Flights from Copenhagen (CPH) 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 relaxed riverside city in its own right. You will find leafy streets, friendly cafes, and a calm pace that makes it easy to unwind after days exploring ancient stone terraces and towering gateways.

What to expect
The compact centre is easy to navigate on foot or by tuk-tuk, with the Siem Reap River, Old Market area, and Wat Bo neighbourhood forming natural reference points. Boutique hotels, small galleries, and spa houses line quiet side streets, while lively dining streets create a gentle evening buzz.

Plan your trip
Many travellers use Siem Reap as a base for several days, combining sunrise temple visits with countryside excursions. It is also a natural starting point for wider journeys through Cambodia, with onward routes to Phnom Penh and the coast, and convenient international links via Singapore.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Walk the causeways and gallery corridors of this vast 12th-century complex, especially atmospheric at sunrise and sunset.

Angkor Thom and Bayon

Explore the walled city of Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple, known for its many serene stone faces and elevated terraces.

Ta Prohm

See stone walls and doorways entwined with towering tree roots at this photogenic temple set amid dense greenery.

Old Market (Psar Chas)

Browse stalls selling textiles, souvenirs, spices, and everyday goods in one of Siem Reap’s most established central markets.

Angkor National Museum

Gain context for the Angkor complex through sculptures, artefacts, and well-presented galleries before or after your temple visits.

Tonle Sap floating communities

Take a guided boat trip to see lakeside villages and observe life along the shores of Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.

Artisan workshops

Visit craft centres where you can watch artisans working on silk, stone carving, and lacquer, with small galleries attached.

Phare Circus

Enjoy an evening performance combining acrobatics, theatre, and live music in a modern big-top setting.

Experience Siem Reap’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Short rides by tuk-tuk are one of the easiest ways to move between hotels, the Old Market area, and the Angkor Archaeological Park. For longer temple days, many visitors hire a tuk-tuk or car with driver for a full or half day. Walking works well for exploring central streets.

Local life & culture
Beyond the temples, you will notice a gentle daily rhythm along the riverbanks and side streets, with small shops, galleries, and cafes opening through the morning. Creative hubs and cultural centres host exhibitions and performances, while residential neighbourhoods showcase wooden houses, tree-lined lanes, and a slower pace.

Where to unwind
Many hotels and spas offer pools and treatment rooms that feel especially welcoming after a day in the sun. In the late afternoon, riverside paths and quieter side streets are pleasant for a stroll as the air cools. Early evenings are ideal for finding a calm cafe courtyard or rooftop spot to relax.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties
Local eateries and casual street-side stalls serve classic rice and noodle dishes, grilled meats, and flavourful soups. Around the Old Market and smaller neighbourhood markets, you can sample snacks, fresh fruit, and simple dishes that suit quick lunches between temple visits.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Central streets near the river host a mix of relaxed cafes, bistros, and international restaurants. Menus range from regional flavours to familiar Western favourites, often in open-fronted spaces that are comfortable in the evening. Modest portions and shared plates make it easy to try several dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, you can choose refined restaurants in restored villas, garden courtyards, or rooftop terraces. Some venues offer views over the city’s treetops or tranquil poolside settings. Many focus on seasonal ingredients and considered presentation, turning dinner into an unhurried part of your Siem Reap experience.

Retail therapy in Siem Reap

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Siem Reap’s shopping centres are compact but convenient, bringing together everyday essentials, small fashion outlets, and casual dining. These air-conditioned spaces can be a comfortable pause between temple excursions, offering familiar conveniences and places to sit, cool down, and plan the rest of your day.

Markets & local crafts
Markets and small boutiques around the Old Market, Wat Bo, and Kandal Village areas showcase textiles, homewares, artworks, and accessories. You can look for handwoven fabrics, contemporary local designs, and simple keepsakes that pack easily in your suitcase. Independent galleries often share space with cafes, inviting you to linger.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets become livelier, with night-time stalls and shops opening late alongside restaurants and bars. Illuminated signs and open-fronted stores create a relaxed evening atmosphere that is easy to navigate on foot. Local transport and tuk-tuks make it simple to return to your hotel when you are ready to call it a night.

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Cool dry season (peak season)
From November to February, Siem Reap enjoys its coolest and driest months, with average temperatures around 24–28°C (75–82°F). Clear skies and lower humidity make temple visits and countryside walks comfortable, and this is when visitor numbers are at their highest.

Hot dry season (shoulder season)
March to early May brings hotter days, with averages of 30–34°C (86–93°F). The air is drier and the light can be striking for photography. Early morning and late afternoon explorations are particularly pleasant, and you will often find main sights a little quieter than in the coolest months.

Green rainy season (low season)
From May to October, brief showers and occasional heavier downpours refresh the landscape, with temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). The surrounding countryside turns lush and green, and moats and reservoirs fill. Rain often falls in short bursts, leaving many hours each day for sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions