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General Information

Siem Reap province is located in northwest Cambodia. It is the major tourist hub in Cambodia, as it is the closest city to the world famous temples of Angkor (the Angkor temple complex is north of the city). The provincial capital is also called Siem Reap and is located in the South of the province on the shores of the Tonle Sap Lake, the greatest sweet water reserve in whole Southeast Asia. The name of the city literally means Siamese defeated, referring to the victory of the Khmer Empire over the army of the Thai kingdom in the 17th century. At the turn of the millennium Siem Reap was a Cambodian provincial town with few facilities, minor surfaced roads and little in the way of nightlife. Tourism industry catered largely to hardy backpackers willing to brave the tortuous road from the Thai border on the tailgate of a local pick-up truck. There were a couple of large hotels and a handful of budget guesthouses. Tuk-tuks and taxis were non-existent and the trusty motodup was the chosen means of touring the temples of Angkor. The proximity of the Angkorian ruins turned Siem Reap into a boomtown in less than half a decade. Huge, expensive hotels have sprung up everywhere and budget hotels have mushroomed. Property values have soared to European levels and tourism has become a vast, lucrative industry. The Siem Reap of today is barely recognizable from the Siem Reap of the year 2000. Though some of the town's previous ramshackle charm may have been lost the developments of the last few years have brought livelihoods, if not significant wealth, to a good number of its citizens. This has been at a cost to the underprivileged people living within and beyond the town's limits that now pay inflated prices at the central markets and continue to survive on poorly paid subsistence farming and fishing. If Cambodia is a country of contrasts Siem Reap is the embodiment of those contrasts. Despite the massive shift in its economic fortunes, Siem Reap remains a safe, friendly and pleasant town. There is an endless choice of places to stay or dine and a host of possible activities awaiting the visitor.

Trip to Siem Reap Angkor in Cambodia

Credit: Angkor Cambodia

Siem Reap province is 10,299 square kilometres big and definitely one of the most famous ones in Cambodia. It's located in the Northwest of the country bordering to the North with Oddor Meanchey, to the East with Preah Vihear and Kampong Thom, to the West with Banteay Meanchey and to the South with the biggest sweet water reserve in Southeast Asia, the huge Tonle Sap Lake. The province in general, especially in the Southern part consists of the typical plain wet area for Cambodia, covering lots of rice fields and other agricultural plantations. The northern part is turning into an undulating area covered with some deeper, green forests. A quite distinguished mark of Siem Reap Province is the smaller, but important Siem Reap River. It rises from Phnom Kulen, meanders through the northern part of Siem Reap Province and eventually into the Tonle Sap Lake.

The current population in this province is about 903,030 people or 6.3% of the country's total population (14,363,519 person in Cambodia, 2007, provincial government data), with 440,395 male and 462,635 female. The population density is therefore 87,7 people per square kilometre.

The country has a tropical climate - warm and humid. In the monsoon season, abundant rain allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops. This year-round tropical climate makes Cambodia ideal for developing tourism. Travellers need not to fear natural disasters such as erupting volcanoes or earthquakes, and the country is not directly affected by tropical storms. Climate: Cambodia can be visited throughout the year. However, those plans to travel extensively by road should be avoided the last two months of the rainy season when some countryside roads may be impassable. The average temperature is about 27 degrees Celsius; the minimum temperature is about 16 degrees. December and January are the coolest months, whereas the hottest is April. General information about the provincial climate:- Cool season: November- March (23-29c) - Hot season: March- May (27c -37c) - Rainy season: May - October (24-33c, with humidity up to 90%.)

Generally spoken Siem Reap Province is all in all economically focusing on the foreign tourism due to the famous Angkor Temples. Since of the year 2000 the economical growth rate is gaining double-digits. It's all sub-sectors such as hotels, restaurants, bars, entertainment places and transportation to profit from the annual influx of tourists, which was in 2007 more than 1,000,000 people. Except the tourism sector the provincial economy was and still is growing due to the enforced fishery. Thousands of tons are annually exported to other provinces within the country or outside Cambodia. Farming and fruit cropping has probably become a minor profitable sector, but is still done by the vast poor rural population, who are the underdogs regarding the annual provincial revenue.

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• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2.1 Domestic services
• 2.2.2.1 Laos
• 2.2.2.2 Thailand
• 2.2.2.3 Vietnam
• 2.3 By boat
• 2.4 By shared taxi
• 2.5 By private transfer
• 2.6 By helicopter
• 3.1 On foot
• 3.2 By bicycle
• 3.3 By motorbike
• 3.4 By tuk-tuk
• 4.1 Temples
• 4.2 Cultural performances
• 5.1 Activities
• 5.2 Adventure
• 5.3 Cooking classes
• 5.4 Festivals
• 5.5 Massage
• 5.6 Orphanage visits
• 6.2.1 Arts and crafts
• 6.2.2 Beverages
• 6.2.3 Markets
• 7.1 Old Market area
• 7.2 Wat Bo Rd and environs
• 7.4 Mid-range
• 7.5 Splurge
• 8.2 Alcohol
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10.2 Underage sex
• 11 Stay healthy
• 12.1 Internet
• 12.2 Post office

The town of Siem Reap (សៀមរាប), in northern Cambodia , is the primary access point for the Angkor Archaeological Park , just north of the city. It is quite laid-back and a pleasant place to stay while touring the temples. It is a nice compromise between observing Cambodian life and enjoying the amenities of modern services and entertainment, thanks to a large foreign community.

Understand [ edit ]

The name "Siem Reap" literally means "Siam Defeated". These days, however, the only rampaging hordes are the tourists heading to the Angkor Archaeological Park . This once quaint village has become the largest boom town and construction site in Cambodia. Since Siem Reap is a major tourist destination, prices in some instances are higher than elsewhere in Cambodia. Expect to receive almost constant offers for motodop and tuk-tuk rides, along with everything else which drivers may be able to offer to you.

Be sure to pick up your free Siem Reap Angkor Visitors Guide and the equally free and useful Siem Reap Pocket Guide from your hotel/guesthouse. It contains lots of info on Siem Reap and the Angkor Archaeological Park, including hotel/bar/restaurant/shop info, travel info, and maps. For the eco-sensitive tourist, check out Stay Another Day: Cambodia , a detailed guide with local spots that support the environment and community. Another address is the ConCERT tourist office, a local NGO committed to raising the standards of responsible tourism and eco-tourism activities and providing information on the causes and effects of poverty in Cambodia, volunteering opportunities and eco-tours.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ], by bus [ edit ].

Bus is a common way for getting around Cambodia with a range of bus companies serving Siem Reap, with several daily departures and arrivals (especially from Phnom Penh). Premium operators includes Giant Ibis and VET Air Bus Express , while companies such as Larryta, Seila Angkor Express , E-Booking, Mey Hong and others offer economy options with Air Conditioning. Try to book at least the day before travel. Booking online is easier with BookMeBus and Camboticket [1] , as you can board with e-ticket with either of their services. Travel agents and guesthouses will do this for a US$1-2 fee per ticket. Buses tend to leave in the morning or early afternoon. There are also night buses on some routes.

Many buses terminate at an out-of-town bus station to the east of Siem Reap, from where travellers will need to take a tuk-tuk into town. This should cost no more than US$2, or maybe US$3 if you're not keen to drive a hard bargain. If arriving from the west , consider getting off the bus as it passes through town on National Road 6, say as it crosses the bridge over the river, before it reaches the bus station. If arriving from the east you have little choice but to face the touts.

Domestic services [ edit ]

Domestic services are frequent — for instance Phnom Penh is served by a dozen companies some of which have a departure every half hour during the day. The bus trip from the capital is 6-8 hours and tickets are around US$10 depending on the company. This is a well traveled route by both locals and tourists, but often an uncomfortable trip as buses will make many stops and go slow. A more expensive, but far more comfortable option is by Wi-Fi-equipped minibus (US$15 from Giant Ibis or US$12 from Mekong Express, 2020). Trip by minibus takes only 4-5 hours.

Other places with services include Kampong Cham , Soung, Battambang (US$6-8), Sisophon , Poipet (for Aranyaprathet , the main route from Thailand), Preah Vihear (US$12) and Anlong Veng (for Ban Pakard in Thailand). Destinations further away include Koh Kong (via Phnom Penh , a long journey), Sihanoukville (US$15-25) by a 10-12 hour overnight sleeping bus or daytime sitting bus that should be booked at least 1 day in advance, Banlung (US$24), Mondulkiri (US$18-24.50), Stung Treng (US$20) and Kratie (US$24).

International services [ edit ]

Laos [ edit ].

There are buses from Don Det in the 4,000 Islands region (US$25-29), the Lao border (US$25) nearby and Pakse (US$30). Direct buses from Vientiane don't seem to be available as of February 2019.

Thailand [ edit ]

Buses in general start in the morning, though there are also night buses on this route. The journey takes about 8-11 hr including the time it takes to pass through immigration and customs at the border.

Starting from Bangkok, agents in Khao San Road offer tickets to Siem Reap from 300 baht. In the other direction tickets cost US$11. The ticket is valid for the whole journey but you will change buses in Poipet .

If traveling independently to the Aranyaprathet / Poipet border, see those towns' articles for advice on how to reach the border, survive immigration and avoid the "Government" bus scam .

There are also some more expensive services; the government bus daily direct service from Bangkok (Mo Chit bus station) to Siem Reap and back. The trip is US$28 per direction, but is scam-free and fast. The Cambodian side of the company is named Nattakan. Giant Ibis direct bus to Bangkok : the Cambodian premium transport company Giant Ibis offers daily direct transport for US$32, departure time 07:45. The buses have free WiFi, power supply and generally good service, including free pick-up from partner hotels/ hostels in Siem Reap.

Vietnam [ edit ]

Ho Chi Minh City (US$18-27) 12 hr on a sleeping bus. If you use this in the other direction, have your Vietnam visa ready (if your nationality needs one) and valid before taking this trip. Visas for Vietnam are not available at a land border even if you have visa on arrival.

By boat [ edit ]

• 13.2699 103.8223 2 Phnom Krom Port . The port you arrive at is about 20 minutes south of Siem Reap by tuk-tuk. The drivers will try to charge you US$5 per person but the trip should not cost more than US$5 in total. ( updated Jan 2017 )

A more expensive and more time consuming option from Battambang (US$20-25, 5 hr) is to take a Soviet-style hydrofoil across Tonle Sap Lake. These can be fantastic trips giving you the opportunity to view life on the lake, floating houses, working fishermen, and to get a suntan if you choose to sit on the roof of the boat. However, the trip can be ruined due to bad weather. Remember to use sunscreen and take a waterproof jacket. You may not be able to access your luggage during the journey (sometimes the baggage is available, sometimes it is not). If you have the time, it is better to visit the floating villages as day trips from Siem Reap rather than see them from the boat.

Ferries from Phnom Penh are suspended since COVID.

By shared taxi [ edit ]

The quickest method of getting from the Poipet border to Siem Reap is a shared car . A four-seater car costs US$25-45, depending on your bargaining prowess, and takes 2-3 hr. Even if you're travelling solo, it shouldn't be too hard to find others to share the expense. Walk past the roundabout to negotiate a cheaper taxi fare, otherwise you will pay more by being in the police controlled pricing cartel area. Do not get on the "government approved" tourist bus unless you want to pay more for taxis minibus, etc.

By private transfer [ edit ]

Family or group of tourists can book a private transfer to Siem Reap. It is comfortable, but expensive way. Comfort-class transfer from the Poipet costs US$65-75.

By helicopter [ edit ]

Helicopters can be chartered to go nearly anywhere in the country. They seat 5-6 people. Prices start at US$1,000 for trips to some of the temples north of Angkor Wat. Companies include Helicopters Cambodia and Helistar Cambodia . Helicopter transport is also available from other cities, e.g. from Battambang (US$1,600/helicopter) or Phnom Penh (US$4,700/helicopter).

Get around [ edit ]

Travel to and around the Angkor Archaeological Park is extensively covered in its own article. The following is a discussion of travel inside Siem Reap.

On foot [ edit ]

The city centre is fairly compact and flat.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Many guesthouses will lend you bicycles either for free or cheaply (US$1-3). Bicycle rental shops in town mostly don't open earlier than 07:00, so if you want to ride to Angkor Wat early in the morning, rent one the day before.

By motorbike [ edit ]

Motodops (motorbike taxi) abound and will make sure you know where they are. Rides within town should only cost US$0.50 or 2,000 riel, although prices can double at night or during bad weather. Agree a price first. Full day can be arranged for ~US$10. Helmets for passengers are rare though may materialize if requested in advance.

Renting motorbikes is not prohibited any longer. There are plenty of options available from the ubiquitous gasoline-driven scooters (starting at ~US$10 per day), small electric scooters for one with a top speed of 25 km/h (~US$10) to larger ones for two people going up to 60 km/h (~US$15). As usual you need to leave either your passport or US$100-300 as a collateral.

Wear a helmet, both for your safety and because the police will stop you at checkpoints and fine you US$15 if you don't. Some restaurants will let you charge the battery.

By tuk-tuk [ edit ]

Tuk-tuks, like motodops, will call at tourists from nearly any street corner, or you can summon one with PassApp.

A trip within Siem Reap should cost US$1.25 (Feb 2020) regardless of how many people pile on. Most tuk-tuks can convey four people comfortably though the extra weight can make the low-powered bikes laboriously slow. Prices can double at night or during bad weather.

Ensure you and the driver are in crystal clear agreement on the destination and total fare before departure. Payment is made on arrival and doesn't increase if the driver got lost or had to take a circuitous route.

By car [ edit ]

Cars with drivers can be hired for single or multiple days. While all drivers are familiar with the area and happy to suggest good routes, most speak little English and are not actual tour guides. Licensed tour guides charge US$45-50 per day for a driver and English speaking guide. Drivers will likely ask for US$5-10 extra for trips to further temples such as those of the Big Circuit, Banteay Srey and more for remote sites like Beng Mealea.

• Siem Reap Transport Service . A private tuk-tuk and car service providing transportation within Siem Reap and around the Angkor Wat temples. Private cars also available to and from Phnom Penh.  
• Siem Reap Private Driver . This service run by two brothers Sa and Sout with great reviews offer excellent transportation in Siem Reap in luxury cars. They can also arrange for guides with drivers.

See [ edit ]

Most people come to visit Angkor Archaeological Park , which is thoroughly covered in its own article. The town has some worthwhile attractions and a number of beautiful modern Buddhist temples.

• 13.385074 103.861068 2 APOPO , Trapeang Ses Village, Kouk Chauk Commune, Siem Reap Koumai Road , ☏ +855 81599237 , [email protected] . Daily tours every half hour 08:30–11:30 and 13:00–16:30 . A demining organization that uses trained rats to sniff out land mines, a strategy which is much faster and safer than using metal detectors (if the rats step on a mine, they are too light to set it off). The visitor's center has guided tours including examples of land mines and UXO (unexploded ordnance) and a demonstration of how the rats find mines. The tour takes about 45 minutes and is a fascinating way to learn about the problem of land mines in Cambodia and support demining work. The guide's English may be hard to understand, but the demonstrations are so interesting, the tour is well worth doing anyway. US$10 . ( updated Mar 2024 )
• 13.3767 103.8334 3 Angkor Eye , Phum Krous ( a 15-min drive NW of town on Route 6 ), ☏ +855 63 210 770 . Daily 14:00–18:00 . An 85-m-high Ferris wheel with 48 four-person baskets able to accommodate up to 192 people. The trip takes 18 minutes. It is the third highest Ferris wheel in Asia. Adult US$12, child US$6 . ( updated Feb 2020 )
• In the main park near the Royal Residence, look in the trees to see bats flying around, even in broad daylight.

Temples [ edit ]

• 13.3564 103.8626 4 Wat Bo , Samdech Tep Vong St and St 22 ( east side of the river; follow the road that continues from over Wat Bo Bridge ). As one of the oldest temples it makes a nice contrast between the oldest and the glittering new ones, though the rough artwork wouldn't match the craftsmen of Angkor. The architecture of the ramshackle open air hall next to the main building blends French-style arches and balustrades with Thai-influenced Buddhist details. A forest of chedi surround the main hall, in between frangipani trees and some fine topiary.  
• 13.3518 103.8568 5 Wat Damnak ( east side of Siem Reap River, just east of Art Night Market, on Wat Damnak Road ). A landscaped temple with many stupas, a small decorative pool, and a school on the premises. Within the site of the temple is the Center for Khmer Studies, an open reading library with materials about the art, culture and history of Southeast Asia with specific interests in Cambodia. ( updated Feb 2019 )
• 13.35526 103.85654 6 Wat Preah Prom Rath , Pokambor Ave . The glittering modern temple grounds give few hints as to its 500-year history. Though the lotus-themed architecture seems to emulate temples from over the border, the front gate integrates Bayon-style heads and a scene in relief of the Buddha seated under a tree, while armies fire arrows on one side and others are eaten by crocodiles on the other side, that looks like it could have been taken directly from Angkorian mural. Legend is that the site was established around 1500 when a famous monk landed ashore on a piece of his sinking boat. The boat wood was carved into the oddly foreshortened reclining Buddha installed in a swimming pool-like pit behind the imposing, yet despondent looking, seated Buddha in the main hall. Perhaps mimicking the construction materials origins, the reclining Buddha has taken on a sunken slant at the feet end. A pair of small weather worn cannons on either side of the hall are of unknown origin but their style, an embossed crown-like seal and mysterious numbers suggest a European origin.  
• 13.383074 103.858943 7 Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields . A large Buddhist temple. In the grounds is a stupa with glass sides contains bones and skulls of victims of Pol Pot's army. Be wary of people purporting to be guides or asking for donations. Also, several of the photographs on the display boards are actually of the Holocaust in Nazi Germany. Take this attraction with a pinch of salt. Free, donations welcome .  

Cultural performances [ edit ]

• 13.354 103.8594 8 Apsara Theatre , Wat Bo Rd , ☏ +855 63 963 561 . Daily 20:00-21:30 . A flashy performance of traditional, popular and classical dances.  
• Phare The Cambodian Circus ( Phare Circus Ring Road, just south of the intersection with Sok San Road, 2 km from Old Market & Pub Street ). Nightly 20:00 performances year-round. Additional 17:00 performances Nov-Feb: M Th Sa, and nightly 21 Dec – 4 Jan & 25 Jan – 1 Feb . Phare performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern. Depending what part of town you’re traveling from, it's normally a 10- to 20-minute tuk tuk ride. You may want to arrange with your driver to pick you up after the show, or there are always many tuk tuks available outside the parking area. Ring Road and parts of Sok San Road are unlit. Siem Reap tuk tuk drivers are very familiar with the location. Typical rates from most central Siem Reap locations are US$3-5. Adult US$18-38, child (5-11) US$10-18 . ( updated Jan 2020 )
• 13.3807 103.8822 9 Smile of Angkor , Smile of Angkor Grand Theatre (Angkor COEX) ( northeast outskirts of Siem Reap, direction Angkor; turn right on Apsara Rd ), ☏ +855 63 6550168 . Nightly 19:15-20:30 . A lavish production of Cambodian traditional dances equipped with a large screen featuring Angkor civilization. "Smile of Angkor" is the grand epic show that revives the Angkor dynasty in all aspects; from foundation to prosperity, tale of folk customs, past to present. The performance expresses traditional Cambodian culture with the latest technology. US$38-48 .  
• 13.35586 103.85174 10 We Are The Champions , Night Market ( back of Night Market adjacent to Island Bar ), ☏ +855 12 676826 . M-Sa 20:30-21:15 . Performances by the local disabled community. A two-act play written and performed by participants who share with great feeling what it is like to be disabled in Cambodia and the challenges of their lives. As many of the performers are in pursuit of education to better their lives they appreciate donations of school materials such pens and writing books. Free, donations encouraged .  

Nearby [ edit ]

Do [ edit ]

Activities [ edit ].

• 13.3249 103.848 1 Angkor Pottery Center ( 3 km South of Old Market on Road 63 ), ☏ +855 12 755 286 . Daily 08:00-17:00 . Daily pottery classes for beginners as well as professionals in pottery making, carving and glazing by local potter, Mrs Paruth Hann. Make your own design and take your glazed pot home as a souvenir. An enjoyable experience whilst supporting an enterprise creating fair wage jobs for the poor village women in Siem Reap. US$7-20 .  
• 13.3687 103.8613 2 Pottery Classes & Painting classes , 130, vithey Charles de Gaulle ( On the main Temple road very near the Angkor national museum, 30m after the traffics light on the right hand side ), ☏ +855 17 843 014 , [email protected] . Daily 08:00 to 20:00 . With the pottery class and clay class course, you can make your own ceramic artifact on the potter wheel. After you finish your piece, you can add different designs on it with potter's tools. With the painting activities, you can draw and / or paint your own design on a pot, cup, plate or other kind of ceramics products. All activities from US$15 .  

