As someone who enjoys reading, the books were one of the things that interested me about Footprint Café. They gave me something to explore beyond the food and drinks, and made the café feel relevant to one of my own interests.

During my visit, I had Hainanese chicken rice and an iced espresso. My visit also gave me the chance to take photos and capture different parts of the café for Siem Reap Bites.

For me, the connection with reading is what makes Footprint stand out. Books are something I enjoy in my own time, so that is the part I would focus on when introducing the café to other people.

If you’re interested in visiting, our photos and video offer a look at its food, seating, and surroundings.

A quick look:
• What I had: Hainanese chicken rice and an iced espresso
• My personal interest: The books
• What we shared: Photos and a short video for Siem Reap Bites!

The post Footprint Cafes appeared first on Siem Reap Life.

What I enjoyed most about Fern Café was spending time among the greenery and blooming flowers. I love nature, so walking around and noticing the different garden corners was a big part of the visit for me.

There were plenty of places to take photos, but the sheep made the experience particularly memorable. Being able to feed them added something different to our usual café visit.

I tried the matcha latte, strawberry smoothie, and siew mai bread. I enjoyed them while taking in the surroundings, although the garden and flowers were what stood out most to me.

The atmosphere felt peaceful during my visit. For someone who enjoys plants, taking photos, and spending time outdoors, those are the reasons I would consider visiting Fern Café.

A quick look:
• Atmosphere: Peaceful during my visit
• Setting: Greenery, flowers, and garden corners
• What I tried: Matcha latte, strawberry smoothie, and siew mai bread
• What stood out: The flowers and the chance to feed the sheep.

The post Fern Cafe appeared first on Siem Reap Life.

Is Siem Reap a good place to live?

Yes. Siem Reap is known for its relaxed lifestyle, affordable cost of living, friendly locals, and strong expat community. It’s quieter than Phnom Penh but still has good amenities. What is the cost of living in Siem Reap?

A comfortable monthly budget for a single person typically ranges from $700–$1,500 depending on housing, lifestyle, and whether you prefer local or Western options. Is Siem Reap safe?

Generally yes. It’s considered one of the safer cities in Cambodia. Normal precautions (watching valuables, avoiding late-night isolated areas) are recommended. Do people speak English in Siem Reap?

Yes, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, hotels, and service businesses. Basic Khmer is helpful but not required for daily life.

Yes. Siem Reap is known for its relaxed lifestyle, affordable cost of living, friendly locals, and strong expat community. It’s quieter than Phnom Penh but still has good amenities.

A comfortable monthly budget for a single person typically ranges from $700–$1,500 depending on housing, lifestyle, and whether you prefer local or Western options.

Generally yes. It’s considered one of the safer cities in Cambodia. Normal precautions (watching valuables, avoiding late-night isolated areas) are recommended.

Yes, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, hotels, and service businesses. Basic Khmer is helpful but not required for daily life.

Housing & Accommodation

How much is rent in Siem Reap?

• Studio/1-bedroom: $200–$500/month
• Modern apartment: $400–$900/month
• Villa/house: $600–$2,000+/month

Where are the best areas to live in Siem Reap?

Popular areas include Wat Bo, Sala Kamreuk, Svay Dangkum, and areas near the city center. Is it easy to find apartments?

Yes. Many rentals are available through Facebook groups, local agents, and property websites.

• Studio/1-bedroom: $200–$500/month
• Modern apartment: $400–$900/month
• Villa/house: $600–$2,000+/month

Popular areas include Wat Bo, Sala Kamreuk, Svay Dangkum, and areas near the city center.

Yes. Many rentals are available through Facebook groups, local agents, and property websites.

Work & Business

Can foreigners work in Siem Reap?

Yes, but you need a valid work permit and business visa (EB visa). What jobs are common for expats?

Common roles include teaching English, hospitality management, NGO work, digital freelancing, and tourism-related jobs. Is Siem Reap good for digital nomads?

Yes. It has many cafes with good Wi-Fi, coworking spaces, and a low cost of living.

