Flights from Dubai (DXB) 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 tree-framed temples rise above rice fields and quiet villages. You will find a relaxed riverside town that balances heritage, creative energy, and welcoming hospitality.

What to expect
In the compact centre, leafy streets, boutique hotels, and cafés sit alongside local markets and the slow-flowing Siem Reap River. Cultural venues, small galleries, and crafts workshops give the town a creative feel, while nearby countryside offers a glimpse of rural life.

Plan your trip
Most visitors use Siem Reap as a base for exploring Angkor and the wider region, from floating communities on the Tonlé Sap to countryside cycling routes. With good connections through Singapore, it also fits easily into wider journeys across Southeast Asia.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Watch the sunrise or sunset over this vast temple complex, known for its intricate carvings and harmonious layout.

Angkor Thom and Bayon

Explore the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple, famous for its serene stone faces.

Ta Prohm

Walk through atmospheric ruins where towering trees and roots weave through crumbling stone corridors.

Tonlé Sap Lake

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

Siem Reap Old Market (Psar Chas)

Browse stalls for souvenirs, textiles, and everyday goods in this bustling central market near the riverside.

Angkor National Museum

Gain context for your temple visits with carefully presented artefacts, sculptures, and informative exhibits.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus

Enjoy an evening performance combining acrobatics, theatre, and live music, created by a local social enterprise.

Siem Reap Riverside

Stroll or cycle along the shaded riverbanks, where you can pause at small parks, bridges, and cafés.

Experience Siem Reap’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the easiest way to move between your hotel, the Old Market, and the Angkor Archaeological Park. For temple days, many visitors hire a tuk-tuk or bicycle for set routes, then use taxis or hotel shuttles for longer transfers.

Local life & culture
You will notice a gentle pace of life, from early-morning market activity to quiet evenings along the river. Neighbourhoods around Wat Bo Road, Taphul, and the central area mix guesthouses, cafés, and small studios that reflect the town’s growing creative community.

Where to unwind
After exploring the temples, you can relax with spa treatments, poolside breaks, or a slow walk in the landscaped Royal Gardens. Early morning and late afternoon are the most pleasant times to enjoy outdoor spaces, with softer light and cooler air.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties
Around the Old Market and smaller neighbourhood streets, vendors serve grilled meats, noodles, and rice dishes that highlight local herbs and fresh produce. You can also try classic soups and curries in simple eateries close to the riverside.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In central Siem Reap, especially near the river and main hotel areas, you will find cafés and restaurants offering regional dishes and international favourites. Menus often feature smaller plates and sharing options, making it easy to sample a variety of flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, consider dining in a restored villa, a stylish garden restaurant, or a rooftop venue overlooking the town. Many hotels and independent spots offer set menus paired with views of pools, courtyards, or tree-lined streets.

Retail therapy in Siem Reap

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Siem Reap has a handful of compact shopping centres where you can find basic essentials, cafés, and some international brands. These air-conditioned spaces are convenient for picking up travel items or enjoying a short break from the heat.

Markets & local crafts
For local products, explore streets around the Old Market, the Made in Cambodia market, and small boutiques near Wat Bo Road. Here you can look for textiles, silk scarves, home décor, and contemporary crafts made by local artisans.

Evening retail scene
After sunset, the central streets become livelier, with illuminated shopfronts and stalls opening around popular pedestrian areas. Night markets and riverside streets invite you to browse at a relaxed pace, and tuk-tuks make it easy to reach and return from these areas.

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Cool dry season (November to February, peak season)
During the cool dry months, daytime temperatures average around 26–30°C (79–86°F), with lower humidity and clearer skies. This is considered peak season, ideal for long days exploring Angkor and enjoying comfortable evenings in town.

Hot season (March to May, shoulder season)
The hot season brings higher temperatures, often 30–35°C (86–95°F) or more, and strong sunshine. As a shoulder season, it rewards early starts for temple visits and relaxed afternoons by the pool, with quieter sites and vivid sunsets.

Green season (June to October, low season)
Rain showers arrive during the green season, usually in short, intense bursts, with temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). This low season offers lush landscapes, fewer visitors at major sights, and dramatic skies that create striking photo opportunities around the temples and countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions