Cambodia
Siem Reap
November to February (cool and dry season)
$30-100 USD
Khmer (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
UTC+7
About
Discover Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a provincial capital in northwestern Cambodia and the primary gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing the largest pre-industrial religious complex in the world. The city sits roughly 7 kilometres south of the main Angkor temple complex and has developed rapidly over the past two decades into a well-equipped tourist hub while retaining a distinct Cambodian character.
The Angkor Archaeological Park spans over 400 square kilometres and contains hundreds of temples and hydraulic structures built primarily between the 9th and 15th centuries by the Khmer Empire. The centrepiece, Angkor Wat, was constructed in the 12th century as a Hindu temple and later converted to Buddhism. Its five towers, intricate bas-relief galleries, and vast moat make it the largest religious monument on Earth. Nearby, Angkor Thom served as the final capital of the empire, with the Bayon temple at its centre displaying 216 carved stone faces. Ta Prohm, partially reclaimed by the jungle with enormous tree roots splitting ancient masonry, offers a markedly different atmosphere from the more manicured main temples.
Beyond the temples, Siem Reap offers Tonle Sap Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, which expands dramatically during monsoon season. Floating villages on the lake, inhabited primarily by Vietnamese and Cambodian fishing communities, can be visited by boat. The Old Market area (Phsar Chas) and Pub Street form the commercial heart of the city, with restaurants, bars, night markets, and souvenir stalls concentrated in a few compact blocks.
The city has good infrastructure for visitors, with accommodation spanning basic guesthouses to internationally managed luxury resorts. Tuk-tuks remain the standard local transport and are affordable for temple circuits. The new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI), which opened in late 2023 approximately 45 kilometres from the city, handles international arrivals, replacing the former closer airport.
The best period to visit is November through February, when temperatures are moderate (25–32°C) and rainfall is minimal. March to May sees higher temperatures, while the June–October monsoon season brings heavy rains but also lusher surroundings and fewer crowds. The Angkor temples are open year-round, and a 7-day temple pass is required to enter the archaeological park.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit Siem Reap
Siem Reap sits on the edge of the Tonle Sap lake in northwest Cambodia, hot year-round with a pronounced wet and dry season. The cool dry months from November to February are peak season — comfortable temple-hopping weather and clear sunrises over Angkor Wat, but busy. March to June is scorching and quieter; the green season (June to October) brings dramatic afternoon storms, lush countryside and half-empty temples at a fraction of high-season prices.
- Nov–FebCool & dry — the best time. 25–32 °C, low humidity, reliable sunrises. Peak crowds and hotel rates; book ahead.
- Mar–MayHot season — 35–40 °C and hazy. Brutal at midday, but the temples are quieter and moats run low, exposing full stonework.
- Jun–OctGreen season — hot, humid, lush and dramatic. Afternoon downpours, fewer crowds, lowest prices and the moats and jungle at their most photogenic.
Attractions
Things to Do in Siem Reap
Siem Reap exists because of Angkor — the capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th centuries and the largest religious complex on earth. Plan at least three full days: one for the big-hitter sunrise circuit (Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm), one for the Grand Circuit and Banteay Srei, and one to slow down and explore beyond the temples.
Angkor Wat at Sunrise
The world's largest religious monument and Cambodia's national symbol, depicted on the flag. Be at the west reflecting pools by 5 AM for the iconic silhouette as the sun climbs behind the five lotus-bud towers, then explore the 800 metres of bas-reliefs inside the galleries. Allow a half-day minimum; the full circuit takes longer.
Covered by the Angkor Pass (see below). Arrive 5 AM for sunrise; bring a torch for the dawn walk in.
Bayon & Angkor Thom
The walled “Great City” of Jayavarman VII, centred on the Bayon — a temple of 216 enormous carved stone faces smiling in every direction. Don't miss the Terrace of the Elephants and the overgrown Terrace of the Leper King nearby. Awe-inspiring and far less crowded than Angkor Wat at midday.
Ta Prohm (the “Tomb Raider” temple)
Left deliberately tangled in the jungle — massive spung-tree roots spilling over crumbling doorways and strangling the stonework. The most atmospheric of the major temples and endlessly photogenic. Go early or late to beat the tour groups.
Banteay Srei
The “citadel of women”, 25 km north of the main complex — a small temple carved from pink sandstone with the most intricate, delicate reliefs in the entire Angkor period. Best photographed in morning or late-afternoon light when the stone glows. Combine with the Landmine Museum on the way.
