Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor temple complex, where centuries of history sit amid jungle and quiet lakes. You will find a relaxed town with leafy streets, riverside paths, and a creative, welcoming atmosphere.
Discover Siem Reap
Discover Siem Reap
Why visit Siem Reap?
What to expect
Expect a compact city where bicycles, tuk-tuks, and scooters share the road, and where sunrise temple visits give way to calm afternoons in cafés and galleries. The riverfront and Old French Quarter form the heart of most visits.
Plan your trip
Use Siem Reap as your base to explore Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and lesser-known temples, as well as floating villages on the Tonle Sap. From here, you can easily connect to other Cambodian cities and neighbouring countries.
Top sights in Siem Reap
Angkor Wat
Watch the sun rise behind Angkor Wat’s towers, then wander through its intricate galleries and bas-reliefs that tell stories from centuries past.
Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple
Explore Angkor Thom’s vast walled city and the Bayon Temple, famed for its serene stone faces gazing over the jungle canopy.
Ta Prohm
Visit Ta Prohm, where tree roots weave through crumbling stone, creating some of the most atmospheric scenes in the Angkor complex.
Tonle Sap Lake
Take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to see stilted houses and floating villages, and to understand the region’s life on the water.
Old Market (Psar Chaa)
Browse the Old Market for souvenirs, textiles, and spices, and experience local daily life in the heart of the city.
Angkor National Museum
Spend a few hours at Angkor National Museum to gain context on Khmer art, sculpture, and the history behind the temples.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
In the evening, watch acrobats and performers at Phare, The Cambodian Circus, which blends theatre, music, and storytelling.
Experience Siem Reap’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the easiest way to get around Siem Reap, especially between town and the Angkor temples. For a slower pace, rent a bicycle for shorter trips, and use taxis or pre-arranged cars for longer temple circuits and airport transfers.
Local life & culture
Spend time along the river and in the Old French Quarter, where galleries, small boutiques, and studios highlight local creativity. Drop into cultural centres and workshops to learn about traditional crafts, dance, and contemporary Cambodian art.
Where to unwind
Relax in shaded cafés and spas around the town centre after early temple visits. For quieter moments, head to peaceful gardens, poolside lounges, or sunset viewpoints near the Angkor complex in the late afternoon when temperatures ease.
A taste of Siem Reap
Street food & local specialties
Sample local dishes from simple stalls and family-run eateries around the Old Market and Wat Bo area, where you can taste noodles, grilled meats, and fragrant curries alongside fresh tropical fruit.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Discover relaxed cafés and bistros in central Siem Reap and around Sok San Road, offering Cambodian favourites alongside regional and international dishes, with small plates that make it easy to try a variety of flavours.
Signature & scenic dining
Reserve a table at restaurants in restored villas or riverside settings for a memorable evening, some with views of leafy streets or tranquil gardens that make the most of Siem Reap’s warm nights.
Retail therapy in Siem Reap
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Browse compact malls and lifestyle centres near the city centre, where you will find everyday essentials, casual fashion, and convenient cafés in air-conditioned comfort.
Markets & local crafts
Explore the Old Market, Made in Cambodia Market, and boutiques around Wat Bo Road for handwoven textiles, lacquerware, and locally designed souvenirs that support artisans.
Evening retail scene
In the evening, markets and small shops light up around the riverfront and central streets, ideal for a leisurely stroll and last-minute gifts, all easily reached by tuk-tuk from most hotels.
Best time to visit Siem Reap
Cool and dry season (November to February, peak season): Expect pleasant days around 21–30°C (70–86°F), clear skies, and comfortable temple visits, especially in the mornings and late afternoons. Hot season (March to May, shoulder season): Temperatures often rise to 24–35°C (75–95°F), with strong sun and higher humidity, so early starts and midday breaks are recommended. Rainy season (June to October, low season): Days range from 24–32°C (75–90°F) with regular showers, often in the afternoon, bringing lush green landscapes and fewer crowds at major sights.