Siem Reap is the capital city of Siem Reap Province in northwestern Cambodia. Siem Reap today—being a popular tourist destination—has many hotels, resorts, and restaurants. This owes much to its proximity to the Angkor temples, Cambodia’s most popular tourist attraction.
Warnings & Dangers in Siem Reap
OVERALL RISK : LOW
Siam Reap is one of the safest cities in Cambodia. Many tourists come here every year. Unfortunately, petty thefts also happen here, so you need to keep track of your belongings and the environment.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Transport in Cambodia is chaotic. If you rent your car or motorbike, it may be difficult to get around the city. Use a taxi to get around safely.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : LOW
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are the most common types of crimes in Siam Reap. Be as attentive as possible to your belongings; keep an eye on bags and phones. Be attentive to those who offer or ask for help; they are usually scammers.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
The climate of Siem Reap includes the monsoon season, which lasts from May to October, and the flooding in that period is considered normal and typhoons and tsunamis.
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
There are usually no major robberies and kidnappings in Siem Reap. However, due to problems with drug trafficking, a showdown of local gangs is possible. Never get involved in these arguments.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
The risk of terrorist attacks is low, but tourists should follow the guide’s advice and be vigilant.
SCAMS RISK : HIGH
There is fraud in the city at every turn. Tourists often fall prey to scammers who beg for money or offer all sorts of tricks to get money. Be attentive and careful.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Women traveling alone can feel safe in Siam Reap if they follow certain rules. Don't walk around the city late at night. Wear modest clothing and don't draw undue attention to yourself.
How Safe Is Siem Reap for Tourists?
Siam Reap is a relatively safe city to travel to.
The crime index here is at a low level.
The main problems are related to drug trafficking and petty theft.
Various types of petty fraud are also common in Siam Reap.
Most of the locals are decent people who are just trying to earn their living honestly, but some shady characters try all the tricks to take advantage of the visitors.
Be careful about cheating, but don’t let suspicion spoil your visit.
Often in stores, they give out the wrong change.
Check your change before leaving the store and note any short changes.
Most likely, they will admit their “mistake” and give you change.
The “army of beggars” of young children will approach you in the crowd, grab you by the arms and lead you to the store, where they try to buy them food/baby milk/water: baby milk seems to be the most popular.
This may seem like a more humane way to help than give them money, but once you leave the store, the items you bought for them are sold back to the owners or other locals, and the money goes to the adult.
Be careful on buses, especially in the evening and at night; pickpocketing and fraud often occur here.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Siem Reap?
All tourists from Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines do not need to have a visa. All the other travelers to Cambodia need to pay for the tourist visa, which lasts for 2 months. A valid passport is a must.
Which Currency Is Used in Siem Reap?
The riel is the currency of Cambodia. There have been two distinct riels, the first issued between 1953 and May 1975. Between 1975 and 1980, the country had no monetary system.
How's the Weather like in Siem Reap?
In Siem Reap, the wet season is oppressive and overcast, the dry season is muggy and partly cloudy, and it is hot year-round. The wet season lasts from April to November with approximately 1500 mm of rainfall per year.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Siem Reap?
Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is the busiest and largest airport with direct flights from many Asian cities and other countries. It is 7 kilometers away from the town.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Siem Reap?
Siem Reap has French colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter and around the Old Market. In the city, there are museums, traditional Apsara dance performances, a Cambodian cultural village, souvenir and handicraft shops, silk farms, rice paddies in the countryside, fishing villages and a bird sanctuary near Tonlé Sap, and a cosmopolitan drinking and dining scene.
Is the Water in Siem Reap Safe to Drink?
Tap water is not drinkable. Use bottled or boil tap water.
Is Uber Safe in Siem Reap?
There is an Uber taxi in Siem Reap. The cost of the trip will depend on the time of day and distance. You can call a taxi from the application on your smartphone.