Yes, but you need a valid work permit and business visa (EB visa).

Common roles include teaching English, hospitality management, NGO work, digital freelancing, and tourism-related jobs.

Yes. It has many cafes with good Wi-Fi, coworking spaces, and a low cost of living.

Transportation

How do people get around Siem Reap?

Common transport options include tuk-tuks, motorbikes, bicycles, and ride-hailing apps. Is there public transportation?

No formal public bus system. Most people rely on tuk-tuks or private transport. How much is a tuk-tuk ride?

Short rides usually cost $1–$3 within the city.

Common transport options include tuk-tuks, motorbikes, bicycles, and ride-hailing apps.

No formal public bus system. Most people rely on tuk-tuks or private transport.

Short rides usually cost $1–$3 within the city.

Daily Life

Are there good hospitals in Siem Reap?

Yes, there are several reputable private clinics and international hospitals. For serious conditions, some residents go to Phnom Penh. Is the internet reliable?

Generally yes. Fiber internet is widely available and affordable, especially in central areas. What is the weather like in Siem Reap?

Tropical climate:

• Hot season: March–May
• Rainy season: May–October
• Cool/dry season: November–February (most pleasant)

Yes, there are several reputable private clinics and international hospitals. For serious conditions, some residents go to Phnom Penh.

Generally yes. Fiber internet is widely available and affordable, especially in central areas.

Tropical climate:

• Hot season: March–May
• Rainy season: May–October
• Cool/dry season: November–February (most pleasant)

Visas & Staying Long-Term

What visa do I need to live in Cambodia long-term?

Most expats use the EB (business) visa, which can be extended for 6 or 12 months. Is visa extension easy?

Yes. Many travel agents in Siem Reap can process extensions quickly.

Most expats use the EB (business) visa, which can be extended for 6 or 12 months.

Yes. Many travel agents in Siem Reap can process extensions quickly.

Lifestyle & Community

Is there an expat community in Siem Reap?

Yes, a large and active one. There are many Facebook groups, meetups, and networking events. What is nightlife like?

Lively but smaller than Phnom Penh. Pub Street is the main nightlife area. Is Siem Reap family-friendly?

Yes. It has international schools, parks, kid activities, and a relaxed environment.

Yes, a large and active one. There are many Facebook groups, meetups, and networking events.

Lively but smaller than Phnom Penh. Pub Street is the main nightlife area.

Yes. It has international schools, parks, kid activities, and a relaxed environment.

The post Faq appeared first on Siem Reap Life.

Biolab Café is also where we work at HM Design Office, so it’s a place I know through our everyday routine. What I especially appreciate is the greenery around the outdoor seating. I love nature, and those green surroundings are one of my favourite things about the café.

There are two floors and an outdoor seating area. In my experience, the peaceful atmosphere makes it a pleasant place to work, read, have a work discussion, or catch up with friends.
I tried the Seafood Marinara Spaghetti and enjoyed it. The menu also includes Khmer and international dishes, so there are options for a meal as well as a coffee break. The staff were friendly and welcoming during my visit.
For me, the greenery is what stands out most. Along with the peaceful atmosphere, it’s something I appreciate about spending time at Biolab.

A quick look:
• Space: Two floors and outdoor seating
• Food: Khmer and international dishes
• What I tried: Seafood Marinara Spaghetti
• What I liked most: The green surroundings.

The post Biolab Café appeared first on Siem Reap Life.

Siem Reap is compact and easier to navigate than it first appears. Most of what visitors need is concentrated in a small central area. Understanding the basic geography before you arrive will help you choose where to stay and save time once you get here.

The Key Areas

The Old Market area, known locally as Phsar Chas, is the heart of the city for visitors. The Old Market sits between Pub Street and the Siem Reap River. Pub Street runs north from the market and is the main nightlife and restaurant strip. The riverside walk along both banks connects the Old Market to the night markets to the north. This entire area is walkable in fifteen minutes end to end.

Wat Bo Road runs east from the city centre and has a quieter, more residential character with good independent restaurants, cafes, and guesthouses. Street 26, between the river and Wat Bo Road, is where many of the better bars and cocktail lounges are concentrated. This is where people who live here spend their evenings.

