Flights from Brussels (BRU) 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 welcoming city in its own right, with leafy streets, creative boutiques, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. You will find a mix of heritage, contemporary Cambodian culture, and quiet corners to unwind between explorations.

What to expect
The city centre is compact, centred around the riverside and the Old Market area, where cafés, galleries, and small hotels sit alongside traditional shophouses. Modern districts offer contemporary dining and nightlife, while quieter neighbourhoods nearer the rice fields and countryside reveal a softer, more rural side of Siem Reap.

Plan your trip
Siem Reap works well as both a short cultural escape and a starting point for wider journeys through Cambodia. Many travellers base themselves here to explore Angkor, then continue on to Phnom Penh or the southern coast. With a growing range of hotels and services, it is easy to plan a trip that balances sightseeing with time to rest.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Marvel at the iconic towers and intricate stone carvings of this vast UNESCO-listed complex set amid moats and greenery.

Bayon and Angkor Thom

Explore the smiling stone faces of Bayon and the grand gateways and terraces of the former royal city of Angkor Thom.

Ta Prohm

Wander through atmospheric ruins where tree roots twist around ancient walls in a dramatic meeting of nature and history.

Siem Reap Old Market (Psar Chas)

Browse stalls selling souvenirs, textiles, and local snacks in a bustling covered market near the riverfront.

Angkor National Museum

Gain context for your temple visits with well-presented exhibits on Angkorian art, sculpture, and history in a modern space.

Tonle Sap floating villages

Take a boat trip to see life along Southeast Asia’s largest lake, with stilt houses and communities adapted to seasonal waters.

Artisans Angkor

Visit workshops where craftspeople produce stone carvings, silk, and lacquerware, and learn about efforts to preserve traditional skills.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus

Enjoy an evening performance combining acrobatics, music, and storytelling by a locally founded creative troupe.

Experience Siem Reap’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the most common and scenic way to move between your hotel, the temples, and the town centre, offering open-air views. For longer journeys, taxis and hired cars provide added comfort, while bicycles are a pleasant option within the flat city and nearby countryside.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Siem Reap flows at a gentle pace, with residents gathering along the riverfront and in small cafés throughout the day. Creative studios, galleries, and social enterprises highlight a growing arts scene, and local neighbourhoods retain a welcoming, community-focused feel as the city evolves.

Where to unwind
You can relax in small urban parks, shaded riverside spots, and hotel gardens after a morning of temple visits. Many visitors choose an afternoon by the pool or a spa treatment to escape the heat, before returning to the riverside and town centre in the cooler hours around sunset.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties
You will find local dishes at simple eateries and small stalls around the Old Market, riverside, and residential streets. From rice-based plates to fragrant broths and grilled snacks, casual spots make it easy to sample everyday flavours between temple visits.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around the central districts, converted shophouses and small courtyards host cafés and bistros serving both Cambodian and international cuisine. Many menus encourage sharing and smaller plates, so you can try several dishes during one meal or over the course of an evening.

Signature & scenic dining
For something special, look for venues set in traditional wooden houses, leafy garden settings, or refined heritage buildings. Some restaurants and hotel terraces offer serene views over pools or greenery, creating a calm setting for an unhurried dinner after a busy day of sightseeing.

Retail therapy in Siem Reap

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Siem Reap’s modern shopping centres bring together everyday services, casual dining, and a selection of international and local brands. They provide air-conditioned spaces to take a break from the heat, pick up essentials, and enjoy a relaxed coffee or snack between excursions.

Markets & local crafts
For handmade items and local labels, head to the Old Market area, Kandal Village, and small craft-focused streets near the river. Here you can find textiles, homeware, and design pieces created by Cambodian artisans, often through workshops that support community-based projects.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets and market areas become livelier, with illuminated stalls and shopfronts creating a colourful atmosphere. Many boutiques and souvenir shops stay open into the evening, and you can reach these night-time shopping spots easily by tuk-tuk or a short taxi ride from most hotels.

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Cool dry season (peak season)
From November to February, Siem Reap enjoys its coolest and driest months, with average temperatures around 25°C to 28°C (77°F to 82°F). Clear skies and comfortable humidity make temple exploration pleasant, and this is considered peak season with a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.

Hot season (shoulder season)
March to May brings hotter days, often between 30°C and 35°C (86°F to 95°F), with bright sunshine and longer daylight hours. This shoulder season rewards early starts for sunrise visits and quieter sites later in the day, especially if you plan regular breaks to cool down.

Green wet season (low season)
From June to October, short, often intense showers refresh the landscape, with temperatures around 27°C to 32°C (81°F to 90°F). The rice fields and temple moats turn a vivid green, and softer light is ideal for photography, making the low season appealing if you enjoy lush scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions