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Siem Reap is still a small town at heart and easy enough to navigate in an hour or two. The centre is around Psar Chaa (Old Market), the administrative district along the western bank of the river, while accommodation is spread throughout town. National Hwy 6 (NH6) cuts across the northern part of the town, passing Psar Leu (Main Market) in the east of town, the Royal Residence and the Grand Hotel d'Angkor in the centre, before heading west out to the airport and beyond. Stung Siem Reap (Siem Reap River) flows north-south through the centre of town, and has enough bridges that you won't have to worry too much about being stranded on the wrong side. Like Phnom Penh, however, street numbering is haphazard to say the least, so take care when hunting down specific addresses. Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom are only 6km (4mi) and 8km (5mi) north of town respectively, while the Roluos Group of temples is 13km (8mi) east along NH6.
Getting There
There are direct international flights to/from Siem Reap to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore. Demand is high during peak season, so book in advance. Siem Reap International Airport is 7km (4mi) from the town centre. Many hotels have a free airport pick-up service. Official taxis are also available. Buses and share taxis usually drop passengers off at the taxi park about 2km (1.3mi) east of the town centre, from where it is a short moto (small motorcycle with driver) ride to nearby guesthouses or hotels. There are daily express boat services connecting Siem Reap with Phnom Penh and Battambang. Boats leave from the floating village of Chong Kneas.
The roads to Phnom Penh (now surfaced) and west to Thailand and Battambang (still rough in patches) are served by air-con buses and share taxis.
Getting Around
The town is mostly flat, so bicycles are a fun way to get around. Some guesthouses rent bicycles, as do shops around Psar Chaa (Old Market). Most hotels can also organise car hire. Foreigners aren't allowed to rent motorcycles in Siem Reap, but you can bring one from Phnom Penh.
(motorbikes with drivers) are available for trips around town. It's best to negotiate a price before setting off. Remorque motos - sweet little motorbikes with carriages - are a nice way for couples to get about Siem Reap.
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