Ultimate expat guide to Siem Reap! Which area is best to live? Which area has most expats?

Рет қаралды 14,754

4 жыл бұрын

The four sangkats / communes (see below) that are closest to the centre of Siem Reap are a great choice when looking for an apartment. You can't go wrong with any of the four, but you'll find most available properties in Svay Dankum and Sala Kamreuk.
1 - Svay Dankum (Sok San Rd, Taphul Rd, Old Market, Pub Street, Psar Kraoum, supermarkets)
2 - Sala Kamreuk (Wat Bo, Wat Damnak, the highest concentration of schools, Angkor Muscle Gym)
3 - Sla Kram (leafy area beside the river, lots of Wats: Polanka, An Kau Sa, Enkosai, chill vibe)
4 - Kok Chak (most local or non-expat area in central Siem Reap, cheap local food)
Of course, Svay Dankum is the best because that's where we live and also where Dave and Seng Lai from Dave Does Cambodia live!
If you have any questions about the different parts of Siem Reap, please ask.
Cambodia is divided into 25 provinces. Siem Reap is one of these.
Siem Reap province is divided into 12 districts.
Siem Reap town is one of these districts.
Siem Reap town is divided into 13 sangkats / communes.
Svay Dankum, Sala Kamreuk, Sla Kram and Kok Chak are four of these sangkats / communes.
There is a level under this called village, but I don't have any info on that.
Here's a pdf with more information: www.stat.go.jp/info/meetings/...
As promised, Jeremy's Angkor Muscle Gym review: • Angkor Muscle Gym, Sie...
Thank you everyone who watches our videos. We make them to show you what life is like here in Siem Reap, and it’s nice that you are interested!
If you have any questions about living in Siem Reap or Cambodia, please feel free to leave a comment and we’ll answer if we can. If we can’t, we’ll find out and let you know.
Thanks again,
Jeremy & Claire
Claire’s work
This Life www.thislife.ngo/
Our Social Media
For Riel on Facebook: / for-riel-jeremy-claire...
Claire’s Instagram: / claire_backhouse
Claire’s Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/claire-...
Claire’s website: www.clairebackhouse.com/
Other Siem Reap KZfaq Channels
Dave Does Cambodia: / @davedoescambodia
Marc’s Mildly Interesting Adventures: / @marcsmildlyinteresting
Link to this channel - For Riel: / forriel

Пікірлер: 113

@ForRiel 4 жыл бұрын

There's more information in the description, too. I forgot to say that the translation of the Sangkat names is phonetic, so there will be variations in the spelling, e.g. Sla Kram can be Slor Krom, etc.

@malakaiariel4967 3 жыл бұрын

i know Im asking randomly but does any of you know of a tool to get back into an instagram account?? I stupidly forgot my account password. I would love any tips you can offer me

@arthurcash2282 3 жыл бұрын

@Malakai Ariel instablaster ;)

@malakaiariel4967 3 жыл бұрын

@Arthur Cash I really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

@malakaiariel4967 3 жыл бұрын

@Arthur Cash it worked and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my account!

@arthurcash2282 3 жыл бұрын

@Malakai Ariel No problem :)

@thelasttruegael6517 2 жыл бұрын

Your channel provides such valuable information with regard Cambodia. It is truly a gem of Cambodian vlogger youtube and the fact you donate all earnings to charities in the area. The level-headedness of your pursuit helps balance out the unfortunate amount of mental expats in the Kingdom of Wonder.

@ForRiel 2 жыл бұрын

Your words are so very kind, thank you. We're really trying hard to keep going while we are in Australia and it's nice to have you drop by with such a lovely comment. 🙂🙏

@jahloman2127 Жыл бұрын

I agree, totally ... Claire's videos are priceless!

@grahampeters7642 4 жыл бұрын

So excited to see someone finally showing the different areas in Siem Reap. Please can you do more of this type of video with more detail of each area would be fantastic. Thanks for sharing 👍

@ForRiel 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Graham! I will definitely make more of these in future :)

@krunchykarrot6537 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing info and video. Thank you so much!!

@ForRiel 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! 😀🙏😀🙏

@carldseekingpeace Жыл бұрын

Your exceptional videos have helped me as I winnowed down possible areas to live from BKK, Chaing Mai, Siem Reap & Kampot to just the last two starting with SR. As SR became the target my respect for your solid approach to all of your videos grew. You structure the presentations well, and the maps in this one is the missing ingredient in most of the drive-around-town vids. Well done! I'm torn between Kampot and Siem Reap at this point. At this point, 9 months out, I figure I'll start in SR and get dental work done Along the way I expect to be drawn into Kampot. (I will be 71 yr. old American who lived in the Middle East 5 years in the '80s and was based in Bangkok for 11 years part of the time handling "Asian/Pacific"... left BKK 2005 to raise a child in the USA who is now 22 and in New York City chasing her dreams. I'm seeking retirement. I enjoy French colonial architecture. The only bad things I have read or heard about Kampot are that there's more trash about, rents are higher and there's some form of a backpacker stigma... the positive comments about the place abound. The best I had was an answer to a question I put to a vlogger traveling the region..."would you live in Kampot?' "Yes, if I had the means" , was his answer.... I give you all this detail because because your brain will process it and spit out a great suggestion.) Thanks for your work!

@ForRiel Жыл бұрын

That's so great, Carl, and it was lovely to have you along for the ride. There are positives and negatives to both Siem Reap and Kampot. There's a lot more to do in Siem Reap. The expat population is a lot more diverse, and it's easier to get things. The housing stock is better and cheaper, there's an international airport, and of course, the temples. Kampot is more geographically diverse, and having the coast is a plus. It's also quite close to PP, should you need the facilities there. I think it comes down to the feel of each place and which you prefer. Hey, you can always move! All the best! 😁🙏🥳🇰🇭🎉🍺

@RealSpaceHobo 2 жыл бұрын

Your footage and narration is fascinating. Keep em comin'....:-)

@ForRiel 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate, nice of you to say so!

@sandrabackhouse4397 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Claire for the city tour, the French area looks beautiful and peaceful, but the road works a bit over the top, wouldn't want to get too much rain, maybe as there is no tourists at present and business is so slow getting the road works done makes sense.

@ForRiel 4 жыл бұрын

Hi San! Yes, the roadworks are particularly fun after a storm - the mud is next level :) The French area is lovely, and is home to some VERY fancy hotels.

@wow888888able 4 жыл бұрын

Very helpful. Thanks 🙏

@ForRiel 4 жыл бұрын

I'm glad! Thanks for watching, Warya :)

@rodneycooper1609 3 жыл бұрын

Siem Reap is a great place for both tourists and expats. Many thanks for the update

@ForRiel 3 жыл бұрын

It really is! We loved our time there, just the road construction became too much for us in the end. Thanks for watching 🙏🥥🍍🥭🍺😁

@geoffers91 2 жыл бұрын

as usual very informative and interesting. the french quarters is an expensive place to stay but luckily i had a friend in EAsia who always got me a nice discount. would love to be there right now.

@ForRiel 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Geoffrey, I agree, the French quarter is a very pretty area of Siem Reap. I hope we can visit again soon!

@andthereisntone3454 4 жыл бұрын

That was great: entertaining and informative! Cheers. PS. Svay Dankum/fair dinkum, sounds similar.

@ForRiel 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and I'm glad it was informative. Yeah, it does sound like that! :)

@angkorcamkh 3 жыл бұрын

Sala Kamraeuk was my hood, loved it:)

@ForRiel 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I really like it over there and wouldn't mind living there next!

@dovygoodguy1296 4 ай бұрын

What holds me back from checking Cambodia further is simply the effects of the climate of high heat and humidity being from the northern US and Canada, which must wear people out.

@ForRiel 4 ай бұрын

The heat and humidity is the biggest negative in SE Asia. But in saying that aircon and planning your day out and staying out of the sun is key.

@dovygoodguy1296 4 ай бұрын

@@ForRiel Meaning going to bed early, getting up very early and being indoors again between noon and say 5 pm? Is there significantly less heat and humidity from 5 pm to noon every day? The same challenge exists in places like Panama and Nicaragua.

@MarcsMildlyInteresting 4 жыл бұрын

Highlight had to be that Camry at the lights (Although the ice gag was a close second Claire!) Kouk Chak is where my mob are from, lots of new apartments up that way. I love the French Q, that art place is under my fave hotel (Koulen) its so nice around there but yeah not really representative of the town as a whole. That apartment for rent at the end (Thavy Angkor) one of Kinals friends rented there 8 or 9 years ago for.....$900 a month (Say what!!!) for a 2br 2 bathroom. No thanks!

@ForRiel 4 жыл бұрын

Oh wow, I was so messed up by the heat, I didn't even clock the Camry! The part of Kouk Chak that I visited probably isn't representative of the rest of the area. It's a little enclave all of its own - I'll put a link below. Yeah, the French quarter is nice and a good place for some time out of normal Siem Reap craziness. $900 a month is some serious cash. I hope the apartment was super fancy for that price. Wow. Here's the link to Borei Brembrei: www.google.com/maps/place/Borei+Brembrei+Market,+Krong+Siem+Reap/@13.3810975,103.8593616,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x31101704253dfc81:0x47f19bd4e93d0aaf!8m2!3d13.3811521!4d103.8616629

@BIGJED75 4 жыл бұрын

4.53 the new King of Cars in Siem Reap. Plus that was a stolen joke, I've put in a formal objection to KZfaq.

@MarcsMildlyInteresting 4 жыл бұрын

@@ForRiel Hehehe after a while you stop looking for the gold Camry - the gold Camry will look for you! Yeah we know that nice little are, there are heaps of new apartments getting built further north around there too. Kinal reckons that apartment was ok - big but not luxurious or anything. I think it was location more than anything that set that price.

@MarcsMildlyInteresting 4 жыл бұрын

@@BIGJED75 Haha I'm staying out of this!!

@bark22 9 ай бұрын

After making the decision to retire in Siem Reap, I looked back on my saved KZfaq videos related to Cambodia and found that this was the FIRST video that I saved. This video was the one that convinced me to move there. I’m leaving Colorado on Nov 1 and will arrive on the 3rd. I intend to stay in Phnom Penh for a week to adjust to the time difference. Then I’ll fly into Siem Reap on the 8th. I don’t have a hotel there yet. I have a TON of questions (related to things like to how to use the pharmacy, etc) and wish to know how to get them answers? I’ve gone on the Siem Reap Facebook group, but I’m not too sure about them. I’m sooooo excited!!!

@ForRiel 9 ай бұрын

Fantastic stuff. Have you booked a flight from PP to SR? At Pharmacy's you walk in and ask what you want and they will find you what you want. Easy as that.

@bark22 9 ай бұрын

@@ForRielI have not booked my flight from PP to SR. I will be doing that shortly.

@bark22 5 ай бұрын

As a follow up...on Nov 11, I ended up renting a villa in Sala Kamraeuk. I am so happy here words cannot describe the joy that I feel when I wake up each morning. Moving to Cambodia has been the best decision that I have ever made in my life. Your videos have been essential to making my transition to life here very pleasant. Thank you for all that you do.

@momvey5720 2 жыл бұрын

Siemreap s good town .very beautiful country .you are smart coming to live in here .

@ForRiel 2 жыл бұрын

Siem Reap is a very nice - the temple area is beautiful! Thank you so much for watching 🙏🙏🙏

@Sateay 2 жыл бұрын

What do ex-pats do for a living besides teaching English, working for NGOs, and corporations? Could you talk about some self-employment opportunities in Cambodia? Importing and exporting, e-commerce, or something else?

@ForRiel 2 жыл бұрын

I think after the ones you mention, there would be self-employment in the hospitality sector, such as running a hotel/guesthouse or restaurant. There are some western hairdressers, tattoo artists, etc. working here but hospitality would be the big one.

