Siem Reap is your gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor, set amid tropical greenery and village life. You will find a relaxed riverside town that blends heritage, creativity, and warm local hospitality.
Discover Siem Reap
Discover Siem Reap
Why visit Siem Reap?
What to expect
Expect leafy streets, boutique hotels, and lively evenings around the river and Old French Quarter. Days are often shaped around sunrise or sunset temple visits, with plenty of time to explore galleries, spas, and quiet neighbourhoods in between.
Plan your trip
Most travellers spend at least three days in Siem Reap to see the main Angkor sites at an easy pace. The city also works well as a starting point for wider journeys across Cambodia, including Tonle Sap communities and rural countryside stays.
Top sights in Siem Reap
Angkor Wat
Walk the vast stone galleries, towers, and moats of Angkor Wat, arriving before dawn if you would like to see the temple silhouette against a glowing sky.
Bayon and Angkor Thom
Explore Angkor Thom’s walled city and Bayon temple, famous for its many serene stone faces and intricate bas-reliefs tucked among the jungle.
Ta Prohm
See how towering trees and roots weave through Ta Prohm, where nature and carved stone blend into one of Angkor’s most atmospheric sites.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Spend an evening at Phare to watch contemporary circus, live music, and storytelling performed by local artists in an intimate big-top setting.
Angkor National Museum
Visit Angkor National Museum for clear, well-presented exhibits that help you understand the history, symbolism, and artistry behind the temples.
Tonle Sap Lake boat trip
Take a guided boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to see floating villages, birdlife, and seasonal landscapes that change with the water level.
Pub Street and the Old Market area
Stroll Pub Street and the nearby Old Market area in the evening for lively restaurants, bars, and small shops clustered around the river.
Experience Siem Reap’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the easiest way to move between hotels, town, and nearby temples, and can be hired for a full or half day. For shorter hops in the centre, you can walk or use a bicycle, while many visitors book a car or van for sunrise and longer temple circuits.
Local life & culture
You will find a gentle pace of life along the river, with families gathering in parks and small shops opening onto the street. Creative studios, galleries, and social enterprises around the French Quarter and Kandal Village show a modern side of Siem Reap’s culture.
Where to unwind
Cool off beside your hotel pool during the heat of the afternoon, then enjoy an evening walk by the Siem Reap River when it is quieter and breezier. For deeper relaxation, choose a spa treatment or yoga session, often set in leafy courtyards or calm garden villas.
A taste of Siem Reap
Street food & local specialties
Sample Cambodian dishes such as amok and grilled skewers from small eateries and stalls around the Old Market and Wat Bo areas, where simple shopfronts and carts serve fresh, flavourful plates late into the evening.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Around Pub Street, Sok San Road, and Kandal Village you will find casual cafes, contemporary bistros, and international menus that make it easy to mix local food with familiar favourites, with portions sized so you can try a few dishes to share.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose a refined Khmer restaurant or a terrace overlooking the river or rice fields on the edge of town, where you can dine slowly and watch the light fade over the surrounding countryside.
Retail therapy in Siem Reap
Malls & lifestyle hubs
You will find compact shopping centres and lifestyle hubs near the town centre, combining everyday stores with cafes, spas, and small design shops that make them easy places to escape the heat for a while.
Markets & local crafts
Browse the Old Market, Made in Cambodia Market, and Kandal Village boutiques for handwoven textiles, baskets, and locally made homeware from social enterprises and independent designers.
Evening retail scene
After dark, night markets light up with clothing stalls, souvenirs, and handicrafts close to Pub Street and the riverfront, and you can reach them quickly by tuk-tuk from most hotels.
Best time to visit Siem Reap
Cool and dry season (peak season): From November to February, days are warm and less humid, around 22–30°C (72–86°F), with clearer skies and comfortable conditions for temple visits. Hot season (shoulder season): From March to May, temperatures rise to about 27–35°C (81–95°F), with strong sun and hazier afternoons, so early morning and late afternoon sightseeing is most pleasant. Green or rainy season (low season): From June to October, expect 24–32°C (75–90°F), frequent afternoon showers, and lush landscapes, with quieter temples and softer light for photography.