Shanghai
China
Siem Reap
Cambodia
Shanghai
Siem Reap
π° Budget
π‘οΈ Safety
Shanghai
Shanghai is one of the safest major cities in the world. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The main concerns are petty scams, pickpocketing in crowded areas, and traffic.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is generally safe for tourists and feels more relaxed than Phnom Penh. The main concerns are petty theft, temple scams, and road safety. The town's economy depends on tourism, so there is strong local motivation to keep visitors safe.
β Ratings
π€οΈ Weather
Shanghai
Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and muggy, winters are damp and chilly, and the transitional seasons are the most pleasant for sightseeing.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap has a tropical monsoon climate nearly identical to Phnom Penh. It is hot year-round with a distinct wet season from May to October. The temples can be brutally hot midday β plan early morning and late afternoon visits.
π Getting Around
Shanghai
Shanghai has one of the world's most extensive metro systems with 20 lines and over 500 stations. Combined with affordable taxis, ride-hailing, and buses, getting around is easy.
Walkability: High in key areas β the Bund, French Concession, Jing'an, and Nanjing Road are very walkable. The city as a whole is too spread out to walk between districts.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap town is compact and walkable, but the temples require wheels. Most visitors hire a tuk-tuk or car with driver for full-day temple tours. Bicycles are popular for the Small Circuit temples. The town has no public transit system.
Walkability: The town center around Pub Street, the Old Market, and the river area is easily walkable. Most hotels and guesthouses in the tourist zone are within a 15-minute walk of the center. The temples, however, are 6+ km away and require transport.
The Verdict
Choose Shanghai if...
you want China's financial skyline β Bund sunrise, Pudong Pearl Tower, Yu Garden, French Concession plane trees, and Shanghai soup dumplings (xiaolongbao)
Choose Siem Reap if...
you want Angkor Wat at sunrise β Ta Prohm jungle temple, Bayon faces at Angkor Thom, Banteay Srei carvings, Pub Street nightlife, and Tonle Sap floating villages
Shanghai
Siem Reap