Flights from Phnom Penh (KTI) 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 architecture rises from the jungle and sunrise silhouettes fill the horizon. Beyond the temples, you will find a relaxed riverside town with leafy streets, boutique hotels, and a welcoming, small-city feel.

What to expect
The compact centre is easy to explore on foot or by tuk-tuk, with the Siem Reap River running through town and lively streets fanning out from the Old Market area. You can expect a blend of historic charm and modern comforts, with cafés, galleries, and spas dotted between traditional shopfronts.

Plan your trip
Siem Reap works well as both a short cultural escape and a base for exploring the wider region, from Tonlé Sap Lake to countryside villages. With its well-developed visitor infrastructure and proximity to Angkor International Airport, it is an ideal starting point for discovering northern Cambodia.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat and admire its intricate bas-reliefs and grand central towers surrounded by a vast moat.

Angkor Thom and Bayon

Explore Angkor Thom, the former royal city, and marvel at Bayon temple with its enigmatic stone faces and elevated terraces.

Ta Prohm

Walk through Ta Prohm, where towering trees and curling roots intertwine with ancient stone corridors for an atmospheric jungle setting.

Tonlé Sap Lake floating villages

Take a boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake to see floating villages, stilted houses, and life shaped by the rhythms of the water.

Siem Reap Old Market (Psar Chas)

Browse Psar Chas for textiles, souvenirs, and local produce in a bustling covered market near the riverfront.

Angkor National Museum

Discover sculptures, artefacts, and informative exhibits that explain the history and symbolism of the Angkor civilisation.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus

Enjoy an evening performance combining acrobatics, theatre, and music that showcases contemporary Cambodian creativity.

Wat Bo area

Stroll the quieter Wat Bo neighbourhood, with leafy lanes, boutique stays, and small galleries set close to the river.

Experience Siem Reap's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the most convenient way to move between town and the Angkor Archaeological Park, offering open-air views and flexible stops. Within the centre, you can walk between many sights, while bicycles and e-bikes give you a slower way to explore tree-lined roads.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Siem Reap revolves around the river, local markets, and family-run businesses. As you wander, you will notice art studios, craft workshops, and small cultural centres sharing traditional dance, music, and contemporary design, reflecting the city’s creative energy.

Where to unwind
After a day at the temples, you can unwind in one of the town’s many spas, or relax by a pool at your hotel. Quiet riverside paths and shaded gardens around the outskirts of town are most peaceful in the early morning or late afternoon.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local noodle soups, skewers, and snacks at small stalls near the Old Market and around central streets. Traditional dishes featuring rice, fresh herbs, and grilled meats are widely available, giving you an easy introduction to regional flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around the river and main streets you will find cafés, bistros, and laid-back restaurants offering a mix of Asian and international cuisines. Menus often feature sharing plates and smaller portions, so you can try a variety of dishes in one relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a restaurant set in a restored villa, a leafy garden, or a rooftop with views over the town. Some venues offer tasting menus or refined interpretations of local classics, creating an atmosphere that suits special occasions or unhurried dinners.

Retail therapy in Siem Reap

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Siem Reap’s shopping is centred more on compact lifestyle complexes and boutique arcades than large malls. These spaces usually combine shops, cafés, and small galleries, making them pleasant places to browse and take a break from the midday heat.

Markets & local crafts
For local crafts, head to central markets and streets near the Old Market, where you will find textiles, lacquerware, and handmade accessories. Neighbourhoods around Wat Bo and smaller creative quarters also feature design studios and social enterprises supporting local artisans.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, streets around the market area become livelier as stalls, shops, and small boutiques stay open later. Illuminated signs and open-fronted stores create an inviting atmosphere for a post-dinner stroll, and compact distances make it easy to reach these areas by tuk-tuk or on foot.

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 clear skies. This is peak season, ideal for long days exploring Angkor’s temples and cycling in comfort, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

Hot season (shoulder season)
March to May brings hotter weather, with daytime temperatures often between 26–35°C (79–95°F). This shoulder season rewards early risers, as sunrise visits to the temples feel quieter, and many hotels offer inviting pools and shaded spaces for midday breaks.

Green rainy season (low season)
From June to October, short, often intense showers refresh the landscape and cool the air, with temperatures around 24–32°C (75–90°F). This low season sees fewer visitors at major sites, lush rice paddies, and dramatic skies that can make photography particularly rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions