Question 1

What is the "Angkor Wat Fake Ticket" scam in Siem Reap?

Accepted Answer

Touts near Siem Reap sell counterfeit Angkor Wat passes at a slight discount. These are detected at the temple gates and confiscated with no refund. Tourists must purchase legitimate tickets at a loss. Buy Angkor passes only from the official Angkor Enterprise ticket center on the road to Angkor (about 4km from town). Never buy from anyone on the street or who approaches your guesthouse.

Question 2

What is the "Overpriced Floating Village Tour" scam in Siem Reap?

Accepted Answer

Tours to Tonle Sap floating villages are sold at vastly different prices, and many include mandatory boat extensions, expensive drinks on the water, and "donations" to floating schools that are not genuine educational institutions. The original agreed price rarely covers the full experience. Book Tonle Sap tours through your guesthouse or a reputable operator with an itemised price list. Confirm what is and is not included before paying. The standard boat tour to Kompong Khleang is transparent about pricing. Avoid booking from Pub Street touts.

Question 3

What is the "Angkor Pass Tout" scam in Siem Reap?

Accepted Answer

Touts near the Angkor Wat complex offer discounted Angkor passes, claiming they have leftover multi-day tickets or staff passes. These are either counterfeit, already partially used, or stolen. Tourists using fake passes are refused entry and lose the money paid. Purchase Angkor passes only from the official Angkor Enterprise ticket centre on the road to Angkor Thom. Passes include your photograph and are non-transferable. Never buy from individuals claiming to offer discounts.

Question 4

What is the "Fake Orphanage Donation Tour" scam in Siem Reap?

Accepted Answer

Tuk-tuk drivers and guesthouses promote tours to local "orphanages" where tourists are encouraged to donate money, supplies, or sponsor a child. Many of these facilities are not genuine orphanages — children may be rented from families, and cash donations rarely reach the children. Avoid visiting or donating to any orphanage as a tourist activity. This practice, known as "voluntourism," is widely condemned by UNICEF and child welfare organisations. If you want to support Cambodian children, donate to established NGOs with transparent financials.

Tour & Activity Scams in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat Fake Ticket

Overpriced Floating Village Tour

Angkor Pass Tout

Fake Orphanage Donation Tour

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