The French Quarter, north of the Old Market along the river, has some of the original colonial architecture worth walking through. The Royal Gardens and the Grand Hotel d’Angkor are at the northern end of this area.

Sivatha Boulevard runs north-south through the centre and is the main commercial street with pharmacies, banks, supermarkets, and local shops.

The Temples

Angkor Wat is approximately six kilometres north of the city centre. The ticket office for the Angkor Pass is on Road 60, north of the city on the road to the temples. Your tuk-tuk driver will know where it is. The main temples of the small circuit are clustered within a manageable area. The outer temples, Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea, Phnom Kulen, require longer travel times and separate planning.

Getting Around

The central area is entirely walkable. Most guesthouses in the Old Market and Pub Street area are within ten minutes on foot of restaurants, markets, and the river.

For longer distances and temple visits, tuk-tuks are the standard option. A ride anywhere in the central city costs $1 to $2 via PassApp. A full day at the temples by tuk-tuk costs $15 to $25 depending on the circuit. Bicycles are available for hire from most guesthouses for $2 to $5 per day. A dedicated cycling path runs from the city to the temples and is one of the better ways to visit.

Where to Stay

The Old Market and Pub Street area puts you within walking distance of most restaurants, bars, and night markets. It is the most convenient location and the noisiest at night.

Wat Bo Road and the area east of the river is quieter and five to ten minutes by tuk-tuk from the centre. A good base if you want calm without being far from anything.

The road north toward Angkor, the Sivatha Boulevard and Charles de Gaulle Road corridor, has the largest luxury resorts. Closer to the temples but further from the city’s restaurants and nightlife.

A full interactive map of Siem Reap including temple locations, restaurants, markets, hotels, and practical services is available in the Map section of SiemReapLife.com.

The post Siem Reap Map appeared first on Siem Reap Life.

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport opened on 16 October 2023, replacing the old airport which sat just seven kilometres from the city centre. The new airport is a significant upgrade in facilities and a significant increase in distance. It is located approximately 45 to 50 kilometres east of Siem Reap city, around one hour by road. Plan for this. If you are arriving on a tight schedule or with an early temple visit the following morning, factor in the transfer time before you book accommodation or plan your first day.

The IATA code is SAI. If your flight itinerary shows REP, that is the old airport which is permanently closed. Contact your airline.

Visa on Arrival

Visa on arrival is available at SAI for most nationalities. A tourist visa costs $30 USD, a business visa $35 USD. Bring a passport-size photo and exact cash in USD. The process is generally straightforward and takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on the queue. If you want to avoid the queue entirely, apply for an e-Visa before you travel at evisa.gov.kh. The e-Visa costs $36 and is accepted at the airport.

Getting from the Airport to the City

The distance from the airport to central Siem Reap is the most important practical fact to know before you arrive. Here are your options.

Official taxi: Fixed price counters are inside the arrivals hall. The official rate is $35 to $40 for a sedan to anywhere in Siem Reap city. The journey takes 45 to 60 minutes in normal traffic. This is the most straightforward option, particularly if you are arriving with luggage, arriving late at night, or travelling with a group. No negotiation required. Pay at the counter, collect your receipt, meet your driver outside.

Shuttle bus: The cheapest option at $9 per person one way. The shuttle runs multiple times daily and drops at 7 Makara Road in the Wat Bo area of central Siem Reap, from where a tuk-tuk to your hotel costs around $1. The shuttle is clean, air-conditioned, and takes around one hour. The downside is that it runs on a fixed schedule so you may wait up to an hour depending on when your flight lands. Look for the Airport Bus sign on the left side of the arrivals hall as you exit. Buy your ticket at the counter in cash.

Grab or PassApp: Ride-hailing apps work at SAI but availability varies, particularly late at night or during quiet periods. If you use Grab or PassApp, expect to pay around $25 to $30 for a car. A tuk-tuk via Grab costs less but takes significantly longer, 75 to 90 minutes, and is not recommended for the full distance with luggage.

