Siem Reap, Cambodia

• Siem Reap is where most people base themselves to visit the Angkor temples. The tourist areas around Old Market and Pub Street are small enough to walk, with the usual mix of hotels, restaurants, and shops. You'll see monks next to coffee shops, tuk-tuks everywhere, and local markets operating alongside tourist spots. Most visitors spend 2-4 days here for temple visits.
• The town handles tourism well. English is common in hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. Tourist Police are around and some speak English - their office is near the Angkor ticket booth. Crime is mostly pickpocketing in crowded areas like Pub Street at night. The main tourist neighborhoods (Old Market, Wat Bo, French Quarter) stay lit and busy in the evenings.
• What matters for Siem Reap: the dress code at temples is strictly enforced (covered shoulders and knees, no exceptions), the new airport is 45km away (not close like the old one), and prices in tourist areas are higher than local spots. Grab and PassApp work for rides around town, eliminating haggling. Most places you'll visit are within a 5-10 minute tuk-tuk ride from each other.

Khmer is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and by Tourist Police (012 402 424). The emergency service (119) has some English-speaking operators. Royal Angkor International Hospital has English-speaking medical staff.

• Temple dress code is enforced. Cover shoulders and knees - actual clothing, not scarves. No tank tops, shorts, or short skirts. Guards turn people away and you'll waste time going back to change.
• Remove shoes before entering temple buildings or elevated platforms. Don't touch murals or carvings. Don't climb on monuments. Women cannot touch monks or hand things directly to them - place items down instead.
• Don't point with your index finger, especially in temples. Use your whole hand with palm up. Avoid loud behavior. Basic Khmer phrases help ('orkun' for thank you, 'jum reap suor' for hello), though English works in tourist areas.
• Bargain at markets, not at restaurants or on ride-hailing apps where prices are fixed. Watch your drink at bars, especially on Pub Street. Don't leave drinks unattended or accept them from strangers.

• Grab and PassApp both work in Siem Reap. They show prices upfront and skip the haggling. Typical rides cost $2-4 across town. The apps translate destinations automatically.
• Tuk-tuks are everywhere. If you don't use an app, agree on price before getting in. Hotels charge $15-20 per day for temple tours with a driver.
• The new airport is 45km from town (one hour drive). Grab runs about $28, shuttle buses $8-9, or book a hotel transfer for $25-30. The old airport was much closer - this one requires planning. Arrange pickup in advance to avoid taxi touts at arrivals.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Siem Reap with local guides and curated experiences.