"The City of Siem Reap" Khett Siem Reab by fossettes

Siem Reap is a city that is on the verge of huge growth though In many ways it is still very quaint. When we were there many new hotels were being constructed, mostly funded by foreign investors. Many tour agencies have been established and people come from all over Cambodia to work in the tourism industry. We hired a guide who had been recommended by friends. He had grown up in the country, the son of subsistance farmers. He and his brother had moved to Siem Reap to improve their lives, and that of their family. (His brother is a tuktuk driver) He learned English quickly and was very knowledgable in the history of Angkor Wat and Cambodia. Tour guides are required to pass a government test in order to be an official guide.

Most people spend little time in Seam Reap, only using it as a base for their exploration of the nearby temples. Hop in a tuktuk for a drive around town. The locals are happy to show it off to you! A drive along the river with a stop in the market (good for crafts) is worth the time and $1 that it will cost.

Or take a walk through the alleys and small streets. People greet you with a friendly (and sometimes curious) smile and you will be rewarded with some interesting sights.