Flights from Beijing (BJS) to Siem Reap (SAI)

About Siem Reap

Discover Siem Reap

Why visit Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor temple complex, where ancient stone towers rise above tropical forest. The town itself blends leafy streets, riverside paths, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to balance sightseeing with slow, restorative moments.

What to expect
You can expect a compact centre filled with boutique hotels, cafés, and small galleries, all within easy reach of Angkor Archaeological Park. Days start early to catch sunrise over temple spires, then settle into an easy rhythm of spa visits, poolside rest, and gentle evening walks.

Plan your trip
Most travellers use Siem Reap as a base for two to four days of temple exploration, with time for countryside excursions and lakeside visits. It is also a useful starting point for overland journeys to Phnom Penh and beyond, giving you a calm introduction to the wider region.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Walk through vast galleries and courtyards at this iconic temple complex, especially atmospheric at sunrise and sunset.

Bayon Temple

Explore the many serene stone faces and intricate carvings that give this temple its distinctive character.

Ta Prohm

See tree roots intertwining with ancient stone walls in one of Angkor’s most photogenic and atmospheric sites.

Angkor National Museum

Gain context for your temple visits through exhibitions on art, sculpture, and the history of the Angkor era.

Tonlé Sap Lake

Take a boat trip to see lakeside villages and observe life shaped by the rhythms of Southeast Asia’s largest lake.

Old Market area

Stroll through stalls selling textiles, souvenirs, and everyday goods in the lively heart of town.

Phare Circus

Enjoy an evening performance combining acrobatics, storytelling, and live music in an intimate big-top setting.

Kulen Mountain day trip

Head into the hills for forest walks, waterfalls, and ancient carvings along rivers and rock faces.

Experience Siem Reap’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the most convenient way to move between town, temples, and nearby villages, offering an open-air view of the landscape. Bicycles are popular for leisurely rides on quiet roads and shaded paths. For longer outings, many visitors hire a car and driver through their hotel.

Local life & culture
In the early morning, you will see residents cycling, shopping at small local markets, or gathering by the riverside. Around town, independent galleries, craft workshops, and contemporary performance spaces showcase local creativity. As evening falls, cafés and small bars fill with a mix of locals and visitors winding down their day.

Where to unwind
Many hotels feature pools and gardens where you can retreat during the warmest hours of the afternoon. Around the outskirts, quiet rice-field lanes invite slow walks and photography in the soft light before sunset. After dark, riverside paths and leafy side streets remain calm places for a gentle stroll.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties
You will find dishes such as fragrant curries, rice-based plates, and grilled snacks at small eateries and local markets near the Old Market area. Simple shophouses and open-front cafés make it easy to sample different flavours across a single evening.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around the town centre, contemporary restaurants and cafés serve regional dishes alongside international favourites. Many menus are designed for sharing, so you can try several small plates with friends or family. Air-conditioned venues in central streets offer a comfortable break between temple visits.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, consider restaurants overlooking rice fields, riverside views, or landscaped hotel gardens. Some venues pair refined tasting menus with quiet, atmospheric settings that suit special occasions. Rooftop terraces and open courtyards are particularly inviting around sunset and in the cooler evening hours.

Retail therapy in Siem Reap

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Siem Reap has a small selection of modern shopping centres where you can find everyday conveniences, travel essentials, and a few international brands. These air-conditioned spaces often host cafés and casual eateries, making them an easy stop during the midday heat.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and shop-lined streets around the Old Market and central districts showcase textiles, artworks, and handmade souvenirs. You will also find boutiques featuring locally designed homeware, fashion, and accessories, giving you a chance to bring home something distinctive.

Evening retail scene
After dark, some streets near the centre become lively with illuminated storefronts and stalls. The cooler temperatures make browsing more comfortable, and the atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried. Local tuk-tuks and taxis make it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your hotel safely.

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Cool dry season (peak season)
From November to February, days are warm and less humid, around 24–30°C (75–86°F). Clear skies make temple visits and countryside trips comfortable, especially in the mornings and late afternoons. This is a popular time to travel, with a lively yet relaxed atmosphere around town.

Hot season (shoulder season)
March to May brings hotter temperatures, often 28–35°C (82–95°F), with bright sunshine and long daylight hours. Early starts for sunrise at Angkor and midday breaks by the pool work well in this period, and you may find a slightly calmer feel at some attractions.

Green rainy season (low season)
From June to October, short, intense showers refresh the landscape, with temperatures typically 25–31°C (77–88°F). The surrounding countryside turns a lush green, and temple moats and rice fields look especially scenic. Rain often falls in the late afternoon, leaving many hours of the day clear for exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions