Siem Reap - Home of the Angkor Archeological Park
Siem Reap is a province that borders the provinces of Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Kampong Thom, Battambang, and Banteay Meanchey. It is divided into 11 districts and 1 municipality. The municipality of Siem Reap is the largest city and capital of Siem Reap province.
Siem Reap is the 10th largest province in the country based on land area. It is populated by approximately 7% of the country’s entire populace.
The province is part of the 9 provinces that make up the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. A large part of the province’s southern border is occupied by the Tonle Sap River.
It is also the site of Angkor and the Angkor Wat temple ruins, which is now declared as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites and thus, protected by its’ mandate.
History and Etymology of Siem Reap
Siem Reap means "Siam Defeated", a testament to the conflict between the Siamese and the Khmer in Siam. Both the province and Siem Reap town is called "Siemmarat", meaning "Siam's Territory".
The province is under the control of the Thai kingdom of Siam in 1795 and returned to Cambodia in 1907 after the French government made a treaty with Siam in exchange for Trat and Dan Sai.
The province of Inner Cambodia, which comprises of Battambang, Siem Reap, and Angkor Wat, was split into Battambang and Siem Reap by royal decree of King Sisowath 1795. The Franco-Thai War in 1941 is over the disputed territory of Siem Reap province between France and Thailand.
This war resulted in a victory for Thailand and return to Thai control for most of the disputed territory except for Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. The whole province again reverted to Cambodia in 1946 after the end of World War II.
Where to Live in the Siem Reap
Considering that Siem Reap is a major tourist destination, the demand for real estate has been growing rapidly in the last few years. There is availability in terms of hotels and guesthouses, office and commercial spaces and residential properties catering to any budget.
Depending on your preferences and your individual needs, these are the popular places to consider when renting or buying property in Siem Reap.
Sala Kamreuk
This area is a popular expat area where most residential properties, hotels, and commercial establishments are located.
Apartments for rent can range from $200 - $1500/month, depending on the number of rooms, quality of setup and furnishings.
Price of Land can range from $300-$400 sq.m.
Svay Dangkum
Svay Dangkum is primarily a residential area popular with local and long term staying expats and where most of the nice villas are located.
Price range for apartments is between $60 - $900/month, depending on the number of rooms and quality of furnishings.
Villas range from $1000-$2000/month.
Land can be acquired between $300-$1500 per sq.m.
Wat Bo
This part of town is mostly commercial, with a few residential properties, and the home of the famous Wat Bo temple. Being a few minutes away from Pub Street, Wat Bo gets the overflow of the tourists that cannot be accommodated by the Old Market/Pub Street Area.
It is comprised mostly of small shops and other commercial establishments.
Apartments for rent range from $200 - $1500/month, depending on the number of rooms and quality of setup and furnishings.
(Video) Property Code 9029 | Khmer Heritage Home For Sale - Wat Damnak, Siem Reap | IPS CambodiaLand price per sq.m. is approximately $400-$2,500 on the riverside.
Night Market (Old Market/Pub Street)
This part of town is the most popular tourist area due to its busy night scene and lively bars that are open 24/7. The area is comprised mostly of restaurants, bars, hotels, and guesthouses as well as a few residential properties.
Apartments can range from $300-$1000, depending on the number of rooms and quality of furniture.
Land can be bought for $600-$2000 per sq.m.
Slor Kram
Slor Kram is close to Wat Bo area and also gets the overflow of tourists. Nowadays, it is also becoming popular with locals and long staying expats due to its proximity to the city center.
Apartments are becoming a little higher as well, with apartments ranging from $250-$700/month, depending on the number of rooms and furnishings.
Land can be bought for $250 - $700 per sq.m.
Wat Damnak
This area is also a popular tourist area best known for the Wat Damnak temple. It is comprised mostly of commercial establishments including bars and restaurants, hotels and guesthouses, shopping centers and apartment buildings for long term expats.
Land in this area range from $400-$1,200 per sq.m.
Apartment for rent can range from $300-$1500
(Video) Retire Cambodia NOT Thailand - Apartments 300$-$350 Siem Reap IPS
Chreav
Chreav is a rural area, with lots of rice fields and has the lowest price for the land. However, there will be more development in the coming months because of the new ring road that is being constructed in the area.
A lot of large rice lands in the villagers are being bought and converted into subdivision or boreys and divided into smaller plots for residential developments.
There are no apartments in the area but houses can be rented for $300-$500/month and land is priced at $30-$60 per sq.m.
Bakong
Bakong is a temple area that is popular for their floating villages, rice fields, and rural living. There are no options for apartments but land is available for $6-$30 per sq.m.
Wat Athvear
This is a semi-rural area located along the road to the floating villages, lake tourism area, and the Psar Kroam markets.
It is made popular by the Wat Atvhear temple but apartments and villas are generally not available in these areas.
Land can be purchased for $100-$250 per sq.m.
Kouk Chak
Kouk Chak is also a semi-rural area but slowly becoming more developed in the past few years.
Apartments for rent are already available in this part of the province and can be rented for $200-$400.
(Video) Property Code 14362 | 2 Bedroom Luxury Villa For Sale - Siem Reap, Siem Reap | IPS CambodiaLand can be acquired for $150-$400 per sq.m.
Sambour
This is another rural area. It has got good access to the ring roads will most likely be more developed in the next few years.
Well priced land ranging from $60 - $120 per sq.m. is available in this area.
Old French Quarter
This part of town is where most of the commercial establishments including restaurants, bars, banks, and hotels are located.
Apartment buildings are not available in this area and land is generally more expensive.
Land is priced between $1000 - $3000.
Where to go in Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is a popular tourist destination and has a large number of hostels, resorts, guesthouses, restaurants, and commercial establishments catering to the tourism sector, primarily due to its proximity to the Angkor Wat temples.
In recent years, there has also been a boom in residential and commercial spaces, attributed mainly to foreign investments and expats wanting to stay long term in the province.
There are many interesting sights to see in the province. Admittedly, the Angkor Wat Archeological Park and the temples surrounding it in the Siem Reap municipality is the most popular destination for tourists and the areas surrounding it is scattered with hotels, guesthouses, and other commercial establishments.
However, the province is also home to other noteworthy tourist attractions including the Buddhist temples scattered around the province, the Tonle Sap Lake, Angkor Silk Farm, Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, War Museum Cambodia, Me Chrey Floating Village, Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre, Lotus Farm, Landmine museum and of course, the Night Life in Pub Street/Old Market.
FAQs
Can foreigners buy property in Siem Reap? ›
According to the law, foreigners cannot buy land in Cambodia. This is following Article 44 of the Cambodian Constitution which states that: “Only Khmer legal entities and citizens of Khmer nationality shall have the right to own land.” But there are a few methods in which expats can purchase land.
Can foreigners buy real estate in Cambodia? ›Yes, they can. Although Cambodian law prohibits foreigners from owning land, they can legally own properties, be it condominiums, apartments, or offices, as long as it is not located on the ground floor of a building (and at least 30% of the other properties in the building are Cambodian owned).
Can Americans buy real estate in Cambodia? ›Can foreigner (expats) buy property in Cambodia? Yes, foreigners can buy property in Cambodia. Foreigners in Cambodia are not however allowed to own properties on the ground floor of a building and are not allowed to own land outright under the foreign ownership property law.
How much does a house cost in Cambodia? ›Property Rates Inside the City | Current | Last Year |
---|---|---|
Residential Land per sq.m. | $2,500 | $2,000 |
Commercial Land per sq.m. | $5,000 | $4,500 |
Studio Apartment | $120,000 | $100,000 |
Single Unit Apartment 1 Bedroom | $150,000 | $130,000 |
You must have documentation of retirement in the United States and proof of funds to sustain your stay in Cambodia. You must also be 55 or older and may no longer be employed to qualify for this visa. This visa can last one, three, six, or 12 months. The six- and 12-month visas allow multiple entries.
Can I live permanently in Cambodia? ›Business visas are the most popular way to reside long-term in Cambodia. Cambodian citizenship can be applied for at the Ministry of the Interior, which normally takes two to three months to process.
How long can an American live in Cambodia? ›Once you have your first 30-day E-class visa for Cambodia, you can apply for one of the extension of stay visas listed above from inside the country for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. It's advisable to extend it for 6 or 12 months, as these visa types are multiple-entry.
Do foreigners pay tax in Cambodia? ›Non-residents are taxed at a flat rate of 20%, which constitutes a final tax.
How can an American live in Cambodia? ›Overview. In general, a person who wishes to immigrate to the United States must have a petition approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before applying for an immigrant visa. The petition is filed either by a qualified relative or a potential employer at a USCIS office in the United States.
Is moving to Cambodia a good idea? ›Cambodia is filled with great opportunities.
Foreign experience is highly valued here, and most expats are able to find a job easily. In fact, many are able to find jobs that they wouldn't be regarded as qualified to do at home.
Is Cambodia duty free to the US? ›
The US government has been providing duty-free access for exported Cambodian travel goods such as suitcases, backpacks, handbags and wallets under the GSP since July 2016.
Is Cambodia friendly to USA? ›U.S.-Cambodia relations are based on strong historical and cultural linkages. Enduring ties between the American and Cambodian people, as well as cooperation on UN matters and on foreign assistance programs, provide avenues to engage on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues.
Is it good to retire in Cambodia? ›According to International Living's Annual Global Retirement Index, Cambodia was named as the 12th best place in the world to retire, as well as the best in both ASEAN and Asia.
Is it cheaper to live in Cambodia than Thailand? ›Cost of living in Phnom Penh (Cambodia) is 18% cheaper than in Bangkok (Thailand)
What is the cheapest place to live in Cambodia? ›- Central Market Phnom Penh.
- Streets of Phnom Penh.
- Pub Street, Siem Reap.
- Riverside Park, Phnom Penh.
Tourist and business visas are valid for one month from the date of entry into Cambodia. Cambodia offers on-line visa processing.
What is the easiest country for Americans to retire to? ›In order of top to bottom, the following top 10 countries to retire abroad include Portugal, Mexico, Panama, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Spain, Greece, France, Italy, and Thailand.
How much money needed to retire in Cambodia? ›How Much Does it Cost to Retire in Cambodia? Living costs in Cambodia are relatively cheap compared to most Asian countries. As a retiree, you can live comfortably for $1,000 to $1,500 per month, depending on your lifestyle.
Is it safe for an American to live in Cambodia? ›Cambodia is a relatively safe country, and the political situation is generally quite stable. There are frequent instances of petty crime like pickpocketing and burglary, but expats don't need to be paranoid, just cautious. One of the biggest risks to safety in Cambodia outside the city centres is landmines.
What city in Cambodia is best for expats? ›Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are the most popular cities for expats, but Sihanoukville has beaches, Battambang is charming, and Kep and Kampot are the definite up-and-comers in Cambodia.
What is the coldest month in Cambodia? ›
Many tourists choose to visit Cambodia in the period between December and February due to the cooler temperatures. January is usually the coldest month, but temperatures are still around 25°C to 30°C.
Why do Americans move to Cambodia? ›Some are after development jobs that will move their careers forward. Others are looking for a relaxed retirement. Still others are seeking a place where expenses are so low that they can afford to pursue creative endeavours without having to endure the hassle of working a traditional 9-to-5 job.
Can I have dual citizenship in U.S. and Cambodia? ›Cambodia imposes no restrictions on dual citizenship. In fact, Cambodia has permitted dual citizenship since 1996.
How much money do I need to move to Cambodia? ›Summing up. If you're going to be in the provinces, budget at least a $2,000 nest egg to get started. If you'll be living in the city, plan for $3,000. However, the more you save to put into your nest egg, the easier life will be for you once you get here.
How long can foreigners stay in Cambodia? ›Tourists can apply for an e-visa online or get a tourist visa on arrival. These are valid for 30 days. For longer stays or other situations, get a visa through an embassy or consulate of Cambodia. Don't overstay your visa.
What is the average income of someone who lives in Cambodia? ›Cambodia Annual Household Income per Capita data is updated yearly, available from Dec 2009 to Dec 2021, with an averaged value of 983.774 USD.
What is the average income per person in Cambodia? ›Data are in current U.S. dollars. Cambodia gdp per capita for 2021 was $1,625, a 3% increase from 2020.
What U.S. city has the most Cambodians? ›Rank | City | Cambodian-Americans |
---|---|---|
1 | Lowell | 13,319 |
2 | Lynn | 3,338 |
3 | Providence | 2,974 |
4 | Tacoma | 3,078 |
Long Beach, California, has the highest population of people of Cambodian ancestry outside of Cambodia itself.
Can you drink the water in Siem Reap? ›Unlike many places in the world, tap water is not inherently safe to drink here. That's where filtered water in Siem Reap comes into play. Thanks to Water for Cambodia, The Aviary Hotel now features water filters all throughout the hotel.
Is it better to live in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh? ›
This means that while Phnom Penh offers better shopping and hotel experiences, Siem Reap is far more rewarding for foreign tourists. If you're staying in Cambodia for just a week or so, we'd recommend you spend it in Siem Reap. On a longer trip, though, be sure to visit Phnom Penh as well!
Is it better to live in Thailand or Cambodia? ›Thailand is bigger, richer, and more developed. It is home to many of the world's best beaches and there is a lot more going on when it comes to nightlife. Cambodia, on the other hand, is smaller and more rural, which means lower prices and fewer crowds.
What problems is Cambodia facing? ›- New Rights-Abusing Laws and Bills.
- Human Rights Defenders Behind Bars.
- Attacks Against Environmental Activists.
- Attacks Against Political Opposition Members.
- Impunity.
- Freedom of Media.
- Lack of Adequate Standard of Living.
Foreigners wishing to drive in Cambodia must hold a Cambodian driver licence.
Is it better to use US dollars in Cambodia? ›Although Cambodia's official currency is the Riel the US Dollar is used in most transactions, so we recommend taking some US Dollars in cash (with some small denomination notes).
How much cash can I bring to Cambodia? ›Import of foreign currencies to Cambodia is not limited, although declaration is required for the sums of over US$10,000.00 (ten thousand US dollars) or the equivalent in a foreign currency.
Who is Cambodia best friend? › Since then, as close neighbours, Cambodia and China have forged and nurtured an unbreakable, "ironclad" friendship that has weathered many storms and overcome many difficulties. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, on many occasions, has publicly reiterated that China is the country's "most trusted friend".
Is Cambodia safer than Thailand? ›While both countries are relatively safe, Cambodia is a bit safer than Thailand. The latter is more crowded with crazier nightlife, being a popular tourist hub. Because of this, there are more tourist annoyances in Thailand. Both countries face the same issues, and petty crimes are the most common problem.
What country is most like Cambodia? ›Laos and Cambodia were both part of the Khmer Empire and more recently, French Indochina, so the countries have significant demographic and cultural similarities. They have similar public holidays, like New Year's Day in April, Vesak Day, and Women's Day.
Is healthcare expensive in Cambodia? ›Even though healthcare costs are very low in Cambodia, the services offered can be very limited depending on where you are.
How much does it cost per month to live in Cambodia? ›
...
Cost of Living in Cambodia.
Expense | U.S. $ |
---|---|
Rent: (furnished two-bedroom apartment) | $381 |
High-speed internet | $19 |
Pay TV (standard package) | $5 |
Electricity (including regular A/C) | $92 |
Cambodia is 37.9% more expensive than Vietnam.
