Flights from New York (NYC) to Siem Reap (SAI)

About Siem Reap

Discover Siem Reap

Why visit Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor temple complex, set among rice fields, leafy streets, and a relaxed riverside town. You will find a welcoming mix of heritage, creative boutiques, and lively cafés that make it easy to slow down and explore at your own pace.

What to expect
In the compact centre, restored shophouses sit beside modern hotels, while the Siem Reap River offers a calm counterpoint to busy streets. Days often begin with sunrise temple visits, followed by poolside breaks, spa time, or cycling through nearby villages as the town settles into a gentle evening rhythm.

Plan your trip
Siem Reap works well for a short escape or as part of a longer journey across the region. With Angkor Archaeological Park on the doorstep and easy onward links to other Cambodian cities, it is an ideal base to discover both world-famous ruins and everyday countryside life.

Top sights in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Watch the sunrise over the towers of Angkor Wat and wander through its sprawling galleries, terraces, and intricately carved stone corridors.

Bayon and Angkor Thom

Explore Angkor Thom, the former royal city, and admire Bayon temple with its serene stone faces peering out over the jungle canopy.

Ta Prohm

Walk through Ta Prohm, where huge tree roots intertwine with ancient stone walls, creating one of Angkor’s most atmospheric photo spots.

Angkor National Museum

Gain context for your temple visits at Angkor National Museum, which showcases sculptures, artefacts, and detailed exhibits about the Angkor era.

Siem Reap Old Market Area

Browse for textiles, souvenirs, and local products in and around the Old Market, then pause at nearby cafés for a cool drink and people-watching.

Tonle Sap floating communities

Take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to see stilted homes and floating structures that reflect the region’s close connection to the water.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus

Spend an evening watching acrobatic performances and storytelling by local artists in a colourful big-top setting.

Artisan workshops and galleries

Visit artisan workshops and small galleries around town to see silk weaving, stone carving, and contemporary Cambodian art.

Experience Siem Reap’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Tuk-tuks are one of the easiest ways to move between your hotel, the town centre, and the Angkor temple entrances. For exploring specific temple clusters, many visitors hire a driver for half or full days, while bicycles or e-bikes are ideal for shorter, scenic rides.

Local life & culture
Around the river and side streets, you will notice small cafés, independent galleries, and craft spaces that reflect a growing creative scene. Quiet neighbourhoods sit close to central streets, so you can quickly move from busy evening areas to calmer lanes lined with trees and local homes.

Where to unwind
Many hotels and guesthouses feature pools and spa facilities that provide a cool retreat after temple visits. Just outside town, countryside paths and rice fields offer relaxed cycling and sunset views, making the late afternoon a pleasant time to enjoy the softer light and open landscapes.

A taste of Siem Reap

Street food & local specialties
In and around the Old Market, small eateries and stalls serve local noodle dishes, grilled meats, and fresh tropical fruit. You can sample traditional flavours at simple restaurants, where menus often feature regional curries and vegetable dishes suited to sharing.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Along the central streets, you will find a mix of cafés, bistros, and contemporary restaurants offering regional and international cuisine. Menus tend to be designed for sharing, so you can try several smaller plates, from lighter bites to hearty mains, in one relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
Some venues offer open-air terraces or garden settings that feel especially inviting after a day of sightseeing. A number of restaurants and hotel dining rooms are set around pools or courtyards, allowing you to enjoy a quiet, atmospheric meal in the evening warmth.

Retail therapy in Siem Reap

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Siem Reap’s shopping scene is centred more on smaller complexes than large-scale malls, with a handful of lifestyle centres that combine boutiques, cafés, and services. These spaces are convenient spots for finding everyday items alongside souvenirs and clothing.

Markets & local crafts
The Old Market area, along with nearby streets, is known for textiles, carvings, and handmade accessories. You can browse for silk scarves, simple jewellery, and decor pieces in small shops and studios that showcase local craftsmanship and contemporary Cambodian design.

Evening retail scene
After dark, the town centre becomes livelier, with several streets turning into relaxed evening shopping and dining zones. Stalls and shops stay open later, and the illuminated streets are easy to reach by tuk-tuk or bicycle from most hotels.

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Cool dry season (November to February, peak season)
During the cool dry months, temperatures usually range from 21°C to 31°C (70°F to 88°F). Lower humidity and clear skies make early morning and late afternoon temple visits especially comfortable, and this period is popular for cycling and longer days exploring Angkor.

Hot season (March to May, shoulder season)
The hot season brings higher temperatures, often between 25°C and 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Days can feel warm, but quieter temples and brighter skies create dramatic views, particularly if you plan your sightseeing for sunrise and the golden hours before dusk.

Green season (June to October, low season)
The rainy months typically see temperatures around 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F), with short, intense showers and lush landscapes. Moats fill, rice fields turn vibrant green, and fewer crowds mean a calmer atmosphere at many of the major temple sites.

Frequently Asked Questions