Siem Reap Travel Guide
City City in Siem Reap, gateway to Angkor Wat
Angkor’s temples are the obvious reason people come to Siem Reap, but the town’s night markets, Tonlé Sap boat piers and tuk-tuk choreography are the daily reality. Go at dawn for Angkor Wat, then settle down to fish amok and Apsara performances.
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Why Visit Siem Reap? #
Siem Reap is a leading reason to visit Cambodia for its proximity to the Angkor temple complex and the living heritage of Khmer culture, including apsara dance performances. Beyond sunrise at Angkor Wat, the Old Market and Pub Street neighborhoods serve up Khmer cuisine-try fish amok-and lively markets that highlight crafts and performances. The mix of monumental archaeology, traditional dance and a compact tourist center makes the city irresistible to history and culture seekers.
Who's Siem Reap For?
Siem Reap’s boutique resorts, sunset temple visits at Phnom Bakheng and quiet Tonlé Sap boat rides suit couples seeking a mix of romance and exploration. Riverside guesthouses and spa treatments add intimate options.
The dining scene ranges from Khmer street food at the Old Market to high‑end restaurants near Pub Street. Cooking classes, night markets and local rice‑field dining experiences give food lovers plenty to try.
Siem Reap has a large, well‑established hostel scene around Pub Street and the Old Market, with cheap guesthouses and tour desks catering to budget travelers exploring Angkor and nearby villages.
Pub Street and the surrounding bars offer a lively nightlife circuit with clubs, live music and night markets. After the temple days, the town crowds gather to eat, drink and socialise late into the evening.
Beyond temple cycling routes, you can kayak Tonlé Sap, take off‑road countryside tours or explore less‑visited temples by bicycle. Day trips and guided treks add variety for active visitors.
Good cafés, several coworking spaces and reliable hotel Wi‑Fi make Siem Reap workable for short‑term remote work. The cost of living is reasonable and international flights make it an accessible base.
Top Things to Do in Siem Reap
All Attractions ›
- Angkor Wat - Early-morning sunrise at Angkor Wat reveals intricate bas-reliefs and vast temple galleries.
- Bayon Temple (Angkor Thom) - Bayon in Angkor Thom features over two hundred enigmatic stone faces carved into towers.
- Ta Prohm - Ta Prohm's massive tree roots weave through ruins, creating cinematic jungle-temple encounters.
- Kompong Phluk (Tonlé Sap floating village) - Kompong Phluk's seasonal stilt houses and flooded forests illustrate riverine Cambodian life.
- Angkor National Museum - Angkor National Museum contextualizes Khmer art and history through well-curated exhibits and multimedia.
- Les Artisans d'Angkor workshop - Watch artisans revive traditional carving and weaving techniques, with sellable handcrafted souvenirs available.
- Phare Cambodian Circus - Phare's energetic performances mix theater, acrobatics, and social enterprise storytelling.
- Wat Bo - Wat Bo features vivid mural paintings and quieter worshippers compared with busier city temples.
- Made in Cambodia Market - Made in Cambodia Market gathers quality local crafts, fair-trade goods, and approachable artisans.
- Roluos Group (Preah Ko, Bakong, Lolei) - Roluos Group holds early Angkorian temples with peaceful courtyards and authentic atmosphere.
- Banteay Srei - Banteay Srei's pink sandstone carvings showcase exceptionally detailed 10th-century Khmer sculpture.
- Phnom Kulen National Park - Phnom Kulen offers a sacred reclining Buddha, waterfall swims, and carved riverbed lingas.
- Beng Mealea - Beng Mealea's collapsed corridors and vines invite adventurous exploration away from larger temple crowds.
- Kompong Khleang floating village - Kompong Khleang is life on stilts, offering a quieter, more authentic float-village experience.
Where to Go in Siem Reap #
Old Market & Pub Street
This is Siem Reap’s tourist heartbeat: restaurants, bars, massage places and souvenir stalls packed into a few lively blocks. It’s convenient for first-time visitors and suits anyone who wants social evenings and easy temple-trip bookings. Expect crowds and late nights.
