Siem Reap is the gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor, set amid rice paddies and leafy streets. You experience a calm riverside town that balances history, creativity, and a relaxed pace.
Discover Siem Reap
Discover Siem Reap
Why visit Siem Reap?
What to expect
You can explore sprawling temple complexes at sunrise, wander boutique-lined streets, and unwind in leafy cafés. The town feels compact and walkable, with most key sights and amenities clustered around the river and Old Market areas.
Plan your trip
Use Siem Reap as your base for exploring Angkor and nearby countryside villages. It also works as a starting point for wider journeys through Cambodia, with good links to Phnom Penh, Battambang, and beyond.
Top sights in Siem Reap
Angkor Wat
Watch the towers of Angkor Wat emerge from the dark at sunrise, then wander its galleries decorated with intricate stone carvings.
Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom
Walk through Angkor Thom to Bayon Temple, where serene stone faces gaze over terraces and shaded courtyards.
Ta Prohm
See how giant tree roots intertwine with crumbling walls at Ta Prohm, creating one of Angkor’s most atmospheric temple settings.
Tonle Sap Lake
Take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to visit floating villages and observe life shaped by seasonal water levels.
Angkor National Museum
Explore galleries at Angkor National Museum to understand Khmer history and art before or after visiting the temple sites.
Old Market and Pub Street area
Stroll through the Old Market and surrounding streets for souvenirs, cafés, and a lively evening atmosphere.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Spend an evening at Phare to enjoy acrobatics and theatre that tell contemporary Cambodian stories under the big top.
Experience Siem Reap’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the easiest way to move between your hotel, town, and the Angkor Archaeological Park. For a slower pace, cycle the flat roads around Siem Reap’s centre, then walk the compact riverfront and Old Market lanes for your final stops.
Local life & culture
You can wander art galleries, small studios, and social enterprises that showcase modern Cambodian creativity. Night brings a gentle buzz to the central streets, with locals and visitors sharing riverside walks, performances, and open-air events.
Where to unwind
Relax in shaded cafés, boutique hotel pools, or quiet garden courtyards during the warm afternoons. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for peaceful walks along the river or gentle bike rides through nearby villages and rice fields.
A taste of Siem Reap
Street food & local specialties
Sample dishes such as amok and fragrant stir-fries from simple eateries and roadside stalls around Psar Chas and the riverside. These neighbourhoods offer an easy way to try Cambodian flavours in a relaxed setting.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Around the Old Market and along quieter side streets, you will find bistros, cafés, and contemporary restaurants serving both Cambodian and international dishes. Many menus are designed for sharing, so you can taste a variety of small plates in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Choose from refined restaurants in restored villas or hotels overlooking gardens, pools, or rice fields on the edge of town. Some venues offer tasting menus that pair Cambodian ingredients with creative techniques for a memorable evening.
Retail therapy in Siem Reap
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Smaller shopping centres and lifestyle complexes around central Siem Reap combine boutiques, spas, and cafés. They are convenient places to pick up essentials, locally made gifts, and homeware in air-conditioned comfort.
Markets & local crafts
Explore the Old Market, Made in Cambodia Market, and Kandal Village streets for silk, handicrafts, and artisan products. These areas are ideal for meeting makers and supporting local social enterprises.
Evening retail scene
After dark, night markets and illuminated side streets near the river fill with stalls selling clothes, artwork, and souvenirs. Tuk-tuks and taxis make it easy to reach these areas and return to your hotel later in the evening.
Best time to visit Siem Reap
Cool and dry season (November to February, peak season): Expect comfortable days around 24–28°C (75–82°F) with lower humidity and clear skies, ideal for long temple days. Hot season (March to May, shoulder season): Temperatures often reach 30–35°C (86–95°F), so plan early morning and late afternoon sightseeing with midday breaks. Green or rainy season (June to October, low season): Showers are frequent but usually brief, with temperatures around 26–30°C (79–86°F); the countryside turns lush and temples are quieter.