Pre-arranged hotel transfer: Many hotels and guesthouses offer airport pickup. Prices vary but generally fall between $30 and $45. The advantage is a driver waiting for you in the arrivals hall with your name on a sign and no need to navigate the taxi queue or find the shuttle counter when you are tired and jet-lagged. Worth booking if your hotel offers it at a reasonable rate.

At the Airport

The terminal is modern and well laid out. The two most useful things to do on arrival before you leave the building are get a SIM card and use the ATM.

SIM card counters from Cellcard, Smart, and Metfone are in the arrivals hall. Tourist packs cost $5 to $10 and include data, calls, and SMS. Buy one here. Having a working local SIM before you leave the airport makes everything easier including booking rides, navigating, and contacting your accommodation. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal if you need it while you sort out transport.

ATMs in the arrivals hall dispense USD. Currency exchange is available but rates are better in the city. Carry small denomination USD bills, ones, fives, and tens, as many transport options and small purchases require exact or near-exact change.

The departure area has duty-free with local products including Sombai rice wine, Cambodian coffee, and silk goods. Lounge access is available for premium passengers or via lounge pass.

The Angkor Pass is Not Sold at the Airport

This catches people out every week. The Angkor Archaeological Park pass is not available at SAI airport, at your hotel, or from tuk-tuk drivers. Buy it online at the official Angkor Enterprise portal before you travel, or at the ticket office on Road 60 on your way to the temples. Passes cost $37 for one day, $62 for three days, and $72 for seven days. Do not buy from any other source.

Departing

Arrive two hours before your flight for international departures. Immigration and security can have queues during peak morning hours. Carry USD in small denominations as some airport outlets prefer cash. The duty-free shop sells Sombai rice wine, Cambodian coffee, silk products, and Angkor-themed gifts if you have last-minute shopping to do.

Airlines and Routes

Direct routes currently operate from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Guangzhou, and several other Asian cities. Domestic flights between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh take under an hour and are operated primarily by Cambodia Angkor Air. New international routes are being added as the airport grows. Check current schedules directly with airlines or booking platforms as the route network is expanding.

The post Siem Reap Airport appeared first on Siem Reap Life.

Siem Reap is hot year round. The average temperature sits around 27 to 28 degrees across the year, dropping to around 22 degrees on cool January nights and peaking at 36 to 38 degrees in April and May. There are no four seasons. There are two: dry and wet. Understanding which one you are visiting in, and what that actually means on the ground, makes a significant difference to how you plan your days.

Dry Season: November to April

The dry season runs from November through to April. Skies are clear, rain is rare, humidity is lower, and temperatures from November through to February are as comfortable as Siem Reap gets. January is the coolest month with daytime highs around 31 to 32 degrees and nights that can drop to 20 degrees. By Cambodian standards that is cold enough that locals wear jackets. By most other standards it is warm and pleasant.

November to February is peak season. Crowds at the main temples are at their highest, hotel rates are at their peak, and Angkor Wat at sunrise is at its busiest between December and mid-February. Book accommodation and Phare circus tickets well in advance if you are travelling during this window.

March begins the transition to the hot season. By April, the hottest month, afternoon heat is serious. Temperatures regularly reach 35 to 38 degrees with recorded extremes above 40. Temple visits in April and May need to start by 6.30am and finish by 11am at the latest. The middle of the day is not manageable for extended outdoor activity. Crowds thin considerably and accommodation prices drop. If you can handle the heat, April and May offer a genuinely different and quieter Angkor.

Wet Season: May to October

The wet season begins in May and runs through to October. It does not mean all-day downpours. The typical pattern is a clear or partly cloudy morning, building cloud through the afternoon, and a heavy shower of one to two hours in the late afternoon or evening. Mornings are generally fine for temple visits throughout the wet season.

What the wet season brings is a transformed landscape. The countryside turns vivid green. Rice paddies fill. The Tonle Sap lake expands dramatically. The flooded forest at Kampong Phluk becomes navigable by boat in ways it is not during the dry season. The light is different, less harsh, more dramatic, and in some respects better for photography.

September and October are the wettest months, September averaging around 286mm of rainfall. October can bring flooding in low-lying parts of the city. Crowd levels are at their lowest and prices are most competitive. Plan temple visits for the morning, accept some afternoon flexibility, and the wet season is a genuinely good time to visit.

The Practical Summary

Whatever month you visit, wear light breathable fabric, carry water at all times, and take sun protection seriously even on overcast days. The UV index is high year round and dehydration is the most common complaint among temple visitors.

November to February: most comfortable, most crowded, highest prices. June to August: green season, fewer crowds, lower prices, afternoon rain. April and May: hottest, quietest, cheapest, requires early starts. September and October: wettest, emptiest, best value, some flood risk.

We live here. All of the above is what we actually observe, not what the averages suggest.

The post Siem Reap Weather appeared first on Siem Reap Life.

The food in Siem Reap is better than most visitors expect. The city has a large expat community with high standards, a Cambodian restaurant scene that has grown significantly in the past decade, and a long tradition of social enterprise dining that has produced some of the most interesting restaurants in the country. You can eat a bowl of noodles for $1.50 at a street stall or spend $45 on a tasting menu using ingredients from the surrounding countryside and techniques that would hold their own anywhere in Asia.

What to Eat

Cambodian food is distinct from its neighbours and consistently underestimated. Fish amok, steamed fish curry in coconut milk with fresh turmeric and kaffir lime served in a banana leaf, is the national dish. Beef lok lak, stir-fried in black pepper sauce with a fried egg and lime dipping sauce, is one of the most satisfying meals you will eat here. Kuy teav, rice noodle soup sold at street stalls from early morning, is breakfast. Bai sach chrouk, grilled pork over rice with pickled ginger, is the other breakfast worth knowing.

Prahok, fermented fish paste, underlies much of Khmer cooking the way fish sauce underlies Thai food. Cambodian curries use coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime in combinations that are subtler and less fiery than Thai equivalents. Freshwater fish from the Tonle Sap dominates the protein in traditional cooking. Order the fish wherever you are. It is almost always exceptional.

Budget

Street stalls at Phsar Leu, the main local market on National Road 6, and the streets around the Old Market serve the best and most affordable Cambodian food in the city. A full meal costs $1.50 to $3. The stalls on Street 09 by the Old Market are reliable for grilled meats, local curries, and dried fish. This is where people who live here eat.

Mid-Range

Haven: On Chocolate Road near Sala Kamreuk. A training restaurant for vulnerable young adults run as a social enterprise. The garden setting is beautiful and the food is consistently among the best in the city at any price. The fish amok and beef lok lak are two of the best versions in Siem Reap. Every dollar you spend contributes directly to the training programme. Book ahead. This is one of those places that genuinely deserves the reputation it has built.

F3 Siem Reap (formerly Marum): On Wat Bo Road inside the F3 compound. Reopened in October 2024 under the Friends International umbrella after closing during the pandemic. Training restaurant for marginalised youth serving creative Cambodian tapas-style dishes in a beautiful garden with fairy lights and a traditional wooden villa. Red tree ant stir-fry, wild mushroom and sesame rice balls, and baked tilapia with spicy miso butter are all worth ordering. Cocktails are creative and well-priced. Monday to Saturday, 5pm to 9.30pm. Book ahead during peak season.

Higher End

Cuisine Wat Damnak: In a traditional wooden house near Wat Damnak pagoda. Run by French chef Joannes Riviere, who has spent years working with Cambodian ingredients and producers. The menu changes every two weeks and uses locally sourced produce to create dishes that blend Khmer flavours with French technique. Two tasting menus at around $40 to $45 per person. One of the most serious and consistently praised restaurants in the country, not just the city. Book well in advance.

Malis: On Pokambor Avenue by the river. Run by celebrity Cambodian chef Luu Meng, who operates the original Malis in Phnom Penh. Contemporary Khmer cuisine in a grand riverside setting. Expensive by Siem Reap standards and considerably less than equivalent quality anywhere in the West.

Embassy by Chef Kimsan: Seasonal seven-course tasting menu showcasing elevated Khmer cuisine using Cambodian ingredients including Kulen honey, Kampot pepper, and local freshwater fish. The menu changes monthly. Wine pairing available. Outdoor terrace and air-conditioned indoor seating. One of the most refined dining experiences in Siem Reap. Book ahead.

Chanrey Tree: On Pokambor Avenue near the river. Fine dining in a converted traditional Khmer home. Consistently praised for presentation, service, and a menu that takes Cambodian cuisine seriously at the upper end of the market. A good choice for a celebratory dinner.

Practical Notes

Most restaurants in the tourist centre accept USD and card. Tipping is not obligatory but is meaningful. Five to ten percent or rounding up is standard.

The Wat Bo Road and Street 26 area has a growing cluster of independent restaurants worth exploring beyond the main tourist strip. The Old Market area has the densest concentration of options at all price points.

A full listing of restaurants by category and neighbourhood is in the Dining section of SiemReapLife.com.

The post Siem Reap Restaurant Guide appeared first on Siem Reap Life.

Riding through the Cambodian countryside on horseback is one of the more unusual and genuinely memorable activities available from Siem Reap. The landscape of rice paddies, working villages, and ancient temple ruins that surrounds the city is best seen at walking pace, and a horse covers ground that is inaccessible by tuk-tuk and puts you at a height that changes the perspective entirely.

The Happy Ranch Horse Farm

The primary operator and the most established horse riding option in Siem Reap. Founded in 2002 by Sary Pann, a Cambodian who returned from thirty years in California to establish the only Western-style horse ranch in Cambodia. Located two kilometres from the city centre on ten hectares of Khmer countryside. The ranch has around 46 horses and ponies, most crossbred with Arabian horses for additional size and strength, and is equipped to international standards with English and Western saddles imported from the USA and Europe. Safety helmets are provided to all riders.

Trail rides are available from one to three hours and are suitable for all experience levels from complete beginners to advanced riders. Guides are English-speaking and genuinely knowledgeable about the surrounding countryside and villages. Hotel pickup can be arranged for an additional fee.

Trail options include a one-hour village ride through local countryside, a two-hour rice field and countryside circuit, and a three-hour temple ride that includes a visit to Wat Atvea, a 12th-century Angkorian temple in a quiet setting south of the city. All trails pass through working Cambodian villages where you see farmers, markets, and daily life at close range.

Prices range from approximately $25 to $55 per person depending on trail length. Book directly at thehappyranchhorseriding.com to avoid third-party booking fees. Open from sunrise to sunset.

Happy Shepherd Farm

A second operator located 1.5 kilometres from the city centre, established in 2002. Offers four trail routes of one to three hours designed for different experience levels. Free hotel pickup and drop-off by tuk-tuk included. Consistently well-reviewed for horse welfare, friendly guides, and accessible trails for beginners including children.

Practical Notes

Both operators impose weight limits of around 80 kilograms due to the relatively slim build of Cambodian horses. Confirm when booking if relevant. Wear long trousers and closed shoes. The wet season from June to October makes the rice paddy trails particularly green and atmospheric. Both seasons work well. Book ahead during peak season.

The post Horse Riding appeared first on Siem Reap Life.

Pickleball exists in Siem Reap. It is at an early stage but growing. The Siem Reap Pickleball Club has an active community of players and organises regular games for locals, expats, and visitors.

The game is not yet supported by dedicated commercial courts in the way it is in Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City. Most play happens through the club on an organised informal basis. Equipment can often be borrowed or shared.

Siem Reap Pickleball Club 1 Boxville, Siem Reap Phone: 070 203 168 Email: kampuhoops@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579364190021

Contact the club directly before you arrive to find out current session times and locations. The community is welcoming to visiting players of all levels.

We will update this page as the scene develops. Check the SiemReapLife.com listings for current information.

The post Pickleball in Siem Reap appeared first on Siem Reap Life.