Covered by the Angkor Pass; ~$15 tuk-tuk return, allow a half-day.
Tonle Sap Lake & Floating Villages
Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, home to entire communities living in stilted and floating villages. A boat tour of Kampong Phluk or Chong Khneas shows a way of life shaped by the lake's dramatic seasonal swell. Go late afternoon for the best light.
Boat tours ~$20–35/person; a half-day trip.
Phare, the Cambodian Circus & Apsara Dance
After dark, the headline act is Phare — a spellbinding show of acrobatics, theatre and music performed by young artists from a youth NGO, telling modern Cambodian stories. Or catch a traditional Apsara dance dinner show for the classical side of Khmer culture.
Transport
How to Get to & Around Siem Reap
Siem Reap flies into the new Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI), 50 km east of the city, with direct links from Bangkok, Singapore, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul and beyond. Overland, it's a smooth 6-hour bus or private car from Phnom Penh, and a popular 2-day route from Bangkok via Pattaya and Poipet.
- By airSAI airport is ~50 km/1 hr from town. Taxis ~$25–35, hotel shuttles and Grab-style apps available. Direct flights from across the region.
- From Phnom PenhBus/Giant Ibis ~6 hrs ($12–18), private taxi ~5 hrs ($65–90), or a 45-min domestic flight.
- From BangkokBus/minivan via Poipet border ~8–10 hrs, or fly directly. The railway now reaches the border on the Thai side.
- Tuk-tukThe default for temple circuits — a driver for a full Small Circuit day runs ~$20–25, Grand Circuit ~$25–30, Banteay Srei ~$15–20 extra. Agree the route the night before.
- Bicycle / e-bikeFlat roads and short distances make cycling ideal — ~$2–3/day for a bike, e-bikes ~$10. Best for the Small Circuit.
- Remork (tuk-tuk) in townShort hops around Siem Reap are $2–3; most hotels arrange a trusted driver for the day.
Overland routes continue west to Bangkok, south to the capital Phnom Penh, and east toward Laos via the Stung Treng border.
Accommodation
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
Siem Reap has extraordinary value — resort pools, boutique villas and poolside hostels all within a 10-minute tuk-tuk of the temples, at prices well below Thailand or Vietnam.
Old Town & Pub Street — best for nightlife
Walk everywhere to the night market, Pub Street and the riverside. Dense with hostels, guesthouses and mid-range hotels — lively but can be loud at night.
Wat Bo area (east of the river) — best for boutique
The trendy, leafy quarter of design-led boutique hotels, spa cafés and cool restaurants — quiet but a short walk to the centre. The sweet spot for couples.
Road 60 / airport road resorts — best for pools & families
Big resort hotels with sprawling pools and gardens closer to the temples — superb value, ideal for a post-sunrise swim. Take a tuk-tuk into town for dinner.
Budget hostels — best for backpackers
Some of Asia's best pool hostels from ~$8–15/night, often with free Angkor sunrise tours and social vibes around the Old Town.
Food & Drink
What & Where to Eat in Siem Reap
Khmer cuisine is fragrant and coconut-rich but less fiery than Thai — built around fish from the Tonle Sap, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime. Don't miss amok, the national dish.
Fish amok — a silky coconut curry steamed in a banana leaf with kaffir lime and rice. The must-try. Beef loc lac — stir-fried peppery beef with lime dip and a fried egg on rice. Green mango salad and Khmer red curry round out the classics.
For the adventurous: fried spiders and snakes are a regional speciality, though more novelty than daily fare. Vegetarian amok and tofu dishes are widely available at tourist restaurants.
- Pub StreetThe loud, lit-up heart of Siem Reap dining — cheap draft beer, Western comfort food and Khmer classics. Fun, if touristy.
- Angkor Night Market & food stallsStreet-side noodles, grilled skewers, fresh fruit shakes and the famous $1 draft — the budget pick.
- Wat Bo & east-bank restaurantsCambodian fine dining and modern Khmer kitchens (Malis, Cuisine Wat Damnak) for a special night out.
- Phare / Apsara dinner showsCombine culture and cuisine with a traditional dance or circus dinner package.
Plan Your Trip
Practical Tips & Budget
Most Western passport holders get a 30-day visa-on-arrival or e-visa (US$36) or visa-free entry depending on nationality. The US dollar is accepted almost everywhere alongside the Cambodian riel — carry small, clean US bills. ATMs dispense both. English is widely spoken at temples and hotels. Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) at active temples, and bring sun protection and plenty of water for the ruins.
The Angkor Pass — prices & tips
- 1-Day PassUS$37 — one day, the headline temples.
- 3-Day PassUS$62 — valid over 10 days; the sweet spot for most travellers.
- 7-Day PassUS$72 — valid over 30 days; for serious temple enthusiasts.
Buy at the official Angkor Enterprise checkpoint; carry your pass — it's checked at every temple and is required for sunrise entry.
How much does Siem Reap cost?
- Budget$25–40/day — pool-hostel dorm, market meals, bicycle and a 1-day Angkor pass.
- Mid-range$50–100/day — a boutique Wat Bo hotel, tuk-tuk circuits, a 3-day pass and a couple of good dinners.
- Luxury$150+/day — a resort villa with pool, private guided touring and fine dining.
Good to know
- Beat the heat & crowds: temples 7–10 AM and 3 PM to sunset; rest at midday.
- Sunrise queue: Angkor Wat sunrise is mobbed — arrive by 5 AM, or pick Banteay Srei or Srah Srang for a quieter dawn.
- Temple etiquette: cover shoulders and knees, remove hats and shoes where asked, never touch or climb on delicate carvings, and never pose disrespectfully with Buddha images.
- Heat & hydration: carry 2 litres of water per temple day; lots of vendors sell cold drinks near the ruins.
- Scams: only buy the pass from the official checkpoint; ignore “pass closed today” or “free guide” offers from touts.
Ready to plan a route? Pair this with the Cambodia budget travel guide, then continue to the capital in Phnom Penh.
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Where to Stay
Best Hotels in Siem Reap
Luxury Hotels
Park Hyatt Siem Reap
A refined 5-star property on Sivutha Boulevard in central Siem Reap, the Park Hyatt offers 104 rooms with colonial-inspired design and contemporary amenities. The hotel features two outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and three dining outlets serving Cambodian and international cuisine.
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
Opened in 1932, this landmark 5-star hotel occupies a colonial-era building surrounded by 15 acres of formal gardens on the edge of the Royal Park. The property blends heritage architecture with modern luxury, featuring a pool, spa, and multiple dining venues.
Anantara Angkor Resort
Positioned directly on National Road 6 adjacent to the Angkor complex entrance, this all-suite resort offers 39 spacious suites with teak floors and Khmer-inspired decor. Facilities include a serene spa, a pool, and a fine-dining restaurant specialising in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Zannier Phum Baitang
A secluded resort composed of wooden stilt villas elevated above rice paddies and tropical gardens on the outskirts of Siem Reap. The property's Khmer village aesthetic, infinity pool, and organic garden restaurant create an immersive environment distinct from the city-centre hotel options.
Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa
A colonial-style 5-star resort facing the Royal Park in central Siem Reap, offering 130 rooms with private balconies and a pool. The property's proximity to Pub Street and the Old Market makes it convenient for evening dining while maintaining a tranquil atmosphere.
Sokha Siem Reap Resort & Convention Center
A large-scale 5-star resort with 776 rooms set within tropical gardens near the entrance to the Angkor complex. The property caters to both leisure and conference guests, offering multiple pools, restaurants, a spa, and direct access to the Angkor Tourist Complex.
Boutique Hotels
Shinta Mani Angkor
A design-focused boutique hotel in the heart of Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor features 39 rooms with Khmer-influenced interiors, two pools, and an acclaimed restaurant. The property is associated with a hospitality training programme for local youth.
Templation Hotel
Set in a quiet residential neighbourhood a short drive from the temple complex, Templation offers 60 rooms and villas with spacious layouts and lush garden surroundings. The property has a large pool area and an intimate spa, making it well-suited for travellers prioritising relaxation alongside temple visits.
Viroth's Hotel
A boutique property in the Wat Bo area known for its 50s-inspired minimalist design and exceptionally personalised service. The 35-room hotel has a pool, a garden restaurant, and consistently receives some of the highest guest ratings in Siem Reap.
FCC Angkor by Avani
Housed in a restored colonial building shaded by large banyan trees near the Royal Residence, FCC Angkor offers 80 individually decorated rooms with colonial-era character and modern comforts. The open-air restaurant and bar are popular venues among both guests and locals.