Is Laos cheaper than Cambodia? ›Accommodation is often cheaper in Laos compared to Cambodia ($5.90 vs. $18). Budget travelers usually stay in less expensive hostels and guest houses, while nicer hotels often appeal to families and upscale travelers.
Is Cambodia cheaper than Bali? ›Bali is 18.0% more expensive than Cambodia.
Is Cambodia cheaper than Mexico? ›Cambodia is 23.6% more expensive than Mexico.
Mexico vs. Mexico vs. Mexico vs. Mexico vs.
Safe environment
Cambodia itself is a relatively safe country for all and this is especially true within Siem Reap. While of course petty crimes do exist like pickpockets and scams, it remains to be a safe environment for residents and travelers.
From experience, expatriates who have already lived there there estimate that $500 a month is the minimum cost of living . With $1,000 a month you would be entirely covered with money to spare, and the minimum subsistence would be $400. The Khmer country is therefore very inexpensive.
Can foreigners buy real estate in Malaysia? ›Foreign ownership of property is liberal (foreigners can own 100% of the property) in Malaysia as long as minimum requirements are met. In law, foreigners can own any type of properties EXCEPT the following: Properties valued less than RM1 million in most of the major states.
Can a foreigner live in Cambodia? ›But despite their different backgrounds, foreigners can generally agree on a few reasons to settle here: Getting a visa is easy. For less than a dollar a day, almost anyone can get a visa to stay in the country. Cambodia has one of the most relaxed visa programs in the world…for now.
Can foreigners get a mortgage in Cambodia? ›Before, there were little to no banks that cater to foreigners but now there are a few established banks that allow expatriates to open accounts. Not only that, but expats can apply for home loans within these banks. Some of these banks where foreigners like you can apply for a home loan are the following: RHB Cambodia.
Can Americans buy real estate in Malaysia? ›
The short answer to this question is yes. Though there are some specificities when it comes to foreigner owned property². If you're not native to Malaysia, you're allowed to purchase any kind of property, as long as it's priced at a minimum value of one million MYR.
Can Americans own real estate in Malaysia? ›The good news about real estate in Malaysia is that there are few other restrictions on property ownership. Foreigners can own multiple properties without limits, other than the entry-level restrictions. Direct foreign ownership is allowed and financing is relatively straightforward and cheap for the region.
Is it worth buying property in Malaysia? ›An investment in Malaysia's housing property will give you the opportunity to generate passive income in the long run by renting out your property. Choosing to invest in real estate this way is especially useful when it comes to helping you pay off your mortgage, which in turn reduces the cost of your property.
What are 3 major problems in Cambodia? ›- New Rights-Abusing Laws and Bills.
- Human Rights Defenders Behind Bars.
- Attacks Against Environmental Activists.
- Attacks Against Political Opposition Members.
- Impunity.
- Freedom of Media.
- Lack of Adequate Standard of Living.
Cambodia Visa and Residence Information. Cambodia has made it as simple as possible for foreign tourists, expat professionals, and retirees to visit and live in the “Kingdom of Wonder,” with some of the most flexible visa regulations in the region.
Is it good to buy condo in Cambodia? ›Buying a condo in Phnom Penh is thus relatively affordable, but it isn't the greatest investment. You should consider a luxury unit in an up-and-coming area for maximum returns if you do choose to buy one.
Does Cambodia tax foreign income? ›A Cambodian resident's worldwide salary is subject to Cambodia salary tax, while non-residents are taxed on Cambodian-sourced salary.
Does Cambodia have credit score? ›Moody's credit rating for Cambodia was last set at B2 with negative outlook. In general, a credit rating is used by sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and other investors to gauge the credit worthiness of Cambodia thus having a big impact on the country's borrowing costs.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Cambodia? ›...
Food and Basic Cost of Living in Cambodia.