Flights from Bangkok (BKK) to Siem Reap (SAI)

About Siem Reap

Discover Siem Reap

Why visit Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is the gateway to the legendary Angkor temple complex, surrounded by rice fields, tranquil villages, and a relaxed small-city charm. You will find a mix of heritage, creative energy, and gentle hospitality that makes every day feel unhurried yet inspiring.

What to expect
The compact centre is easy to navigate, with leafy streets, riverside walks, and a growing arts and café scene. Between temple visits, you can explore galleries, boutique hotels, and quiet contemporary spaces that sit alongside traditional markets and rural scenery.

Plan your trip
Siem Reap works well as both a short cultural escape and the starting point for a wider journey through Cambodia. From here, you can venture out to Tonlé Sap Lake, countryside villages, and other historic sites, making the city an ideal base for deeper exploration.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Visit the vast Angkor Wat complex at sunrise or sunset to admire its impressive towers, intricate stone carvings, and surrounding moat.

Bayon and Angkor Thom

Explore Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple, known for its many serene stone faces and atmospheric forested setting.

Ta Prohm

Walk through Ta Prohm, where ancient walls and courtyards are intertwined with towering tree roots and lush greenery.

Siem Reap Old Market

Browse the Old Market area for local souvenirs, textiles, and everyday goods in a lively, central setting.

Tonlé Sap Lake floating communities

Take a boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake to see stilted houses, floating structures, and the unique life shaped by the water.

Angkor National Museum

Gain context for your temple visits at Angkor National Museum, which showcases sculptures, artefacts, and historical displays.

Made in Cambodia Market

Discover locally made crafts, artwork, and design pieces at the Made in Cambodia Market, ideal for meaningful gifts.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus

Enjoy an evening performance by Phare, The Cambodian Circus, combining acrobatics, theatre, and storytelling by local artists.

Experience Siem Reap's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the most common and flexible way to move between the town, temples, and nearby villages, while bicycles and e-bikes offer a slower, more scenic pace. For longer temple days, arrange a driver so you can rest between sites and return easily to your hotel.

Local life & culture
In the early morning and late afternoon, streets and riverside paths fill with locals shopping, socialising, and relaxing outdoors. You will notice a growing creative community in galleries and studios, as well as traditional performances and crafts that reflect the region's long history.

Where to unwind
Many hotels feature pools and quiet gardens where you can rest after exploring the temples. For more open space, head to the countryside fringe for sunset over rice fields, or stroll along the river in the cooler hours of the evening.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties
Around central markets and side streets, you will find stalls and small eateries serving local noodle dishes, grilled skewers, and comforting rice plates. Morning is a good time to sample snacks and drinks as the city slowly wakes up.

Casual & modern dining hubs
The central districts offer cafés, bistros, and relaxed restaurants where you can try both Cambodian flavours and international favourites. Menus often feature small plates and shareable dishes, making it easy to try a variety of tastes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose a restaurant set in a restored heritage building, a leafy garden, or overlooking the river. Some venues pair tasting menus with thoughtful interiors, giving you a memorable setting to reflect on your day around Angkor.

Retail therapy in Siem Reap

Malls & lifestyle hubs
While Siem Reap is more intimate than a large capital city, you will still find modern boutiques and small shopping centres with a mix of everyday essentials, local brands, and relaxed cafés. These areas are convenient places to pick up anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Markets & local crafts
For handmade items, head to spots such as the Old Market area, Made in Cambodia Market, and nearby artisan workshops. Here you can find textiles, accessories, and homeware created by local designers and craft collectives.

Evening retail scene
After sunset, some streets and markets become livelier with illuminated shopfronts and stalls. It is a pleasant time to browse at a slower pace, and you can use tuk-tuks or hotel-arranged transport to move easily between different parts of town.

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Cool dry season (November to February, peak season)
During the cool dry months, daytime temperatures are around 28–30°C (82–86°F) with lower humidity. Clear skies and comfortable conditions make long temple days and countryside trips particularly pleasant, and evenings are ideal for walking by the river or exploring markets.

Hot season (March to May, shoulder season)
The hot season brings temperatures of 32–35°C (90–95°F) and strong sunshine. Early starts are rewarding, as you can visit major temples before midday, then spend the warmest hours relaxing by the pool or in shaded cafés, with golden sunsets rewarding late-afternoon explorations.

Green wet season (June to October, low season)
Rainfall increases from June, with temperatures around 30–32°C (86–90°F), usually punctuated by short, intense showers. The countryside becomes vividly green, moats and lakes fill, and temple areas are quieter, giving a peaceful atmosphere and striking photographs between rain clouds.

Frequently Asked Questions