Flights from Paris (CDG) to Siem Reap (SAI)

About Siem Reap

Discover Siem Reap

Why visit Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is the gateway to the legendary Angkor temple complex, blending timeless stone carvings with a relaxed riverside town atmosphere. You will find leafy streets, boutique hotels, and a pace that feels unhurried yet energised.

What to expect
The compact centre is easy to navigate, with the Siem Reap River, Old Market area, and Wat Bo neighbourhood forming its core. Expect café-lined lanes, creative studios, and traditional houses, with day trips leading out to the jungle-fringed temples and nearby floating villages.

Plan your trip
Many travellers base themselves in Siem Reap for several days to explore Angkor and the surrounding countryside. The city also works well as a starting point for wider journeys through Cambodia and the Mekong region, thanks to its growing choice of hotels, tours, and onward connections.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Walk through the vast galleries and soaring towers of this iconic temple complex, best experienced in the soft light of early morning.

Angkor Thom and Bayon

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

Ta Prohm

See tree roots winding dramatically over temple walls at Ta Prohm, where nature and stone have become intertwined over centuries.

Old Market (Psar Chas)

Browse stalls selling souvenirs, textiles, and everyday goods in the bustling Old Market close to the riverfront.

Tonle Sap floating communities

Take a guided boat trip onto Tonle Sap Lake to observe life in stilt houses and floating villages set on the water.

Angkor National Museum

Discover sculptures, artefacts, and exhibits that explain the history and symbolism of Angkor before or after your temple visit.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus

Enjoy an evening of acrobatics and storytelling performed by talented local artists in a lively big-top setting.

Artisans workshops

Visit craft workshops and galleries to watch skilled artisans create carvings, silk, and other traditional handicrafts.

Experience Siem Reap's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the easiest way to move between your hotel, the town centre, and the Angkor Archaeological Park. For temple days, many visitors hire a driver for a full itinerary, while bicycles and e-bikes offer a slower, scenic option. Within town, most areas are walkable.

Local life & culture
Siem Reap has a creative, youthful energy, with galleries, studios, and performance spaces dotted around the historic core. Away from the busiest streets, you will find quiet lanes where residents sit outside in the evenings, children play by the river, and daily life unfolds at an unhurried pace.

Where to unwind
The town offers many places to relax after sightseeing, from spa centres and massage houses to peaceful riverside paths. In the late afternoon, head to shaded cafés or hotel pools, then enjoy the cooler evening air on a gentle stroll or a short ride out into the surrounding countryside.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties
You will find local dishes in small eateries and simple shops around the Old Market and along side streets near the river. Look for spots where residents gather for breakfast or dinner, and try a mix of soups, stir-fries, and grilled items across your stay.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around the central districts, you can choose from cafés, bistros, and contemporary restaurants serving regional and international flavours. Menus often feature sharing plates and modest portions, making it easy to sample several dishes in one meal, whether you prefer something light or more indulgent.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, book a table at a refined restaurant in a restored house or a venue overlooking the town and nearby greenery. Some hotel restaurants and rooftop bars combine thoughtful menus with views of the skyline, giving you a relaxed setting to reflect on your day at Angkor.

Retail therapy in Siem Reap

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Siem Reap has a handful of compact malls and lifestyle centres where you can find everyday essentials, fashion, and cafés under one roof. These air-conditioned spaces provide a comfortable break from the heat and a convenient place to pick up travel items or small gifts.

Markets & local crafts
For local character, explore streets and small boutiques around the Old Market, Wat Bo area, and other central neighbourhoods. Here you can discover textiles, homewares, and crafts made by local designers and social enterprises, along with simple souvenirs to bring home.

Evening retail scene
As the temperature falls, streets around the town centre become livelier, with stalls, small shops, and riverside areas welcoming evening visitors. This is a pleasant time to look for last-minute mementoes before or after dinner, with tuk-tuks and taxis making it easy to move between districts.

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Cool dry season (peak season)
From November to February, temperatures are usually around 24–30°C (75–86°F) with lower humidity and clearer skies. This is considered peak season, ideal for long days exploring Angkor and enjoying cooler mornings and evenings around town.

Hot season (shoulder season)
March to May brings hotter days, often 28–35°C (82–95°F), with intense sunshine and hazier afternoons. As a shoulder season, it rewards early starts for temple visits and leisurely, air-conditioned breaks in the middle of the day.

Green rainy season (low season)
From June to October, expect brief, often dramatic showers, with temperatures typically 25–32°C (77–90°F). This low season sees the countryside turn lush and vibrant, with fewer visitors at major sites and softer light for photography between rainfalls.

Frequently Asked Questions