Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Siem Reap (SAI)

About Siem Reap

Discover Siem Reap

Why visit Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is the gateway to the legendary Angkor archaeological complex, where ancient stone towers rise above lush forest. In town, you will find leafy streets, riverside paths, and a relaxed pace that makes it easy to slow down and explore.

What to expect
The compact city centre is filled with boutique hotels, cafés, and small galleries, all within easy reach of the main riverside and markets. Expect a mix of restored colonial-era architecture, contemporary spaces, and tree-lined avenues that make walking and cycling an enjoyable way to get around.

Plan your trip
Many travellers use Siem Reap as a base for several days, combining temple visits with time in the countryside and on nearby lakes. It is also a natural starting point for wider journeys through Cambodia, with onward connections to Phnom Penh and coastal regions.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Explore the vast central complex of Angkor, known for its soaring towers, intricate carvings, and reflective pools.

Bayon and Angkor Thom

Wander through Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple, where giant stone faces gaze out over shaded courtyards and terraces.

Ta Prohm

Visit Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots entwine with centuries-old stone walls in a striking display of nature and architecture.

Tonle Sap excursions

Take a guided trip to the Tonle Sap area to see lakeside villages, waterways, and birdlife beyond the city.

Angkor National Museum

Spend time at the Angkor National Museum to understand the history, art, and symbolism behind the region's monuments.

Old Market and riverside

Stroll around the Old Market area and along the river, where you can browse local stalls and enjoy the evening atmosphere.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus

Watch an evening performance combining acrobatics, theatre, and live music in an intimate big-top setting.

Countryside cycling

Join a cycling tour through nearby villages and rice fields to see daily life just beyond the main town centre.

Experience Siem Reap's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Tuk-tuks and taxis are the most convenient way to move between your hotel, the town centre, and the Angkor park. For shorter trips, many visitors enjoy cycling or walking along the river and quiet backstreets, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

Local life & culture
Siem Reap has a calm and welcoming atmosphere, with small galleries, artisan workshops, and performance venues dotted around the centre. Creative spaces highlight local crafts and contemporary art, while cafés and relaxed bars give you a comfortable place to pause during the warmest hours.

Where to unwind
Green spaces along the riverside offer shaded benches and easy paths for a gentle stroll at sunset. Many hotels feature pools and small gardens where you can cool off after a day of sightseeing, and spa venues across town provide massages and simple wellness treatments to help you relax.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local dishes at small eateries and informal restaurants throughout the city, especially around the Old Market and riverside neighbourhoods. It is easy to try a range of flavours, from grilled skewers to noodle and rice dishes cooked to order.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across the central streets, you will find cafés and bistros serving regional and international menus in relaxed settings. Many places are used to visitors, so portion sizes often make it simple to share dishes and order several plates for the table.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a restaurant with views over leafy streets, garden courtyards, or riverside stretches. Some venues offer set menus that pair traditional recipes with modern presentation, creating a comfortable way to experience local flavours in an elegant setting.

Retail therapy in Siem Reap

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Siem Reap has a small selection of modern shopping centres where you can find everyday essentials, travel items, and a few international brands. These air-conditioned spaces are useful for a midday break and often combine shops with cafés and basic services.

Markets & local crafts
For characterful shopping, head to the Old Market and nearby streets, where stalls and boutiques offer textiles, accessories, and homeware. Smaller lanes around the centre showcase local designers and craft studios, giving you a chance to pick up handmade pieces and gifts.

Evening retail scene
After dark, several central streets light up with shops and open-fronted stalls, creating a lively but compact evening promenade. It is easy to combine browsing with a relaxed drink or meal nearby, and short rides by tuk-tuk or taxi make these areas simple to reach.

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Cool dry season (peak season)
From November to February, Siem Reap experiences its cooler, drier months, with average temperatures around 24–28°C (75–82°F). Clear skies and lower humidity make temple visits and outdoor excursions particularly comfortable, so this is the busiest travel period.

Hot season (shoulder season)
March to May brings higher heat, with temperatures often between 30–35°C (86–95°F). Days are bright and sunny, and while sightseeing is warmer, early-morning and late-afternoon visits to Angkor offer striking light and quieter paths.

Green rainy season (low season)
From June to October, brief but intense showers refresh the landscape and fill moats and nearby waterways, with averages of 27–31°C (81–88°F). The countryside turns a vivid green, crowds thin out, and cloud-dappled skies can bring dramatic views over the temples.

Frequently Asked Questions