To visit Angkor Wat, you will need to base yourself in the city of Siem Reap. Here is some essential information for planning your stay in Siem Reap, including how to get around the temples.

As the gateway to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is one of the easiest places to visit in Cambodia. There鈥檚 an international airport, though currently only serving domestic flights (Sept 2022). Typically, if you are travelling from outside of Cambodia this is how I would recommend getting to Siem Reap.

The city is connected to Phnom Penh and Battambang via bus and train. We chose to take the bus from Battambang as we spent a day there before heading to Siem Reap. The day buses from Phnom Penh only take 5 hours, but there is also an overnight bus which is great for those who are short on time.

馃挵 $9 from Battambang / $13 from Phnom Penh

I鈥檝e found the easiest way to book transport in advance is through Baolau*, a search engine that compares all travel options to find the best one for you.

For ease of exploring the town, I recommend staying in the area around the riverfront and Old Market, or near the outskirts of Pub Street. In these areas, you鈥檒l find lots of accommodation options* as well as restaurants, shopping, and tuk-tuk drivers for visiting the temples.

For backpackers, Onederz* is the place to stay. With multiple swimming pools, dorms and private rooms, and a social vibe it鈥檚 a great place to stay. They have an onsite bar and restaurant which serves both local and international dishes for an affordable price.

There are a few ways you can explore the temples of Angkor. There are guided tours you can book online starting around $70 per person, which typically include an airconditioned car and tour guide.

Hiring a tuk-tuk is my personal recommendation for getting around Angkor Wat; I鈥檝e found it the most budget-friendly and convenient way to explore the temples. It is also possible to rent a motorbike, e-bike or bicycle to get around, however, the distances are quite far, so I would only suggest cycling to those that are very active and fare well in the heat.