Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor temple complex, where ancient stone towers rise from tropical forest. You find a relaxed riverside town, rich heritage, and a welcoming pace of life.
Discover Siem Reap
Discover Siem Reap
Why visit Siem Reap?
What to expect
Expect lively streets, leafy boulevards, and a compact centre that is easy to explore on foot or by tuk-tuk. Days are shaped by sunrise and sunset at the temples, and evenings by markets, cafés, and boutique hotels.
Plan your trip
Use Siem Reap as a base for several days of temple-hopping, countryside excursions, and lake trips. The city also connects you onwards to Phnom Penh, coastal Cambodia, and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia.
Top sights in Siem Reap
Angkor Wat
Watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat's iconic towers, then wander its long galleries, bas-reliefs, and courtyards as the light softens through the morning.
Bayon and Angkor Thom
Explore the walled city of Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple, famous for its stone towers carved with serene faces gazing in every direction.
Ta Prohm
Walk through Ta Prohm, where enormous tree roots twist around moss-covered walls, creating one of Angkor's most atmospheric and photogenic sites.
Tonle Sap floating villages
Take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to see stilted houses, floating structures, and daily life adapted entirely to the floodplain.
Siem Reap Old Market area
Browse handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs in and around the Old Market area, then pause at nearby cafés as the town comes to life in the evening.
Angkor National Museum
Learn the story behind the temples at Angkor National Museum, where sculptures and exhibits explain the art, symbolism, and history of the Khmer Empire.
Countryside cycling tours
Join a guided cycling tour through rice fields and small villages just outside the city, discovering quiet backroads and local life at a gentle pace.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Spend an evening at Phare, The Cambodian Circus, where performers blend theatre, acrobatics, and storytelling for a distinctive cultural show.
Experience Siem Reap's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the easiest way to move around Siem Reap and reach the Angkor Archaeological Park, with drivers often booked for a full or half day. For shorter distances, you can walk or use bicycles, while hotel transfers help with late-night or early-morning rides.
Local life & culture
You experience a laid-back town where small galleries, craft workshops, and social enterprises sit alongside traditional homes. Early mornings around the river and local markets reveal a quieter, everyday side of Siem Reap beyond the temple crowds.
Where to unwind
Relax by your hotel pool in the heat of the afternoon, or retreat to a spa for a soothing massage after a day at the temples. In the early evening, stroll the riverside paths and tree-lined streets when the light softens and the air cools.
A taste of Siem Reap
Street food & local specialties
Sample Cambodian classics such as fish amok, grilled skewers, and fragrant soups at small eateries and food stalls near the Old Market and along the river. Street-side barbecues and family-run cafés offer an easy introduction to local flavours.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Around the town centre, you find casual bistros and contemporary restaurants serving Khmer dishes and international favourites side by side. Many menus are designed for sharing, so you can order several plates and taste a wide range of flavours in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose garden restaurants in restored villas or rooftop venues overlooking the town's lights. Some spots offer elegant tasting menus or refined interpretations of Cambodian cuisine in tranquil, atmospheric settings.
Retail therapy in Siem Reap
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Siem Reap's shopping is centred on compact lifestyle hubs and small arcades rather than large malls, where you find fashion, homeware, and cafés in one place. These areas make it easy to combine browsing with a relaxed drink or snack.
Markets & local crafts
Head to the Old Market area and nearby streets for silk scarves, stone carvings, lacquerware, and handmade jewellery. Small boutiques and social enterprise shops highlight locally made products, supporting artisans from around the region.
Evening retail scene
After dark, the town's central streets fill with illuminated stalls selling clothing, art, and souvenirs, creating a lively night-time atmosphere. Tuk-tuks and taxis make it simple to reach these evening markets from most hotels.
Best time to visit Siem Reap
Cool, dry season (peak season): From November to February, days are warm and comfortable, around 24–30°C (75–86°F), with lower humidity and clearer skies, ideal for long days exploring the temples. Hot, dry season (shoulder season): From March to May, temperatures often rise to 30–35°C (86–95°F) or higher, and the sun is strong, so early-morning and late-afternoon temple visits are most pleasant. Rainy season (low season): From June to October, expect 26–32°C (79–90°F) with regular showers, usually in the afternoon; the crowds thin, and the surrounding forests and rice fields turn a vivid green.