@rosawallace4454 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vids!! I agree with previous comment and would love an update on this video….If you could add any current apartment prices that would be great too👍🏽🫶🏽

@ForRiel Жыл бұрын

Yes! I have been thinking about that and will make it soon :)

@marcelschnitzler1259 Жыл бұрын

Great video. However, it would be very nice if you could do a similar video again, because a lot has changed since the end of the pandemic and road works. Thanks in advance.

@ForRiel Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! I had been thinking the same thing and will do it soon. 😁

@jspbipro Жыл бұрын

@@ForRiel New Sub..nice vids. Havethe road conditions improved much since this video?

@ForRiel Жыл бұрын

There is a galaxy of difference in the roads between then and now. It's so much better.

@darrenblack6240 3 жыл бұрын

The truck ice us for cooling not drinking usually

@ForRiel 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah those big blocks take a very long time to melt.

@meloz1246 4 жыл бұрын

That ice looked like the pure/uncut stuff.

@ForRiel 4 жыл бұрын

Purest stuff I've ever seen. Definitely filtered ;)

@BIGJED75 4 жыл бұрын

Crack is everywhere as well.... on the footpaths, on the walls, once even a plumber had it.

@MarcsMildlyInteresting 4 жыл бұрын

@@BIGJED75 ...sounds like crack is more dangerous than whacky sack..

@BIGJED75 4 жыл бұрын

@@MarcsMildlyInteresting you never get addicted to Whacky Sack.....

@sukikom2259 Жыл бұрын

I'm sorry, but why couldn't they sell ice?

@garyroberts3859 4 жыл бұрын

Probably better to see the shopping and dining facilities in those 4 areas. It was pretty hard to work out where you were showing those non-descript buildings

@ForRiel 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, you're probably right. I think I just got a bit boggled from the sun after a while and didn't want to ride around anymore.

@BIGJED75 4 жыл бұрын

A lot of places are closing down here. So we thought the map and some places in those areas people might not have seen in other Vlogs, would be better. I'm terrible with places, names and directions but this even helped me work out the different areas.

@AmblingAloof 2 жыл бұрын

Great info. Thanks for posting. One question I have is: How far does one need to be from pub street to avoid the noise. Is the music so loud from the clubs that one would want to be in another quadrant of town, or is just a couple of blocks away be sufficient?

@ForRiel 2 жыл бұрын

A few blocks away would be absolutely fine. Watch out for schools, pagodas, and nearby construction - all of these can be as bad as Pub Street noise!

@AmblingAloof 2 жыл бұрын

@@ForRiel thank you. Sounds like solid advice.

@ourfinesthour6994 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. Which quadrant did you live in that had the noisy school? I want to avoid staying in that area when I come to visit.

@ForRiel 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah definitely avoid at all costs. That school also causes daily traffic jams of huge proportions. It's in the Wat Bo area of Sala Kamreuk, but really it's only the streets directly next to it that are affected. www.google.com/maps/place/Wat+Bo+Primary+School,+Street+22,+Krong+Siem+Reap/@13.3549317,103.8595963,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x31101770a8d1ae53:0x14f7c31526ffbb7f!8m2!3d13.3550532!4d103.8616629

@ourfinesthour6994 4 жыл бұрын

@@ForRiel Super. Thanks for the map.

@sovaha4991 4 жыл бұрын

Thank for your videos. How expensive Siem Reap is? Is it a good place for low budget tourists?

@ForRiel 4 жыл бұрын

Yes it is very inexpensive 😊

@alexreik424 3 жыл бұрын

please update this to include streets (neighborhoods?) spared from the bombing-like ravages inflicted by this heartless government, which has cost FAR more people their livelihoods than even the Covid scare.

@ForRiel 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, you are absolutely right - people are suffering so much. Also, did you see those photos Steve had of the huge trees that have been taken down? So incredibly sad. You are right though, the things I said back when I put this video up probably don't apply any more.

@dovygoodguy1296 4 ай бұрын

Claire, how would you compare the expat areas like Svay Dankum to BKK1 and the Russian Market in Phnom Penh, including for things like noise, congestion, air quality, walkability, etc.?

@ForRiel 4 ай бұрын

SR is a lot smaller than PP so SR is the best for all that.

@dovygoodguy1296 4 ай бұрын

@@ForRiel So you to would say that Svay Dankum is much better evrny than the best places in Phnom Penh such as BKK1 and the Russian Market areas?

@petergregory5537 2 жыл бұрын

What was the problem with the ice? We’re they doing something illegal?

@ForRiel 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Peter, no it was just a lame joke on my part!

@petergregory5537 2 жыл бұрын

You never know what kind is stupid laws some countries have. It’s mind boggling

@Yoshi2x Жыл бұрын

How is pub street these days? Still a good place to hang with other foreigners?

@ForRiel Жыл бұрын

We haven't been there in well over a year. I think some of the bars and restaurants on SokSan might be better places to actually have a conversation! Pub Street is always so loud. 🍺

@vibola9999 3 жыл бұрын

when do you take this video 2021?

@ForRiel 3 жыл бұрын

That one was in the second half of 2020 I think.

@Manx123 Жыл бұрын

What on earth is wrong with people selling ice in the street?

@ForRiel Жыл бұрын

I know! In that heat it would melt in 5 seconds! 🌞🌞🌞

@Manx123 Жыл бұрын

@@ForRiel I think it would last longer than that, especially since the temperature is made cooler by the amount of ice.

@littlejohnie 8 ай бұрын

can you extend your visa in Siem Reap of you have to be in PP to do it?

@ForRiel 8 ай бұрын

You can extend it in SR through a agency easily.

@shaghouei 3 жыл бұрын

Your channel is now famed as Baby Bear and the Bearded one and it has made me rich! :); we bet whether its Jeremy or Claire doing the filming in the first 5 secs and I win every time :) Baby bear has a regular bounce and the bearded one is in a permenant steady state! :) So, the question now is - if you were to have a place for a week or two (convinience over cost ($100 - 250 pw) and to gently aclaimitise) whilst you look for a permenant place; would you have any fav. recommendations? Safe, Good intenet, convinient to look for a longer term place in all 4 quadrants. Any good recommendations for learning Khmer online? And, did you arrive with lots of $s or cash points are easily accessible? ANd, would you like some more questions? :)

@ForRiel 3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha that is hilarious! Glad you are winning ;) I would choose somewhere to stay either on Funky Lane or Night Market Road. These are both very walkable to supermarkets, food, and bars. Internet will be decent wherever you stay. Most places have a night guard who keeps things safe and stops people wandering into places they shouldn't. We brought a fair chunk of cash and as soon as we could, we opened an account with the amazing ABA bank. We just withdraw from there as needed and it's free. Resources for learning Khmer - we have been VERY lazy with that aspect. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like! Regards, BB.

@shaghouei 3 жыл бұрын

@@ForRiel Fanx for saving my weary eyes looking for specific answers on the tinternet; very useful, may BB's bowl be filled with her favourite nectare and honey from wild flowers thrice a day! And for the other BB (Busy Bee, the creative writing, news noting BB); I have a new bet with theses losers :) :) with no rhythm :) that I shall plant 1000 trees (or watch someone else do it!) So, my question/favour is: Could BB (the Bee) try to find anything of detail on this news item from Dave found ere: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pbehZMury563h4U.html or other NGOs or anything else that would help! ECOSIA the web search people sponsor trees and were positive and its good to dream (and win bets!). Even the losers are looking forward to BBs news now! We know its a difficult request; ther is not much online but Dave referes to a recent announcement in local papers; i have also emailed him. Thanks! E. and the losers!

@PierceTravels 4 жыл бұрын

Hoping to get to Cambodia next couple months to teach! Hopefully job prospects improve post pandemic. Is there still a mandatory $3000 deposit??

@ForRiel 4 жыл бұрын

Yes the deposit is still in place and visas are very tricky right now. Who knows what changes we might see in a few months, though. Hang in there!

@whiteboymax250 4 жыл бұрын

Deposit has been lowered to $2000 now

@ryandanger9333 3 жыл бұрын

@@whiteboymax250 Would you ever get it back????

