Flights from Dhaka (DAC) to Siem Reap (SAI)

About Siem Reap

Discover Siem Reap

Why visit Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is the gateway to the ancient city of Angkor, where temple spires rise above tropical forest and sunrise light reflects on stone carvings. Beyond its heritage sites, the city has a calm yet lively atmosphere, with leafy streets, riverside paths, and a welcoming small-city feel.

What to expect
In the compact centre, you will find boutique hotels, cafés, galleries, and the lively Old Market area, all within easy reach of the Angkor Archaeological Park. The pace is unhurried, with tuk-tuks, bicycles, and scooters gliding past colonial-era buildings and tree-lined boulevards.

Plan your trip
Most visitors use Siem Reap as a base to explore Angkor and nearby countryside villages, but the city also connects you to wider adventures across Cambodia. With its international airport and good regional links, Siem Reap works well as either a standalone stay or a starting point for a longer journey through Southeast Asia.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Watch the sun rise behind the iconic towers of Angkor Wat and explore detailed bas-reliefs that trace centuries of history.

Bayon and Angkor Thom

Discover the many serene stone faces of Bayon Temple within the vast walled city of Angkor Thom.

Ta Prohm

Walk among tree roots and moss-covered stones at Ta Prohm, where jungle and architecture intertwine in striking fashion.

Tonle Sap Lake

Take a boat trip on Tonle Sap to see stilted villages, seasonal wetlands, and birdlife on Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake.

Siem Reap Old Market (Psar Chas)

Browse the Old Market area for textiles, spices, and souvenirs, and experience the city’s daily commercial rhythm.

Artisan workshops

Visit local craft centres and workshops to see stone-carving, silk-making, and other traditional skills in action.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus

Enjoy an evening performance of acrobatics, theatre, and live music by a renowned local circus troupe.

Countryside cycling

Join a guided cycle through rice fields and small villages on the edge of Siem Reap for a glimpse of rural life.

Experience Siem Reap's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Siem Reap is easy to navigate, with tuk-tuks the most convenient way to travel between town and the Angkor temples. For a slower pace, you can hire a bicycle to explore flat streets and shaded paths. Many hotels and cafés are within walking distance in the compact centre.

Local life & culture
Around the riverside and Old Market, you can watch daily life as residents shop, socialise, and commute by scooter or bicycle. Creative spaces, galleries, and small performance venues highlight a growing arts scene, and you will see traditional architecture alongside more contemporary developments.

Where to unwind
After a day at the temples, you can relax in spa centres, hotel pools, or peaceful cafés set back from the main streets. The riverside promenade and leafy neighbourhoods offer gentle evening walks, with cooler temperatures and soft light making late afternoon an ideal time to be outdoors.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local noodle soups, grilled skewers, and fresh tropical fruit from small stalls and casual eateries near the Old Market and along side streets. Nearby villages and roadside vendors also offer simple, flavourful dishes that suit a relaxed day of temple-hopping.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In the central districts, you will find cafés and restaurants serving both local cuisine and international favourites, often grouped in walkable clusters. Many menus feature small plates and shared dishes, making it easy to try several flavours in one meal, whether you choose a quiet courtyard or a busier street corner.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a restaurant with elevated views over rice fields, riverside greenery, or the town’s low-rise skyline. Some venues offer garden settings or open terraces, allowing you to dine in the warm evening air while reflecting on the day’s discoveries around Angkor.

Retail therapy in Siem Reap

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Siem Reap has a growing number of small malls and lifestyle complexes with a mix of fashion, homeware, and convenience stores. These centres often combine shopping with cafés and services, making them practical places to cool off and take a break during the day.

Markets & local crafts
For more characterful browsing, head to the Old Market area, nearby craft markets, and small streets clustered around the river. Here you can find textiles, handmade accessories, artworks, and design-focused boutiques that highlight local craftsmanship and contemporary Cambodian style.

Evening retail scene
As temperatures ease in the evening, market streets and central shopping lanes become livelier, with more stalls and open-fronted shops. Many visitors combine an early dinner with a relaxed stroll to pick up last-minute gifts. These areas are a short tuk-tuk ride from most hotels, so getting there and back is straightforward.

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Cool dry season (peak season)
From December to February, Siem Reap enjoys cooler, drier days around 22–30°C (72–86°F). Skies are often clear, making this a popular time for sunrise visits to Angkor Wat and comfortable days of temple exploration.

Hot dry season (shoulder season)
March to May is hotter, with temperatures commonly between 28–35°C (82–95°F). The intense light brings striking views over the temples, and early morning or late afternoon visits let you enjoy quieter paths and soft golden colours.

Green rainy season (low season)
From June to November, short, regular showers refresh the countryside and keep temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F). The temples are framed by lush greenery, Tonle Sap Lake rises, and crowds tend to be lighter, creating a calmer atmosphere at many key sites.

Frequently Asked Questions