Flights from New Zealand to Siem Reap (REP)

Discover Siem Reap

Discover Siem Reap

Why visit Siem Reap?

Siem Reap is the gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor, where centuries of history sit alongside a relaxed, riverside town. You will find a calm, welcoming base for exploring Cambodia's cultural heart.

What to expect

Expect leafy streets, boutique hotels, and a compact centre that is easy to explore on foot or by tuk-tuk. The atmosphere is unhurried, with a mix of heritage, art spaces, and lively evening venues.

Plan your trip

Many travellers use Siem Reap as a hub to visit Angkor Archaeological Park and nearby villages, then continue onward through Cambodia or neighbouring countries. Plan at least several days to explore the temples at a relaxed pace.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Watch sunrise over Angkor Wat's iconic towers, then wander through its intricate galleries and bas-reliefs that chart centuries of Khmer history.

Bayon and Angkor Thom

Explore Angkor Thom's vast walled city and the Bayon temple, famous for its serene stone faces and maze of terraces and passages.

Ta Prohm

See tree roots entwined with ancient stone at Ta Prohm, where jungle and temple have grown together into a dramatic, photogenic ruin.

Tonle Sap Lake

Take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to visit floating villages and learn how communities live with the rhythm of Cambodia's largest freshwater lake.

Angkor National Museum

Discover statues, artefacts, and detailed exhibits that bring the Angkor civilisation to life before or after your temple visits.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus

Enjoy an evening performance blending theatre, acrobatics, and live music that shares contemporary Cambodian stories with energy and heart.

Siem Reap Riverside and Old French Quarter

Stroll along the riverside and through the Old French Quarter's shophouses, galleries, and cafés to get a feel for local daily life.

Experience Siem Reap's everyday rhythm

Getting around

Tuk-tuks are the easiest way to get around Siem Reap and reach the temples, with cars or vans available for longer day trips. In town, you can walk the central streets, then use tuk-tuks for a comfortable last-mile ride back to your hotel.

Local life & culture

Siem Reap's rhythm moves from early temple starts to relaxed afternoons and sociable evenings by the river. Wander village lanes, small galleries, and community-run initiatives to see how traditional crafts and contemporary creativity sit side by side.

Where to unwind

Unwind with a massage or spa treatment after a day at the temples, or take a quiet walk through shaded gardens at your hotel. Sunrise and late afternoon are the most pleasant times to enjoy temple complexes and countryside paths before the heat builds.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties

Sample Khmer dishes such as amok and stir-fries at simple eateries and street stalls around the Old Market area and along smaller side streets. Early evenings are ideal for wandering and tasting a few small plates.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Casual cafés and bistros around the town centre and riverside serve Cambodian favourites, Asian classics, and international comfort food. Many menus offer smaller portions and sharing plates, so you can try several flavours in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining

For a special meal, book a restaurant in a restored villa, by the river, or with views over rice fields outside town. Atmospheric lighting and open-air terraces create memorable settings to reflect on your temple adventures.

Retail therapy in Siem Reap

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Siem Reap has a small but growing collection of air-conditioned centres and lifestyle hubs, where you will find a mix of everyday essentials, souvenirs, and cafés. These areas make convenient meeting points between temple excursions.

Markets & local crafts

Browse the Old Market area, Made in Cambodia-style craft spaces, and small boutiques for silk, jewellery, and handmade homeware. Many venues support local artisans and social enterprises, so your purchases can have a positive impact.

Evening retail scene

After dark, central streets and market areas fill with lights, stalls, and small shops selling clothing, art, and keepsakes. Tuk-tuks and taxis make it simple to reach these lively pockets from most hotels around town.

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Dry season (peak season): From November to February, days are warm and less humid, around 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F), ideal for long temple days. Hot season (shoulder season): March to May brings higher temperatures, often 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F), with intense midday heat but quieter sites at the edges of the day. Green or rainy season (low season): June to October sees short, heavy showers and lush landscapes, with temperatures about 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F), and fewer visitors at the major temples.

Frequently Asked Questions