Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Siem Reap (SAI)

About Siem Reap

Discover Siem Reap

Why visit Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor temple complex, where ancient stone towers rise from the jungle and sunrise colours reflect in wide moats and reservoirs. In town, leafy streets, riverside paths, and small galleries create a relaxed base between days of exploration.

What to expect
You can expect a compact city that is easy to navigate, with most hotels, cafés, and restaurants clustered around the riverside and the Old Market area. The atmosphere is unhurried, with bicycles, tuk-tuks, and visitors moving between the lively centre, quiet backstreets, and temple park beyond.

Plan your trip
Many travellers use Siem Reap as a starting point for exploring wider north-west Cambodia, from floating villages on the Tonlé Sap Lake to countryside cycling routes. With its international connections and wide choice of accommodation, the city works well for both short temple-focused stays and longer regional journeys.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Visit the iconic temple complex at sunrise or sunset to see its towers silhouetted against the sky and reflections shimmering in the surrounding pools.

Bayon and Angkor Thom

Explore the walled city of Angkor Thom, where Bayon temple is famous for its many serene stone faces and intricate bas-reliefs.

Ta Prohm

Wander through atmospheric ruins where tree roots twist around ancient stones, creating one of the most photogenic corners of the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Tonlé Sap Lake

Take a boat trip to see life on the water, from stilted houses to floating communities and wide open vistas across Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.

Angkor National Museum

Discover sculptures, artefacts, and clear displays that help you understand the art and symbolism of the temples before or after your visit to the sites.

Siem Reap Riverside

Stroll along the river, where bridges, trees, and small parks offer a gentle place to walk in the early morning or evening.

Old Market area

Browse for textiles, souvenirs, and everyday goods while experiencing the bustle of a traditional market in the heart of the city.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus

Enjoy an evening performance combining acrobatics, theatre, and live music that tells contemporary stories with impressive energy.

Experience Siem Reap’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Tuk-tuks and taxis are the most convenient way to travel between town and the Angkor temples, with many drivers offering half-day or full-day hires. In the compact centre, you can walk or cycle between cafés, markets, and the river, which keeps everyday sightseeing simple.

Local life & culture
Much of daily life flows along the river and around the markets, where stalls, small shops, and informal cafés sit side by side. You will notice a strong creative scene, with independent galleries, handicraft workshops, and social enterprises showcasing local design and traditional skills.

Where to unwind
Between temple visits, you can relax with spa treatments, pool time at your hotel, or a slow drink at one of the quieter riverside spots. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable times to enjoy open-air spaces, when light is softer and temperatures ease.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties
Around the Old Market and smaller side streets you will find stalls and simple eateries serving noodle soups, grilled meats, and fragrant curries. This is where you can try traditional flavours in a relaxed setting, often surrounded by local shoppers and workers on their meal breaks.

Casual & modern dining hubs
The central districts offer a mix of cafés, bistros, and international restaurants, many with outdoor seating and menus designed for sharing. Portions tend to be modest, so you can comfortably sample several dishes in one meal, from local recipes to regional and Western favourites.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, look for restaurants set in restored villas, leafy gardens, or on upper floors overlooking the city’s lights. Some venues offer tasting menus or refined takes on classic dishes, creating a memorable setting after a day exploring the temples.

Retail therapy in Siem Reap

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Siem Reap’s shopping centres are modest in scale but convenient, combining everyday services with a handful of fashion, lifestyle, and souvenir shops. They are useful stops if you need travel essentials, a cool break from the heat, or a quick meal between excursions.

Markets & local crafts
The Old Market area and nearby streets host stalls and small boutiques selling textiles, wood carvings, silk scarves, and other handmade pieces. Districts close to the river and centre are good places to look for locally made items that support artisans and community projects.

Evening retail scene
As evening falls, streets around the central area become livelier, with illuminated shopfronts and stalls drawing in both residents and visitors. Many of these places stay open late, and you can reach them easily by tuk-tuk or a short walk from most hotels.

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Cool dry season (peak season)
From November to February, temperatures are usually around 24–30°C (75–86°F), with lower humidity and clearer skies. This is considered peak season, ideal for long days exploring the Angkor temples and enjoying cooler mornings and evenings outdoors.

Hot season (shoulder season)
March to May brings hotter weather, with daytime temperatures often between 28–35°C (82–95°F). Although it can feel warm, this shoulder season offers bright light for photography and quieter moments at some attractions, especially if you plan visits for early or late in the day.

Green rainy season (low season)
From June to October, showers are more frequent, particularly in the afternoon, and temperatures are usually 26–32°C (79–90°F). This low season rewards you with lush landscapes, fewer crowds at major sights, and dramatic skies over the moats and reservoirs around Angkor.

Frequently Asked Questions