Flights from Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN) to Siem Reap (SAI)

About Siem Reap

Discover Siem Reap

Why visit Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor temple complex and a welcoming city in its own right, where leafy streets, heritage shophouses, and riverside promenades create a relaxed atmosphere. You will find a blend of history, creativity, and gentle energy that suits both short breaks and longer stays.

What to expect
The city centres around the Siem Reap River, with compact neighbourhoods filled with boutique hotels, cafés, and small galleries. Modern districts sit close to traditional markets, and the pace is unhurried, making it easy to explore on foot, by bicycle, or by tuk-tuk as you move between the old town and newer areas.

Plan your trip
Many travellers base themselves in Siem Reap to explore Angkor Archaeological Park, then extend their stay to see villages, lakes, and countryside nearby. With a growing hospitality scene and good connections to other Cambodian cities and regional hubs, it works well as both a main destination and a starting point for wider journeys.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Explore this vast UNESCO-listed complex at sunrise or sunset to appreciate its iconic towers, intricate carvings, and surrounding moat.

Bayon and Angkor Thom

Wander through Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple to see its famous serene stone faces and atmospheric, tree-lined avenues.

Ta Prohm

Visit Ta Prohm to see dramatic tree roots and moss-covered stones, where nature and ancient architecture intertwine in striking fashion.

Old Market (Phsar Chas)

Browse the Old Market for textiles, handicrafts, and everyday produce, and experience the lively heart of local trading life.

Angkor National Museum

Learn about Khmer history and art through thoughtfully curated galleries that give context to the temples you will see around Angkor.

Tonlé Sap Lake

Take a boat trip on Tonlé Sap to view floating and stilted villages, and to experience life along Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake.

Made in Cambodia Market

Explore this artisan-focused market to discover locally made crafts, jewellery, and design pieces, often sold directly by the makers.

Siem Reap River Promenade

Stroll along the river in the early evening to enjoy cooler temperatures, soft lighting, and a relaxed local atmosphere.

Experience Siem Reap's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Siem Reap is compact, so you can move easily between the old town, markets, and cafés on foot or by tuk-tuk. Bicycles and e-bikes are popular for exploring quieter streets and the Angkor area, while taxis and car services work well for longer excursions.

Local life & culture
Daily life moves at a gentle pace, with mornings starting early around local markets and riverfront walks. Creative studios, galleries, and small performance spaces showcase contemporary interpretations of Khmer arts and crafts, and neighbourhood cafés provide relaxed places to observe the city around you.

Where to unwind
You will find many spas and wellness centres offering massages and simple treatments after a day of sightseeing. Tree-shaded parks and riverside paths provide peaceful corners for an evening stroll, and hotels often feature tranquil pools and gardens that are especially inviting at sunset.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties
Siem Reap's food stalls and family-run eateries serve comforting noodle soups, grilled meats, and flavourful curries. Around the old town, you will find small spots where you can try local snacks, fresh tropical fruit, and simple rice dishes popular with residents.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In the central districts, cafés and bistros offer a mix of Cambodian and international dishes, from light salads to hearty mains. Many venues have relaxed outdoor seating, and sharing plates or smaller portions make it easy to sample a variety of flavours during your stay.

Signature & scenic dining
For something special, rooftop terraces and riverside restaurants let you dine with views of the town or gentle waterway. Some boutique hotels offer quiet, garden-set restaurants where you can enjoy an unhurried meal after a day exploring Angkor and the surrounding countryside.

Retail therapy in Siem Reap

Malls & lifestyle hubs
You will find a handful of compact malls and lifestyle centres in Siem Reap, bringing together fashion, beauty services, and cafés in air-conditioned comfort. These spaces are convenient places to pick up travel essentials and international brands while taking a break from the heat.

Markets & local crafts
For characterful shopping, local markets and boutique-lined streets offer textiles, art prints, ceramics, and other handmade items. Areas around the Old Market and smaller creative enclaves host workshops and studios where independent designers and artisans showcase their work.

Evening retail scene
As the temperature cools in the evening, streets around the centre become livelier with illuminated shopfronts and stalls. You can browse souvenirs, clothing, and accessories at a relaxed pace, then reach your hotel easily by tuk-tuk or taxi from these central districts.

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Cool dry season (December to February, peak season)
During the cool dry season, temperatures average around 24–30°C (75–86°F) with lower humidity and clearer skies. This is a popular time to explore Angkor on foot or by bicycle, with comfortable mornings and evenings ideal for sunrise and sunset temple visits.

Hot season (March to May, shoulder season)
The hot season brings temperatures of about 28–35°C (82–95°F), with bright days and intense sunshine. Early starts and late-afternoon explorations help you enjoy the temples and countryside, while midday is perfect for relaxing by a pool or in air-conditioned cafés and galleries.

Green rainy season (June to November, low season)
In the green season, temperatures sit around 25–32°C (77–90°F), with short, often intense showers that usually clear quickly. The surrounding countryside and temple moats become lush and vivid, and cloud-dappled skies can make for striking photographs and a calm atmosphere at major sights.

Frequently Asked Questions