Adventure [ edit ]

• 13.35918 103.86161 3 KKO - Off Track Mountain Bike Tours , St 20, Wat Bo Rd ( Close to the New Apsara Supermarket on Wat Bo Rd ), ☏ +855 93 903 024 , [email protected] . KKO is a local charitable non-profit NGO. They offer unique Angkor park and countryside off track bike tours and mototours also to the countryside. The entire profit generated from the bike tours flows back to the local KKO School. US$30-40 for a guided full day biketour and US$45-60 for a full day mototour. Booking is required. US$25-40 for a full-day tour .  
• 13.37301 103.86587 4 Sabai Motobike and Jeep Adventures , ☏ +855 0 88 372 3121 . Explore the Cambodian countryside on a guided motobike adventure or in a Jeep. On tour, get off the beaten path to discover authentic, rugged, and fascinating Cambodia. Sabai Moto and Jeep Adventures tours start from Siem Reap.  
• 13.485414 103.956328 5 Shooting Range ( Along Rd 67 to Banteay Srey, 3 km north of the road to Phmon Bok, turn right down the large dirt road when you see a blue and red sign like their flag with "4th Troops Training Centre", past the school and take the left (1 km), look for the sign "Shooting Range" at the 2nd base entrance on the right (720 m) ). Armament and explosives availability apparently is only limited by how much you are willing to spend. Listening to the soldiers-turned-used car salesmen put the hard sell on a new machine gun is almost worth the trip. This is a true game of Russian roulette. Fancy pulling the pin of a 30+ year old grenade and possibly getting the faulty one? Make sure that whoever is supervising you is also willing to stand next to you. It can be a little bit difficult to find, and a tuk-tuk driver may know where it is. US$50 per AK-47 or M-16 magazine, M-60 belt (50 rounds) US$80 (Nov 2011). Grenade throwing: US$30 .  

Cooking classes [ edit ]

• 13.35743 103.85753 6 Beyond Unique Cooking Class ( Sivutha Blvd and Alley West ), ☏ +855 77 562 565 . Daily 09:30-15:30 . Cambodian cooking classes in a village 10 min from town. The classes are three hours long and include a visit to a local family and information on Cambodian cooking customs and beliefs. Hands on classes for a maximum of six people unless you book a private group. US$24 . ( updated Oct 2017 )

Festivals [ edit ]

• Angkor Photography Festival: Photography for Change . Annual festival that showcases outdoor projections and various exhibitions around Siem Reap of regional and international photographers. The festival is held during the last week of November every year, consisting of 7 evenings of outdoor projections and more than 10 gallery exhibitions across various venues in the city. The festival is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia and is also the biggest. It aims to highlight the work of Asian photographers and provides free workshops for 30 young photographers from the region every year, led by world renowned professionals, which are showcased during the event. There is a full time office/gallery for the festival located on the East river road near the Bopha Angkor Hotel. As well as the festival, the organisers support a local NGO working with street children, that promotes the arts and runs a photography course with students. Photography from these students is also showcased as part of the festival programme.  
• The Annual Street Puppet Festival . An exciting pageantry with the concept of sticks and stilts manipulated puppets much like those which debuted in the opening parade of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and also quite similar to the Trinidad & Tobago Carnival.  
• The Water Festival . This vast festival is probably the most extravagant festival in the calendar. Over three days starting with the last full moon day in October or the beginning of November up to a million people from all walks of life from all over the country flock to the banks of Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers in Phnom Penh to watch hundreds of brightly coloured boats with over 50 paddlers battle it out. The boat racing dates back to ancient times marking the strengths of the powerful Khmer marine forces during the Khmer empire. In the evening brightly decorated floats cruise along the river prior to and complementing the fireworks displays. there is often a parallel festival at Angkor Wat and although it is smaller in scale it is just as impressive due to the backdrop of Angkor Wat. The festival marks the changing of the flow of the Tonle Sap and is also seen as thanksgiving to the Mekong River for providing the country with fertile land and abundant fish. It is at this time when the river flow reverts to its normal down stream direction. The remarkable phenomenon that is the Tonle Sap sees the river flowing upstream during the rainy season and then change direction as the rains cease and the swollen Tonle Sap Lake empties back into the Mekong River leaving behind vast quantities of fish.  

Massage [ edit ]

The Khmer believe that Thai massage is derived from Khmer massage and that it is more relaxing as it requires less twisting and turning. The numerous Khmer-style massage shops mostly offer genuine massage and are not a front for sexual services. Contrary to common belief, blind massage services do offer special massages too.

• 13.3547 103.8546 7 Fish Massage ( around the Pub St area ). This Thai fad has crossed the border. Dip your feet in a tank of fish and wince as they eat the dead skin off your toes. Trying a tank with feet already inside it will tell you if the fish are hungry. Some claim to have no piranhas while others offer a free beer to subdue any doubts. US$1-2 for 15 min .  
• 13.35749 103.85615 8 Frangipani Spa , 615/617 Hup Guan St ( At the ANZ Royal Bank on the corner go a few metres south to the next (small) street and turn right on Hup Guan St. The spa is near the end of the street. ), ☏ +855 63 964391 , [email protected] . Wonderful spa with a nice atmosphere, peaceful rooms, and experienced staff. The massages actually feel like trained people are giving them. No special services or hidden fees. It is a nice place to go as a couple or alone. They have massage tables and air conditioning. Tasteful exterior surrounded by frangipani plants (partly obscuring their tasteful green sign saying "frangipani"). US$35-75 .  
• 13.3546 103.85352 9 Lemongrass Garden , 7 Sivatha Blvd , ☏ +855 12 387 385 , [email protected] . Daily 11:00-23:00 . Lovely little spa with a relaxing atmosphere and experienced staff. 60 minute Khmer massages are US$15, while 90 minute Khmer massages are US$22. They also offer oil massages, "spiritual massages," and manicures/pedicures. Treatment rooms have air conditioning, and they provide a cool drink before treatment and warm tea afterwards. They also claim to pay higher wages than most places in Siem Reap, as well as provide other benefits to their workers. US$10-70 . ( updated Sep 2016 )

Orphanage visits [ edit ]

Children are not tourist attractions , and especially orphaned children. Some visitors feel visiting an orphanage is a good way to make a positive contribution to Cambodia, while others feel that orphanage tours do more harm than good. The largest child protection group in the country has asked that tourists not to visit orphanages . The great majority of Cambodian children in orphanages have living parents, who rent them to the orphanages. Most are scams and have histories with severe child abuse. It is strongly encouraged that you do not support this 'business'.

However, some transparent and genuine, long running orphanages that have a good reputation are:

• 13.3817 103.8743 10 Cambodian Children's House of Peace ( Santepheap Orphanage ), No.004 Phum Mondul 3, Sangkat Slorkram ( Turn right off of Charles de Gaulle Blvd, just after the SOS School ), ☏ +855 92 407077 . Sundays, 19:00 . The Cambodian Children's House of Peace (aka Santepheap, which means Peace in English) is an orphanage in Siem Reap responsible for over 30 children. The children of the orphanage put on a traditional Khmer Dance show every Sunday night from 19:00-20:15 to highlight traditional Cambodian culture as well as draw attention to the orphanage in general. Free .  

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

International ATMs in Siem Reap are plentiful and most banks will do cash advances from credit cards. Two Sacombank ATMs can be found along Sivutha Boulevard west of the tourist hotspot aka Pub Street — see Cambodia#ATMs .

As elsewhere in Cambodia, besides riel, US dollars, and to a lesser extent, Thai baht are accepted. But generally, using riel is better than using dollars as retailers tend to round up when quoting US dollar prices, and they also take the Riel-advantageous exchange rate of 4,000 riel/USD when you pay in riel.

Shopping [ edit ]

Most things in Siem Reap are overpriced wherever tourists are frequent, head further away from the center or bargain (at markets).

The Heritage Watch non-profit organisation supports business that promote Cambodia's arts, culture, heritage and development. Certified businesses display either a gold or silver Heritage Friendly logo.

Arts and crafts [ edit ]

• 13.35263 103.85186 1 Artisans d'Angkor , Stung Thmey St , ☏ +855 63 963 330 . Daily 07:30-17:30 . A workshop in the city centre. Showcases traditional Cambodian handicrafts such as wood and stone carving, lacquering, gilding and silk painting. Visitors are conducted on a free guided tour where they can see the craftsmen in action. The boutiques display the many items produced. Tours available in Khmer, English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese.  
• 13.3687 103.8613 2 Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre , Vithey Charles de Gaulle, Khum Slorkram ( On the road to the temples; 30 m after the traffic light when coming from Siem Reap ), ☏ +855 1784 3014 . Daily 08:00-19:30 . Glazed stoneware bowls, plates, teapots and decorative objects made with traditional Khmer ceramic techniques.  
• 13.3326 103.8495 3 Samatoa , Kolkran, 11 Road 63 , ☏ +855 63 965 310 , [email protected] . Daily 08:00-22:00 . Specialises in Cambodian natural silk products. Samatoa encourages fair-trade. From US$50 .  
• 13.3849 103.8524 4 Theam's House Gallery , Veal Village, Khum Kokchak , ☏ +855 78 20 81 61 . Daily 08:00-19:00 . Exhibits paintings and art created by the artist-designer Theam Lim, who has studied at Ecole Boulle and Ecole Supérieure des Beaux-Arts. Theam's House Gallery and atelier are located in the house of the artist, built by himself, inspired by Khmer rural architecture, surrounded by a luxurious and tropical garden.  

Beverages [ edit ]

• 13.34785 103.85888 5 Georges Rhumerie . Infused. Alcohol made in Siem Reap, composed of 10 flavours, inspired by Cambodian fruits and taste. It can be found at Georges Rhumerie restaurant for a free tasting during the day, and also at night. The packaging comes in 2 forms, one normal composed of cardboard, making it legit for the picky custom agent, and the other one more traditional, best for a gift, made by villagers around Siem Reap. ( updated Jan 2019 )
• 13.338782 103.864945 6 Sombai Cambodian Liqueur Shop & Workshop , 176 Sombai Road, Salakamreuk Village ( head to Salakamreuk police station, go straight over 1200 m, it is between Suorkear Boutique Hotel and Jardin d'Angkor Hotel ), ☏ +855 63 555 02 80 (Khmer and English) , [email protected] . 08:00-20:00 . This shop is the factory outlet of the locally-produced infused liqueur called Sombai. The beverage comes in nicely hand-painted bottles. The shop offers free tasting and a general presentation of the production. Also available: a range of non-alcoholic products that also come in hand-painted bottles and jars. It is recommended to book in advance. ( updated Dec 2019 )

Markets [ edit ]

• 13.3566 103.85372 7 Angkor Trade Centre , St 9 and Pokambor Ave , ☏ +855 63 766 666 . The mall, Cambodian-style. A reasonably extensive selection of packaged food, drinks whitening deodorant, imported alcohol and the familiar feeling of shopping in air conditioned comfort.  
• 13.35705 103.85613 8 Central Market ( Sivutha Blvd and Achamean St ). Eclectic collection of clothes and trinkets. Bargain. Most stalls carry the same selection so you can shop around and find the cheapest price.  
• 13.35388 103.85523 9 Old Market ( Psar Chas ) ( St 9 and Hospital Rd ). Market with tourist prices, fruits and food often twice the local price and for art or cloths better assume 20% as the starting price for bargaininh. Generally a range of knick-knacks and tourist junk. Some items purport to be antique, but they probably aren't. If so, most likely it has been stolen.  
• 13.3498 103.85904 10 Morning Market ( near Noni Tree House ). Daily 06:00–12:00 (but better be there before 11) . Inexpensive fruits, meat, snacks and half a dozen local eateries with noodle and curry dishes for 3–4,000 riel. ( updated Jan 2024 )

Eat [ edit ]

Eating options span the full spectrum of tastes and budgets from the rudimentary Asian staples and pizza to authentic Khmer and sophisticated fine-dining featuring exotic local ingredients. The highest assortment of restaurants are in few blocks north of the old market, but there are appetizing alternatives along Wat Bo Rd and hidden in the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Old Market area [ edit ]

Though Pub St is better known for its bars, a handful of places serve great food, many with seating upstairs so you can escape the partying milieu on the street below. Crammed along The Alley is a wider selection of restaurants that offer a generally quieter and more intimate experience. The local restaurants lining Phsar Chas have extensive, yet near identical, menus of cheap fried rice and Westernised approximations of Khmer dishes. At dusk the Kindergarten on the corner of Street 8 and 11 becomes a jumble of small BBQ stalls, replete with billowing smoke, noise, and the persistently entreating peddlers. The phnom pleurng here is the cheapest you will find.

Wat Bo Rd and environs [ edit ]

Outside of the main part of town in the sometimes dusty neighbourhood streets and area along Wat Bo Rd are some trendy restaurants and small local places serving the most authentic Khmer food.

Budget [ edit ]

• 13.354936 103.863178 1 Shrimp noodles and spring rolls . A local lady doing a great noodle dish in an outside eatery. The spring rolls go for 500 riel and should definitely be tried. 4,000 riel . ( updated Jan 2024 )
• 13.361467 103.853781 2 Bong Srey Mith Laor , Taphul Road , ☏ +855 92 155 466 , [email protected] . Tasty Cambodian food with lots of vegetarian options. Try the white mint tea shake. US$2-5 . ( updated Feb 2020 )
• 13.35104 103.85569 3 Molop Wat Damnak Restaurant , Rambutan lane ( south of Wat Damnak Pagoda Rambutan Ln ), ☏ +855 98 663 929 . Daily 07:00-23:00 . Cosy restaurant offering Organic Khmer and Western food of high quality. The vegetables are from the uncle´s farm, which can also be visited on a nice and educating half-day tour. Plenty of vegetarian and even vegan options available. They also offer cooking classes for Khmer cooking. The dishes are rich and delicious, and not too spicy. Always serve some spicy peanuts. Main dishes from about US$3 . ( updated Jan 2019 )
• 13.360199 103.85307 4 My Little Cafe , Taphul Rd , ☏ +855 12 799 284 . Daily 07:00-21:00. Sometimes closes a bit early . Absolutely phenomenal Khmer food. The other dishes are great as well. Always full, with locals, tourists and expats alike. But they'll magically make a seat for you, somehow. Around $3 mains . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 13.36071 103.8536 5 TRY ME Restaurant , Taphul Rd , ☏ +855 17 419 343 . Daily 09:00-22:00 . A popular restaurant with a good selection of both Khmer and western food. US$3-4 mains . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 13.35455 103.85553 6 Viva ( Corner of 2 Thnou St & Street 9 ), ☏ +855 17 838 854 . A bright orange Mexican restaurant. Burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas are reasonably authentic considering the location. They have some Khmer dishes if you want to eat more local food while enjoying the view over the balcony. US$2-6 .  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 13.354929 103.854096 7 Angkor Herb . Delicious Khmer and international food. US$6-8 . ( updated Feb 2020 )
• 13.35731 103.8573 8 Common Grounds Restaurant ( American Coffee Shop & Cafe ), #719, St. 14 / Mundol 1, Khum Svay Dangkum ( Behind Central Market, across street from U-Dara Guesthouse ), ☏ +855 63 965687 . M-Sa 07:00-20:00 . Serving Western dishes; chicken tenders, grilled cheese, crispy chicken apple salad, German chocolate cake, seasonal muffins, cinnamon rolls and some Asian dishes. All profit goes to fund local humanitarian projects through NGO People for Care & Learning. Air-con & high speed Internet. US$5-10 .  
• 13.35481 103.85093 9 L'Annexe French restaurant , Sok San Road 17259 , ☏ +855 95 839 745 , [email protected] . 16:00–22:30 . French food. Exquisite cuisine made by a passionate chef, who prefers excellence and quality before all. Subtle and creative cuisine in a friendly atmosphere, bringing authentic French cuisine, wines and hospitality to Siem Reap. US$4.50-17 .  
• 13.36 103.85507 10 Curry Walla , Two locations Sivatha Blvd & Night Market Rd , ☏ +855 63 965 451 . Authentic vegetarian & non-veg Indian food.  
• 13.349556 103.860934 11 Haven , Chocolate Road, Wat Damnak area ( West of Angkor High School ), ☏ +855 78 34 24 04 , [email protected] . M-Sa 11:30-14:30 and 17:30-21:30, closed on Sunday . Training restaurant teaching disadvantaged young adults. Cambodian, Asian, Western Food, with many vegetarian/vegan options. ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 13.35407 103.85606 12 Le Malraux , Sivatha St . French cuisine and Khmer specialties, all made with local and fresh products. Central city location that opens early in the morning for breakfast.  
• 13.368765 103.850439 13 Neary Khmer Restaurant , ☏ +855 12 422 247 . 16:00–22:30 . Local food along with good vegetarian options. US$4.50-17 .  
• 13.368547 103.863714 14 Peace Cafe , East River Road , ☏ +855 63 965 210 , [email protected] . Sit outside in a big, soft, minimalist chair in the shade of a tree while you eat delicious vegetarian versions of Cambodian and international dishes. Large menu of authentic Khmer food, grilled sandwiches, fresh salads, juices, and shakes. The atmosphere eating in the courtyard is quite nice, and a gift shop is attached. Good vegan options. US$5-8 including a drink . ( updated Feb 2020 )
• 13.35474 103.85429 15 The Red Piano , Pub St . 2 floors. Serves a variety of Italian and other European food with Britney Spears music videos in the background.  
• 13.35948 103.85277 16 The Source Cafe , Taphul Rd , ☏ +855 85 864 188 . Daily 07:30-17:00 . Delicious western-style dishes, many healthy options. The mushroom omelette makes a good breakfast and the coffee is great. US$3.50–7.50 mains . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 13.35484 103.84856 17 Taj Mahal , Street 11 ( near Pub St ). Classic Indian dishes. All the food is halal.  
• 13.35641 103.86009 18 Viroth's Restaurant , #246 Wat Bo Rd , ☏ +855 12 826 346 . Stylish Khmer restaurant that is often so full you will have to wait for a table. The extensive menu is a mix of Khmer and Asian-esque dishes and with some vegetarian options. Some say the food is not spicy enough but the outdoor setting is nice if it is not raining. US$5-8 .  

Splurge [ edit ]

• 13.3773 103.8613 19 L'Angelo ( Le Meridien Hotel ). Probably Siem Reap's most daring restaurant, serving fusionesque Italian cuisine like foie gras on a bed of white asparagus and balsamic vinegar ice cream in a setting so achingly modern that the only decoration is a cloud of black dots on the white wall. A full meal with a glass or two of wine costs around US$100 for two.  
• 13.3644 103.86 20 Cafe D’Angkor (Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor) ( across from the main park next to the Siem Reap River, within view of the Royal Residence ). This restaurant is inside the colonial-era Raffles Hotel. Main courses include western and Khmer dishes, and range from US$20-30. Both the food and services were excellent. There are other restaurants in this hotel. ( updated Feb 2019 )
• 13.3541 103.85404 21 La Creperie Bretonne , Lane 10A, between Pub Street and Street 7 , ☏ +855 86 814 303 . French restaurant owned by a Belgian expat. Excellent meats, crepes and a wide beer collection. US$10-20 .  
• 13.34965 103.86016 22 Cuisine Wat Damnak , Wat Damnak Market St ( behind Wat Damnak Pagoda, between Psa Dey Hoy Market and Angkor High School ), ☏ +855 77 347 762 , [email protected] . Tu-Su 18:30-21:30, closed M . French food with Cambodian influence. Only has two tasting menus, no à la carte dishes. Indoor and outdoor seating. US$19-26 .  
• 13.3585 103.85392 23 The Dining Room (Park Hyatt Hotel) , Sivutha Blvd . The quality of the food is excellent. Acclaimed by some as the best Khmer restaurant in all Cambodia, it is set in a chic hotel with a minimalist modern feel. The chefs source the freshest ingredients for both Khmer tasting menus, as well as a la carte dishes. Sit in air conditioned comfort, or outside tables and lounge furniture and enjoy the nighly music and dance performances that commence at 20:00. ( updated Feb 2017 )
• 13.35618 103.8578 24 Malis Restaurant , Pokambor Avenue, Siem Reap Riverside . High end restaurant with chefs who produce specialities from around Cambodia ( updated Nov 2019 )

Drink [ edit ]

Coffee [ edit ].