Top Spots
- Pub Street - the nightlife and dining strip where most visitors congregate.
- Old Market (Psar Chas) - handicrafts, clothes and local produce by day.
- Night Market - street-food stalls and souvenir stands after sunset.
Angkor Road / Temple Belt
Where Siem Reap meets the temples: this strip is functional for Angkor visits and houses many tour operators and guide services. It’s quieter at night, with accommodations focused on early starts for temple sunrises. Useful for serious temple-goers.
Top Spots
- Angkor Archaeological Park access - the starting point for sunrise Angkor Wat trips.
- Small museums and art shops - places to learn about Khmer history and crafts.
- Temple-route guesthouses - lodgings geared to early departures for temple visits.
Wat Bo / Pub Street Fringe
Wat Bo and the nearby streets are where you’ll find quieter cafés, small galleries and boutique hotels. It’s a good choice when you want to be close to Pub Street but prefer lower noise and more character in your accommodation.
Top Spots
- Wat Bo Road cafés - a cluster of boutique cafés and bakeries popular with expats.
- Artisan workshops - small studios selling restored Khmer crafts.
- Boutique hotels - quieter, more design-forward stays off the main drag.
Slor Kram Riverside
Along the river, Slor Kram mixes relaxed meals with evening markets and a slower pace than Pub Street. It’s family-friendly and easy to walk into town or head out to the temples. Good for travelers who want a blend of convenience and calm.
Top Spots
- Siem Reap Riverfront - riverside restaurants and bars with a relaxed vibe.
- Local weekend markets - stalls and craft sellers along the riverbanks.
- Guesthouses and mid-range hotels - popular with families and longer stays.
Plan Your Visit to Siem Reap #
Best Time to Visit Siem Reap #
Visit Siem Reap between November and February for the coolest, driest weather-ideal for exploring Angkor without oppressive heat or daily rains. The rainy months (May-October) make temples dramatic and green, while March-May is intensely hot.
Best Time to Visit Siem Reap #
Siem Reap's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 19°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1387 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 2 mm.
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February
February is warm, feeling like 28°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (177 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (200 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (200 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (263 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (211 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.
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How to Get to Siem Reap
Siem Reap is served primarily by Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI); overland bus and minivan services link the city to Phnom Penh, Battambang and border crossings with Thailand. There is no regular passenger rail service to Siem Reap, so most visitors arrive by air or road.
Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI): The city’s main airport is Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, about 7-10 km from the city centre. From the airport you can take a tuk‑tuk into town (typically US$3-6, 15-25 minutes), a metered or fixed‑fare airport taxi (roughly US$10-15, 15-20 minutes), or a hotel/airport transfer arranged in advance (prices vary). Grab operates intermittently in Siem Reap but availability can be limited compared with Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH): If you arrive at Phnom Penh, you can reach Siem Reap by a short domestic flight to SAI (about 45 minutes) or by overland bus/minivan. Overland journeys from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap take about 5-6 hours and cost around US$10-15 on reputable operators; flying is faster but typically more expensive.
Train: There is no regular passenger train service to Siem Reap. Cambodia’s passenger rail network does not provide a practical rail option for reaching Siem Reap, so overland travel is done by bus, minivan or road transfer.
Bus: Multiple private bus and minivan operators serve Siem Reap from Phnom Penh, Battambang and the Thai border (Poipet/Bangkok). Reliable companies such as Giant Ibis and Mekong Express run Phnom Penh ⇄ Siem Reap (about 5-6 hours, roughly US$10-15) with arrivals/departures at central Siem Reap bus stops near the town/Old Market area. From Battambang the trip is about 2-3 hours (typically US$3-7). Cross‑border services from Bangkok via Poipet take around 6-8 hours (including the border crossing) and generally cost US$10-25 depending on operator and inclusions.
How to Get Around Siem Reap
Siem Reap is best navigated by tuk‑tuk for short trips and private day hires for the Angkor temple circuit; they're flexible and affordable. For longer intercity journeys use reputable bus/minivan operators, and rent a bike or scooter only if you're comfortable with local traffic and road conditions.
- Tuk‑tuk (US$2-25) - Tuk‑tuks are the most convenient and common way to get around town and to the Angkor temple complex. Short trips across the town typically cost US$2-6; a full‑day hire for temple circuits is commonly negotiated at about US$15-25. Always agree the price before you ride (there is usually no meter) and confirm whether waiting time or multiple stops are included.
- Taxi / Private car (and Grab) (US$10-30) - Metered taxis and private cars are available for airport transfers and longer trips; fares are higher than tuk‑tuks but more comfortable for luggage or groups. Airport fixed taxis into town run around US$10-15. Grab operates in Cambodia but coverage in Siem Reap can be inconsistent - use it when available and compare quoted fares with local taxi prices.
- Bicycle (US$1-5/day) - Bicycles are a popular, quiet way to explore the town and nearby temples in the shoulder hours (early morning/late afternoon). Daily rental is cheap (often US$1-5/day) and many guesthouses rent sturdy bikes. Avoid cycling on busy roads at midday and be cautious on uneven surfaces around some temple sites.
- Motorbike / Scooter rental (US$5-12/day) - Scooter rental is common and gives maximum flexibility for short excursions, but road conditions and local driving habits can be challenging. Rentals typically cost around US$5-12 per day; you may be asked for a passport copy as a deposit. Always wear a helmet, check insurance/coverage with the rental company, and avoid riding at night if you're not experienced on local roads.
- Intercity bus / Minivan (US$3-15) - Reputable private operators (for example Giant Ibis, Mekong Express) run scheduled buses and VIP minivans between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Battambang, and the Thai border. Expect Phnom Penh-Siem Reap trips to take about 5-6 hours and cost around US$10-15; Battambang is roughly 2-3 hours for a few dollars. Book in advance for peak travel times and choose operators that include pickup/drop‑off and luggage handling if needed.
- Walking - Siem Reap's compact town centre is very walkable-Old Market, Pub Street and nearby temples can easily be explored on foot. Walking is the best way to soak up the markets, restaurants and evening atmosphere, but use tuk‑tuks or taxis for longer distances or temple circuits to save time and avoid the heat.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap #
- Onederz Siem Reap - Popular budget hostel, social vibe
- Angkor Hostel - Cheap dorms and private rooms
- Shinta Mani Angkor - Design hotel, attentive service
- Treasure Angkor Boutique Hotel - Comfortable mid-range stay
- Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort - Luxury resort with extensive amenities
- FCC Angkor by Avani - Historic luxury with riverside setting
- Tara Angkor Hotel - Central, easy temple access
- Angkor Palace Resort - Helpful concierge for tours
- Angkor Palace Resort & Spa - Family rooms, pool and gardens
- Heritage Suites Hotel - Spacious suites and child-friendly services
- Lotus Blanc Resort - Good Wi‑Fi and quiet workspaces
- The Cyclo Pub Street Hotel - Central with steady internet
Where to Eat in Siem Reap #
Siem Reap serves more than temples - it’s one of Southeast Asia’s friendliest food towns. Breakfast is often a quick bowl of kuy teav from a market vendor, lunch might be a sharing plate of fish amok by the riverside, and evenings fill with smoky stalls around Pub Street and Psar Chaa (Old Market). The food scene balances simple street eats with a surprising number of creative restaurants run by social enterprises and talented chefs.
Walk the Old Market and Pub Street for a sensory crash course in Khmer flavors, then book one of the small, modern restaurants for a careful reimagining of Cambodian ingredients. Whether you’re chasing fragrant coconut curries, bowls of noodles, or farm-to-table vegetable plates, Siem Reap makes sampling easy and unpretentious.
- Psar Chaa (Old Market) stalls - Morning kuy teav, grilled fish and skewers.
- Pub Street street stalls - Evening barbecued meats and banana pancakes.
- Marum - Homestyle Khmer dishes; social-enterprise training kitchen.
- Chanrey Tree - Riverside spot for classic fish amok and river fish.
- Cuisine Wat Damnak - Seasonal tasting menus reworking Cambodian ingredients.
- Viroth's Restaurant - Polished Franco-Khmer dishes near the Old Market.
- The Sugar Palm - Family-run restaurant modernizing traditional Khmer plates.
- HAVEN - Contemporary international dishes with a training-program mission.
- Chamkar - Farm-to-table Khmer with strong vegetarian choices.
- New Leaf Eatery - Casual vegan-friendly cafe, smoothies and hearty bowls.
- Marum - Reliable vegetarian Khmer options and tasting platters.
- Viroth's Restaurant - Elegant mains with several vegetable-forward preparations.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Siem Reap's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Siem Reap #
Siem Reap is Cambodia’s nighttime capital for visitors: Pub Street, the Old Market (Psar Chas) and the Angkor Night Market form a compact, energetic nightlife district with bars, clubs, rooftop lounges and street food. Live music, tourist‑friendly bars and performances (traditional dance shows or themed nights) keep things busy well into the early hours. Practical tip: carry cash, agree tuk‑tuk fares beforehand, and expect the liveliest spots to close between 2-3am on weekends.
Best Bets
- Pub Street - The tourist nightlife hub - bars, clubs and street food.
- Old Market (Psar Chas) - Evening food stalls and bars around the market area.
- Angkor Night Market - Shopping by night with food stalls and casual bars.
- Angkor What? Bar - Long‑running Pub Street bar with a lively crowd.
- Miss Wong Cocktail Bar - Popular cocktail spot for a more refined evening drink.
- Live‑music and performance venues - Check listings for acoustic nights and Khmer performances.
Shopping in Siem Reap #
Siem Reap is the country’s top shopping town for Cambodian crafts, silk, and contemporary handicrafts aimed at visitors. Psar Chas (Old Market) and the Angkor Night Market are dependable for textiles, silver and Khmer souvenirs; social enterprises like Artisans Angkor and Senteurs d’Angkor sell higher-quality handicrafts, silk and aromatherapy products. Expect fixed prices in boutiques and room to bargain in street markets.
Best Bets
- Old Market (Psar Chas) - Historic market for textiles, silver and everyday souvenirs.
- Angkor Night Market - Evening stalls with crafts, clothes and street-food snacks.
- Artisans Angkor workshop - High-quality silk, carvings and ethical craft production centre.
- Senteurs d'Angkor - Cambodian soaps, perfumes and natural skincare products.
- Made in Cambodia Market/shops - Local designers and fair-trade handicrafts in one spot.
- Lucky Mall and shopping arcades - Air-conditioned mall with clothing outlets and souvenir stalls.
Digital Nomads in Siem Reap #
Siem Reap is a compact nomad spot built around Angkor Wat tourism - it’s relaxed, cheap and very service-oriented. Cambodia offers a 30‑day tourist e‑visa (extendable) and many remote workers use the tourist or business (E) visa routes to stay longer; there is no formal “digital nomad” visa yet. Monthly living costs for a comfortable solo nomad typically run US$700-1,200 (private room, meals out, coworking/cafés). Internet in town is usable: mobile 4G averages ~15-30 Mbps and several cafés and small coworking spaces advertise 30-100 Mbps; temple areas outside town can be unreliable.
- Sister Srey Café - popular café workspace, reliable Wi‑Fi
- Blue Pumpkin - chain café, AC, steady connection
- FCC Angkor - hotel restaurant, riverside seating, decent Wi‑Fi
- The Hive Siem Reap - small coworking, day passes available
- Common Grounds - community events, coffee and desks
- Metfone (SIM) - wide 4G coverage, good in town
- Smart (SIM) - fast 4G in urban areas, affordable data
- Ezecom (fixed) - local ISP, fiber in parts of town
- Cafe Wi‑Fi spots - 30-80 Mbps at popular cafés
- Siem Reap Expats (Facebook) - active group for local tips
- Nomad meetups - irregular café meetups, check FB
- Volunteer & teaching groups - good for socializing, skill exchange
- Language exchanges - weekly gatherings, inexpensive way to meet locals
- Yoga & wellness studios - regular classes, community-friendly spaces
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