Traveling Tips
Local SIM Cards
Local SIM cards are cheap and very useful. You will need an unlocked phone to use them. The SIM cards are cheap(USD5-USD10) with plenty of data. You will get credit for local calls as well.
I usually use the Metfone network. It has served me well all throughout Cambodia. NOTE: calls to other networks cost more. It is best to stay with one network if you are traveling with others. There are plenty of Metfone stores to add credit(USD2-USD3) if you run out.
Make sure you you get the sales staff to set up the SIM card on your phone. Check everything works before you leave.
Click HERE for useful information.
Accommodation Siem Reap
You will find many hotels in Siem Reap.
I prefer a place near Pub Street. It will be handy to restaurants, bars etc. You should be able to walk(or stagger) back to your hotel without having to find a tuk tuk.
Many hotels do not have elevators . This is not usually a problem but it is worth checking if you don't want to walk up and down the stairs every time you go out.
I like having a safe in my room. They may not be foolproof but still better than nothing.
I like staying in a hotel with a swimming pool. It is nice to cool off after a hot day in the temples. Hotels with pools tend to be of a better standard as well.
Traveling in the off season can be cost effective. Good hotels(with pool) can be booked for USD50 or less.
Food in Siem Reap
There is a wide range of food available. Most places in the Pub Street area are clean , have good service and have tasty food.
Aside from the Asian food, there are plenty of European-type restaurants and even Mexican. There are 2 places I can recommend - The Hideout Barista & Lounge and The Crocodile River Bistro. You can even pay by credit card at The Hideout. Good on the last day when you don't want to mess around with cash.
Travel in the "Off Season"
I usually travel to Cambodia in July/August. This is supposed to be their "Rainy Season". The rain is minimal. Many days there isn't any rain at all. In Siem Reap, you will have time to do sightseeing most days. The worse case may be where it rains for an hour or two in the afternoon.
There are many advantages in traveling this time - great deals on hotels, bargains at the markets(You can get haggle hard if you want but see "Don't be a Jerk" below), less crowded and restaurants/shows are more accessible.
BUT it is HOT!!!!...and humid. 35+ Celsius (90-100F). A good idea is to be active in the mornings and evenings. Rest around lunch time and the heat of the day. I usually get a fresh mango juice and relax by the pool or have lunch.
Don't be a Jerk
USD1 is worth a lot more to the locals than it is to most visitors. You can get really good bargains especially if you go to the markets in the off-season. Many of the store keepers struggle and can be desperate to make a sale.
Bartering can be fun but keep prices in perspective. You will be buying items at a fraction of the price at home. I tend to tip the store keepers a little if they have been fair and friendly.
Firearms ranges
This is not for everyone but you can go to a Firearms Range and take on an AK47, M16 or a RPG(Rocket Propelled Grenade). This isn't cheap but worth a try if you haven't done it before. See - Rifle Range
Kompong Khleang Floating Village Tour
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. If you want to experience more than temples, there are tours to the nearby floating villages. In my opinion, the best one by far is the Kompong Khleang Tour See - Kompong Khleang Floating Village Tour. This is not the usual tourist trap. This is a community run tour where you will meet Cambodians and see a slice of their lives.
Charlie won't be able to help you with this but you can contact Eddie via the Contact page on their website. Eddie will organise for someone to pick you up and drop you off. The tour takes about 5-7hrs and it costs about USD35. see: Tripadvisor Review of Kompong Khleang Floating Village Tour
Prescription Glasses
We found some very good, cheap places to buy frames and glasses with prescription lenses. Charlie can help you find them. You can get complete glasses for as low as USD15-20 for simpler prescriptions. They don't need your prescription in most cases. They can work it out from your glasses. They can double check the readings by testing your sight and make changes if required. I ended up with glasses better than the ones I bought from home. e.g. You can get Rayban copies of frames with prescription lenses for USD40-50. Add another USD10-15 if you want the Transition lenses which darken with the brightness of the light.