Flights from Shanghai (PVG) 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 above jungle and rice fields. In town, leafy streets, riverside paths, and a relaxed pace create a welcoming base for exploring both heritage and countryside.

What to expect
You can expect a compact city centre that is easy to navigate on foot or by tuk-tuk, with cafés, boutique hotels, and galleries tucked into restored shophouses. A growing creative scene, spas, and riverside promenades sit alongside traditional markets and quiet neighbourhoods.

Plan your trip
Many travellers use Siem Reap as a base for several days to explore Angkor and nearby villages. From here, you can venture to floating communities on the Tonlé Sap, rural craft workshops, and other destinations across Cambodia, making the city an ideal starting point for a wider journey.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Walk through intricate galleries and towering stone spires at this vast UNESCO-listed complex just outside Siem Reap.

Bayon and Angkor Thom

Explore the walled city of Angkor Thom and its Bayon temple, known for serene stone faces and atmospheric terraces.

Ta Prohm

See tree roots winding dramatically over ancient stone walls in this photogenic temple surrounded by dense greenery.

Tonlé Sap Lake

Take a boat trip to discover lakeside communities, stilted houses, and seasonal wetlands on Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.

Old Market (Psar Chaa)

Browse stalls selling fresh produce, textiles, and souvenirs in one of Siem Reap’s most central and lively markets.

Angkor National Museum

Gain context for your temple visits with beautifully presented artefacts, sculptures, and interactive exhibits on Angkor’s history.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus

Enjoy an evening performance blending acrobatics, theatre, and live music by a local creative troupe.

Siem Reap Riverside

Stroll or cycle along the riverbank, lined with trees, small parks, and bridges that are especially pleasant at dusk.

Experience Siem Reap’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the most convenient way to move between your hotel, the Angkor complex, and the city centre, with drivers familiar with common temple routes. Bicycles and e-bikes are popular for slower exploration, while walking works well within central districts for cafés, galleries, and the riverfront.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Siem Reap centres on small family businesses, open-fronted shops, and relaxed cafés where people linger throughout the day. Creative studios, small galleries, and performance spaces showcase local talent, while workshops and craft centres offer a glimpse into traditional skills being preserved and adapted.

Where to unwind
After sightseeing, you can unwind in garden cafés, spa centres, or beside your hotel pool during the warmer afternoon hours. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for cycling along quiet backstreets or the river, when the light softens and the city feels particularly calm.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties
You will find local dishes at open-air eateries, simple shophouse restaurants, and small stalls tucked along side streets. Areas near the Old Market and the riverside are popular for tasting classic flavours, from grilled skewers to fragrant soups and rice-based dishes.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Cafés and casual restaurants are concentrated around the city centre, where menus often blend Cambodian recipes with regional and international influences. Many places offer small plates or tasting portions, making it easy to try several dishes across a relaxed lunch or dinner.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, consider venues with garden courtyards, colonial-style architecture, or rooftop terraces overlooking the town. Some restaurants offer refined interpretations of local cuisine in atmospheric settings, creating a special backdrop after a day at Angkor.

Retail therapy in Siem Reap

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Siem Reap has a few compact malls and lifestyle centres where you can find convenience stores, cafés, and a mix of international and regional brands. These air-conditioned spaces provide a comfortable break from the heat and a straightforward place to pick up everyday essentials.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and boutique-lined streets showcase textiles, handmade jewellery, and homewares created by local artisans. Districts around the Old Market, Kandal Village, and smaller side streets near the river are particularly good for discovering independent shops and studios.

Evening retail scene
As the sun sets, central streets grow livelier, with market stalls extended onto the pavement and shopfronts illuminated with warm light. It is an easy stroll between eateries, bars, and souvenir shops, and short rides by tuk-tuk make these evening areas simple to reach from most hotels.

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Cool dry season (peak season)
From November to February, temperatures usually range from 21°C to 30°C (70°F to 86°F), with lower humidity and clearer skies. This is considered peak season, ideal for long days exploring Angkor and enjoying comfortable evenings by the river.

Hot season (shoulder season)
March to May brings hotter days, with temperatures around 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). This shoulder season is excellent for early-morning temple visits and relaxed afternoons by the pool or in shaded cafés, with slightly fewer visitors at some sites.

Green season (low season)
From June to October, expect occasional showers and lush landscapes, with temperatures typically 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F). This low season brings vibrant greenery around the temples, dramatic skies for photography, and a calmer atmosphere across the city.

Frequently Asked Questions