The Challenges Of Visiting Siem Reap Cambodia On Your Own
It is obvious that the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Siem Reap is Angkor Wat. Fair enough! Being one of the major archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, the site attracts over two million visitors a year. But, we are here to tell you that Angkor Wat should not be the only reason for your visit to Siem Reap. Other than the wonderous architecture, the awesome food and nightlife are also more than an intriguing experience.
The Challenges
So, between the magnificent temple visits, there is still a lot to explore in Siem Reap, are they challenging? Yes! Simply because nowhere on earth is completely safe to travel. The warm smiles of the hosts may not always be as welcoming as you think. Let’s look at the challenges of visiting Siem Reap as a solo traveler.
How safe is Siem Reap?
While Siem Reap may look safer than it sounds, this is one of the poorest places in Cambodia. Due to the unhealthy state of affairs, general theft is common in the region. Even though the risks of physical or sexual assault are very low, bag-snatching is quite common in many places of the region. So, keep your eyes open whenever there is a motor scooter racing behind you! If you are a backpacker, strapping the bag to yourself would not help as the back-snatchers may even drag you along with the bag. This can put your life in danger. So,
- Do not carry your valuables in the streets. Leave them at your hotel safe. Carrying a little cash will be sufficient and safe.
- Avoid leaving your stuff lying around. Especially your mobile or camera. You will never be able to recover them if left in a tuk-tuk. Eventually, this can make your whole holiday miserable.
- Physical assault is uncommon in Siem Reap but beware when you enter Pub Street and the point where it meets Sivatha Boulevard. There have been reports of gangs of women and kids who run scams. Physical assaults have taken place in this area in recent years.
- Always inform your hotel where you will be visiting. The hotels are in contact with the tourist police. In case you delay to return, they will take necessary actions to find your whereabouts.
Travel tips
- Money – Cambodia widely accepts USD. So, exchanging a few dollars at a bank will be sufficient to pay for small things.
- Transportation – While tuk-tuks are convenient and cheap to travel around Siem Reap, don’t forget to negotiate the price before starting the tour. The next great deal is to rent a bicycle for a nominal fee to ride on your own!
- Food – A variety of awesome food for affordable prices.
- Tours – Sticking with a group will always provide you with better options for tours and traveling with a group is always safer.
- Water – always carry your own mineral water bottle, it is completely unsafe to drink water directly from the taps.
Book A Solo Tour Guide for Siemp Reap Cambodia
A Solo Tour Guide is a local guide specifically to help the solo traveller. They look after your safety and welfare at all times. In addition they will act in your best interests from bargaining to getting discounts for you. Whilst it is great to discover a city on your own, just to have that initial orientation tour can do wonders. You can learn about the customs and the transport system, and where to do your daily shopping. To book a Solo Tour Guide for Siem Reap, please click here.
Our other destination in Cambodia is Phnom Penh.
