Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Siem Reap (SAI)

About Siem Reap

Discover Siem Reap

Why visit Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor archaeological complex and a charming town in its own right, where leafy streets, riverside promenades, and relaxed cafés frame your stay. You will find a balance of history, creativity, and calm that makes it easy to slow down and explore.

What to expect
The town centre is compact, with boutique hotels, galleries, and small bars clustered around the river and Old Market area. Modern hotels and resorts line the main roads leading towards Angkor, while quieter neighbourhoods offer a more local feel, with small shops and everyday markets.

Plan your trip
Siem Reap works well as both a short cultural escape and the starting point for a wider journey across Cambodia. With an international airport close to town, you can maximise your time at the temples, then extend your trip to lakeside communities or on to other regional cities.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Walk through intricate stone galleries and broad causeways at this monumental temple complex set amid moats and forest.

Angkor Thom and Bayon

Explore the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, where Bayon stands out with its serene stone faces and maze-like passages.

Ta Prohm

See how giant tree roots wind through crumbling stone at Ta Prohm, creating one of Angkor’s most photogenic sights.

Tonlé Sap Lake

Cruise along sections of Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake to view stilted houses and ever-changing water landscapes.

Old Market (Psar Chas)

Browse stalls selling souvenirs, textiles, and daily essentials in a covered market at the heart of town.

Angkor National Museum

Discover sculptures, artefacts, and informative displays that help you understand the history behind the Angkor temples.

Made in Cambodia Market

Pick up locally made crafts, jewellery, and art pieces while meeting independent makers and designers.

Pub Street area

Stroll through lively lanes filled with restaurants and cafés that stay open into the evening.

Experience Siem Reap’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the most convenient way to move between your hotel, town, and the Angkor sites, and drivers can be hired for half or full days. Bicycles and e-bikes offer a slower way to enjoy tree-lined roads, while most central attractions are walkable from riverside hotels.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Siem Reap plays out around small cafés, riverside promenades, and neighbourhood markets. You will see a mix of long-time residents and travellers, with creative spaces, galleries, and cultural centres adding a contemporary layer to the town’s historic character.

Where to unwind
Green spaces and hotel gardens provide quiet corners to rest after temple visits, often with shaded pools and open-air lounges. Early morning and late afternoon are the most comfortable times to enjoy walks along the river or gentle cycling on quieter side streets.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties
Around the Old Market and along smaller side streets you can taste local dishes from simple stalls and family-run eateries. Look for grilled skewers, noodle dishes, and rice plates that give you a flavour of everyday Cambodian cooking.

Casual & modern dining hubs
The central area around Pub Street and the riverside offers an easy mix of cafés, bistros, and international restaurants. Menus are often designed for sharing, so you can sample a few dishes with friends across local, Asian, and Western flavours.

Signature & scenic dining
Hotels and boutique properties around town offer refined dining rooms, often set in restored villas or overlooking tropical gardens. For a memorable evening, choose a terrace or rooftop setting where you can enjoy a relaxed meal with views over the town’s treetops and soft evening light.

Retail therapy in Siem Reap

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Siem Reap’s retail scene centres on smaller complexes and mixed-use spaces rather than large malls, with boutiques, cafés, and spas under one roof. These make easy stops between sightseeing, with air-conditioned comfort and a compact range of shops.

Markets & local crafts
For handmade items, explore the Old Market, Made in Cambodia Market, and the lanes off the river. You will find textiles, silk scarves, carvings, and contemporary crafts from local studios, ideal for meaningful souvenirs.

Evening retail scene
As the day cools, market streets and riverside lanes light up and stay active into the evening. Many stalls open late, so you can combine dinner with a relaxed browse, and short tuk-tuk rides make it simple to return to your hotel afterwards.

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Cool, dry season (November to February, peak season)
This period brings comfortable conditions, with average temperatures around 24–28°C (75–82°F) and lower humidity. Clearer skies and drier paths make temple visits and cycling especially enjoyable, and mornings feel pleasantly fresh.

Hot season (March to May, shoulder season)
Temperatures rise to about 30–35°C (86–95°F), with strong sunshine and longer daylight hours. Though it can feel warm, early starts and late-afternoon outings allow you to enjoy quieter temple complexes and bright blue skies in your photos.

Green, rainy season (June to October, low season)
Showers become more frequent, usually in short bursts, and average temperatures stay around 27–32°C (81–90°F). The surrounding countryside turns lush and green, moats fill up, and you will often find fewer visitors at major sites, creating a calmer atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions