time of the day. Do not leave Siam Reap without eating this fantastic dish.

Bamboo Sticky Rice – The sticky rice is mixed with sweet red beans, sugar and coconut cream and then satiated into tubes of hollow bamboo. The cylinders filled with wow are then slow roasted over coal. The process is done until the ingredients mingle together.

Khmer Cakes – Khmer cake or Num Chak Kachan is a customarily part of the Buddhist holidays and comes in a variety of colours and styles. Super sweet, the sticky treat is made from palm sugar, rice flour, and coconut cream. The smooth texture is obtained by steaming the mix.

Shopping List Essentials (Where to Shop)

Angkor Night Market

Home to over 200 bamboo hut shops, the Angkor Night Market has on offer a wide range of handicrafts and clothing from the local community. Located in central Siem Reap, this market was founded in the year 2007. From shadow puppets to silk paintings and intricate stone carving, you will find it all here at this market.
Opening Hours: 16:00 – 24:00
Address: Off Sivatha Boulevard, Siem Reap

Made in Cambodia Market

Offering tasty local food, Cambodian souvenirs and hosting excellent live performances, the Made in Cambodia Market is one of its kind. Local artisans present their work that includes toys, paintings, cosmetics, clothes and jewellery, this market is a haven for the shopaholics. There are also a number of food stalls that offer mouthwatering local food to the hungry shoppers. Be sure of buying a few bottles of Sombai Rice Spirits as a souvenir for people back home.
Opening Hours: Saturday, Sunday & Tuesday 16:00 – 21:00
Address: Oum Khun Street, Siem Reap

Angkor Handicraft Association

With around 20 stalls offering authentic handicrafts, the Angkor Handicraft Association is set in the Traing Village. You can even learn about the traditional Khmer crafting as many of the vendors keep working on their products on the spot. From palm leaf weaving to coconut carving, you can learn a lot here.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 – 20:00
Address: Road 60, Traing Village, Siem Reap

Top Indian Restaurants

Flavours of India Restaurant

Address: Angkor Night Market St, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Contact Number: +855 63 765 900

Namaste Restaurant

Address: Sivatha Road, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Contact Number: +855 63 969 109

Taj Mahal Restaurant

Address: Sok San Rd, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Contact Number: +855 88 876 5100

Healthcare Centres

Jayavarman VII Hospital

Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Contact Number: +855 81 258 314

Neak Tep Clinic

Address: Loeuk Taneuy Street, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Contact Number: +855 17 928 655

Angkor Hospital for Children

Address: Tep Vong (Achamean) Road & Oum Chhay Street, Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia, Preah Sangreach Tep Vong St, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Contact Number: +855 63 760 452 Keep this list of healthcare centres and your travel insurance policy always handy to have safe travel in Siem Reap.

Keep this list of healthcare centres and your travel insurance policy always handy to have safe travel in Siem Reap.

Currency

The official currency of Cambodia is Cambodian Riel. 

Basics of Local Communication

The local language of Siem Reap is Khmer, and you might have a difficulty conversing with the locals in English. Keeping that in mind, it is a good idea to learn a few local phrases to make your trip hassle-free.