@whiteboymax250 3 жыл бұрын

@@ryandanger9333 Actually, if you don't test positive the balance of money is credited back to your visa card in about 2-3 weeks. I've had several friends pleasantly surprised by this. However it's not a tourist visa. It's a business visa, but it's easily fudged if you have a company willing to "sponsor" you in.

@ryandanger9333 3 жыл бұрын

@@whiteboymax250 Great reply thanks Max.

@jahloman2127 Жыл бұрын

... also: How does a tourist obtain a motorcycle licence to legally ride motorcycle rentals?

@ForRiel Жыл бұрын

Here's how it works. There are two sides to the licence issue - the legality of riding in Cambodia, and the impact riding might have on an insurance claim if you are in an accident. You can legally ride a bike without a licence in Cambodia as long as the bike is 125cc or less. Many insurance companies state that you must have a licence in your home country for the size and type of vehicle in addition to complying with the legal requirements of the country you are in. In our case as Australians, to be insured, we must also hold an Australian licence to ride a moto (which we do).

@okasur1 2 ай бұрын

If not familiar with an area, why not do as bit if research first...?

@ForRiel 2 ай бұрын

I'm slightly confused, we did do research that's why we are sharing it.

@rogerguerin3679 3 жыл бұрын

Yes you only showv1 demention view of Cambodia. I visit 1o time and marry

@ForRiel 3 жыл бұрын

We can only show our own experience, but if you want to share your story, we'd be glad to hear it :)

@sshetty9683 3 жыл бұрын

Do we get jobs to teach computer science in schools.

@ForRiel 3 жыл бұрын

Most expats teach English in schools that only teach English. If you want to teach a different subject, you'd be looking at one of the big international schools in Phnom Penh where they administer either the UK curriculum or the International Baccalaureate.

@ryandanger9333 3 жыл бұрын

Whats the deal with foreigners riding scooters there? Asking from Vietnam.

@ForRiel 3 жыл бұрын

Those on a tourist visa are not allowed to ride in Siem Reap. In other places it's ok, I think, as long as you have a license (so that your insurance covers you). Foreigners who have a motorcycle license in their home country can have it transferred to a Cambodian license (only possible in Phnom Penh). Foreigners who don't have a moto license in their home country can take the test and get a Cambodian license.

@philspearing6322 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, I read somewhere, under 125 cc you don't need a licence if you're on a long term visa?

@ForRiel 3 жыл бұрын

@@philspearing6322 we're about 90% certain that's the case. We are not aware of anyone being able to find that statement in writing, so it's open to interpretation.

@Ron-rk6iz 3 жыл бұрын

What a horrible place.................

@ForRiel 3 жыл бұрын

I don't know whether you are being sarcastic or serious...

@peterstewart-owens5160 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Claire for an enlightening vid. Shall be coming to retire in the next few months. Could you clarify the moto. restrictions.....under 125cc no license etc. The French quarter looks fab. Any advice on agents to use to get a good deal in that area. Speak soon.

@ForRiel Жыл бұрын

Hi Peter, here's how it works. There are two sides to the license issue - the legality of riding in Cambodia, and the impact riding might have on an insurance claim if you are in an accident. You can legally ride a bike without a license in Cambodia as long as the bike is under 125cc. Most bikes sold as 125cc are actually listed as 124cc, so they are fine. Many insurance companies state that you must have a license in your home country for the size and type of vehicle in addition to complying with the legal requirements of the country you are in. In our case as Australians, to be insured, we must also hold an Australian license to ride a moto (which we do). The French quarter is super fancy but not many apartment options - it's mostly big, expensive hotels. We have used IPS Cambodia several times and have found them to be very professional. The best way is to make an appointment with them to visit their office. Tell them what you are looking for and they will show you what they have. You can narrow it down to a handful, and they will drive you around to see the properties. It's all very easy. If you decide to move in, they will handle the deposit and rental paperwork. It's also good to have an intermediary who can speak with the owner if you have any issues that require more complex language. I hope that helps and we look forward to seeing you when you arrive!