• 13.35389 103.85606 1 Sister Srey Cafe , 200 pokambor St, Siem Reap, Siemreab-Otdar Meanchey ( a one minute walk from the old market ). Run by two Australian sisters. Located in an old colonial building. Excellent coffee. Wonderful atmosphere. ( updated Oct 2018 )
• 13.3542 103.856079 2 footprint cafe , Street 26, Krong Siem Reap ( just opposite of the city center ), ☏ +855 92 800 308 . 07:00–22:00 . Cafe focused on sustainability and supporting local communities while serving tasty food and drinks. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. ( updated Feb 2020 )

Alcohol [ edit ]

The majority of bars and pubs of Siem Reap are concentrated in on a strip called Pub Street and its surrounding alleys. Although peaceful during the day, the streets in the Pub Street area which is just a block away from the historic Psah Chas (Old Market), comes alive with lights and music. A range of international tourists start pouring into the bars and pubs and give the streets almost a nightly street party scene.

Started in the late-1990s by a local business called Angkor What? Bar and followed by its rival, Temple Bar, from the across the street, Pub Street is often recommended as a must-see attraction in Siem Reap.

The distinction between eating and drinking establishments is fairly blurry as even the most humble of restaurants can have an extensive cocktail list on their menu. Nonetheless, a vibrant drinking scene concentrated along Street 8, aptly dubbed "Pub Street", is where serious drinkers head for cheap beer, loud music and the sweaty backpacking hubbub scene akin to Bangkok's Khao San Road . The biggest and most well-known Pub St bars, Angkor What?, The Red Piano, Temple Club and Le Tigre du Papier, are easy to find, with Angkor What? and Temple Club engaged in a running battle playing pop music across the street at very loud volumes.

Travelers looking for more subdued place to appreciate a quiet drink can seek out some of the smaller places along "The Alley", "The Lane" and the adjoining streets. A few drinking holes offer a bit more than cheap drunkenness.

Most places have draught Angkor beer for US$0.50 and cans of other beers for US$1-2. Cocktails and spirits go for as little as US$2. Imported red and white wine, generally from the less prestigious wine producing countries, is widely available and cheaper than you would expect. Better quality Australian and French wines are available in more upmarket establishments at a correspondingly premium price.

KTV [ edit ]

These are hostess clubs popular with the locals, room charges are about US$5-10 per hour, beer is US$2-4. Most of these places are fronts for prostitution. Many of these places have two menus. One for Cambodians, which has cheaper prices, and one for foreigners, which have higher prices. If you see that the beer is US$4, they probably gave you the foreigner price.

Bars [ edit ]

Pub St features two main late night bars, Angkor What? and Temple Club which are directly across from each other. Commonly late night bar-goers will also congregate and drink in the street between the two bars and consume their own alcohol there, which is readily bought at stalls or shops in the immediate area.

• 13.35483 103.85477 3 Khmer Pub Street Beergarden KTVs ( on Khmer Pub Street ). close 02:00 . There is a strip of local Cambodian bars near the Platinum KTV. If you walk past it, there is a whole 2-3 block street full of local Cambodian bars. Menus are not in English and few employees speak English, but the prices are good. These are restaurant/bars, they have young women sitting at the entrance, and you can have one accompany you for US$1.50. Beers are US$1. US$0.50 for draught beer . ( updated Apr 2015 )
• 13.35478 103.85484 4 Angkor What? , Pub St . sundown until late . The most famous backpacker bar in Siem Reap, located directly across from competing late night spot Temple Club. US$1 draught beers, US$2 mixers, US$6-8 buckets. Large Western crowd. Offers inside and outside drinking. Open until late.  
• 13.3551 103.85505 5 Banana Leaf Cafe , Pub St . Small contemporary street side café, with weekend live music. Efficient and professional staff will entertain the crowd until late. Great cocktails.  
• 13.35425 103.85349 6 X Bar , 102 Sok San Road , ☏ +855 12 263 271 , [email protected] . 15:00-sunrise . Open air rooftop bar featuring a 2-m skateboard halfpipe, jam sessions every Wednesday evening, live DJs and bands every week and a resident tattoo shop with a French artist. Probably the best city views in town, and unusual sunset over the halfpipe. At the end of Pub Street, look up for the X.  
• 13.3552 103.8546 7 Miss Wong Cocktail Bar , The Lane, behind Pub St . Tucked away from the rowdy chaos of Pub St, this sophisticated bar serves up delightful refreshing cocktails in a sultry red lounge plucked straight from 1930s Shanghai.  

Sleep [ edit ]

A seemingly inexhaustible range of sleeping options from upmarket hotels to grubby backpacker hostels, with many guest houses, boutique rooms, bungalows, concrete cells, wood huts and French villas in between, make finding a place to sleep one of the easiest things you will do on your trip.

Hotels are spread over the entire city but most larger hotels line national highway 6 to the west of the city centre, cheap backpacker hostels tend to surround the old market area and stylish boutique hotels a nestled in the trees along Wat Bo Rd. Small Khmer run hotels and guest houses, especially in the low season, can be surprisingly good value if you are willing to do a bit of hunting for one that hasn't been overrun by the guidebook-toting hoards.

Accommodations at every price point generally offer hot showers, cable TV, Internet and airport or bus pickup. Some may include free breakfast, though don't expect much more than an egg on toast and a coffee.

• 13.36236 103.86198 1 Baphuon Villa , 117 St Wat Bo, Sangkat Slor Kram ( near the royal residence and Rte 6; 15 min from the Old Market and Pub St ), ☏ +855 63 967 177 , [email protected] . A 16-bedroom secluded colonial-style villa with a courtyard, parking area and tropical garden. The hotel offers a range of bright, spacious and clean fan and air-con single, twin, double, and family rooms. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, cable TV with over 100 channels, private WC, washbasin, and hot showers, complimentary toiletries, and mineral water. Deluxe rooms have fully stocked minibars. A variety of breakfasts are served and the hotel offers an evening meal delivery service and packed breakfasts for those viewing the sunrise at Angkor. The hotel has its own tuk-tuk drivers and a free tuk-tuk service for guests staying 3 or more nights. Bus tickets to all destinations in Cambodia and to other destinations in SE Asia are available at the 24-hour reception. Free tea and coffee available all day. Bicycle hire. Beautifully decorated with artefacts, travel posters and photographs from throughout SE Asia. Very friendly and helpful English-speaking staff. From US$14 .  
• 13.3582 103.8788 2 Forest King Hotel , No. 0658, Rd 6, Chongkaosou Village, Slorkram Commune ( on Hwy 6, accessible by the slip-road next to the Total Petrol Station ), ☏ +855 63 761857 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . A budget accommodation run by the Cheab family. Free services include pick up from bus station, tuk-tuk rides to the Old Market and Pub Street, bicycle use, daily breakfast and booking of bus tickets and countryside or Angkor tours. All rooms equipped with air-con, cable TV, mini-bar, and hot & cold shower. Management and staff are cordial, competent and reliable. Pool, garden, and a small bar/restaurant. US$20-30 . ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 13.358465 103.859785 3 Riversoul Residence , St 21 Wat Bo Village Salakomrouek Commune ( From the bus station take Road 6 in Siem Reap, turn left at the first traffic light, then take the second right. The guesthouse is 50 m on the left ), ☏ +855 95 830 093 . Check-in: on arrival , check-out: 12:00 . Formerly Green Town Hostel, it's a bit of a backpacker-oriented, but draws a wide crowd. Clean, relaxed atmosphere with bar & restaurant downstairs. Western & Cambodian menu. 10 min walk from town centre. US$6 gets a large room with high ceiling, open windows, fan, hot shower en suite and 70 channel TV. US$10 gets the same with air-con. Wi-Fi throughout, free computers downstairs. US$4 get a windowless box that at best has cold water. If you fall for paying much more than listed here (prices start high), they may give a free breakfast. Security guard. Tours, tickets and local transport available. US$4-10 . ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 13.35922 103.85427 4 Mad Monkey Hostel , Sivattha Road ( down the alley way right next to Hyatt Hotel ), ☏ +855 636880008 , [email protected] . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Popular hostel with large pool, friendly vibe and one of the busiest backpacker bars in town. Upstairs on the rooftop there is a beach bar which is a very popular meeting place for backpackers. Rooms from US$10 a night and dorms from US$5. Rooftop beach sand bar on the top level of the hostel frequented by hostel guests and other backpackers before they go out to Pub Street on late nights. US$1 beers, US$2 mixers, and food available until 22:00. Closes at 24:00. US$5 . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 13.3581 103.8608 5 Sam So Guesthouse , 164 Wat Bo Rd ( Opposite Street 21 ), ☏ +855 12 602956 , +855 97 6699813 , [email protected] . All rooms are big, clean, and have a private bath with hot water, air-con, or fan, large screen sat TV and a fridge. Free Wi-Fi and Internet in the lobby. Run by Cambodian family, friendly, helpful and reliable staff. English, German, Italian and French are spoken. Various tours by arrangement. Free breakfast and free pick up. US$9-20 .  
• 13.359 103.8612 6 Seven Candles Guesthouse , 307 Wat Bo Rd , ☏ +855 63 963 380 , [email protected] . Run by the Ly family, comfortable clean rooms with private hot water bathroom, air-con, fan, and TV. 2 bottles of water daily. Laundry, onward transport bookings, and free Wi-Fi. The Ly family works hard making education available to the children of rural families; volunteers with the Ponheary Ly Foundation often stay here. Four of the family are licensed Angkor Wat tour guides, speaking English, French, and Russian. Breakfast is available for a small additional fee. US$20 .  
• 13.352 103.8586 7 Siem Reap Boutique Villa , 7 Makara St ( near the corner of Wot Bo Rd and Angkor School Rd in the Wat Dam Nak area ), ☏ +855 11 876 393 , [email protected] . Check-in: 00:00 , check-out: 07:00 . Free breakfast and free 24 hour Wi-Fi access.  
• 13.350774 103.8552 8 Tropical Breeze Guesthouse and Restaurant , 293 Wat Damnak Village ( Cross river from Old Market & Pub St, turn right and walk for around 5 min ), ☏ +855 63 966445 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Bar and restaurant downstairs, Western and Cambodian menu. Large rooms with high ceilings, open windows, Wi-Fi, free computers downstairs, 70 channel TV, air-con or fan, en suite bath has mains pressure hot water. 24 hr check-in, security guard, security box in lobby (bring your own padlock). Free set breakfast menu of 56 items, including drinks. Tours, tickets and local transport. Visa or MasterCard accepted. Free pick up 24 hr by prior arrangement. US$8-20 .  
• 13.355711 103.852098 9 Cheathata Angkor , Sok San Road, Sangkat Svay Dangkum Krong ( near Pub Street and Sivutha Boulevard ), ☏ +855 63 968 777 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Colonial elegance, spacious rooms, family rooms, roof pool, spa, dining, event space. Air conditioning, fable TV, Wi-Fi. Each room has its own en suite shower and bathtub. US$29 . ( updated Feb 2020 )

• 13.36044 103.8524 10 Central Boutique Angkor Hotel , ☏ +855 63 764 030 . Locally owned and operated. Clean, comfortable hotel, not too far from the centre of town, with Western bathrooms, gardens and a pool. Air-con rooms from US$29 with breakfast included .  
• 13.3598 103.8607 11 Angkor Panoramic Boutique Hotel , 0017, Phum Wat Bo, Sala Kamreuork ( Central Siem Reap City near to Pub St, Psar Chas Market, and Angkor National Museum ), ☏ +855 63 965 118 , [email protected] . Offers spacious rooms and deluxe amenities. Serves free daily breakfast. Swimming pool, fitness facility, spa and body treatments. From US$35 . ( updated Nov 2020 )
• 13.34847 103.85642 12 The Cockatoo Nature Resort & Spa , ☏ +855 63 969069 . 7 rooms in a restored traditional Khmer house plus 2 Balinese-inspired grass-roofed cottages. Pool and lush gardens. Gourmet food served at main restaurant or poolside bar. Best to reserve on hotel website. From US$35 .  
• 13.3623 103.866 13 Men's Resort & Spa , ☏ +855 63 963503 . Male-exclusive gay hotel. The complex includes a boutique hotel with 10 stylish rooms, a large pool, a fitness centre, massage service and sauna/spa. From US$49 .  
• 13.36032 103.86173 14 Mom's Guesthouse , 0099, Phom Wat Bo , ☏ +855 12 630 170 . One of the longer-running guesthouses in Siem Reap, now in a new, if somewhat characterless, building. Mom will be happy to make all sorts of travel and transport arrangements. Air-con doubles with breakfast, hot water included. US$25 . ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 13.3809 103.8603 15 Shining Angkor Boutique Hotel , #560 Group One, Kok Chok Commune , ☏ +855 63 963096 . 21 rooms. Free tuk-tuk service one way to the centre of Siem Reap daily. It is a ~US$2 per ride back. Free, if underwhelming, breakfast. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Decor is traditional wooden furniture with Buddhist elements. Family-owned. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 13.35311 103.85418 16 Ta Phrom Hotel , Pokambor Ave, Mondul I, Sangkat Svay Dangkum ( river front, next to Old Market ), ☏ +855 63 380117 , +855 63 760087 , fax : +855 63 963528 . Free in-room Wi-Fi 24 hr, restaurant, wooden interior and beautiful statues, terrace, traditional atmosphere with French colonial exterior, friendly English speaking staff, in-room refrigerator, mini-bar, slippers, air-con, hot water and bathtub, cable TV, 24-hr services and 24 hr security. Lovely hotel with exceptional wooden interior, breakfast included. US$35-80 . ( updated Oct 2023 )
• Tanei Angkor Resort and Spa , Phare Circus Ring Road, Svay Dangkhum Village , ☏ +855 63 967 356 , [email protected] .  
• 13.3687 103.8427 17 Kouprey Hotel , Top Town Road, Krous Village, Svay Dangkom , ☏ +855 63 765 674 , [email protected] . Near Cultural Village 100 m away from National Hwy 6. Much smaller than the resort hotels on the main street, but therefore much more quiet and great ambiente. US$30 . ( updated Aug 2017 )
• 13.355244 103.851807 18 Cheathata CTS Hotel , Angkor Night Market Street, Steung Thmei ( between Sok San Road and Night Market ), ☏ +855 63 966 565 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Elegant rooms and family suites with traditional fine wood features, with free Wi-Fi, cable TV, sitting areas, mini-fridges, tea and coffee-making equipment. Suites have balconies with city views. All rooms en suite bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers and free-standing tubs. In-room dining is available 24/7. A breakfast buffet is served daily. Amenities include a restaurant, and a rooftop pool and bar. An airport shuttle and cooking classes can be arranged for a fee. US$45 . ( updated Feb 2020 )
• 13.3643 103.8646 19 Heritage Suites Hotel ( next to Wat Po Langka ), ☏ +855 63 969100 . A roll-top bath, private garden, and premium linen are uncommon little extras that could help you justify the price. US$140-275 .  
• 13.35397 103.85426 20 The One Hotel ( The Passage ), ☏ +855 12 755 311 , [email protected] . About as exclusive as you can get, the freestanding French colonial building has only one suite with street view balconies and a private rooftop Jacuzzi garden. US$250 .  
• 13.361 103.8561 21 Prince D'Angkor , Sivatha Blvd , ☏ +855 63 763 888 , [email protected] . Upmarket hotel and spa. 10 min stroll from the centre of town. US$180 .  
• 13.3577 103.85935 22 La Residence d'Angkor , River Rd , ☏ +855 63 963 390 , [email protected] . The hotel is finished in stone and wood that reflects traditional architecture, centered around a baray-inspired swimming pool. US$395 .  
• 13.364653 103.85641 23 Sokha Angkor Resort ( corner of Rd 6 & Sivatha Blvd ), ☏ +855 63 969 999 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . A resort in the city centre with large salt-water pool and state-of-the-art lobby. The resort has 6 restaurants and bars. US$140-2,200 .  
• 13.35976 103.87076 24 Starry Angkor Hotel , No G4, Rd 6, Banteay Chas Village, Sangkat Slorkram , ☏ +855 63 968 123 , fax : +855 63 968 124 . Offers 127 rooms ranging from superior and deluxe rooms; business, junior and Starry suites; all equipped with plasma cable TV with remote control, Wi-Fi, separated luxurious showering cabinet and bathtub. Facilities and services include Starry restaurant, swimming pool and fitness room/gym. From US$60 .  
• 13.36356 103.85779 25 Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa ( Central Park ), ☏ +855 63 760 428 . Very luxurious hotel, beautifully decorated. From US$155 .  
• 13.376175 103.833514 26 Anantara Angkor Resort , National Road no. 6, Khum Svay Dangkom , ☏ +855 63 966 788 , [email protected] . They offer butler services, free wi-fi, fitness center and outdoor pool. Chatra restaurant offers a walk-in wine cellar, Flame bar Starting from US$205 . ( updated Feb 2017 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Scams [ edit ]

Most locals are decent people just trying to make an honest living, but a few shady characters try every trick to take advantage of travelers' good will. Be alert to deceptive dealers but don't let suspicion ruin your trip.

Convenience stores have been known to give incorrect change and pocket the rest. Check your change before you walk out of the store and point out any short changing. Most likely they will admit to their "mistake" and give you the right change.

Street vendors and beggars in competition for generous travellers' handouts have developed cunning, if underhanded, techniques to get your attention (and money). The "beggar army" of young children will come up to you in the crowd and grab your hands, leading you to a shop where they will then try and have you buy food, baby milk or water for them. Baby milk powder seems to be a popular one. It might sound like a more humanitarian way to help than giving them money, but once you leave the store the goods you bought for them are sold back to the shop owners or to other locals and the cash goes to an adult. Young women with babies cradled in a krama perform a similar trick.

Donation-collectors for orphanages may approach you in the street claiming to be volunteer workers, showing you convincing photos of themselves in the orphanage and a clipboard listing the generous donations made by foreign visitors. Though these young adults may be well groomed and speak excellent English it's possible that your donation will go directly into their pockets. A donation (either of money, or your time) to a recognised charity might be a better way to help.

Dollar bills need to be checked, as you will find out that you won't be able to change bills with any tiny cut. Fake dollar bills are also wide spread, and can even be issued from ATMs.

NGO safari should be avoided. Do not schedule any orphanage visit unless this is the main purpose of your trip.

Underage sex [ edit ]

Obviously, no-one should be having any form of sexual or other inappropriate contact with children. Foreign tourists have been arrested and charged with child sex offences. To avoid suspicion, do not stay alone with young people (room, temple, school, countryside, stadium, car), and do not respond to any favour they ask of you (transport, phone call, help, use your toilet or a glass of water).

Stay healthy [ edit ]

For general information on health in Cambodia, see the article on Cambodia .

• 13.382 103.8286 1 Royal Angkor International Hospital , National Rte 6, Phum Kasekam, Khum Sra Ngea , ☏ +855 63 761 888 . It caters specifically to tourists. The care is not cheap, but it is of a very high standard. There is a fully stocked pharmacy, general surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, paediatrician and other hospital services such as treatment for fractures and intestinal problems.  

Connect [ edit ]

Internet [ edit ].

The numerous Internet cafés charge anywhere US$0.50-1.50/hr. Speed of connection, and speed of PC, very much depends from place to place. A free public Wi-Fi network covers the Pub St and Alley areas but it can sometimes be spotty and always terribly slow.

Most hotels will have cable TV with many international channels such as BBC and CNN as well as those from surrounding countries. There are several FM radio stations, which include international broadcaster Radio France International on 92.0 MHz.

Post office [ edit ]

• Cambodia Post Office , 54 Pokambor Ave . Daily 07:30-12:00, 14:00-17:00 . English-speaking staff. ( updated Feb 2020 )

Cope [ edit ]

The going rate for laundry is US$1/kg, US$3/kg for 3-hour service (Feb 2020).

Go next [ edit ]

• Banteay Chhmar - the forgotten Angkorian complex in neighboring Banteay Meanchey Province. A bit ambitious for a day trip by tuk-tuk but makes for a wonderful excursion by helicopter (about US$2,200).
• Battambang - Cambodia's second largest city with Buddhist temples, shrines and statues.
• Koh Ker - the ancient capital, much less touristy than Angkor.
• Kampong Thom - a gateway to the world heritage listed ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk.
• Phnom Penh - the modern capital, with the Royal Palace and sites related to the gruesome Khmer Rouge regime and the Cambodian genocide.
• Thailand - the border crossing at Poipet is a couple hours away, and there are several daily buses to Bangkok
• Tonle Sap Lake - Southeast Asia's biggest lake with floating villages and a rich biodiversity.

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A Beginner's Guide to Siem Reap, Cambodia

Jim Purdum/Getty Images

Over two million tourists a year pass through Siem Reap, making it the fastest growing place in Cambodia outside of Phnom Penh , the capital city. With a history dating all the way back to the year 802, visiting Siem Reap is a highlight for many people traveling through Southeast Asia … with a wealth of activities and attractions that go far beyond the ancient ruins down the road.

Things to Do

The temples of Angkor Wat are Siem Reap’s main draw, but did you know there are plenty of other interesting things to do in the general vicinity? From the Angkor National Museum to the Landmine Museum to a hot air balloon ride over the Angkor ruins, you can explore a number of other destinations that help make Siem Reap the most popular tourist destination in Cambodia.

Travel Requirements

There are some  travel requirements  to get to Cambodia. First, you have to take care of the Cambodia visa. Before you can get one, you have to show a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond the entry date.

Cambodia also offers an easy, online alternative to getting your visa: the Cambodia e-Visa that costs an extra $6 in processing fees but saves you the time and effort that comes with getting a regular Cambodia visa.

Transportation

Once you're in Siem Reap, it's not too challenging to get around the country. Your choice of transportation within Cambodia will depend on the climate, the distance you wish to travel, the time you have, and the money you want to spend. Arrange a taxi with your hotel concierge or book a day trip from a tour company to make it easier on the road.

The winter months from November to February represent the peak travel season for Siem Reap. These months are cool and dry, avoiding the extremes of heat and precipitation you’d find in other times of the year. Weather is crisp at night and just cool in the daytime. A number of festivals also take place during this season.

The temples are at their most beautiful during the rainy season: the grass is green and lush, the air seems clearer (the haze being washed out by the rain). Siem Reap in the rainy season is, weather permitting , a photographer’s favorite time of the year.

In spite of the influx of visitors (and foreign aid), Siem Reap is still part of a conservative society, one rooted in Buddhism and strong (if old-fashioned) values. Cambodians understand that, as outsiders, we may be unfamiliar with their ways, but if you know the basics of etiquette in Cambodia , you’ll go a long way in winning their trust.

If you happen by a Buddhist temple , remember to be respectful and bring a shawl to cover your shoulders. Also, wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off as most temples don't permit you to wear them inside.

“ Orphanage tourism ” in Siem Reap, while popular, should not be encouraged, either with your money or your time. Despite outward appearances, many orphanages are actually for-profit enterprises that needlessly split families apart and play up squalor to attract tourist donations.

Where to Stay

Siem Reap can’t be covered in one day—you’ll need at least three days to cover the huge expanse of the Angkor temples and other attractions in the area. So unless you have a friend in the area with an extra bed, you’ll need to stay at a Siem Reap hotel or hostel while you’re in town. The U.S. dollar goes far in Cambodia, so although there are youth hostels for those on a budget, you can most likely find an affordable high-end hotel for the night at a comparable price.

TripSavvy / Paula Galindo Valle

Visiting the Angkor Temples

The temples in Angkor are Siem Reap’s biggest draw, attracting upwards of two million foreign visitors a year. Despite their age, the temples retain much of the majesty they have had since they were constructed in the 12 th century as the devotional centers of a sprawling Khmer Empire. The Khmer Empire is long gone, but the temples they have left behind are now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a source of awe for many generations of travelers.

History of the Angkor Temples & the Khmer Empire

The Angkor temples are all that of what once was a powerful empire that ruled much of today’s Cambodia and parts of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

At first glance, visitors may be entranced by the complex’s lotus-blossom towers, enigmatic Buddha images, and dancing girls (​ apsaras ). Upon closer inspection, you'll realize that the temples are only the visible remnants of an advanced civilization in Southeast Asia, one which depended on—and was undone by—the abundance of water in the area.

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Exploring Cambodia’s Siem Reap Province: A Complete Travel Guide

Sunrise rush to capture the beautiful silhouette of Angkor Wat in Cambodia Photo by Edmund Lou on Unsplash

Have you been itching to visit the ancient temples of Angkor Wat? Then a trip to Siem Reap province in Cambodia should be at the top of your bucket list. As the gateway to the famed Angkor Archeological Park, a visit to Siem Reap will transport you back in time. Beyond the temples, though, Siem Reap has a lot more to offer. From colorful floating villages and jungle adventures to an exciting food scene and stylish boutique hotels, Siem Reap is a destination in its own right. In this travel guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Siem Reap, from the best time of year to visit budget tips to save you money. Get ready to explore the cultural heart of Cambodia. The adventure of a lifetime awaits you in Siem Reap!

A Brief History of Siem Reap Province

Siem Reap province is home to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, but its history goes back much further. Around the 9th century, the Khmer Empire rose to power in Cambodia and built its capital in Angkor. For the next 500 years, Angkor was a bustling metropolis and the center of the empire.

• Numerous temples, shrines, and other stone structures were constructed during this time, including the iconic Angkor Wat. This massive Hindu temple is considered the largest religious monument in the world.
• In the 15th century, the Khmer capital was moved to Phnom Penh, and Angkor was abandoned. The temples were reclaimed by the jungle for centuries until they were “rediscovered” by the West in the 19th century.
• Today, the Angkor Archeological Park encompasses over 400 square kilometers of dense rainforest containing the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire. With its combination of beautiful architecture, intricate stone carvings, and a lush natural setting, it’s no wonder Angkor Wat is considered one of the greatest cultural landmarks on the planet.

A trip to Siem Reap is a chance to step back in time and experience the glory days of the Khmer Empire. Whether you’re wandering the corridors of Angkor Wat, gazing up at the stone faces of the Bayon temple, or watching the sunset over the moat at Angkor Thom, the wonders of Cambodia’s ancient history will leave you in awe. This small province packs in a lot of adventure, so get ready for an unforgettable journey!

Top Places to Visit in Siem Reap Province

Once you’ve arrived in Siem Reap, it’s time to explore the many amazing sights this province has to offer. Here are some of the top places you won’t want to miss:

Angkor Wat is obviously at the top of the list. This massive temple complex set amid the jungle is one of the largest religious monuments in the world. Take your time wandering through the many temples and soak in the intricate details.

The Bayon temple , in the center of Angkor Thom, is another must-see. The 54 Gothic towers are iconic, with over 200 smiling faces carved into the stone.

Pub Street: Pub Street is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Siem Reap. Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal or an exciting night out, you’re sure to find it on this vibrant street!

One of the most popular attractions in Phnom Kulen is the waterfall. This stunning waterfall cascades down several tiers and is surrounded by lush jungle foliage. Visitors can swim in the cool waters at the base of the falls or hike to the top for a breathtaking view.

For a reprieve from the temples, visit the Cambodian Cultural Village . This living museum depicts the history, culture , traditions, and customs of 11 ethnic groups in Cambodia. You’ll get to see traditional dances, cultural performances, and even an ox-cart ride!

The Tonle Sap Lake is a fascinating ecosystem housing many floating villages . Take a boat tour to experience local life on the water and spot rare birds in their natural habitat.

No trip to Siem Reap is complete without seeing the sunset over Angkor Wat or the surrounding rice paddies. Find a nice spot to sit back, relax, and take in the vibrant colors as the sun dips below the horizon. The peaceful moments will stay with you long after you’ve left this enchanting place.

Best Things to Do in Siem Reap Besides Temple Hopping

Explore the countryside.

Beyond the temples, the Siem Reap countryside offers a glimpse into traditional Cambodian life. Take a bike tour through the patchwork of rice paddies and small villages surrounding the town. You’ll get to meet the friendly locals, buy handmade crafts, and sample delicious street food along the way. For the adventurous, try a quad biking or horseback riding tour. The scenic trails and dirt roads make for an exciting ride through the jungle and rice fields.

Visit a Floating Village

Nearby Tonle Sap Lake is home to hundreds of floating villages, where entire communities live in houses built on stilts or rafts. Take a boat tour to experience what life is like living on the lake. You’ll see floating schools, shops, and churches as you make your way through the village. It’s a fascinating look into a unique way of life that has been practiced for generations. The best time to visit is during the wet season from May to October when the lake expands in size.

Learn a Traditional Craft

Siem Reap has a thriving arts scene, and you can take workshops to learn skills like silk painting, wood carving, or stone carving from local artisans. Spend a morning or afternoon creating your unique souvenir while supporting traditional Cambodian crafts. Prices range from $20 to $50 per person for a half-day workshop. No experience is needed, and all materials are provided. You’ll leave with a handcrafted item and a newfound appreciation for the artistic talents of Cambodians.

Relax at a Spa

After a long day of sightseeing in the heat, treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment. Siem Reap has an abundance of spas that offer massages, facials, manicures, and more for a fraction of the cost back home. A one-hour massage typically starts around $25. The natural treatments and ambient settings will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to continue your adventure.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Siem Reap? Budgeting Tips and Accommodation Options

Budgeting for your trip.

A trip to Siem Reap can cost as little or as much as you want to spend. You’ll want to budget for things like:

• Accommodation: Hostel dorm beds start around $5-10/night, while nice hotels average $30-50/night for a double room.
• Food: You can eat for $3-5/meal at local restaurants and food stalls or $10-15/meal at nicer places.
• Activities: Entrance to Angkor Wat is $37 for a 1-day pass. Other temples and attractions are $5-20 each.
• Transportation: Tuk-tuks around town are $2-5 per ride. Busses to other cities are $10-20.

you might want to know more about Transportation in Cambodia tour and costs for visitors!

Affordable Accommodation Options

If you’re on a budget, consider:

• Hostels: Plenty of hostels offer cheap dorms and private rooms with AC and hot water. They often have pools and bars and arrange tours/activities.
• Guesthouses: Family-run guesthouses are very affordable and offer private rooms, some with balconies and hammocks. Basic but comfortable.
• Homestays: Staying with a local family in their home is a unique way to experience Khmer culture. Meals are often included and it’s a very budget-friendly option.

For a little more comfort:

• Boutique hotels: Stylish boutique hotels provide upscale rooms with modern decor and amenities at mid-range prices. Many have lovely pools, bars, and restaurants.
• Resorts: Just outside the city, you’ll find lavish resorts with spas, multiple restaurants, and massive pools. Room rates are $75-200/night.

With some planning, you can easily experience the wonders of Siem Reap without breaking the bank. By choosing budget-friendly options for accommodation and dining, you can splurge on a few special activities during your trip. Balance is key for the perfect budget-friendly getaway!

The best time to visit Siem Reap Province

The dry season (november to april).

The dry season from December to February is one of the best times to visit Siem Reap. The temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 65 to 86 F, with little chance of rain. The low humidity makes it ideal for exploring the temples without the discomfort of the rainy season.

• Crowds are smaller since it’s the shoulder season after the high season. Hotel rates are more reasonable too.
• You’ll have a better chance of an unobstructed view of the sunrise at Angkor Wat without busloads of tourists.
• The moats and ponds start to dry up, exposing more of the temple structures. This allows for photography opportunities not possible for the rest of the year.

The Rainy Season (May to October)

The rainy season may be a cheaper time to visit, but the frequent heavy downpours can put a damper on sightseeing and activities. Temperatures remain hot, ranging from 77 to 95 F, and the humidity is stifling.

• Afternoon rain showers are nearly a daily occurrence, often lasting a few hours. Some trails and temples can flood, making them inaccessible.
• The moats and ponds fill up, submerging some temple foundations.
• Angkor Wat’s bas-reliefs and hieroglyphics are more prone to water damage and deterioration during this time.
• Hotel rates and crowds are at their lowest, so if you don’t mind dodging the rain, you can find good deals and smaller crowds.

In summary, the dry season from December to February is the best time to visit Siem Reap if you want to explore the ancient temples in comfort and with smaller crowds. The rainy season can be appealing for the lower prices if you go in with realistic expectations about the frequent rain and prepare to work around the showers. Either season you choose, Siem Reap will captivate you with its history, culture, and natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Siem Reap

Do i need a visa to visit siem reap.

Most nationalities, including citizens of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and countries in the EU, do not need a visa to enter Cambodia for tourism and can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival. The fee is usually around USD 30, paid in cash. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.

When is the best time to visit Siem Reap?

The dry season from December to February is the most popular time to visit Siem Reap. During these cooler months, you’ll experience little rain and smaller crowds at the temples. However, hotel rates are higher and the temples can still be very busy, especially around Christmas and Chinese New Year.

The rainy season runs from May to October. Although you may encounter occasional downpours, the rain usually only lasts a short time. The temperatures are very hot, but the crowds are smaller and hotel rates drop significantly. If you don’t mind the heat and sporadic rain, the rainy season can be a great time to visit Siem Reap on a budget.

How do I get around Siem Reap?

The town center of Siem Reap is easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle. For longer distances, tuk-tuks and remorques (similar to tuk-tuks) are popular and inexpensive. Negotiate the fare in advance. Expect to pay around $1-3 USD for rides within town.

Motorbike taxis and bus services are also options for getting around Siem Reap, but tuk-tuks are more traditional. For excursions to Angkor Wat and other temples outside of town, consider booking a tour or hiring a driver for the day.

Where should I stay in Siem Reap?

The town center, located along the Siem Reap River, offers the largest selection of lodging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. This area is within walking distance or a short tuk-tuk ride to Pub Street, the Old Market, and Angkor Night Market. For a quieter stay, look at properties a few kilometers outside the city center. Some highly-rated options for all budgets include Viroth’s Hotel, Golden Temple Hotel, and Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor.

So now you’re armed with all the information you need to plan an amazing trip to Siem Reap. From exploring the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat to relaxing on serene Lake Tonle Sap, this region has something for everyone. Pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget. The friendly locals, stunning scenery, and delicious food are calling your name. What are you waiting for? Cambodia awaits! Have an incredible trip and be sure to share your stories and photos with us when you get back. Happy travels!

you might also want to read:  The Best of Cambodia’s National Parks: What to See and Do ,  Phnom Penh: A Complete Guide for Visitors, Expats and Investor

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Gateway for the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap (see-em ree-ep; សៀមរាប) was always destined for great things. Visitors come here to see the temples, of course, but there is plenty to do in and around the city when you're templed out. Siem Reap has reinvented itself as the epicentre of chic Cambodia, with everything from backpacker party pads to hip hotels, world-class wining and dining across a range of cuisines, sumptuous spas, great shopping, local tours to suit both foodies and adventurers, and a creative cultural scene that includes Cambodia's leading contemporary circus.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Angkor National Museum

Looming large on the road to Angkor is the Angkor National Museum, a state-of-the-art showpiece on the Khmer civilisation and the majesty of Angkor…

Artisans Angkor – Les Chantiers Écoles

Siem Reap is the epicentre of the drive to revitalise Cambodian traditional culture, which was dealt a harsh blow by the Khmer Rouge and the years of…

Apopo Visitor Centre

Meet the hero rats that are helping to clear landmines in Cambodia. Apopo has trained the highly sensitive, almost-blind Gambian pouched rat to sniff…

Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm

Located just west of the royal residence is this shrine. Said to represent two Angkorian princesses, these sacred statues were originally housed at the…

Angkor Silk Farm

Les Chantiers Écoles maintains the Angkor Silk Farm, which produces some of the best work in the country, including clothing, interior-design products and…

Cambodia has a long tradition of producing beautiful lacquerware, although the years of upheaval resulted in some of the skills being lost. Cambolac is a…

Angkor Conservation

Angkor Conservation is a Ministry of Culture compound that houses more than 5000 statues, lingas (phallic symbols) and inscribed stelae, stored here to…

Senteurs d’Angkor Botanic Garden

The botanic garden of Senteurs d’Angkor is a sort of Willy Wonka’s for the senses, where you can sample infused teas and speciality coffees in the on-site…

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Colossal banyan tree roots wrap around the ruins of Ta Prohm temple.

• WORLD HERITAGE

Explore Cambodia’s ancient stone city

With its awe-inspiring temples, colorful cafés, and placid waterways, Siem Reap is a jewel of Southeast Asia.

Siem Reap is a cheerful city that embraces travelers like old friends. This region was the site of successive capitals of the Khmer Empire from the ninth to the 15th centuries. The ruins, collectively known as the Angkor Archaeological Park , are located about four miles north of the city center. The 150-square-mile complex, which includes the famous Angkor Wat Temple, is Siem Reap ’s biggest tourist draw. But in recent years, this ancient yet dynamic destination has been attracting travelers to stay longer and explore its other facets. A few days in this Cambodian city shows that Siem Reap straddles the best of both worlds—a glorious past and a vivid present. The best way to get to know it is to explore it slowly, one story at a time.

Day 1: Temples galore

There’s no better way to begin a trip to Siem Reap than to rise well before dawn to explore the Angkor Archaeological Park . A tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw) will get you there in 20 minutes, but you can also reach the complex by bicycle, riding down wide roads flanked by lush forest. Pack your breakfast and give the UNESCO World Heritage site at least four to five hours. Despite the daunting crowds outside, the temples look sublime silhouetted against the rising sun and pink-orange sky.

Angkor Wat is an architectural masterpiece and the most iconic of all Cambodia’s temples.

Spread over a vast area, the site has jaw-dropping remains of sandstone temples, canals, and reservoirs built by the Khmers between the ninth and 14th centuries. Angkor Wat , the most popular temple, is the largest religious monument in the world, covering nearly one square mile. It was built as a Hindu temple by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In the 14th or 15th century it was converted into a Buddhist site and continues to be an important place for Theravada Buddhists. Inside, the walls come alive with gorgeous carvings of scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. On another wall, 88 carved Asuras and 92 devas seem to grunt with effort in an illustration of the Hindu legend of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Nearby, carved apsaras smile mysteriously as they flaunt elaborate hairdos.

Near Angkor Wat is Angkor Thom , the sprawling 3.5-square-mile complex that was the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Its most splendid remaining structure is the Buddhist Bayon Temple , the towers of which are carved with 216 gigantic, beatifically smiling faces.

From Angkor Thom, venture east on the Little Circuit of stunning monastic complexes and smaller temples. Ta Prohm temple, featured in the 2001 movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider , is a tourist favorite. The colossal banyan tree roots that embrace the ruins are the main draw. Big Circuit , a cluster of temples further northeast of Angkor Thom, has the Preah Khan and Pre Rup temples, each wonderful in its own way.

Wind down on Pub Street, Siem Reap’s center of cool, for a hearty lunch at French bakery and café Blue Pumpkin , a large, sunny joint known for cakes, sorbets, and ice creams. Try the Cambodian kuthiew , a traditional white noodle soup with pork or chicken, as you lounge on couches on the upper floor. Blue Pumpkin also serves delicious steaks, burgers, and pastas .

Grab a coffee at the nearby New Leaf Book Café and dive into Cambodia’s history. This non-profit bookstore carries a vast collection of books in various languages. Powerful memoirs offer insight into the Khmer Rouge genocide, such as First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers by Loung Ung and When Broken Glass Floats: Growing Up Under the Khmer Rouge by Chanrithy Him .

If you still have energy, join a three-hour Khmer cooking workshop at Le Tigre de Papier Restaurant . Class begins with a stop at Psa Cha market to source ingredients for the three-course meal. Discover the core of Cambodia’s cuisine by learning to make amok , the traditional Khmer dish of curried fish, chicken, or beef steamed in banana leaves. Also learn how to make prahok , the fermented fish paste behind almost every traditional Khmer dish. And the best part: You get to eat what you cook .

Reward yourself with a massage at the Seeing Hands Massage , where therapists with vision loss offer excellent oil massages.

Day 2: Heart of stone

Get off the beaten track and head to the ruins of Banteay Srei , located about one hour from Siem Reap’s city center. Leave just after sunrise to explore this 10th-century red sandstone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Bas-reliefs of fierce guardian monkeys and toothy mythical creatures seem to monitor temple activity. An elaborate carving depicts a story from the Mahabharata in which Lord Krishna and Arjun burn down the Khandava forest. The awe-inspiring detailing of the scene shows Lord Indra riding his three-headed elephant and valiantly trying to protect the forest by unleashing rainfall. Restaurants around the temple complex serve Khmer and continental breakfasts.

The Cambodian Landmine Museum is a 15-minute drive from the temple. Its founder, Aki Ra, was a child soldier during the Cambodian genocide. Exhibits show landmines he dismantled, a chilling reminder of the ones still buried beneath the Cambodian countryside. Various disarmed grenades and unexploded aerial bombs are stark evidence of a dark chapter in history. The museum also supports and provides education to children affected by landmines .

Back in Siem Reap, head to Taphul Road, a 10-minute walk from the city center, for a leisurely lunch at Sugar Palm . The restaurant has a pleasant bar where travelers can swap stories, and diners looking for quiet can claim tables overlooking sugar palms. Both their tofu and prawn amok are cooked to perfection.

An important part of Siem Reap’s resurrection lies in its various youth intervention programs. The Les Chantiers Écoles is a school dedicated to teaching the city’s underprivileged youth wood- and stone-carving techniques, traditional silk painting, and lacquerware. Its Artisans d’Angkor gift shop sells stone and wood reproductions of Angkor-era statues and furnishings .

Head to Pub Street for the evening. Here, locals and travelers alike relish meals at elegant French and Italian restaurants. Tapas bars overflow with full-bodied sangrias and great conversation. For a memorable gastronomic experience, try a traditional Cambodian barbeque at Khmer BBQ Restaurant in Old Market, just off Pub Street. The barbecue offers a choice of meats that are cooked on a flaming, metal grill at the table and are accompanied by a hotpot of delicately spiced noodles or rice with broth .

Pub Street’s Temple Club and Angkor What? Bar are the places to go for thumping music and boisterous parties. To experience a different side of Siem Reap’s nightlife, visit the Angkor Night Market , where about 250 brightly lit shops sell everything from Khmer art to jewelry, handicrafts, silk apparel, lacquerware, and more. While you mull over your next bargain, take a cocktail break at the forest-themed Island Bar .

Day 3: Wonders on the water

Head to Tonle Sap , Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The lake changes in size with each season and is at its largest during the monsoon (May to October). Floating villages line the lake, where everything—homes, shops, restaurants, schools, hospitals—teeters just above the water on stilts. Chong Kneas , a popular access point to the lake, is about nine miles from Pub Street, but it is something of a tourist trap. Kompong Phluk is a less crowded option with a flooded forest, located about 20 miles from the city. Birders should make the trek to Kompong Khleang (31 miles from the city), where they can see the spot-billed pelican and greater adjutant stork. Tonle Sap is also one of the most fertile inland fishing grounds in the world, so stop by one of the many floating restaurants for seafood .

Floating villages are located throughout Tonle Sap, a freshwater lake and UNESCO biosphere reserve.

After visiting Tonle Sap, spend the afternoon cycling through the forest around the Angkor Archaeological Park, where you can explore faraway ruins and smaller temples without map or agenda. An alternative is to visit the Angkor National Museum in the city. Its exhibits provide a glimpse of the art and culture of the Khmer empire. One of its rare artifacts is the Sumedha Hermit , a late 12th-century statue of the Buddha lying prone. Ancient stone slabs with Khmer and Sanskrit inscriptions list the names of Khmer slaves, details of land disputes and settlements, and paeans to kings and gods. An audio guide tour, videos, and slide shows throughout the different galleries provide more information. The museum shop also stocks pretty silk stoles and miniature Khmer sculptures .

For dinner, skip Old Market and Pub Street and head to Wat Bo Road , which is coming into its own with an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars. For Khmer and other Asian specialties, eat at Viroth’s Restaurant ,which has lovely outdoor seating .

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Siem Reap, Cambodia Guide: A Complete Travel Planner

Known for being the gateway to the spectacular temple complex of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, has long been one of Southeast Asia’s top travel destinations. In this Siem Reap, Cambodia guide, you will learn what makes this city such an incredible destination. Not only that, but I will show you how to plan your dream trip to experience the city’s wonders for yourself.

Located in the northwestern part of Cambodia, the city served as the capital of the ancient Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Today, much of this cultural history is still visible in the breathtaking stonework of the area’s temples. However, Siem Reap isn’t just renowned for its amazing temples.

Beyond the religious sites, the city is also popular for its incredible culture, lively markets, and delicious cuisine. Despite being one of Asia’s busiest tourist hot spots, the city still maintains a cozy, small-town vibe. So much so that it will keep you wanting to come back to see more.

An All-You-Need Siem Reap, Cambodia Guide

In this Siem Reap, Cambodia guide, I am going to give you the information to plan a successful trip to Siem Reap.  I cover the best times to visit and the best ways to get there. This way, you can maximize what you can see and do on your trip. 

In addition, I outline the top things to see during your visit. There are many incredible things you won’t want to miss, and with my guide, you won’t.  Finally, I give you some great recommendations for restaurants. With this information in hand, your planning process will be stress-free. Not to mention, you can be confident that your trip to Cambodia will be one that you remember for the rest of your life.

Siem Reap Guide Navigation Menu

At a glance.

Before you start making any travel plans, you will want to make sure to take care of all of the passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for your trip.   In addition, you will want to make sure you have a clear understanding of what languages they speak in Cambodia so that you can plan any translation needs you might have.

You will also need to know what currency they use so that you can exchange currency before your trip if necessary. I have included some of this key information in my Siem Reap, Cambodia guide below for you to review as you start to make your travel plans.

Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements

I have included a link to my Cambodia Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements Guide for you to review below.  This should help you navigate the legal requirements for visiting Cambodia.

It includes all of the important VISA, passport, customs, and immunization requirements and recommendations for your visit. You will want to take special care in reviewing the immunizations section of this guide.

In addition to the immunization information in the guide above, I have also linked to a few supplemental health guides I have created below. I explain why I recommend getting the Rabies pre-exposure vaccination before traveling internationally.

I also discuss how to protect yourself from tick and mosquito-borne illnesses when traveling. Even though Siem Reap isn’t in a high-risk area for malaria, it is still good to protect yourself just in case.

Packing Tips

Outside of taking care of your passport, visa, and immunization requirements, the most important task for your trip is packing. For your trip to be a success, you need to make sure you pack the right clothing and gear for the weather and the activities you will be enjoying. To help make sure you are prepared, I linked to my packing resources for you to review in my Siem Reap, Cambodia guide below.

Top Things to See and Do in Siem Reap

In addition to being home to the largest religious site in the world, the Siem Reap area is full of many additional wonders to explore. Most notably, the area is home to one of Southeast Asia’s most breathtaking national parklands and wildlife sanctuaries. And if hiking and wildlife aren’t your thing, the floating villages south of the city are an amazing cultural experience to have. And to think, that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the amazing things in the area to explore.

You’ll Need At Least 2-3 Days to Explore Siem Reap

In fact, there is so much to see in the Siem Reap area that I would recommend spending at least 2-3 days here. You will spend a full day exploring just the Angkor Wat site, and an additional day exploring the surrounding temples. If you want to see some of the area’s other top sites, having a third and even fourth day in the area will come in handy.

If you are starting to plan your trip to Siem Reap and would like some additional suggestions for your itinerary, then you are in luck. I have outlined the top 10 things to see and do in my Siem Reap, Cambodia guide below.

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It is the largest religious site in the world and one of the new seven wonders of the world. Out of all the things that I have seen in my travels, Angkor Wat may be the most impressive. The temple grounds are so large that they seem to go on and on forever. It makes sense because, from the 9th to the 15th century, Angkor Wat was the center of the Khmer Kingdom.

Today, this incredible temple complex is one of the top tourist attractions in the world. And believe me, it is something that every serious traveler should see in their lifetime. Much like seeing Machu Picchu, it is a moving experience to see Angkor Wat with your own eyes.

If you plan on visiting Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat, I would recommend spending two days exploring the temples. The site extends over 400 square kilometers and includes over 1,000 temples, so you can’t see it all in a day. However, after spending a few days exploring the temples, you will probably be ready to move on to see something else.

See the Site at Sunrise

PRO TIP: If you want to capture truly stunning photos of Angkor Wat, make sure you book a sunrise tour. You will need to get up very early because the spots in front of the pond where you will need to stand fill up quickly. But believe me, the views of the temple with the sun rising behind it are worth it.

The temple complex opens at 5am and you will want to be there to enter when it opens. Make sure you bring a headlamp or small flashlight as you will be walking in the dark. I would make sure to book your sunrise tour in advance so that you can communicate with your guide on when and where to pick you up.

Odds are that your guide will request that you purchase your ticket ahead of time as you will need to upload your photo. If you don’t purchase your ticket ahead of time you will need to purchase it in the morning, which will delay getting into the spot for sunrise photos.

Important Notes

• Keep your Angkor Wat tour ticket with you at all times as you will need it at various checkpoints within the site.
• Keep in mind that this is a religious site and you will need to wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.
• You will be doing a lot of walking around the temple grounds, so make sure to wear comfortable footwear.
• It can get very hot during the day, so make sure you wear appropriate clothing that will also keep you cool (stay away from wearing dark colors). Also, make sure you have enough water with you.
• Be aware of the monkeys that you will see around the temple site. Most of the time, they will ignore you. However, if you have food in your hands or in your bag, the monkeys can be aggressive and even bite.

Bayon Temple

Centuries before Michelangelo crafted the statue of David in Florence, hundreds of breathtaking faces were carved into a temple structure in Siem Reap by the Khmer Empire. Located in the heart of the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple is one of the most spectacular temples that I have ever seen. The detail in the intricate carvings is nothing short of amazing.

Next to Angkor Wat, the Bayon Temple is the temple that I would consider to be the most can’t miss out of all the temple sites in Siem Reap. Not only is it incredibly beautiful, but its cultural significance cannot be understated. It was dedicated to Buddha by King Jayavarman VII and was renamed the “Banyan Temple” sometime after the French occupancy.

That name is significant because Buddha was said to have reached enlightenment after a long period of meditation under a banyan tree. Later, the local Khmer who worked to restore the temple mispronounced its name as “Banyon” and the name stuck. Nevertheless, it is one of Siem Reap’s most important religious sites.

Important Note

Again, this is a religious site, so wearing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders is a must.

If you have seen the movie “Tomb Raider”, then the Ta Prohm temple near Siem Reap will look really familiar to you. Located approximately a kilometer east of Angkor Thom, the temple was built in the Bayon style in the late 12th and early 13th century. Originally the temple was named Rajavihara, but in modern times has been referred to as Ta Prohm.

This iconic temple is renowned for its rugged and breathtakingly beautiful appearance. Draped in deep shadows with crumbling towers that have been engulfed by a vast root system, the temple is by far the most atmospheric in the Angkor complex. If you visit Siem Reap and don’t see Ta Prohm, you are really missing out.

• As with the other temples I have highlighted in this Siem Reap, Cambodia guide, it is important to remember this is a religious site. You must wear appropriate clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting.
• It used to be possible to climb on the ruins, but this has now been prohibited. This is to not only protect the ruins but visitors as well. Some of the rocks that make up the ruins weigh up to a ton and can kill you if they fall on you. So please, obey the rules and stay off the ruins.

Phnom Kulen National Park

One of the most underrated attractions in the Siem Reap area is the spectacular Phnom Kulen National Park . Located in the Phnom Kulen mountain massif, the park was created in 1993 and contains some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Siem Reap province. The park is only a short 1.5-hour drive from Siem Reap, which makes it the perfect place to visit on a day trip.

One of the top attractions within the park is Poeng Ta Kho, which is an incredible cliff ledge overlooking the vast rainforest. This is a great spot to grab a selfie and enjoy the beautiful views. Another top spot to visit is the beautiful Kulen waterfall. There is a boardwalk that will take you up close to the bottom of the falls and it is a beautiful view. However, you should be prepared to get drenched in the heavy mist.

PRO TIP : You can include a stop at the Banteay Srei region on your way back from the national park. Hitting both sites on one trip will save you money as it is a $50 private taxi ride or a $60-80 van ride from Siem Reap to the park. Better yet, you can book a tour that will take you to the sites and include a guide. For tour options, please see my Recommended Tours section of this guide below.

Floating Villages

One of the best cultural tours that you can take when visiting Siem Reap is to pay a visit to one of the area’s many floating villages. Here you will find people who have made their lives living in floating houses, eating at floating restaurants, and paddling to work and floating schools each day.

In addition to these floating villages, you will also find several stilted villages along the banks of the Tonle Sap Lake. Here you will find buildings that rest on tall, thin stilts that keep the residents dry during the monsoon season. If you would like to visit a floating or stilted village while in Siem Reap, I have detailed four popular villages for you to visit below.

Chong Kneas

Located roughly 16km from town, this is the closest village to Siem Reap. The village consists of both floating and stilted houses, which the residents frequently move around based on water levels. This is also the boat terminal for boat rides to Battambang and Phnom Penh. We visited Chong Kneas during our stay and absolutely loved visiting with the villagers during our tour.

Kampong Phluk

Translated to mean “harbor of the tusks”, this is really three separate villages that form one big village area. It consists of mostly stilted houses that line the entrance area into Tonle Sap Lake. The site is roughly 30km from Siem Reap, so it isn’t too far to make a half-day visit on tour.

While the houses are neat to see, there isn’t as much to do when you get to this village as others as it is primarily a working village. Therefore, your boat tour of this village will be much shorter than tours of the other villages.

Kampong Khleang

This permanent stilted village is the furthest village from Siem Reap. However, at a distance of 50km, it still isn’t difficult to visit on a half-day trip. The village consists of both stilted and floating houses and consists of roughly 6,000 people.

What I really love about this village is that the boat tour services are run by the community, so all of the money you spend on your tour supports the local village. Because it is a little further from the city, the village doesn’t get quite as many tourists either, which means you can visit at a much more relaxed pace.

Located roughly 25km southwest of Siem Reap, this wonderful floating village is also the entrance point into the Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve. The local residents support themselves by fishing and by running local eco-tours of the reserve. If you would like to see both a floating village and the bird reserve, this is a great option. In addition to the reserve, visitors can also take a boat tour of the village and buy locally-made food and crafts.

Kulen Elephant Forest

If you love wildlife, then you won’t want to miss out on a visit to the Kulen Elephant Forest Sanctuary . Located in the foothills of Kulen Mountain, the sanctuary consists of 1,100 acres of protected forest where retired elephants rescued from the tourism industry can roam free and be elephants. The Kulen Elephant Sanctuary is a critical conservation agency in a country where elephants are extremely threatened.

So, not only are they rescuing elephants in need today, but through community education and conservation, they are protecting the elephants of tomorrow in Cambodia as well. Not only will you get to see these beautiful creatures up close and learn about them during your visit, but your tourism dollars will go a long way in helping the conservation efforts.

Preah Ang Thom Pagoda

This beautiful reclining Buddha is located on the top of Phnom Kulen Mountain and is carved into a gigantic natural sandstone boulder. It is a very sacred site for Cambodians, so it can be quite busy with patrons visiting for prayer. To get to the Preah Ang Thom Pagoda , you must climb a series of stairs.

When you are finished paying your respects to the reclining Buddha, there are also several ornate statues surrounding the pagoda that are worth checking out. In addition, the streets outside the pagoda are lined with souvenir stands that you can check out.

• The pagoda is an important religious site, so be sure you have clothes that cover your knees and shoulders when visiting. Also, you should remove your shoes and your hat (if wearing one) before entering the pagoda.

Banteay Srei

Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful pieces of Angkorian art, the breathtaking temple of Banteay Srei is built out of a beautiful pink-colored stone. Although it is one of the smaller temple sites in the Angkor temple complex, it is one of the prettiest temples in the region. Many of the temple’s carvings are three-dimensional, which gives it an added layer of complexity and beauty.

Unlike some of the other temples that I outline in this Siem Reap, Cambodia guide, Banteay Srei is a little further outside the city. It is located roughly 32km northeast of Siem Reap and 21km northeast of Bayon. You can hire a local tuk-tuk driver or cab to take you there or book a tour that visits the temple site.

• Keep in mind that the temple is a religious site, so you should dress appropriately when visiting. Wearing clothes that cover your knees and shoulders is required.
• If you are planning to pay a driver to take you to the temple, I would recommend combining this trip with a stop at Phnom Kulen National Park. You will save a lot of money seeing both sites on one trip up north.
• If you would prefer to take a tour to visit Banteay Srei, please refer to my Recommended Tours section of this guide.

Banteay Kdei

For those who are interested in exploring more temples, but want to escape the large crowds at the Angkorian ruins, Banteay Kdei is a perfect choice. These amazing ruins have seemingly been forgotten by the busy Angkor tourism industry. However, the solitude and mystery of the site make it a worthwhile addition to any Siem Reap visitor itinerary.

The temple ruins are located amongst towering trees where visitors can hear the serene chirping of cicadas. You can spend hours walking amongst these beautiful ruins admiring the beauty of the Buddhist carvings. And if you love sunrises, the Banteay Kdei is a perfect spot to watch the beautiful Cambodian sunrises.

PRO TIP: If you want to avoid the largest crowds at the Angkor temples, a good strategy is to visit Banteay Kdei first thing in the morning for sunrise, then head to Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples later in the day when the crowds have thinned.

Important Note:

• Like the other temples on my list of the top things to see in Siem Reap, Banteay Kdei is a religious site. Make sure you wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders when visiting.

Angkor Thom

In the Khmer language, Angkor Thom translates to mean “Great Kingdom”. If you tour the site when visiting Siem Reap, I am sure there will be little doubt in your mind that the name fits the site. The temple site was built by Jayavarman VII during the late 12th century as a new royal city for the Khmer Kingdom.

Inside the walls of this great ancient city, you will find the Bayon Temple (which I discussed earlier in this guide), Phimeanakas, Baphuon, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, Prah Palilay, Tep Pranam and Prasat Suor Prat. In addition to these temple sites, the beautiful gates to Angkor Thom are worth checking out as well. In fact, the East Gate of Angkor Thom was featured in the movie “Tomb Raider” along with the Ta Prohm temple.

• The temples in Angkor Thom are religious sites, so please dress appropriately when visiting them. This includes wearing clothes that cover your knees and shoulders.
• It is possible to walk around the walls of Angkor Thom, but be careful when doing so as some places are quite steep.
• The southwest corner of the Angkor Thom wall, overlooking the moat, is a great spot to catch a sunset.
• Don’t just visit the Bayon Temple. While it is spectacular, the other temples within Angkor Thom are equally as incredible.
• For a magical entrance into the temples, purchase your ticket in advance and then enter the temple park through the west gate of Angkor Thom.
• You will be doing a lot of walking as you explore the temples and the temperature can get quite hot. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and carry water with you during your visit.

How to Get to Siem Reap, Cambodia

If you will be visiting Siem Reap from outside of Cambodia, you will need to look for flights to Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport (SAI) . This is a large international airport that has direct flights to and from many other popular destinations in Southeast Asia. For an idea of flight time and the availability of direct flights, please refer to the map and chart I included in my Siem Reap, Cambodia guide below.

Travel Time from Other Cities in the Region

IMPORTANT NOTE: Flights into Siem Reap used to come into Siem Reap International Airport (REP) , which was located just outside the city. However, that airport closed at the end of 2023 and was replaced by Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport (SAI). This is critical to note because the new airport was built roughly 50km East of the city of Siem Reap. Therefore, you should plan for roughly 45-60 minutes of travel time to and from the airport.

Best Times to Visit Siem Reap, Cambodia

When you start to plan your trip to Siem Reap, one of the most important factors to consider is when to visit. Siem Reap, like most other destinations, has weather that is more enjoyable during certain times of the year. The area’s different seasons bring different temperatures and amounts of precipitation. Which of these seasons you choose to visit will have a big impact on what you can see and do.

Average Temperature (°F)

The hot season in Siem Reap runs from late March until the beginning of September. During this period of the year, temperatures can be scorching hot with high humidity. You will be doing a lot of walking while exploring the area’s temples, so visiting during the peak hot season can be quite uncomfortable.

Starting in September, the cooler temperatures move into Siem Reap. The peak of the cool season runs from December until the end of February. The cool temperatures and low rainfall make this a popular time of year to visit Siem Reap and tour the temples.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

The wet season in Siem Reap runs from May until October. However, unlike in other parts of Southeast Asia, the monsoon doesn’t bring endless rain to Siem Reap. Instead, the area typically gets afternoon showers and heavy overnight downpours. So, even during the wet season, it isn’t a bad time to visit Siem Reap.

The dry season in Siem Reap lasts from November until the beginning of April. The area gets much less rain during this time of year and the temperatures are typically cooler. This is especially true from December until February. This is the peak season in Siem Reap, with the most comfortable weather.

The Best Months to Visit Siem Reap

If you are looking for ideal weather, then December through February is the ideal time for you to visit Siem Reap. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time of the year to visit. So, you should also be prepared to pay a bit more and deal with larger crowds at the temples.

For those who are looking to avoid the crowds, the key will be also avoiding the rain and the heat. To do this, I would target the shoulder months of November and March. There will be fewer people and the weather is still very tolerable.

That said, there is nothing wrong with planning your trip during the rainy, yet cool, months of September and October. If you don’t mind brief afternoon showers, you will have far fewer crowds to deal with at the temple sites.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia

One of the most important decisions you are going to have to make when planning your trip to Siem Reap is where you will stay. When you travel, the accommodations you choose are oftentimes amongst the biggest expenditures for your trip.

So not only do you need to be comfortable where you are staying, but you also need to be comfortable with how much you are paying to stay there. Finding the right accommodations for your trip involves looking at the amenities, the location, and most importantly, the price.

If you are starting to plan your trip to Siem Reap and want some hotel and hostel suggestions, I have included some great options at different price points in my Siem Reap, Cambodia guide below for you to review. As always, don’t be afraid to expand your search to room-sharing sites such as Airbnb or VRBO if you aren’t finding a hotel or hostel that meets your needs.

Where to Eat in Siem Reap, Cambodia

When most people plan a trip, the primary focus is on how to get there, where to stay, and what is on the list of things to see and do. What many travelers neglect to plan, is where to eat when you are there.

Granted, it is sometimes fun to be spontaneous when choosing a restaurant while traveling, and it is always smart to get recommendations when you arrive. However, it can also be advantageous to have some ideas of restaurants you would like to try during your trip written down beforehand as well.

This way you can be assured that you won’t miss out on a highly recommended culinary experience that you will regret. To help you decide on some restaurants in Siem Reap to add to your list, I have included a list of some highly recommended options for you to review in my Siem Reap, Cambodia guide below.

Recommended Tours in Siem Reap, Cambodia

There is an abundance of amazing things to see and do in the Siem Reap area and one of the best ways to experience those things is on a tour. If you are looking for fun tours and excursions to fill out your trip, I have included some category links to recommended tours and excursions you can review in my Siem Reap, Cambodia guide below.

Siem Reap, Cambodia Photo Gallery

With some of Southeast Asia’s most renowned and beautiful temples, the Siem Reap, Cambodia area is a legendary place to photograph. I was lucky enough to be able to visit and tour some of the area’s most incredible sites. In this Siem Reap, Cambodia photo gallery, I would like to share some of my favorite photographs with you.

If you would like to see more of my travel photography, I would also encourage you to give me a follow on Instagram . Putting this blog together to pass on my free guides, itineraries, and travel photography tips is a lot of work and your support in the form of a follow-on Instagram would be so very much appreciated!

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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Wonderful, very nice article

[…] Late November or late February are particularly recommended as they offer a balance between good weather and slightly fewer…

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Home » Southeast Asia » Cambodia » Siem Reap

11 BEST Places to Visit in Siem Reap (2024)

We don’t think you’ll find anyone who has travelled to Cambodia and without visiting Siem Reap. It’s the gateway to one of the most phenomenal tourist attractions in the world – Angkor Wat. However, as the temples have grown in popularity, so has the appeal of the town. There’s plenty here to spend multiple days, and it’s one of the tourist meccas of South East Asia. Whether you’re a backpacker, a flashpacker, travelling with the family, or hoping for a luxury break, you’ll find something for you. Great restaurants, nightlife, and nearby outdoor beauty; Siem Reap really does have it all!

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the best places to visit in Siem Reap. Yes, obviously Angkor Wat will already be number one on your Siem Reap itinerary, but there’s so much more waiting to be discovered when you travel to this friendly and fascinating country!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Siem Reap:

These are the best places to visit in siem reap, faq on the best places to visit in siem reap.

Old French Quarter

Old French Quarter is the best place to stay in Siem Reap if you’re visiting for the first time. Located at the centre of the city, the Old French Quarter is close to main thoroughfares and well connected to the area’s top attraction, Angkor Wat.

• Try contemporary Asian cuisine and a good selection of wines at Cassia Restaurant
• See the home of the Cambodian royals by passing by the Royal Residence
• Enjoy delicious and authentic Cambodian food at chic and stylish Kroya Restaurant

Tap your foot on the brake pedal for a second! Before plunging straight into all the goodness below, check out where to stay in Siem Reap first. That way, you’ll be all sorted with your accommodation before embarking on your trip down the rest of this list (and hopefully to the actual Siem Reap soon!).

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#1 – Angkor Wat – One of the most amazing places in Siem Reap

• Trip Advisor’s number 1 destination in the world for 2 consecutive years
• The biggest Buddhist temple on Earth
• Get an early start and catch the sunrise over Angkor Wat

Why it’s awesome: It’s unlikely that any tourist will travel to Siem Reap and not visit Angkor Wat, but we couldn’t miss it off our list! This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only one of the most famous places in Siem Reap, but all of Cambodia and South East Asia. Built in the 12th century, this is the largest complex of Buddhist temples in the world. In fact, it’s the largest religious monument in the world, covering over 400 acres. Since it’s so huge, you’ll probably need more than one day to really experience this incredible place!

What to do there: If you’d like to see the whole of the Angkor complex but don’t know where to start, it’s a good idea to get a tour guide. You can do tours for 1 day, 3, or even an entire week! Although a week would undoubtedly be interesting, you might end up with temple fatigue by the end of it! If you DO want to do this, stay in a hostel in a nearby area to make going back easier on transportation costs.

There are also a number of ways you can explore the temples. If on foot sounds like too much work, why not rent a bicycle? Whichever way you choose to visit Angkor Wat, they’re a Siem Reap must see and you won’t regret any time you spend here!

#2 – Cambodia Landmine Museum – One of the most underrated places to see in Siem Reap

• See a collection of disarmed landmines from the Khmer Rouge regime
• Learn about Cambodia’s bloody and brutal recent history
• One of the most moving and sobering attractions in Siem Reap

Why it’s awesome: The museum has a complex history. It was opened by a former Khmer Rouge fighter who worked with the UN to disarm and remove the landmines he had placed. What started as a collection grew into a museum as interest from foreign tourists grew. As the museum curator expanded his collection by visiting local villages, he also started to take in orphans who had been affected by the landmines. Nowadays, there are several children who are taken care of by the museum. It’s one of the best places in Siem Reap to get an insight into local life and history!

What to do there: Learn about the history of the Khmer Rouge and its effects on rural Cambodia and how landmines are being dealt within the region. Astonishingly, more than 6 million landmines were planted in Cambodia. Depending on when you visit, you may also be able to see some active landmine detonations. Most importantly, you’ll learn about how this part of the country is being cleaned up and you may even meet some of the children who have benefitted from the museum and the centre. It’s really a Siem Reap must do!

#3 – Phare, the Cambodian Circus

• Not your typical circus
• Combination of an NGO and a performing arts school
• One of the more unusual things to do in Siem Reap

Why it’s awesome: Circuses don’t have a great rep to be honest. Nowadays, many are associated with animal cruelty and are generally quite frowned upon. Not Phare though! This is a circus with a difference. An NGO and performing arts school take children from poverty and train them to work in this Cirque du Soleil style show. The performers use music, dance, and theatre to tell traditional Cambodian folk tales. It’s one of the top hotspots in Siem Reap at night!

What to do there: Roll up, roll up, for Phare the Cambodian Circus. Every night at 8 pm there’s a performance, so get your tickets in advance and enjoy one of the glitziest and most glamorous attractions in Siem Reap. It’s quite expensive when you compare it to other attractions in Siem Reap, but you can rest assured that your money is going to a very good cause!

#4 – Ta Prohm – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Siem Reap

• You might recognise this place from its appearance in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
• One of the best places in Siem Reap that mixes nature and history
• See if you can spot the dinosaur of Ta Prohm – it’s hidden in there somewhere!

Why it’s awesome: Part of the Angkor Wat complex, we probably wouldn’t have included this if it were as well maintained as the other temples around here. However, the fact that it wasn’t is what makes it so special. If you’ve seen the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie, you might have thought that it was mostly CGI, but no. It was a real place – Ta Prohm has been pretty much swallowed up by the surrounding jungle. It’s a haunting place that you won’t want to miss on your Siem Reap itinerary !

What to do there: Although you wouldn’t realise it, since Ta Prohm was rediscovered in the 20th century, it has been maintained in such a way that the neglect seems authentic, but it does not affect the integrity of the structure. Although it might seem like fun to pretend your Indiana Jones, do be careful when you’re visiting! Also, look out for the controversial dinosaur of Ta Prohm. No one knows if it’s genuine or a hoax!

#5 – Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

• Wander round an enclosed garden filled with butterflies
• What to do in Siem Reap if you love animals and nature
• Learn about conservation at this cool butterfly sanctuary

Why it’s awesome: If you’re interested in butterflies, then this should be in first place on your Siem Reap itinerary. Yes, even above Angkor Wat! This cool butterfly sanctuary and conservation centre is home to thousands of butterflies from the local area, and it’s been built like the rainforest. This is to mimic the butterflies’ natural habitat and make them as comfortable and natural as possible!

What to do there: Get right up close with the Banteay Srey butterflies. If you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it), the butterflies might just land right on you! If you’re travelling with kids, you definitely shouldn’t miss this place. Not only can you get up close and personal with the butterflies, but you can also take an interactive tour to show you the life cycle of these wonderful insects. This is one of the most relaxing and tranquil points of interest in Siem Reap!

#6 – Tonlé Sap Lake – A nice quiet place to see in Siem Reap

• Take a cruise on the largest freshwater lake in Asia
• Bring your camera as it’s a great spot for animal lovers
• A perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap

Why it’s awesome: If you want to get a glimpse into a traditional Cambodian village, then head to Tonlé Sap. Incredibly, more than 3 million people call the banks of this lake home, but it’s still an incredibly quiet and peaceful area in Cambodia . There are several tours here from Siem Reap, and you can do a variety of things. Kampong Khleang is the largest village on the lake, and it’s situated on the north shore. Here, you can check out floating stilt houses and traditional handicrafts. The locals are really friendly too!

What to do there: As well as villages dotted around the lakeshore, there are some great natural attractions on Tonlé Sap too. One of the coolest places, and also one of the top attractions in Siem Reap, is the Prek Toal bird sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to over 100 species of water birds. There are plenty of observation towers, but if you want to get up close and personal with the birds, you can row out onto the lake! Keep an eye out for other wildlife such as crocodiles, snakes, and turtles too!

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#7 – Angkor Centre for the Conservation of Biodiversity

• One of the most important wildlife centres in Cambodia
• Meet Cambodian wildlife like porcupines, otters, and birds
• Take a guided tour to learn how the animals are rehabilitated

Why it’s awesome: If you hadn’t realised from the last two entries into our list, there are a lot of attractions in Siem Reap if you’re interested in animals and biodiversity. However, the Angkor Centre might just be the most important of all of them! Not only can you get up close and personal with Cambodian wildlife, but you can learn about breeding, conservation, and rehabilitation while you’re at the centre.

What to do there: Of course, you can visit the Angkor Centre for the Conservation of Biodiversity at any time. However, there are twice-daily tours at 9 am and 1 pm, and these are really worth doing. Knowledgeable and friendly guides will explain how the centre works and how these beautiful animals are rehabilitated. It’s a long journey for sick and injured animals to be reintroduced to the wild, but this centre is very successful at doing so. Don’t miss it when you travel to Siem Reap!

#8 – Kulen Nature Trails – A beautiful outdoor place to check out in Siem Reap

• Explore Siem Reap’s jungle and rainforest surroundings
• Escape from the heat on a cool and shady nature trail
• Enjoy the site of the waterfall at the end of the trail

Why it’s awesome: They say it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. However, when you’re visiting Phnom Kulen Waterfall, it’s kind of about both! These beautiful hiking trails take you along the side of rushing rivers, past ancient temples, and to a beautiful waterfall. There are some places to buy snacks near the waterfall, but a really nice idea is to bring a picnic here! This is one of the most evocative natural landmarks in Siem Reap, and you won’t want to miss it. Especially if you love hiking!

What to do there: Kulen’s Nature Trails are a great way to spend the day, and they’re suitable even for beginners. Therefore, it can get quite busy! We’d suggest getting up bright and early. Not only will it be less crowded, but you’ll also be trekking at the coolest time of day. Also, Cambodia is safe for travelers , but not here during rainy season when these trails become a mud bath of misadventures just waiting to happen. However, if you’re visiting Siem Reap during the dry season, these should be very high up on your itinerary!

#9 – Pub Street – A great place to visit in Siem Reap at night

• Let off steam and take a break from the city’s culture and architecture
• The best area for cheap hostels and late-night drinking and eating
• One of the best Siem Reap vacation ideas for homesick long-term travellers!

Why it’s awesome: Sometimes when you’re travelling, you start to miss home. And in a town like Siem Reap, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the architecture, history, and culture, so you may just want to spend some time cooling off in a more familiar environment. That’s where Pub Street comes in! Here, you’ll find some of the best places to eat in Siem Reap when it comes to international food, and lots of late-night bars and clubs. A perfect spot to meet like-minded travellers and relax with a drink… or a bucket!

What to do there: Take a break from immersing yourself in Cambodian culture and remind yourself about what you miss from home. The Western food on offer here is great, and there are plenty of bars where you can enjoy a few drinks. You can even watch the Premier League or the Champions League if you’re a football fan. It may not be the most cultural thing to do on your travels, but everyone deserves a break sometimes, right?!

#10 – Bayon

• See the 11,000 faces carved into the temple
• One of the most unique temples in the Angkor Complex
• One of the most famous landmarks in Siem Reap

Why it’s awesome: Yes, we’ve already included Angkor Wat on our list, but we couldn’t miss Bayon off the best places to visit in Siem Reap. The scale of this place is simply staggering! This temple is a real testament to the ego of Jayavarman VII, who it was built in honour of. 1.2km of facades, over 11,000 faces, and 54 Gothic towers are just some of the mind-boggling figures that identify one of the most recognisable landmarks in Siem Reap!

What to do there: You could easily spend a few hours exploring Bayon. It’s in Angkor Thom (the holy city) and it does look better from close up than far away! Most people like to visit in the early morning, thanks to its eastward facing direction. However, if you find it’s too crowded in the morning, it’s worth heading here for the sunset!

#11 – Psar Chaa (The Old Market)

• A great place to pick up fresh produce if you’re cooking your own meals
• Pick up some souvenirs for friends and family back home
• One of the best places to eat in Siem Reap

Why it’s awesome: When you’re in Southeast Asia, the local market is always one of the first ports of call. Siem Reap is no different, and you should head to Psar Chaa to pick up some food, especially if you’re planning on taking a picnic out or cooking fresh produce in your hostel. With juicy mangosteens, dragonfruit, and rambutan, you’ll certainly find a new favourite fruit or juice! It’s also a great spot to pick up souvenirs for family and friends.

What to do there: The Old Market is one of the best places to eat in Siem Reap, so come here and try local street food delicacies as well as tasting fresh products. If you want to cook Cambodian food back in your home country, pick up some spices here to use in future! You can also get clothes here, which is great if you’ve been soaked through trekking the Kulen Nature Trails or you want to refresh your holiday wardrobe!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Siem Reap

What is there to do in Siem Reap besides Angkor Wat?

Angkor Wat is pretty cool, but there are even better places to visit in Siem Reap: – Cambodia Landmine Museum – Ta Prohm – Tonlé Sap Lake

What is the most popular place to visit in Siem Reap?

Angkor Wat is probably one of the most famous attractions in Siem Reap. The temple sees thousands of visitors every month. However, the Ta Prohm temple is pretty popular as well.

What are the must-visit places in Siem Reap at night?

Pub Street is probably the must-visit place in Siem Reap at night. Dance the night away in one of the many nightlife venues, have a couple of tatsy drinks with your friends and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

What can you do in Siem Reap today?

Find out about the best tours, attractions and places to visit in Siem Reap on Klook . Everything that’s on today will be listed there. And if you want a more local experience, check out Airbnb experiences .

Final Thoughts

So, that concludes our list of the best places to visit in Siem Reap. We hope that you’ve found it useful and informative, and you’ve got some ideas of what to add to your Siem Reap itinerary after visiting Angkor Wat.

This town may get busy and crowded, but that all adds to the carnival atmosphere that you’ll find on pub street and at the local markets. However, there’s a sobering and peaceful side to it to as you’ll have seen from our list. There’s a good reason why Siem Reap is such a beloved backpacking destination in Cambodia .

We hope that you’ve not only found some more places to add to your Siem Reap itinerary, but you’ve also got some ideas about how to experience the city like a local. Keep your mind open while you explore Siem Reap and you’ll no doubt have an incredible vacation. We certainly hope you do!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Monique MacPhail

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14 Best Things to Do in Siem Reap

Nestled in northern Cambodia, Siem Reap sings the tale of a bygone era. Intrepid backpackers and tourists alike arrive in the city to learn about its ancient magic and heritage and explore its burgeoning modernity.

Siem Reap is best-known as the gateway to Angkor Wat. Such is the revered status of the temple, we won’t even argue. Yet, the spirit of the Khmer Empire combines with the bustling French Quarter and Old Market to create a city that celebrates the past and present in a harmonious fashion.

Besides the Angkor temples, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Siem Reap itself. Days spent wandering the downtown streets bring an assortment of eye-catching colonial architecture set between mom and pop restaurants. Here, you can let the aromas and history guide you. At night, the traveling world descends on the tantalizing night markets and Pub Street where you can tell the tales of your day’s adventures.

14. Psar Chaa (Old Market)

Those who have traveled, especially to South East Asia, know that a trip to a market is a quintessential portion of their must-do lists. For those with family at home hoping you will come back with souvenirs of your time abroad, then a visit to the Psar Chas is called for.

The Psar Chas, also known as the Old Market of Siem Reap, is a local haven. It’s home to over 300 stalls selling various souvenirs, clothes, and even incredible street food for those looking for a bite. When we say souvenirs we do not mean just your standard magnets or “My Family Member Went To Cambodia” memorabilia, but items much more illustrative of the local culture.

A few hours getting lost among the intricately sculpted wood pieces, stunning silk fabrics, and handmade textiles is a must.

13. War Museum Cambodia

While in current times Cambodia is seen as a beautiful and peaceful country, the late 1900s were the contrary to the Cambodian people.

A visit to the War Museum will offer a unique and thought-provoking experience of one of the devastating reigns of the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979.

At your own pace or with the use of the free guide resource provided at the facility, you can begin your deep dive into the poignant history. The museum provides ample information through its various exhibits. These even include artillery and machines such as a T-54 tank and a Mil Mi-8 helicopter on display.

We, however, recommend making use of the free guide, as each guide has their own story. Whether they be a war veteran, a witness or landmine victim, each can provide a very invaluable insight into an important time in Cambodian history.

12. Kbal Spean

Located roughly one hour Northeast of Siem Reap in the Kulen Mountain range is the compelling Kbal Spean. The eye-catching body of water, also known as the River of 1000 Lingas, is a significant cultural and archaeological site.

After a moderate 1.5km walk up to reach the river, nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike will get a unique experience. Prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding rainforest while trekking along a beautifully carved sandstone riverbed, adorned with a number of Hindu and Buddhist symbols and Lingas. These sacred lingas symbolize fertility and spirituality.

As you discover the intricate carvings along the river, you will be provided with a deeper insight into the spiritual beliefs and artistic backgrounds of the ancient Khmer civilization.

11. Banteay Srey Butterfly Center

A captivating attraction located within Siem Reap is the Banteay Srey Butterfly Center. With its mission based around the conservation and study of butterflies, this center provides a utopia for nature lovers and photographers.

Boasting more than 30 species of Cambodian butterflies, this center is one of the largest fully enclosed facilities in South East Asia. You can expect the incredibly passionate staff to help walk you through the complete life cycle of the butterfly, from egg to caterpillar and then cocoon.

For only $6 per adult, this is a must-visit for those looking to wander lush gardens while also learning about the importance of butterfly conservation and the delicate balance of ecosystems.

10. Angkor Night Market

Best known for its lively atmosphere, the Angkor Night Market is awash with colorful stalls and enthusiastic vendors.

Home to a number of food stalls and restaurants, this Night Market is a food lover’s paradise. You can start your experience with large offerings of local and international cuisines. Visitors can indulge in savory street food ranging from grilled meats, noodles, and for the very adventurous, fried crickets.

Once you’re full of delicious offerings, make sure to browse shops selling everything from clothing, spices, jewelry, or authentic Khmer -style wood. Prices are negotiable at the market, so you can try your hand at haggling for a good deal.

The market is open 7 days a week from 4pm to midnight. But it is best to arrive before 6pm if you are looking to avoid large crowds.

9. Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity

An impressive institution, the Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) is dedicated to preserving the rich and exotic biodiversity of the Angkor region in Cambodia.

Upon opening in 2003, this center was the first nature conservation center to be opened in the country of Cambodia. Its mission is to provide a safe home for animals that have been confiscated from illegal trade or injured as a result of human activity. The wide range of veterinarians and caretakers work an incredible amount to get the animals ready for release back into the wild.

Tours of the facility are offered daily starting at either 9am or 1pm, with only a minimum donation of $5 asked in return. With consideration of its proximity to the Kbal Spean and Banteay Srei, this is an easily accessible and worthy visit for those especially interested in the ACCB mission.

8. Kulen Waterfalls

If you journey 1.5hrs northwest of Siem Reap, you will find yourself at an impressive marvel within the Phnom Kulen National Park. These cascading falls within a lush forest are known as the Kulen Waterfalls.

A day trip to the Kulen waterfalls can offer opportunities to swim in the refreshing pools formed by the falls and relax to the soothing sounds of rushing water. For those looking for a bit more adventure, there are a multitude of trails nearby, ranging from leisurely walks to more thrilling hikes.

The Kulen Falls have a story beyond their beauty, this site is known for its cultural significance among the Khmer people. The falls served as a source of water for the ancient civilization and were believed to have sacred powers. For this reason, it is asked that you be mindful in respecting local etiquette.

7. Siem Reap food tour

Siem Reap, one of Cambodia’s most universally known cities, has more to boast than just temples and architecture. One of our favorite ways to get to know a city is to eat its local cuisine.

A great way to experience the flavorful and unique fare Cambodia has to offer is via a Siem Reap food tour. Get your appetite ready because Khmer cuisine is best known for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and the use of fresh ingredients.

Small group tours via tuk tuk are a great way to explore the city while trying traditional dishes such as beef loklak or fish amok, all while getting to know your local guide. If you’re seeking even more thrill, look into a Vespa Food tour and experience all the local specialties while whizzing through the city streets on the back of a scooter!

6. Cambodian Circus Show

Experience the magic of a circus performance that will leave you in awe. Phare Circus, a concept that originated in Cambodia, gained recognition for its unique ability to combine native folklore, history, and everyday life. This allows the audience to connect to the spectacle in a new way.

Dubbed “Circus with Purpose”, the Phare Circus performers are all students and graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak School. The school provides many community development programs. These create employment and training opportunities for young artists and work to help break a cycle of poverty.

For those looking for an immersive blend of dance, culture, acrobatics, and resilience, then the Phare Circus is an absolute must. With the performers being recognized on the world stage and being invited to perform at renowned locations such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Sydney Opera House, you know it is an experience you cannot miss.

5. Kampong Phluk floating village

Situated in the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia is the unique floating village of Kampong Phluk . Kampong Phluk, meaning “Harbor of Tusks”, is a network of homes built rising out of water using bamboo pillars and wooden planks. When visiting during the wet season, the water rises to a certain level, giving the homes a floating effect.

We recommend opting for a boat tour of the village that picks up from Siem Reap. As you tour the floating village, you will learn about the culture and way of life of those who have adapted to the ever-changing water levels. Such as their heavy reliance on fishing and farming to sustain life in their village.

For those looking to extend their journey, you can opt to take a second smaller boat through the flooded floating mangroves that surround the village for a different perspective.

4. Cambodia Landmine Museum

With Cambodia’s long history of battle and conflict, the Cambodian Landmine Museum is an impactful reminder of the lasting implications of war.

Founded by Aki Ra, a former child soldier who was forced into battle at the age of nine. Aki Ra used the museum to display the horrors landmines had on Cambodia. In doing so, he uses the proceeds to clear landmines and provide aid to wounded and orphaned children.

Providing visitors with a wealth of knowledge regarding landmines and UXOs, the museum also serves as a repository for landmines that have been found and cleared from the Cambodian countryside. Visitors can see the mines on display and learn about the process of clearing them.

3. Pub Street

Located in the heart of bustling downtown Siem Reap is Pub Street. This is a vibrant area filled with exciting nightlife, enticing restaurants, and infinite entertainment.

Pub Street is lined with countless pubs and bars. The restaurants range from street food to fine dining and traditional Cambodian to western-style menus. With cheap beers and cocktails served out of chamber pot buckets, there really is something for everyone.

Along with all of its food and drink options, there is also lively entertainment. You can enjoy live music, comedy shows, and even theater performances. The street is closed to road traffic, so there is ample space to walk around or dance. If you are looking for a memorable night out in Siem Reap, pub street is the place to be.

2. Angkor National Museum

Home to an extensive collection of artifacts, art, and sculptures from the ancient Khmer Empire is the Angkor National Museum. The museum is a great way to take a deep dive into the history and culture of this captivating country.

The main building is a grand structure spread over two floors where visitors will find a wide range of artifacts from the ancient Khmer Empire, such as clothing, weapons, tools, and jewelry.

The Angkor National Museum features more than 20,000 books and manuscripts related to Khmer culture and history. It’s an impressive resource to learn about the culture and geography surrounding you.

Make sure to look into one of the many lectures, workshops, and activities offered for a fun and educational day.

1. Visit the Temples of Angkor

Undeniably the most famous sights in all of Cambodia, drawing crowds from around the world are the temples of Angkor . Built between the 9th and 15th centuries, the temples represent the pinnacle of Khmer architecture and are recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Most recognizable is the Temple Angkor Wat. Originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the entire world. The temple is surrounded by a large moat and its walls are embellished with the longest continuous bas-relief in the world.

Don’t just stop at Angkor Wat, however, make sure to add the temples of Bayon and Ta Prohm to your list. The temples of Angkor are an astonishing legacy of the Khmer Empire and something you cannot miss while visiting the country of Cambodia.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap

There are a handful of great areas to stay in Siem Reap , so there is bound to be a spot that suits you best. Those wanting to be among the action and history should stay in the French Quarter. It’s close to some of the best attractions and boasts attractive colonial architecture.

On the edge of the quarter, you’ll find Mango Kesararam Hotel . This is a budget-friendly 3-star hotel with daily breakfast, air-conditioned rooms and private balconies. You’ll also be within walking distance of the Old Market and the famed Pub Street.

To enjoy more peace and quiet, head over the eastern side of the Siem Reap River. Here, quiet neighborhoods combine to offer a more authentic vibe and great food. It’s also home to the 5-star Central Indochine D’angkor Hotel , boasting luxurious amenities, an outdoor pool, spa house and several dining options.

How to get there

You’ll have a full breadth of options to choose from when deciding how to get to Siem Reap. Travelers will be able to fly directly from major South East Asian cities, such as Singapore, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.

Those who don’t fly directly from overseas will likely travel from Phnom Penh. You can also fly, although you’ll find buses, trains and private transport. Whichever way you choose, these on-ground journeys take from 5 to 7 hours on average.

Approximate travel times

• Phnom Penh – 5 hours by car, 6 hours by bus
• Battambang – 3 hours by car, 4 hours by bus
• Sihanoukville – 10 hours by car, 12 hours by bus
• Kampong Cham – 3.5 hours by car, 5 hours by bus
• Poipet – 2 hours by car, 3 hours by bus
• Bangkok (Thailand) – 8 hours by car, 9 hours by bus

Best Time to Visit Siem Reap

While November through to February is by far the best time weatherwise to visit Siem Reap and, of course, Angkor Wat, these are also the busiest, most expensive months. Many Europeans come for their Christmas holidays so the temples, ruins and hotels are all packed.

As the humidity is lower and there is almost no rain, the conditions are best for sightseeing and enjoying outdoor activities. Temperatures remain high at 30 to 34°C (86 to 93°F) but do cool down a bit in the evenings. This period also sees exciting boat races held for its Water Festival along the Tonle Sap River.

Despite it being the hot season and temperatures soaring to 36°C (97°F), many still visit in March and April as the monsoon hasn’t yet started. Its Giant Puppet Parade and all the fun festivities for Khmer New Year are great events to attend then.

As May to October is the rainy season, tourist numbers and prices are largely low. There is a spike in July and August though as many head here on their summer holidays. Visiting then is a bit of a lottery as you may be lucky and get clear blue skies instead of heavy tropical downpours.

Map of Things to do in Siem Reap

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Siem Reap Smart City Roadmap officially launched

The Siem Reap Smart City Roadmap is a roadmap for preparing Siem Reap to become a smart city, with a vision to be achieved by 2035.

The development of Siem Reap as a smart city by Cambodia and Siem Reap province in particular has also received the assistance of technical cooperation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) from 2020 until now.

The roadmap of the smart city of Siem Reap has also been harmonised with the relevant policy documents of the Royal Government of Cambodia, including the Siem Reap Tourism Development Master Plan 2021-2035 for construction of 38 roads in Siem Reap city and Siem Reap province, the Siem Reap city land use plan, Vision 2035, the smart city road map of the Royal Government of Cambodia, and other related plans.

The Smart City Roadmap also outlines strategies, implementation measures, and key priority projects to achieve the preparation of Siem Reap to become the ASEAN Smart City for Vision 2035. AKP

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4 Days In Siem Reap: The Best Siem Reap Itinerary

Planning on spending 4 days in Siem Reap, but not sure what exactly to do? Come check out my 4 days in Siem Reap itinerary for everything you need to know about staying in my favorite city in Cambodia. So, let’s chat about the top things to do, where to stay, accommodation, and more!

Welcome to Siem Reap! This extraordinary place is one of the main gateways into Cambodia receiving hundreds of thousands of travelers each year. The majority of people come here to check out the impressive Angkor Wat , though there are actually so many other things to do here!

Come find out the history of the country, of course, check out those impressive temples, and eat some delicious food.

I love Siem Reap, it’s actually one of my favorite cities in the world. The reason for this is that it is an equally quaint and bustling city.

There aren’t huge concrete skyscrapers and instead, it has embraced the Angkor charm. From night markets, delicious foodie spots, and of course the ever-incredible Angkor Archeological Park there is something to do here for everyone.

Of course, my 4 days in Siem Reap itinerary focuses on the above, as well as exploring some of the other history of this country and the culture. Cambodia has had a super difficult past, and I truly think you need to learn about it in order to understand the country and its people.

So now let’s get into how you should spend your 4 days in Siem Reap what to do, the best restaurants to visit, where to stay and my top tips to stay safe and have a great time.

A Siem Reap Itinerary For First-Time Visitors: 4 Days In Siem Reap

How many days to spend in siem reap, day one of your four days in siem reap, day two of the four days in siem reap itinerary.

• Day Three Of Four Days In Siem Reap

Day Four Of Four Days In Siem Reap

Siem reap travel tips.

I have actually spent quite a few weeks in Siem Reap throughout my travels around Southeast Asia. Though, that is because I simply love it here, and also I did get quite sick resulting in me having to bunker up for an extra few days.

Nevertheless, unless you are a digital nomad, I understand that you likely don’t want nor need to spend so much time in Siem Reap.

That is exactly why I have recommended you stay 4 days in Siem Reap, throughout your travels in Cambodia.

This will allow you to explore the best of Angkor Archeological Park with those early morning start, spend some afternoons relaxing and recovering, as well as discover some of Cambodia’s history, food scene, and incredible shopping opportunities.

On the first day of the 4 days in Siem Reap itinerary, we will start off slow by discovering some of the history of the country, and the famous Angkor Archeological Park. Before spending the evening discovering one of the famous sunset temples, no doubt the best way to finish a day in Siem Reap!

Morning- Angkor National Museum

Welcome to Siem Reap. To start the day off strong I will take you to my absolute favorite cafe in the city, Sister Srey Cafe . They are a social enterprise, supporting their team and the local community.

The food here is amazingly delicious and surprisingly affordable. They also have plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options for those people with dietary requirements.

Before we get into exploring the temples here in Siem Reap, it is time to learn about the history of the Khmer Kingdom. This will give you a lot greater understanding of what you see in front of you, and a greater appreciation for it all.

The Angkor National Museum focuses on the collection, preservation, and education of Angkorian artifacts. Inside the museum is wonderfully air-conditioned so you can spend as long as you like here without struggling in the Cambodian heat.

It is located 1.5 kilometers from the center of town, so up to you whether you would like to walk or pay a couple of dollars for a tuk-tuk.

Afternoon- Cambodia Landmine Museum & APOPO Center

Time for lunch! I recommend heading to The Christa Restaurant for some delicious local dishes. They also have a decent vegetarian menu where you can try local dishes but without the meat.

Tofu amok anybody? As a vegetarian myself, it can sometimes suck not being able to try some of the local dishes because they contain meat. Though finding awesome restaurants like this makes life a lot easier.

The second stop of the day is the Cambodia Landmine Museum and APOPO Center. Though, first up is the Cambodia Landmine Museum.

You may find it surprising to learn that Cambodia has nearly the most landmines in the world. This is from decades of civil war, the Khmer Rouge, and US bombings. Here you will learn about how this has affected the country and its people. There are a lot of unexploded ordinances in rural Siem Reap and further afield around Cambodia.

Next, we will head to the APOPO Center to check out HeroRATs. This is certainly one of the unique experiences on this itinerary, so prepare to be amazed by the incredible skills these rats have.

You would have already learned about the unexploded ordinances in Cambodia, and the effort that goes into finding and disarming them. Though, you will learn about a creative solution to this, the incredible HeroRATs that have been trained to detect TNT under the soil.

Evening – Sunset At Angkor Archeological Park

One of the best things you can do in the evening while in Siem Reap is go for sunset at Angkor Archeological Park. It is super easy to take a tuk-tuk there and all the drivers know about this not-so-secret, secret.

You can either find a tuk-tuk driver once you arrive in the city or alternatively do a bit of research and find one online in advance. I have done both of these methods and had zero issues.

So you are able to purchase your tickets to Angkor Archeological Park from their main offices for the following day, or days, then head straight into the park to experience the sunset. Y

our tuk-tuk driver will pick you up from your accommodation with more than enough time to purchase your ticket, do a little bit of exploring, and catch an epic sunset.

One of the most popular temples to experience the sunset from is called Phnom Bakheng. This is also the temple we visited for sunset, it was busy, but not overwhelming. Just know you won’t have it all to yourself.

The temple is tall enough for the perfect view over the jungle where you can watch the sunset over the horizon and the sky change to beautiful hues of pink and orange.

It’s our second day on the Siem Reap itinerary, and no doubt this is the day you have been waiting for, to experience the famous Angkor Wat. Though that’s only one of the incredible temples you will experience today. After that, it is time to relax as it is a very early start for sunrise.

Morning- Sunrise At Angkor Wat & The Small Circuit Of Angkor Archeological Park

Today will be an early start with your tuk-tuk driver picking you up directly from your accommodation. Today you will be doing the small circuit of Angkor Archeological Park .

Essentially there are two different loops you can do, and we will do both in this Siem Reap itinerary. Though today we will focus on the small circuit that’ll take you around the most popular temples in Siem Reap, so be prepared for a lot of tourists.

Angkor Wat: This is no doubt the most famous part of the Angkor Archeological Park that put Siem Reap on the map and that flag. You will come here for sunrise and join the crowds as you watch it rise over one of the ponds out front (it’s a pretty epic reflection).

You will see plenty of monks here offering blessings for a donation, which is a pretty popular thing to do here. After sunrise head inside and marvel at the grandeur of it all. You can also climb the extremely steep steps to the temple in the center.

There is usually a line, but you do get quite an epic view up the top. Once you have finished exploring I recommend heading to one of the nearby cafes for a quick breakfast to fuel you for more exploring.

Phnom Bakheng: This is the same temple you visited last night for sunset. As you will be seeing a lot of temples today, most people choose to skip visiting Phnom Bakheng for a second time during the daytime.

Bayon: This is another one of those famous temples in Angkor Archaeological Park. It is located at the center of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. One of the things that set this temple apart from the rest is all the faces built into the facade looking outward of the building.

It truly is impressive thinking about how these were carved out and built. There are actually 216 faces here, though who’s face it is has been of controversy between historians, either the former king, Jayavarman VII, or the face of the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokitesvara.

Baphuon : This is a huge temple with a staircase leading to an awesome view. Though because the architecture isn’t as outstanding as some of the other nearby temples some people choose to skip this one. Because of that reason, if you do decide to visit this one it is likely you will nearly have it to yourself.

Terrace Of Elephants: This is a 300-meter terrace where the king would watch events along with the people of Angkor. The elephants are impressively carved out of the terrace, giving it its name. You can find it close by to Baphuon.

Thommanon & Chau Say Tevoda: These temples are located just after the east gate of Angkor Thom. The drawcard here is the perfectly preserved Aspara carvings. Though this is another spot that some tourists choose to skip. At this point in the day, you are no doubt feeling a bit of exhaustion from the early wake-up and heat.

Ta Keo: Here you can climb the extremely steep stairs to reach the top for an awesome view. Inside the small temple of can also find a shrine to Buddha.

Ta Prohm: This is the last of the super impressive temples of will visit on the small circuit today. It is also located on a huge ground, so prepare to spend quite a bit of time here exploring and being in awe of how nature has taken over.

Because of the popularity of this temple, you will need to follow a set walkway while exploring. The big drawcard here is it is the filming location of the Tomb Raider movie. Expect to find a lot of large tour groups here as well. Though in my experience everyone was pretty well-behaved and took turns taking photos.

Banteay Kdei: This is one of the last temples you will visit, though it is still pretty amazing. Here you can find incredible carvings and parts giving away to time, crumbling away. There is also a large tree at the back growing on one of the walls.

Srah Srang: You’ll find Srah Srang just across from Banteay Kdei. Here is a huge man-made lake where you can check out a beautiful reflection of the sky and relax.

Afternoon- Relax Around The Pool

Now no doubt you are tired after all that exploring, so the rest of today is going to be pretty chill. I recommend grabbing a delicious lunch at New Leaf Eatery .

This is another social enterprise where they put their profits towards supporting educational projects in the community. They have a heap of vegan options and use ethically sourced ingredients.

Now with a belly full, I recommend lazing around a pool. Now your hotel may have a pool, in that case perfect! Though if you are like me and book local guesthouses it is unlikely your accommodation has a pool.

Nevertheless, there is no need to worry as there are plenty of swimming pools available to use in Siem Reap for a fee that can be put towards food and drinks. If you do decide to do this option then best to skip the above lunch and just eat at the pool.

You will probably be surprised to see how many swimming pools are available to use in Siem Reap, though for ease I recommend booking one near your accommodation. Siemreap.Net has an extensive list of pools and Can Travel Will Travel has a list of the best ones for travelers.

Evening- Pub Street

To finish off our second day on the 4 days in Siem Reap itinerary it is time to hit up Pub Street. Now depending on what type of traveler you are will certainly determine how your night is going to go. Nevertheless, I recommend hitting up some of the local street food stalls before tucking into any $1.00 or 50-cent beers.

The later the night gets the more chaotic the streets start to become. This is undoubtedly a party spot, with bars playing loud music and offering many different types of drinking games. Try out some deep-fried bugs from one of the street food sellers, and dance the night away.

Day Three Of 4 Days In Siem Reap

Time for day three of our Siem Reap itinerary. Since the Angkor Archeological Park ticket is valid for 3 days to can always switch day 3 and day 4 of the itinerary around if you are feeling like you need a break from all of the temples.

Morning- Small Circuit Of Angkor Archeological Park

Up to you whether you would like to experience the sunrise, or have a little bit of a sleep-in. Personally, I chose the latter so we grabbed a good breakfast to fuel us for the day before setting off for some temple exploring.

If you are keen to get some food beforehand as well I recommend choosing somewhere close to your accommodation so you can still set off relatively early.

The small circuit of Angkor Archeological Park is what we will be exploring today. This is more of the lowkey temples so it will be quite a different experience from yesterday.

You won’t be running into those huge crowds, and even if these temples aren’t as popular when you nearly have them to yourself it makes the experience a whole lot more magical.

Preah Khan: This is certainly one of the more stand-out temples in the grand circuit. At the entrance, you will find statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk leading down the central hallway. In here you will find little spots to explore and be amazed by the well-preserved carvings.

Neak Pean: Along a large walkway you will eventually come across Neak Pean. Here you can find a large lake and quite a few swampy areas. This is a good spot to grab a refreshment or fresh fruit.

Ta Som: At Ta Som, you can find some of the most vibrantly colored carvings in all of the Angkor Archeological Park. This is what sets this temple apart from the rest. This was one of my favorite temples as you can see Mother Nature taking over, though without all the crowds of Ta Prohm.

East Mebon: The temple is similar to Pre Rup, though with fewer stairs resulting in no view. As you enter through a small doorway the courtyard will open up to an incredible view of the temple.

Pre Rup: Make sure you have plenty of water as you will need to climb up some pretty steep stairs to reach the top. There are no handrails, so if you have a fear of heights or vertigo, this may not be the temple for you. Nevertheless, the view from the top makes it all worth it as you can check out the ruins below you.

Afternoon- Massage Time

After you have spent the morning exploring it is time for lunch. An excellent option is Tevy’s Place . This is a delicious and affordable locally run spot. The owner trains her all-female team to cook and serve some delicious Khmer and Western food. They also have vegetarian and vegan options.

Now after two days of exploring the best temples in Cambodia, you deserve a bit of a relax. That is why it is time for a massage.

Siem Reap has an assortment of excellent spas. Whether you are looking for a comfortable and modern 5-star service or something that will be easy on the wallet. There is something here for everyone.

A full body massage will generally set you back about $20.00+ whereas a 30-minute foot massage generally costs only a couple of dollars. Be aware the closer you are to the touristy area, the more the prices will be.

Though this is Southeast Asia where you can get some of the cheapest massages in the world, an affordable choice is never too far away.

Evening- Night Market

Even if you are not a shopper, spending an evening at one of the night markets here in Siem Reap is an excellent chance to see some beautiful local artworks and clothing, and also try delicious food.

In Siem Reap, there are quite a few night markets on offer, though one of the best ones is called Angkor Night Market. Here you can find souvenirs and handicrafts made by the local Khmer community.

I recommend finding a spot nearby to the night market for a delicious dinner. Next to the old market, you can find Chan Kim Lun Restaurant which I quite enjoyed when dining with a large group in Siem Reap.

The menu is literally as thick as a bible with plenty of photos, so they can literally cater to every taste. It is an affordable option where you can easily order a few different options without breaking the bank.

Now at this stage, you may be feeling a little templed out. No worries, I completely understand.

Today we will be exploring another area of Siem Reap known as Tonle Sap Lake, partake in a cooking class so you can replicate some of the delicious local foods you have tried back at home, and finish the 4 days in Siem Reap itinerary off by visiting the famous Phare Cambodia Circus.

Morning- Tonle Sap Lake Tour

Now it is an early start today so it is best to grab something to nibble on the night before while you journey to Tonle Sap Lake through rural villages. There are plenty of tours you can choose from to book with .

On the tour, you will be taken to the floating village called Mechrey checking out the floating market and floating houses. You will have the experience to witness how these people live in Siem Reap and at one with the lake. The money from the tour directly goes towards the community in Mechrey.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michael Yamashita (@yamashitaphoto)

Daytime- Cooking Class

Typically you will be back around 1pm from your Tonle Sap Lake Tour, and before you start thinking about lunch. It is time to do a cooking class where you will be able to eat to your heart’s content.

Held in a beautiful garden setting this Khmer Cooking Class will have your mouth drooling and your stomach rumbling. From appetizers, salads, curries, and desserts, you will not be leaving hungry. You will also be given a recipe booklet so you can make the dishes you learned back at home.

Evening- Phare Cambodian Circus

Lastly, it is time to finish off the 4 days in Siem Reap itinerary with the famous Phare Cambodian Circus . This is a Cirque du Soliel-like production by local performers.

The circus is actually a social enterprise designed to encourage performance art in the country and provide opportunities to the youth from low socioeconomic areas.

There are two different show timings per night so you can decide what best fits your schedule, and there are three different seating areas, with the best costing around $38.00. The show lasts around 1 hour and showcases Khmer theater, dance, music, juggling, and contortionism.

Now you have your 4 days in Siem Reap itinerary it is time to give you my top travel tips. These will help you have a fantastic time in the city and know what to expect when you are there.

Safety While In Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a relatively safe place. Of course, there is the exception of the many scams you will find in Asian countries. Sure there won’t be people waiting to steal your bag or gang ready to snatch you away. But Siem Reap is actually one of the poorest areas in Cambodia so you still need to be cautious.

The main thing I will say is to be careful of snatch thieves. Basically, this is someone who will drive past you on a motorbike and snatch your phone/wallet/handbag away.

Since they are on a motorbike and you are on foot there is no way you can catch them. Whether you are looking at your phone for directions, opening up your wallet to pay for a cold drink, or simply walking down the road with your bag over your shoulder, be extra careful and pay attention to your surroundings.

Don’t drink the water out of the tap. It is easy to find bottled water here through the local corner store or hostels will do free refills.

Where To Stay In Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a popular destination for travelers of all types so you will find accommodation for all budgets. Whether you are looking for a taste of 5-star luxe, an affordable guesthouse, or a hostel where you can meet other travelers, there is something here for everyone.

Though in my eyes, there are two things you need to be aware of when booking accommodation in Siem Reap. The first is I highly HIGHLY recommend booking a room with air conditioning.

My partner and I traveled Southeast Asia for the first time without staying in air-conditioned rooms. Now there are only a few places we struggled, but one of them was Siem Reap. The daytime heat is just next level.

Secondly is that there are a heap of power cuts in Siem Reap like A LOT. Therefore depending on where you book, if the power goes out, there goes your air conditioning.

Now I don’t mean to sound like a princess, but I have had the power go out here for 24 hours. Nicer hotels will have generators that will boost into action in a power cut, though guesthouses and more affordable choices will not.

My personal favorite place to stay in Siem Reap is called the Royal Crown Hotel & Spa . They have two different pools you can use, a quick 5-minute walk from the Old Market, beautiful rooms, and delicious food options on-site.

I actually got quite sick in Siem Reap and we ended up bunkering up here in this hotel for a week.

We have also stayed in a couple of guesthouses and more affordable hotels in Siem Reap. Seriously you can find decent hotels here with a pool and air conditioning for as little as $20.00 per night.

If you have someone else to share the room with this works out to $10.00 per person, for a place you would pay $100.00+ a night out of Southeast Asia.

Where To After Your Siem Reap Itinerary

When you have finished up your adventures in Siem Reap it is super easy to continue your adventures here. Or perhaps even pass into one of the neighboring countries. You can find an international airport here in Siem Reap with plenty of connections to other Southeast Asian countries.

International: If you want to get to other neighboring countries from Siem Reap it is super easy to travel to Bangkok . There are plenty of bus connections available. Another option is Pakse in Laos , though bus connections are a lot less common as it is a less frequented route. This one may take a bit more planning.

Domestic: Unless you are planning on flying it isn’t super easy to get to the islands in Cambodia from Siem Reap. Instead, Battambang is an up-and-coming city on the tourist trail thanks to the bamboo train . Alternatively, you can travel to Phnom Penh and then to other parts of Cambodia from there.

Any Questions? Let me know in the comments!

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.

Photo credit: “ Phare Circus ” ( CC BY 2.0 ) by Austin Adventures . “ APOPO Visitor Center ” ( CC BY 2.0 ) by Hotel Kaesong .

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Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

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Best way to travel: Siem Reap to Battambang and Battambang t - Cambodia Forum

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It's possible we could squeeze in a stop at Chi Phat after Battambang and before Kampot . We understand this adds some complications when it comes to transport. If we can do that, what are the best alternatives for transport.

6 replies to this topic

Best is relative. Most people would probably make the journey with one of the public minibus or coach services. Ibis is often recommended:

https://www.giantibis.com/

You can find other services here:

https://camboticket.com/

https://bookmebus.com/en

If you hire a private driver they will stop wherever you want.

Hello again icicleCreek

Siem Reap to Battambang and vice versa.: Your best choice is to use the VET - Vireak Bunthan services. Exactly three hours if travelling in one of their light buses or circa 2.5 hours if travelling in one of their Toyota VIP Vans or a privately hired car . Bookings can be made either online in advance or in person at their office/terminal in either Siem Reap or Battambang depending upon your direction of travel.

Please see: https://vireakbuntham.com/

There is NO direct bus or van service from Battambang to Kep or Kampot or vice versa. But one can economically and comfortable travel between Battambang and Phnom Penh and connect with other onward services to Kampot if you research your timings options. For travel from Battambang to Phnom Penh the most comfortable and spacious is the VET (Vireak Buntham) Air Bus Express, and more cheaply so on their numerous daily van services throughout the day. This route is also well served by Saly VIP Transport and I have no hesitation using either. In Battambang, both Vireak Buntham and Saly offices/terminals are in the same street and only circa 75 metres apart. For Saly I simply wander into their office the day before I wish to travel and make and pay for my seat choice based on availability off their seating plan.

Please note that VET- Vireak Buntham, post Covid - 19 is the dominant and most prolific provider of assorted transport and logistic services in Cambodia and, therefore, tends to have more services and "classes" of travel options to destination throughout the day.

Please note that travel time between Phnom Penh and Battambang has been reduced from five hours to four hours due to using the very good new express way from the Thai border town of Poipet to outer Phnom Penh. This express way bypasses most towns that the old route former passed through.

I hope that this is of some assistance.

Ian/Angkorlad

Thank you both! Oh so helpful.

Hello again IcicleCreek

But as at least one or more of our regular and very knowledgeable forum posters reside in Kampot, I think it better that I leave such advice to them.

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Siem reap – angkor international airport (sai): a comprehensive guide to the new airport, angkor visitor code of conduct, expat families in siem reap: your guide to the city’s best international schools, top 10 activities for children in siem reap (updated in 2024), siem reap’s best souvenir & night markets to visit in 2023, top experiences for the adventurous in siem reap, the best places to shop for unique gifts and souvenirs in siem reap.

Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport, bearing the IATA code ‘SAI,’ celebrated its grand opening on October 16, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the realm of Cambodian aviation. This monumental event established it as Cambodia’s largest airport with a remarkable capacity to accommodate an annual influx of 58,000 flights and 7 million passengers .

This comprehensive guide serves as your trusted resource, ensuring a seamless travel experience through Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport and onwards to your accommodations .

Located approximately 45 kilometers east of downtown Siem Reap , the airport is strategically positioned to serve as the primary gateway for travelers embarking on a journey to the renowned Angkor Wat complex .

The location of the new airport, in comparison to the old airport which was just 5 km from town, was chosen due to several reasons, including:

• Allowing long-haul direct flights with larger airplanes to accommodate international travelers, particularly tourists from America and Europe;
• Facilitating more domestic and international flights to meet the expected growth in tourism numbers;
• Minimizing the impact of vibrations and air pollution on the Angkor Archaeological Park and Siem Reap town;
• Providing space for the ever-expanding city of Siem Reap, which is poised to introduce various new tourism attractions and a whole new city named Grand Siem Reap . This new city, located just 8 km from the new airport, will feature residential, commercial, and tourism zones, further enhancing the area’s development;

For a visual representation of the airport’s location in proximity to Siem Reap town and the Angkor Wat temple complex, consult the Google map below.

Getting to and from the New Siem Reap Airport

Accessing the airport is facilitated by the newly constructed “Angkor Highway”, reducing travel time considerably. This 24.5-kilometer highway, commencing near national road 6 at the 294 km marker, has alleviated some traffic congestion. Nevertheless, despite this new route, the total distance between Siem Reap town and the airport remains at approximately 45 km with an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 15 minutes . Anticipate further reductions in travel times in the coming years, thanks to improved road connections and a light-rail line project currently under a feasibility study by the Cambodian government.

Official Transportation Options & Prices

Travelers have 3 official transport options available to get to and from Siem Reap Airport:

• Private car (up to 7 persons): $35 per vehicle;
• Mini-van (8 to 15 persons): $40 per vehicle;
• Shuttle bus service: $8 a person for a single trip or $15 for a return ticket;

Airport Shuttle Bus Service: Schedule, Drop-off Points, Pick-up Points

From Siem Reap airport, shuttle buses depart to town at 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm, 10:00pm and will bring you directly to CDF Angkor Duty Free Store in downtown Siem Reap (Wat Bo area). From there you can travel to your hotel by rickshaw or tuk-tuk which should only take a couple of minutes.

For travelers heading from Siem Reap town to the airport, the shuttle service departs from CDF at 5:30am, 7:00am, 8:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 4:30pm and 7:00pm.

New: Airport Shuttle Express by Cambodia Post

Thanks to this recently added shuttle bus service by Cambodia Post , travelers have even more transport options to get to and from Siem Reap Airport. At $8 a person, the cost is equally affordable as the official shuttle bus.

From Siem Reap airport, shuttle buses depart to town at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 15:00pm, 16:30pm, 18:00pm, 20:00pm. The drop-off point is at the Siem Reap Post Office along the riverside in the center of town. Depending on the location of your hotel, this may be a more convenient drop-off point than CDF Angkor Duty Free Store.

For travelers heading towards the airport, shuttle buses depart from the Siem Reap Post Office at 7:00am, 9:00am, 11:00am, 12:30pm, 14:00pm, 15:30pm, 17:00pm.

Other Transportation Options

In addition to the official transport options provided by the airport, travelers currently have a range of alternative choices:

• Private taxi services , priced at approximately 25 USD per car;
• Private shuttle services , available at around 12 USD per person, which is slightly more expensive than the official service, but available 24/7 with direct drop-off at your hotel;
• Taxi-booking platforms like Grab or the local variant PassApp. Consider booking a private car, as tuk-tuks or rickshaws may not be allowed to enter the airport;

It’s important to note that the availability and regulation of these alternative services may change in the future. For the latest updates, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our contact form , Facebook , or Instagram .

Airport Parking Rates

For those considering using their own transportation to or from the airport, it’s essential to note the available parking spaces and associated rates:

• Type A vehicles (normal cars with up to 7 seats / trucks with a load capacity under 2 tons): 4000 riels (1 USD) for the initial 30 minutes, and 2000 riels (0.5 USD) for every additional 30 minutes.
• Type B vehicles (medium buses with 8 to 19 seats / trucks with a load capacity from 2 to 5 tons): 5000 riels (1.25 USD) for the first 30 minutes, and 3000 riels (0.75 USD) for each extra 30 minutes.
• Type C vehicles (large buses with 20 to 56 seats / trucks with a load capacity above 5 tons): 8000 riels (2 USD) for the initial 30 minutes, and 4000 riels (1 USD) for every additional 30 minutes.

Please note that motorcycles, tuk-tuks, and rickshaws are prohibited from parking in this area. Remember, parking is at your own risk, and the airport cannot be held responsible for any property loss or damage incurred.

Airlines and Destinations

The following 10 airline companies operate at the airport:

• AirAsia: International flights to / from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;
• AirAsia Thailand: International flights to / from Bangkok – Don Mueang Airport, Thailand;
• Bangkok Airways: International flights to / from Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand;
• International flights to / from Da Nang, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam;
• Domestic flights to / from Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville;
• China Eastern Airlines: International flights to / from Kunming and Shanghai – Pudong Airport in China;
• Lao Airlines: International flights to / from Pakse, Laos;
• Singapore Airlines: International flights to / from Singapore;
• Sky Angkor Airlines: International flights to / from Seoul – Incheon Airport, South Korea;
• Thai Smile: International flights to / from Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand;
• International flights to / from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam;
• International flights to Luang Prabang in Laos;

While currently serving a limited number of destinations, there are strong indications of upcoming developments. Rumors have circulated about potential direct flights to and from India, promising to facilitate seamless travel for passengers from the Indian subcontinent. Additionally, an agreement with Qatar Airways is reportedly in the works, which could open up new routes connecting Siem Reap to an even wider global audience.

Airport Departures – What to Expect

While the domestic departure zone is on the ground floor, international travelers should ensure they are dropped off at the first floor.

Upon entering the international departures terminal , travelers will encounter a modern and spacious environment designed to meet their various needs. This includes convenient amenities such as a currency exchange booth, a coffee shop, luggage wrapping services, charging stations, and water refill stations. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available as well throughout the airport!

Airport Arrivals – What to Expect

Upon your arrival at Siem Reap Airport, if you don’t already have a Cambodian visa , you’ll need to apply for a visa-on-arrival before proceeding through immigration. ATMs and an exchange booth are available should you require US dollars for the visa fee.

Cambodia uses  two currencies: Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollar (USD) . However, the visa-on-arrival can only be paid in US Dollar. Don’t miss our article about safely exchanging money in Siem Reap !

After clearing immigration, a brief walk will lead you to the baggage claim area and the airport exit. Once outside, you can easily arrange transportation to Siem Reap town using the previously mentioned options. Additionally, travelers will find several booths offering local SIM cards with prepaid mobile data plans to stay connected during their visit. During our latest visit, Cambodia’s 3 main mobile carriers were available: Metfone , Cellcard , and Smart Mobile .

Technical Details

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport covers an area of approximately 700 hectares and holds a 4E category, featuring a runway capable of accommodating larger long-haul aircraft. With 56 gates for passengers, it represents Cambodia’s commitment to modernizing its air travel infrastructure.

In conclusion, the recent opening of Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport ushers in a new era of travel possibilities. However, as this airport is still in its early days, we anticipate numerous changes on the horizon. These changes may include a broader range of direct flights, the introduction of new airline carriers, potentially more flexible transport options into town, the addition of new shops and restaurants, and an overall enhanced passenger experience.

We’re dedicated to keeping this article current and accurate, and we welcome your input. If you have feedback or come across new information regarding the airport, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are available through our contact form or the comment section below.

Safely Exchanging Money in Siem Reap: Tips and Trusted Currency Exchange Services

Overland travel from phnom penh to siem reap, cambodia visa requirements, 19 comments.

Airport-town transfer is too expensive. The Airport Shuttle Bus Service is too seldom. Minimum should be hourly service.

Best regards Juergen

True, but also have a look at the private transport options that we mention in this article. And don’t forget that the airport just opened. We think more transport options can be expected in the future when flights increase. We agree that an hourly shuttle bus service is a must and would make the cost of transport into town more reasonable at 8usd for a single / 15usd for a return ticket.

Is there any long term car park in the airport ? I want to make a trip abroad, starting from SAI and returning to SAI, leaving my car for about 5 days. What do you offer as long term car park ? Thanks for reply. Christian

Hi Christian, thanks for your comment. Last time when i visited SAI airport, the long-term car park was not available yet. This was about 3 weeks ago (last week of October).

Hi Christian, we just added more information about parking options and prices at SAI airport.

Is the private transport option like taxi readily available at the airport.

Yes, private taxis / minivans are available at the airport without booking upfront. However, there may be some waiting time depending on the number of travelers arriving at the same time. If this is an issue for you, then we recommend to book in advance through one of the services mentioned in this post.

Hi, how much time should we consider for arrival at the airport (to get luggage, get a Cambodian visa and go through immigration) and also when leaving (how long before the flight) ?

I will be arriving from Bangkok and also returnin to Bangkok after my stay in Siem Reap.

Thanks a lot

Not an easy question. It depends on the number of travelers arriving simultaneously at the airport. As it’s high season, I would count about 45min to apply for the tourist visa, pass through immigration and pick up your luggage. Going back to Bangkok, i would recommend to arrive at the airport minimum 1,5 hour before your flight.

May I know if SIA (new airport) also accepts E-Visa. Thanks & BR, Prakash.

Hi, yes they accept e-visas at the new airport (SIA). Also read our guide about visa requirements to enter Cambodia .

Having worked at an Airport Myself in England. It’s wonderful to learn that South East Asia is really Progressing under the Sino Belt and Road Initiative. I understand that the Airport would be: “Owned” By China for 50 years; after which it would be given back to the Cambodia People.

State-of-the-Art 21St Century Infrastructure is always very impressive.

All Credits to the Cambodian People and it’s Forward thinking partners in Asia and around the World! And Angkor Wat Temple is a Unesco World Heritage Site!

Thank you for your kind words! 🙏🏽

Hi. Can evisas be used at the new airport.

Hi Louise. Yes, e-visas are fine.

Hello~ Are there restaurants to eat there?

There are currently just a few restaurants as the airport has only opened a few months ago.

Where does the shuttle service drop off?

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