The Kingdom of Cambodia, bordered by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Gulf of Thailand, is an intriguing nation of fusions and contrasts. Aside from the astonishing temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia has uniquely retained the many charms of yesteryear Asia. Rice paddies, water buffalos, indigenous farming and fishing, long forgotten cooking techniques, traditional silk weaving, and deep-rooted local music + customs can all be observed without straying far from Le Méridien Angkor.
Below you will find useful information for planning your trip.
Visas:
Cambodian visas for most nationalities can be arranged in advance online as an e-visa; Visa-on-arrival is also available, however, processing time can be lengthy. The cost for a 30-day visa is between USD 20-25. If travelling by air, forms for visa-on-arrival, customs and other documents are available from most airport check-in desks, on board your flight, or at the immigration arrival area at the Siem Reap International Airport. If opting for the visa-on-arrival, we recommend carrying with you 2-3 passport pictures. Please check with your travel agent or nearest Cambodian Embassy for latest requirements for Cambodian Visas.
Currency:
Although the official currency of Cambodia is the Riel, the US Dollar is widely used and accepted. US Dollars are available from most ATMs in town, subject to exchange and bank fees.
Airlines:
Le Méridien Angkor is easily accessible from the Siem Reap International Airport (REP). For more information on airports and airlines please visit the Map and Directions page.
Transportation Options:
Siem Reap does not count with a government regulated taxi service. To avoid the hassle and time of haggling over price, Le Méridien Angkor recommends its reasonably priced and insured transportation options. Be it Airport Transfers, Tours, or simply a night out in the town, our hotel cars and drivers are at your service. Alternatively, the local tuk-tuks (motorized rickshaws) are a convenient and charming way of travelling short distances.
Do hire a guide if you want to get in-depth historical and cultural information and have access to the best routes in which to explore each temple. The guides also know where all the good carvings/reliefs are and can show you those as well.The guide will also be in charge of arranging transportation, so do specify if you'd like to go by tuk-tuk, car or mini-van.
If you arrive in Siem Reap in the late afternoon, do go and purchase your pass at 5:00pm. They will let you into the compound and you can catch a sunset (the sunset shots are great at Angkor Wat westside). Your pass will be activated the next day.
Do specify what kind of Angkor Wat pass you want. The normal passes are good for 1 day ($20), 2 or 3 days ($40) and 1 week ($60), however you can get the 3-day pass to be used within one week, and the 1-week pass to be used within one month. Don't forget to specify this at the time of purchase.
Do keep your pass handy, as you will be asked to show it when entering the temples. A plastic pass case on a leash comes in handy, and will protect the pass from getting soiled or damaged.
Do go at your own pace. It will prevent you from getting heat exhaustion. If you need to sit down and have a cold drink, just let your driver know. Try to go away from the crowds (you may be surprised to find something special), you can always follow them later.