Last December, I visited three cities in three different countries: Siem Reap in Cambodia, Luang Prabang in Laos, and Danang in Vietnam. In total, I spent 15 days on this trip, with 5 days in each city.
I started my journey in Siem Reap, Cambodia, flying directly from Singapore. The flight was convenient, and I arrived in the evening, ready to explore.
For Singaporeans, no visa is required for any of these countries. However, if you’re an Australian passport holder, like my mom who joined me on this trip, you’ll need a visa for all three countries. It’s important to apply for your visa at least one month before departure to avoid extra costs. Expedited processing fees can be steep—Vietnam’s express visa fees, for instance, can cost up to SGD 500 for 1 to 2-day processing.
You can apply for all the visas online through the official government websites. However, I encountered some challenges while applying for the Vietnam visa online. After several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to visit the Vietnam Embassy in Singapore. Unfortunately, they informed me that the embassy does not handle visa applications directly and referred me to one of their authorized visa agents at International Plaza, located next to Tanjong Pagar MRT.
The agent’s fee was SGD 100, which is significantly higher than the cost listed on the official website. I suspect the issue with my online application might have been due to the photo I uploaded, which may not have met the requirements.
Fortunately, I had no issues applying online for visas to Laos and Cambodia. The processes were straightforward, and I received approvals promptly. For those interested, you can apply for the Laos eVisa through their official website:
Traveling to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam in December offers pleasant and comfortable weather, making it an ideal time to explore these countries.
Cambodia: December falls within the cool and dry season, characterized by average temperatures around 26°C (79°F). In Siem Reap, for instance, daily high temperatures are typically around 30°C (86°F), with lows of 19°C (66°F) in the evenings, providing a comfortable climate for sightseeing.
Siam Reap in Cambodia Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Pub Street and Angkor Night Market
I arrived in Siem Reap and took a taxi to the city center. The journey took about 1 to 1.5 hours, covering approximately 45 kilometers, with a fare of around $30 USD. The taxi was a clean and comfortable SUV, providing a pleasant ride after my flight.
Upon arrival, the driver inquired if I required transportation services during my stay in Siem Reap. Although I had pre-booked transfers through Klook for the following days, I appreciated his offer and took his WhatsApp contact for potential use, especially for the return trip to the airport.
For those planning a visit, it’s worth noting that while taxis are readily available, pre-booking through services like Klook can offer convenience and potentially competitive rates. Additionally, some travelers have reported that remorks (Cambodian tuk-tuks) are available at the airport for approximately $8 USD, providing a more economical option for solo travelers or those with light luggage.
Overall, arranging airport transfers in Siem Reap is straightforward, with various options to suit different preferences and budgets.
Day 2: Private Car Charter (Beng Mealea and Koh Ker Temple Complex)
I booked a full-day SUV car charter through Klook, which took us around the archaeological park for about 8 hours. We returned to the hotel to rest around 3 pm and then attended a night performance, with tickets purchased from Klook.
The Apsara Dance Show and Buffet, with a pickup time of 6:30 pm, is highly recommended, especially the food, which is worth the price.
Suggestion: If your hotel is near the Angkor Archaeological Park, consider booking a tuk-tuk instead of an SUV. Tuk-tuks are more affordable and provide a comfortable way to explore the area. In our case, the SUV booking felt unnecessary.
Day 3: Sunrise Angkor Temples & Circus Private Tour by Tuk-Tuk
The driver called at 3:45 am and arrived on time for the 4 am hotel pickup. The Angkor Sunrise is a must-do, and you can return to the hotel to rest around 11 am or 12 noon.
Pro tip: Bring a poncho or umbrella in case of rain, and use a flashlight when walking at 4:30 am, as it’s still dark. Be cautious of cow dung on the path to Angkor Wat, and bring insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes. Thousands of them are flying around to bite you.
In the evening, I attended the Phare, The Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap at 8 pm, taking a tuk-tuk from the hotel for about $3 USD.
Day 4: Private Car Charter (Floating Villages & Traditional Village Ox-Cart Ride)
I recommend booking a car instead of a tuk-tuk for this day trip, as the sandy roads can be uncomfortable, and the journey to the floating village takes about an hour. The weather is super hot and uncomfortable, but luckily we were in the SUV with air conditioning. It would be super hot in a tuk-tuk.
The ticket to the floating village is not cheap, about $22 USD. The motorboat will bring you into the floating village, where the stilts of the fishing villages are incredibly high—nothing I’ve seen in other countries. A must-do.
Visiting the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake offers a unique glimpse into the lives of communities that adapt to the lake’s seasonal changes. The stilted houses can reach impressive heights, with some stilts towering up to 10 to 15 meters, allowing residents to live above the fluctuating water levels.
The entrance fee for visiting these villages varies depending on the location and tour operator. For instance, the Kompong Khleang floating village charges an entrance fee of $22 for solo travelers. This fee typically includes a boat ride through the village and onward to Tonle Sap Lake, where you can observe houseboat villages.
The motorboat will take you to another location to board smaller human-powered boats, which cost $5 USD per person. These smaller boats navigate through the jungle, and you’ll also encounter vendors selling items from their boats.
While the cost may seem high, the experience offers a rare opportunity to witness a way of life that is deeply connected to the rhythms of the lake. The towering stilts and floating homes are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the communities living there.
If you’re planning a visit, consider booking a tour through reputable operators to ensure a safe and informative experience. Some tours may also include additional activities, such as visits to local markets or cultural performances, enhancing your understanding of the area.
Overall, a visit to the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake is a memorable and educational experience, offering insights into a unique way of life that has thrived for generations.
Day 5: Half day tour in Siam Reap
On Day 5, we had the morning to explore the Royal Palace, a temple, and the local market using a tuk-tuk from our hotel, paying him $10 USD for 9 am to 12 noon. After lunch, we checked out, as our hotel offered a late check-out at 2 pm.
We booked our taxi with the driver we met on the first day upon arrival at the airport. We expected him to take us to the airport, but at the last minute, he sent his friend with a very old car to drive us to the airport.
Where to stay in Siam Reap? Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa
The hotel is near the night market; you can walk for 20 minutes to arrive. Along the way, there are many things to see and eat. Next to the hotel, there are a few laundry shops that can wash your clothes in 1 hour. Additionally, there is a lady with many beautiful cats who offers people the opportunity to feed her cats by purchasing cat food for 1,000 riel, which is about 20 US cents.
Final thoughts for Siam Reap Cambodia
Opting for a 3-day pass to the Angkor Archaeological Park is a prudent choice for most visitors. This pass allows you to explore the major temples at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed. The 3-day pass is valid for 10 days from the date of purchase, enabling you to select the days that best fit your itinerary.
Ticket Options:
1-Day Pass: Priced at $20 USD, this pass is valid for one full day within a 5-day period from the time of purchase.
WANDER-LUSH
3-Day Pass: Available for $40 USD, this pass is valid for 10 days from the date of purchase, allowing you to choose any three days within that period to visit the temples.
VISIT ANGKOR
7-Day Pass: Offered at $60 USD, this pass is also valid for 10 days from the date of purchase, providing flexibility to visit the temples on any seven days within that timeframe.
You can get the pass from Klook
Siem Reap’s tropical climate can be hot and humid, especially during the dry season. As of January 15, 2025, the forecast is mostly sunny with temperatures around 90°F (32°C).
Health Precautions:
Insect Repellent: Essential to protect against mosquitoes, especially in areas near water.
Sun Protection: Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen regularly.
Transportation:
Tuk-Tuks: Ideal for short distances and exploring local attractions. Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
Private Tours: For a more comprehensive experience, consider booking a 3-day Angkor Wat pass through reputable platforms like Klook. This allows you to explore the temples at a relaxed pace.
KLOOK
Cultural Etiquette:
Dress Modestly: When visiting temples, cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
Local Customs: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas.
Safety Tips:
Stay Hydrated: Carry a refillable water bottle and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
Secure Your Belongings: Keep valuables in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy all that Siem Reap has to offer.
Money exchange in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is relatively straightforward. Here are some key tips:
Currency in Cambodia
The official currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but the US Dollar (USD) is widely used for transactions, especially in tourist areas like Siem Reap. Riel is commonly used for smaller purchases or as change for amounts under $1. You can use USD in most places, such as restaurants (where menus are written in both Riel and USD), tuk-tuks, and night markets. So, you don’t need to exchange too much Riel. Most places also accept cards.