Flights from Hanoi (HAN) to Siem Reap (SAI)

About Siem Reap

Discover Siem Reap

Why visit Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor archaeological complex, where ancient stone towers rise from jungle and moats reflect centuries of history. Beyond its temples, the town offers leafy streets, relaxed cafés, and a friendly atmosphere that invites you to slow down.

What to expect
You can expect a compact riverside centre, with boutique hotels, galleries, and a lively dining scene clustered around the Old Market and riverside areas. Quiet lanes lead to artisan workshops and small museums, while just outside town rice fields, villages, and tree-lined roads set the scene for gentle countryside explorations.

Plan your trip
Most travellers use Siem Reap as a base for several days of temple visits, balancing early-morning excursions with restful afternoons by the pool or spa. From here, it is also easy to explore floating communities on nearby lakes or continue your journey onwards to other cities in the region.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Walk the galleries and towers of this vast, world-famous complex, arriving early to see its silhouette reflected in the main pools.

Bayon and Angkor Thom

Explore the former royal city and its striking Bayon temple, known for serene stone faces that watch over terraces and courtyards.

Ta Prohm

Discover atmospheric ruins where giant tree roots intertwine with moss-covered stone corridors and crumbling walls.

Angkor National Museum

Gain context for your temple visits with well-presented galleries featuring sculpture, inscriptions, and interactive displays.

Tonlé Sap area

Take a guided excursion towards the Tonlé Sap region to see lakeside life, stilted homes, and seasonal wetlands.

Siem Reap River and Old Market area

Stroll the riverside paths and explore the Old Market neighbourhood, where shops, cafés, and small galleries cluster together.

Artisans workshops

Visit craft centres where you can watch artisans working on stone carving, silk, and lacquer, and learn about traditional techniques.

Experience Siem Reap's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Tuk-tuks and cars booked through your hotel are the most convenient way to move between town and the Angkor complex, allowing you to customise your route. Within Siem Reap, you can walk or cycle between central districts, with short rides ideal for the last stretch back to your hotel.

Local life & culture
In the early morning, you will see markets come alive with locals buying fresh produce and chatting with stallholders. Small galleries, craft studios, and performance spaces around town showcase regional artistic traditions and contemporary creativity, giving you insight into daily life beyond the major sights.

Where to unwind
Many hotels feature tranquil pools, gardens, and spas where you can rest after time in the sun at the temples. The shaded banks of the Siem Reap River and tree-lined lanes just outside the centre are pleasant for gentle walks in the late afternoon, when the heat eases and the light softens.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties
You will find local eateries and food stalls around the Old Market and quieter neighbourhood streets, serving fragrant noodle soups, grilled meats, and seasonal vegetable dishes. These informal spots are ideal for a quick meal between temple visits or a relaxed evening close to your hotel.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Cafés, bistros, and contemporary restaurants cluster around central streets and in small lanes, offering regional flavours alongside international favourites. Menus are often designed for sharing, so you can try several dishes in one sitting and adjust your choices as you explore over a few days.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose a restaurant set in a heritage building, garden courtyard, or refined hotel dining room. Some venues are located slightly outside the centre, where you can dine in peaceful surroundings after sunset, combining thoughtful cuisine with a calm, memorable setting.

Retail therapy in Siem Reap

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Siem Reap has a growing number of small lifestyle complexes and air-conditioned centres that bring together boutiques, cafés, and services in one place. These spots are convenient if you want to combine shopping with a relaxed meal or a break from the midday heat.

Markets & local crafts
The Old Market area and nearby streets are good for browsing souvenirs, textiles, and artworks by local designers. Smaller boutiques and workshops dotted around the centre specialise in items such as handmade jewellery, silk accessories, and home décor, often with a clear focus on craftsmanship.

Evening retail scene
After dark, some central streets become livelier, with shops, small markets, and riverside stalls staying open later. This is a comfortable time to pick up last-minute gifts or explore side streets, with taxis and tuk-tuks making it easy to return to your accommodation when you are ready.

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Cool dry season (December to February, peak season)
During the cool dry months, daytime temperatures average around 26–30°C (79–86°F) with lower humidity. Clear skies and pleasantly warm days make it popular for exploring the Angkor temples and countryside, and cooler evenings are comfortable for walking around town.

Hot season (March to May, shoulder season)
The hot season brings temperatures of about 30–35°C (86–95°F), with strong sun and longer daylight hours. Early-morning and late-afternoon temple visits are especially rewarding, and many travellers appreciate quieter sites and relaxed afternoons by the pool.

Green/rainy season (June to November, low season)
In the green season, temperatures sit around 27–32°C (81–90°F), with short, often intense showers that quickly clear. Lush foliage, fuller moats, and fewer crowds create a calm atmosphere at Angkor, and you can usually plan excursions around the most common afternoon showers.

Frequently Asked Questions