Cambodia is a country that immediately captures your heart with its warmth, history, and timeless beauty. After six exciting days in Bangkok, we traveled overland to Siem Reap, Cambodia, home to Angkor Wat, one of the most iconic wonders of the world. What followed was a four-day adventure filled with luxury stays, countryside charm, and unforgettable cultural experiences.

Whether you’re planning your first trip to Cambodia or returning for another journey, this guide will walk you through everything: how to get there, where to stay, what to eat, and the best things to do in Siem Reap.

Getting to Siem Reap from Bangkok

We took the Giant Ibis bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap, a surprisingly comfortable and smooth journey across the border. Unlike typical bus rides, this one felt more like a lounge-on-wheels: oversized reclining seats (think Sunday football chair style), ample legroom, complimentary snacks and water, and incredibly kind staff.

The journey takes about 8–9 hours, including the border crossing, but the comfort and professionalism of Giant Ibis made the trip a breeze.

Tip: Bring a pen for filling out visa forms at the border, and a small amount of cash (USD is widely accepted in Cambodia).

A Luxury Stay for a Steal: The Koulen Central Hotel

We stayed at Koulen Central Hotel, and I cannot recommend it enough. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with cool towels, welcome drinks, and genuine smiles. The hotel itself felt like a five-star hidden gem at an unbeatable price.

Highlights included:

A spacious, sleek room with dark wooden finishes, a plush king-sized bed, and a large flat-screen TV.
A wellness-focused spa area with a steam room, sauna, and ice plunge pool.
A well-equipped gym and yoga studio.
A rooftop bar and restaurant with nightly live music and $3 cocktails.

And the best part? The total cost for 3 nights and 4 days was only $168.75. Easily one of the best-value luxury stays I’ve ever had.

Best Things to Do in Siem Reap

A Glimpse into the Cambodian Countryside

One of the best ways to see the authentic side of Cambodia is by bike. We booked a countryside cycling tour through GetYourGuide, and it was the highlight of the trip.

The half-day adventure took us beyond the city into charming rural villages where we visited:

A family-owned oyster mushroom farm.
A local rice wine producer.
Quiet villages where kids waved hello as they played outside.
A countryside restaurant to watch a magical sunset.

The ride itself was easy and uplifting. You’ll see chickens, cows, and the rhythms of daily life in the Cambodian countryside.

A Sunrise Over Angkor Wat

No trip to Cambodia is complete without visiting Angkor Wat, one of the most sacred and historic archaeological sites in the world. We booked a private sunrise tour through TripAdvisor, and while the 4 am wake-up call was intense, watching the first light rise over the temple was worth every yawn.

Your $37 ticket grants access to the entire Angkor Archaeological Park, which includes dozens of temples beyond the iconic Angkor Wat, such as Ta Prohm, famously featured in the 2001 movie, Tomb Raider.

Note, the private tour does not include entry into the park. Tickets can only be purchased via Angkor Enterprise. The private tour includes air-conditioned transport, cold water, and a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, which is perfect for making the most of a full day exploring the temples.

Where to Eat in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is bursting with restaurants that mix local flavors with international flair. A few standouts from our trip:

Maybe Later Mexican Bar & Grill – Laid-back and fun, with surprisingly good tacos and margaritas.
Mealea Watbo – A traditional Cambodian restaurant where we tried frog legs for the first time.
Somaha Restaurant & Wine Bar – A sleek space with incredible wine pairings.
Wild – Trendy, eco-conscious, and perfect for lighter bites.

Logistics & Travel Tips for Siem Reap

E-Visa: Most travelers can apply for a Cambodian e-visa online before arrival. It’s quick, easy, and saves you from waiting in long visa lines at the airport. Be sure to print a copy to show at immigration.
Getting There: Depending on where you’re traveling from, you can take the bus, as I did, or fly in. Siem Reap International Airport is a small yet efficient airport. Taxis and tuk-tuks are available right outside, but Grab (the best rideshare app in Southeast Asia) is often cheaper and more reliable.
Getting Around: The town itself is very walkable, especially around Pub Street, the Old Market, and the Riverside area. For longer trips (like Angkor Wat or countryside tours), Grab, tuk-tuks, or private drivers are the way to go.
Cash & Currency: U.S. dollars are widely accepted, and change is often given in Cambodian riel. ATMs are everywhere, but bring smaller bills for tuk-tuks and street food.
Connectivity: Staying connected is a must in Siem Reap. You can grab a local SIM at the airport, but I recommend going digital with an eSIM. Nomad is my go-to—it’s fast, affordable, and you can set it up before you land. Bonus: Use my code ASHLTGTEKX to get $5 off your first data plan → Download Nomad here.
Pro Tip: Siem Reap runs at a slower pace compared to Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh. Embrace it. Give yourself downtime between temple-hopping, and lean into the slow café mornings and spa afternoons.

Final Thoughts

Siem Reap was everything I hoped for and more: warm, vibrant, and endlessly inspiring. From exploring sacred temples at sunrise to cycling past rice paddies and sipping cocktails on rooftop bars, this trip offered the perfect balance of cultural immersion, adventure, and relaxation.

If Cambodia isn’t on your travel list yet, let this be your sign; it’s a destination that stays with you long after you leave.