Flights from Colombo (CMB) 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 stone towers rise from jungle landscapes and sunrise skies glow above reflective pools. Beyond its landmarks, the city offers a relaxed, walkable centre with leafy streets and a welcoming small-town feel.

What to expect
You can explore atmospheric lanes, riverside paths, and markets by day, then return to cool cafés and intimate hotels in the evening. The compact Old Market and surrounding streets form the heart of the city, while nearby villages and rice fields show a quieter side of daily life.

Plan your trip
Many travellers use Siem Reap as a base for several days to explore Angkor Archaeological Park and the surrounding countryside. From here, it is easy to arrange day trips to floating communities on the Tonlé Sap and outlying temple sites, making the city an ideal hub for a wider journey in north-west Cambodia.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Watch dawn light up the towers of this iconic temple complex, then wander through intricate galleries and expansive courtyards.

Bayon and Angkor Thom

Explore the walled city of Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple, known for its many serene stone faces and maze-like passages.

Ta Prohm

See tree roots and stone walls intertwined at Ta Prohm, where nature and ancient architecture create striking photo opportunities.

Tonlé Sap Lake

Take a boat trip on Tonlé Sap to observe lakeside communities, seasonal water landscapes, and birdlife just beyond the city.

Angkor National Museum

Learn about the region’s history and art through well-curated galleries of sculpture, artefacts, and informative displays.

Siem Reap Old Market area

Stroll around the central market and nearby streets to browse souvenirs, sample local snacks, and experience the town’s evening energy.

Phare Circus

Enjoy an evening performance combining acrobatics, live music, and storytelling in an intimate, contemporary Cambodian circus setting.

Countryside cycling tours

Join a guided bicycle ride through villages, rice fields, and quiet backroads surrounding Siem Reap for a different view of the region.

Experience Siem Reap’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the most common way to move between the town and Angkor, offering open-air views and flexible stops. Bicycles and e-bikes provide a slower pace for exploring nearby temples and backstreets, while short walks link most central hotels, cafés, and markets.

Local life & culture
In the early morning and late afternoon, you will see the city at its most active, with markets, school streets, and riverside paths filling with people. Creative spaces and small galleries showcase contemporary Cambodian art, while traditional crafts and performances are woven into many cultural venues.

Where to unwind
For a quiet break, head to riverside parks, leafy hotel gardens, or spa centres offering relaxing treatments after a day of temple visits. Sunsets are especially atmospheric around the moat of Angkor Thom or along the Siem Reap River, where you can watch the light soften before an unhurried evening in town.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties
You will find stalls and small eateries serving noodle soups, grilled skewers, and rice dishes near the Old Market and along busy streets. Nearby villages and roadside cafés around Angkor Archaeological Park also offer simple meals and refreshing drinks between temple visits.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In the centre, compact streets are lined with casual restaurants, bakeries, and cafés serving regional favourites and international flavours. Many menus are designed for sharing, so you can sample a variety of dishes in one sitting while enjoying the relaxed, open-fronted spaces.

Signature & scenic dining
Some hotels and standalone venues offer refined dining in garden courtyards, along the river, or with views towards the treeline around Angkor. Whether you prefer a quiet terrace or an elegant indoor setting, you can plan a special meal to close a day of exploring.

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 comfortable cafés under one roof. These spots are useful for picking up travel items or enjoying air-conditioned breaks during the warmer parts of the day.

Markets & local crafts
For handmade souvenirs and local brands, browse the Old Market area, nearby artisan workshops, and creative streets slightly away from the busiest blocks. Here you can look for textiles, artworks, and homeware that reflect Cambodia’s craft traditions and contemporary design.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets come alive with illuminated shopfronts and small night markets selling clothing, accessories, and keepsakes. Many of these areas are within walking distance of major hotels, and local transport such as tuk-tuks makes it simple to reach them and return at your own pace.

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Cool dry season (peak season)
From November to February, days are generally dry and comfortable, with average temperatures around 26°C (79°F). This is the most popular time to explore Angkor’s temples, enjoy cycling, and spend long hours outdoors, with clearer skies and lower humidity.

Hot season (shoulder season)
March to May brings hotter weather, with temperatures often near 30–34°C (86–93°F). Temple visits are still rewarding if you plan early-morning and late-afternoon outings, and you will appreciate poolside breaks and shaded cafés in the middle of the day.

Green rainy season (low season)
From June to October, showers are more frequent, especially in the afternoon, with temperatures around 27–30°C (81–86°F). In return, the countryside turns lush, moats and rice fields fill with water, and crowd levels at key sights are usually lower, giving a calmer atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions