Siem Reap is your gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor, set amid lush countryside and laid-back streets. You will find a gentle, welcoming city that mixes heritage, creativity, and a relaxed riverside pace.
Discover Siem Reap
Discover Siem Reap
Why visit Siem Reap?
What to expect
Expect quiet mornings among temple ruins, lively evenings in town, and boutique hotels tucked along leafy lanes. The compact centre makes it easy to explore cafés, galleries, and the riverside on foot or by tuk-tuk.
Plan your trip
Use Siem Reap as a base to explore Angkor Archaeological Park and nearby floating villages, then venture further into Cambodia for nature, culture, and coastal escapes. Allow at least three full days to balance sightseeing and rest.
Top sights in Siem Reap
Angkor Wat
Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat as its towers reflect in the moat, then wander through detailed carvings and long galleries that reveal centuries of Khmer artistry.
Bayon and Angkor Thom
Step into Angkor Thom to see Bayon Temple, famous for its serene stone faces, surrounded by gateways, terraces, and jungle-fringed walls.
Ta Prohm
Explore Ta Prohm, where giant tree roots weave through crumbling walls, creating one of Angkor’s most atmospheric and photogenic temple sites.
Tonlé Sap floating villages
Take a guided boat trip onto Tonlé Sap Lake to see stilted homes, floating schools, and lake life shaped by seasonal water levels.
Old Market and Pub Street area
Browse the Old Market for handicrafts and spices, then continue to the surrounding streets for cafés, bars, and an easygoing nightlife scene.
Angkor National Museum
Visit Angkor National Museum before or after your temple tours to understand Khmer history through sculptures, artefacts, and multimedia displays.
Artisan workshops and galleries
Discover artisan centres and small galleries where local craftspeople produce silk, stone carvings, and contemporary artwork inspired by Angkor.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Spend an evening at Phare to enjoy an energetic performance that blends acrobatics, theatre, and live music in an intimate big-top setting.
Experience Siem Reap’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the easiest way to move between your hotel, town, and Angkor’s temples, with rides easily arranged through your hotel or apps. For a slower pace, cycle around the compact centre, then walk the last few streets to explore hidden cafés and shops.
Local life & culture
You will see daily life unfold along the riverside, in neighbourhood markets, and in small pagoda courtyards. Creative spaces and social enterprises showcase modern Cambodian design, storytelling, and performing arts alongside long-standing local traditions.
Where to unwind
Unwind with a spa treatment or foot massage after a day at the temples, or relax by your hotel pool during the midday heat. For calmer moments, head to the riverside or more secluded temples in the late afternoon, when temperatures soften and the light turns golden.
A taste of Siem Reap
Street food & local specialties
Sample dishes such as amok, fragrant curries, and grilled skewers at small eateries and local markets around the Old Market and Wat Bo areas. Evening food carts add snacks and sweet treats to the streets as temperatures cool.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Around town, you will find casual bistros, cafés, and fusion restaurants serving Cambodian, Southeast Asian, and international flavours. Many menus are designed for sharing, so you can try several dishes in one meal with family or friends.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special night out, choose a restaurant in a restored villa, a garden setting, or a rooftop overlooking the town. Some venues offer tasting menus and wine pairings, turning your evening into a slow, memorable experience after the day’s sightseeing.
Retail therapy in Siem Reap
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Smaller malls and lifestyle centres around the town offer a mix of everyday essentials, souvenir shops, cafés, and wellness services. They are good places to cool off, pick up travel items, and enjoy air-conditioned breaks between temple visits.
Markets & local crafts
Explore the Old Market, Made in Cambodia Market, and streets near Wat Bo to find silk scarves, carvings, jewellery, and pieces by local designers. Many stalls and boutiques support community-based ateliers and social enterprises.
Evening retail scene
As night falls, central streets light up with stalls and small shops selling clothing, art, and keepsakes alongside cafés and bars. Most areas are a short tuk-tuk ride from your hotel, making it easy to combine shopping with dinner or a night stroll.
Best time to visit Siem Reap
Cool and dry season (peak season): From November to February, days are generally dry with average temperatures around 24–28°C (75–82°F), ideal for full days at the temples and outdoor touring. Hot season (shoulder season): From March to May, temperatures can reach 30–35°C (86–95°F), with strong sun and hazier afternoons, so early morning and late afternoon temple visits are most comfortable. Green, rainy season (low season): From June to October, expect short, heavy showers and average temperatures around 26–30°C (79–86°F); in return, you get greener landscapes, fewer crowds, and dramatic skies over Angkor.