Tips on Avoiding Siem Reap Tourist Traps

Siem Reap Tourist Traps

As a tourist destination and popular getaway in the Angkor region, Siem Reap has a lot to offer. However, you should be aware of the tourist traps in Siem Reap.

Cambodian Riel

Before going to Siem Reap, you should familiarize yourself with how the local currency works. The local currency in Cambodia is the US dollar. Prices on items will be quoted in US dollars, and you will be required to pay in the US currency. However, any small change you get will be in the local Cambodian Riel. The issue with the local currency is that it cannot be converted into other currency. In effect, the coins will become souvenirs when you leave the country. Be careful of business owners who may want to take advantage of your little knowledge of the local currency.

Chong Kneas Floating Village

Visiting a floating village during your trip in Siem Reap can make for an interesting experience. You should be careful when visiting Chong Kneas floating village since it is one of the tourist traps in the area. Although the person who collects the $ 20 entrance fees makes a lot of money from the high number of tourists who visit the village, the locals do not benefit from the attraction. In the past, tourists would talk directly to boat drivers before taking a floating village tour. The scam introduced by those who collect money at the entrance has left most of the locals in poverty.

City Gems

Most of the tourists who go to Cambodia will buy the precious stones available in the country. Cambodia is known for its wealth in ruby, sapphire and emerald mines. One particular store you should avoid when thinking of buying precious stones is the City Gems. If you do not look at the precious stones keenly, you will only realize later that they sold you a colored glass. This could be a great inconvenience if you happen to have traveled back to your home country. You also will find it difficult replacing the products or getting a refund from the store.

Cultural Village

If you have visited the cultural village in Thailand, you may expect the same experience from the cultural village in Cambodia. The price that foreigners pay to gain access to the cultural village may not be worth it. The village does not have much to offer, and you may end up being bored and disappointed. It would be advisable to spend the $ 12 at the more interesting Angkor Museum.

Shops Near Ankor Wat

The souvenir shops near Angor Wat offer many products, but their prices are quoted in US dollars. The prices are also considerably high, making shopping in this area a rip-off. The bigger shops have higher markups. You should be sure to shop around before buying the souvenir.

Siem Reap Floating Market

Instead of taking a $ 15 guided boat tour in the floating market, you can choose to take the riverboat to Phnom Penh.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about tourist traps in Siem Reap.