Robert’s guidebook

The reason most people come to Siem Reap is to visit the Angkor Archaeological Park. The town is worth strolling about for itself and there are a number of means to go about enjoying the city. Along the streets, there are many shops offering services and goods ranging from the basic necessities to fine silk; chic galleries with beautiful display of local art pieces and lots of souvenirs. For food, there are whole streets catering for the traveler tastes, with tasty Khmer fares such as Amok and ‘Khmer curry’, and other international cuisines.

The official currency in Cambodia, the Cambodian riel, trades at around 4,000 riel to the US dollar. But there’s 90 percent level of dollarization in the country. What this means is that you don’t need to be concerned about getting riel when you arrive in Cambodia. Most tourist-oriented businesses quote prices in dollars. Small stores may quote prices in riel, but they will all accept dollars as payment. Your US dollars will be rejected if they are ripped, torn, or otherwise overly abused (although you can expect to see filthy riel in circulation).

Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. While tourists may wish to learn a few spoken phrases before or when visiting Cambodia, English is widely spoken and understood. French and Mandarin are also spoken frequently in the country; most elderly Cambodians speak French and many people in the Khmer-Chinese population speak Mandarin. However, it is a different story and you will undoubtedly have an easier and more enjoyable experience if you spend some time reading a bit up on the Cambodian language - Khmer.

Cambodian food is perhaps the most overlooked of all Asian cuisines. The most important part of every meal is rice. At lunch and dinner in Cambodian homes each person is served a large bowl of rice. Then at least three or four other dishes, usually including a soup, are served family-style. For those who aren’t convinced that they will like Cambodian food, there are hundreds of restaurants serving all types of international food in Cambodia. American, British, French, Italian, Korean, Chinese and Japanese expats have all set up restaurants serving their country’s specialties

Given that close to six million tourists a year now go to Cambodia, and many of those single or solo female travelers, it is a very safe destination indeed. Many have visited Cambodia from all across the globe at all times of the year and have only gone back with pleasant memories of the Kingdom. In fact, most travelers would go so far as to say that it is one of the safest countries in Asia to visit. Many visitors agree that Cambodia is a safe place to live and to travel. In fact, many would say that it’s safer than the big cities back home. Yet it’s still essential to be cautious

The remork-moto (tuk tuk) is a large trailer hitched to a motorcycle and pretty much operates as a low-tech local bus with oh-so-natural air-conditioning. They are used throughout rural Cambodia to transport people and goods, and are often seen on the edge of towns ready to ferry farmers back to the countryside. Often referred to as tuk tuks by foreigners travelling in Cambodia, they’re a great way to explore temples, as you get the breeze of the bike but some protection from the elements.

After a long day of exploring the endless wonders in Siem Reap, the many spas and massages in Siem Reap are the perfect way to relax and replenish new energy. Across the city there are many locations offering excellent massages and treatments across all price ranges. From traditional herbal treatments and Khmer and oil massages to foot massages, body wraps and facials, the friendly well-trained therapists can turn every exhausted guest into a relaxed and happy customer.