City brief · Siem Reap
Tourist Scams in Siem Reap: What to Watch For and Where
Siem Reap is a friendly, laid-back gateway to Angkor — its scams are gentle and commercial: tuk-tuk commission detours, 'the temple is closed' redirects, and a few ethical traps like orphanage tourism. Buy the official Angkor pass, and it's a joy.
2026-08-24
Problem zones at a glance
- Angkor Archaeological Park Moderate Fake 'ticket' sellers, 'the temple is closed / one-way today' redirects, and pushy stall/child vendors at temple entrances.
- Tuk-tuks & drivers Moderate Commission detours to gem/silk/souvenir shops, and 'day rate' misunderstandings; agree the route and price first.
- Pub Street & Old Market (night) Moderate Padded bar tabs, overcharging, bag-snatching by moto, and drink-spiking risk late; agree prices, watch your drink.
- Orphanage & child-begging traps Moderate 'Orphanage visit' tourism and children selling/begging fund exploitation — don't visit orphanages or give to child sellers.
- Massage, market & 'free' offers Low Bill padding and 'special price' markups; agree the price before, haggle in the markets.
The short version
Siem Reap is a friendly, laid-back gateway to Angkor — its scams are gentle and commercial: tuk-tuk commission detours, fake Angkor “ticket” sellers and “the temple is closed” redirects, market and bar overcharging, and a couple of ethical traps (orphanage tourism, child begging) to avoid outright. Little is dangerous. Buy the official Angkor pass, agree tuk-tuk routes and prices up front, watch your bag at night, and the temples are magic.
The scripts you’ll actually meet
- Fake Angkor tickets & “closed temple” redirects. Only the official Angkor Enterprise pass is valid (photographed to your face). Ignore “ticket” sellers and “it’s closed, come this way.” The faux-guide/redirect play →
- Tuk-tuk commission detours. A “quick stop” at a gem/silk shop. Agree the day’s route, price, and “no shopping stops” first. The tuk-tuk rules →
- Pub Street & market overcharging. Padded tabs, “special price” markups, and moto bag-snatching late. Agree prices, watch your bag and drink. How overcharging works →
- Orphanage & child-begging traps. Don’t visit orphanages or give to child sellers — both fund exploitation. Support a vetted charity instead.
Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the main, cheap, mostly-honest way around the temples and town — agree the full route, price, and “no shopping stops” before you set off, ideally with a hotel-recommended driver or a ride app (PassApp/Grab where available). The temples are spread out, so plan a sensible loop. Carry small US dollars (widely used alongside riel), buy your Angkor pass at the official centre, and at night keep your bag on the inside away from the road (moto snatching). Rent bicycles for a lovely slow day if you prefer.
What it looks like
Siem Reap’s tells are soft: the driver’s “quick stop” at a silk shop, the man at a temple saying it’s “closed today,” the “ticket” that isn’t official, the orphanage that wants your visit. Each is a commercial (or exploitative) redirect dressed as help. The official pass, an agreed tuk-tuk route with “no stops,” and a firm no to orphanage/child-begging offers cover all of it.
Do this instead
Buy the Angkor pass at the official centre and ignore temple “ticket” sellers and “closed” claims; agree your tuk-tuk’s full route, price, and “no shopping stops” up front; watch your bag and drink on Pub Street at night; and never visit orphanages or give to child sellers — support a vetted charity instead. That’s the whole Siem Reap risk list, around one of the world’s great wonders.
Warning signs, in general
- Any “ticket” not bought at the official Angkor Enterprise centre is a fake that will get you turned away.
- A driver’s “quick stop” at a gem/silk/souvenir shop is a commission detour — decline it up front.
- “Orphanage visits” and children selling or begging are exploitation — don’t participate; give to a vetted charity.
If something happens
- Emergency: dial 117 (police) or 119 (ambulance); tourist police operate around Angkor.
- Fake-ticket or “closed temple” tout: walk to the official entrance/centre and check; you owe touts nothing.
- Overcharged tuk-tuk or bar: pay what you agreed, note the details, use a hotel-recommended driver next time.
- Bag snatched by moto: don’t chase; report to police for insurance. The first-hour checklist →
Quick answers
Is Siem Reap safe for tourists?
Yes — Siem Reap is a relaxed, welcoming, and generally safe town, and violent crime against tourists is uncommon. The scams are gentle and commercial: tuk-tuk commission detours, fake Angkor 'ticket' sellers and 'the temple is closed' redirects, market and bar overcharging, and occasional bag-snatching by moto at night. There are also a couple of ethical traps — orphanage tourism and child-begging/selling — best avoided entirely. Buy the official Angkor pass, agree tuk-tuk routes and prices up front, watch your bag at night, and it's a wonderful base for the temples.
How do I buy the Angkor ticket without getting scammed?
Buy the Angkor Pass only from the official Angkor Enterprise ticket centre (or the official online system) — never from a tuk-tuk driver, a stall, or someone at a temple offering a 'ticket,' which may be fake or a scan of someone else's. Your pass is checked at the temples and photographed to your face, so a fake will get you turned away. Ignore anyone at a temple who says it's 'closed today' or 'one-way, come this way' to steer you toward their friend's stall — walk to the proper entrance and check with an official.
What tuk-tuk tricks should I watch for in Siem Reap?
Tuk-tuks are the main way around the temples and town, and mostly honest and cheap — but agree the full day's route and price before you set off, in writing or clearly, so there's no 'that wasn't included' at the end. The main trick is the commission detour: a 'quick stop' at a gem, silk, or souvenir shop where the driver earns a cut. Say 'no shopping stops' up front. Use a hotel-recommended driver or a ride app (PassApp/Grab where available), carry small US dollars (widely used) and riel, and tip fairly for a good day.
Should I visit an orphanage or give to begging children in Siem Reap?
No — avoid both. 'Orphanage tourism' has been widely documented as harmful: many so-called orphanages are businesses that keep children (often not orphans) in poor conditions to attract donations and paying visitors. Likewise, buying from or giving money to begging children funds the networks that keep them out of school and on the streets. If you want to help, donate to a reputable, vetted Cambodian charity or social enterprise instead. Enjoy Siem Reap's genuine community tourism, and steer clear of anything that puts children on display.