Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor temple complex, where ancient stone towers rise above the jungle. You will find a relaxed town atmosphere, leafy streets, and a riverside setting that makes exploring easy.
Discover Siem Reap
Discover Siem Reap
Why visit Siem Reap?
What to expect
Expect misty sunrise visits to Angkor Wat, tree‑wrapped ruins at Ta Prohm, and grand causeways at Angkor Thom. Back in town, boutique hotels, cafes, and galleries cluster around the river and Old Market area.
Plan your trip
Use Siem Reap as your base for temple‑hopping, countryside cycling, and floating village visits on the Tonlé Sap. From here, you can connect onwards to Phnom Penh and other parts of Cambodia´s countryside.
Top sights in Siem Reap
Angkor Wat
Walk the long causeway into Angkor Wat to admire its bas‑reliefs, central towers, and sweeping views at sunrise or sunset.
Angkor Thom and Bayon
Explore the walled city of Angkor Thom, then climb Bayon Temple to see its many serene stone faces looking out over the forest.
Ta Prohm
Visit Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots wrap around towers and walls, creating one of Angkor´s most atmospheric ruins.
Tonlé Sap floating communities
Take a boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake to see stilted houses, floating structures, and daily life shaped by the water levels.
Angkor National Museum
Discover statues, artefacts, and interactive displays that explain the history and symbolism of the Angkor civilisation before you visit the temples.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Spend an evening watching energetic circus and storytelling performances by talented local artists in a modern big‑top setting.
Old Market and Pub Street area
Stroll through the Old Market area and nearby lanes lined with cafes, bars, and spa spots, lively from late afternoon into the night.
Artisans Angkor
See traditional stone and wood carving, silk painting, and lacquer work at Artisans Angkor, and learn how crafts are being preserved today.
Experience Siem Reap´s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Tuk‑tuks are the most convenient way to move between town and the Angkor temples, with drivers often acting as informal guides. For a slower pace, rent a bicycle for shorter loops, and use walking for the last stretch through compact central streets.
Local life & culture
You will see a slower, small‑town rhythm, from morning markets by the river to artists´ studios and independent galleries. Neighbourhoods just beyond the centre reveal wooden houses, craft workshops, and everyday life unfolding along quiet backroads.
Where to unwind
Relax by your hotel pool during the heat of the afternoon, then head to riverside parks and leafy boulevards as the day cools. For a deeper reset, choose a spa for a traditional massage after a long day at the temples, ideally around sunset.
A taste of Siem Reap
Street food & local specialties
Sample local dishes such as fish amok and fragrant noodle soups at small eateries and street stalls around the Old Market and along the river. Side streets near the night markets are also good for grilled snacks and quick bites.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Around Pub Street and neighbouring lanes, you will find relaxed cafes and contemporary restaurants serving Khmer flavours alongside Asian and Western favourites. Portions are often modest, making it easy to try several dishes with friends.
Signature & scenic dining
For something special, book a table at a garden restaurant or a stylish venue overlooking rice fields or the river. Some spots pair creative tasting menus with refined interiors, ideal for a memorable evening after a day at Angkor.
Retail therapy in Siem Reap
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Siem Reap´s compact malls and lifestyle centres combine fashion, souvenirs, cafes, and entertainment in air‑conditioned comfort. They are useful for picking up travel essentials or enjoying a break between temple visits.
Markets & local crafts
Browse Psar Chas (Old Market), Made in Cambodia Market, and nearby boutique streets for hand‑woven textiles, carvings, and contemporary local designs. Many stalls and studios support community‑based craft initiatives.
Evening retail scene
Night markets and surrounding streets light up after dark, with rows of stalls selling handicrafts, clothing, and accessories. Tuk‑tuks and taxis make these areas simple to reach from most hotels, even late in the evening.
Best time to visit Siem Reap
Cool dry season (peak season): From November to February, temperatures are usually around 21–30°C (70–86°F) with lower humidity and clearer skies, ideal for long days exploring the temples. Hot season (shoulder season): From March to May, daytime temperatures can reach 35–38°C (95–100°F), with intense sunshine and hazier views, so early morning and late afternoon outings are most comfortable. Rainy season (low season): From June to October, expect 24–32°C (75–90°F) with short but heavy afternoon showers that turn the temple moats and surrounding rice fields a vivid green, and crowds are generally lighter.