Mid-Range Hotels
Golden Temple Hotel
A 4-star hotel in the Wat Damnak neighbourhood a short walk from Pub Street and the Old Market, offering an indoor-outdoor pool and a garden restaurant. The property is consistently rated among the best value mid-range hotels in Siem Reap.
Budget Options
Onederz Siem Reap
A highly-regarded hostel in the city centre within minutes of Pub Street, offering both dormitory beds and private rooms alongside three swimming pools including a rooftop pool. The property has been recognised multiple times as one of the top hostels in Southeast Asia.
Mad Monkey Siem Reap
A social hostel near the Old Market area with a rooftop pool and bar, catering to backpackers and independent travellers. The property offers dormitory and private room options with a lively communal atmosphere and organised activities.
Babel Guesthouse
A compact 3-star guesthouse on Wat Bo Road offering clean rooms in a residential neighbourhood away from the main tourist cluster. The property provides good value accommodation with easy access to local restaurants and the river road.
Five Rose Siem Reap Hostel
A budget-friendly hostel in the Banteay Chas area offering dormitory and private rooms at competitive rates. The property is straightforward in its amenities and serves as a practical base for temple visits on a tight budget.
Experiences
Things to Do in Siem Reap
Angkor Highlights and Sunrise Private Full-Day Tour by Tuk Tuk
A full-day private tuk-tuk circuit covering Angkor Wat at sunrise and the major temple monuments of the archaeological park. The tour includes Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Ta Prohm with a licensed guide explaining Khmer history and iconography.
Private One-Day Tour of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Tomb Raider
A guided private tour combining the main Angkor Wat temple, the walled city of Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm temple famously associated with the Tomb Raider film. Includes transportation and entrance ticket guidance for a seamless visit.
Sunrise at Angkor Wat and Angkor Complex Discovery by 4x4
An off-road 4x4 vehicle tour departing before dawn to witness the sunrise reflection over Angkor Wat, followed by a guided exploration of the broader complex. The vehicle format allows access to less-visited temple areas away from the main tourist circuit.
Discover Angkor Sunrise by Vespa
A Vespa scooter tour through the Angkor complex, stopping at the main temples for sunrise photography and a guided breakfast experience. The tour combines temple sightseeing with local street food along the route.
Full-Day Angkor Temples and Tonle Sap Lake Tour
A combined day tour visiting the main Angkor temple complex in the morning and continuing to Tonle Sap Lake in the afternoon for a boat ride through a floating village community. The tour covers both the historical and natural highlights of the Siem Reap region.
Private HD Cambodia Civil War History Tour and Les Artisans d'Angkor
A thematic day tour covering Cambodia's recent civil war history through museum visits, followed by a visit to Les Artisans d'Angkor to observe traditional silk weaving and lacquerware production. The itinerary provides historical context beyond the Angkor temples.
Tonle Sap Floating Village Bike Tour and Sunset Cruise
A bicycle tour through rural villages and rice paddies leading to Tonle Sap Lake, concluding with a sunset boat cruise through the floating village community. The tour highlights local Cambodian rural life alongside the lake ecosystem.
Angkor Temple by Vespa Adventure
An afternoon and evening Vespa tour through the Angkor complex with a focus on atmospheric lighting at major temples. The route covers the outer temple circuit and allows for stops at less-visited sites.
Private Angkor Sunrise Tour with Lunch and Hotel Pickup
A private guided tour beginning before dawn for the Angkor Wat sunrise and continuing through Angkor Thom and surrounding monuments until early afternoon. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with a local lunch.
Angkor Complex by Tuk Tuk Private Full-Day Tour
A private full-day tuk-tuk tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park covering the main circuit temples with a knowledgeable guide. The tuk-tuk format provides an open-air experience well-suited to the humid tropical climate.
Full-Day Cycling and Angkor Wat Sunrise
A bicycle tour of the Angkor complex beginning at sunrise and continuing through the small circuit temples during cooler morning hours. The tour is led by a guide and includes a Khmer breakfast stop at a local restaurant.
Floating Village Vespa and Boat Sunset Tour
An afternoon Vespa excursion through the countryside to Tonle Sap Lake, transitioning to a boat for a sunset cruise through a floating village community. The combination of land and water transport provides varied perspectives on the landscape.
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