Siem Reap
Gateway to the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, Siem Reap is more than just temples. Pub Street nightlife, floating villages on TonlΓ© Sap lake, Cambodian cooking classes, and circus performances make it a destination in its own right.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Siem Reap
π Points of Interest
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πThe Rundown
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, covering 162.6 hectares β larger than Vatican City
The Angkor Archaeological Park contains over 1,000 temples built between the 9th and 15th centuries across 400 square kilometers
Siem Reap means "Siam Defeated," referencing a Khmer victory over the Thai kingdom β a name that still stirs pride locally
The Tonle Sap Lake near Siem Reap is Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, expanding from 2,500 to 16,000 sq km during monsoon season
Angkor Wat faces west (unusual for Hindu temples), possibly aligning with the setting sun to symbolize the afterlife for King Suryavarman II
Over 2.6 million tourists visited Angkor Wat in 2019, making it Cambodia's top revenue source β ticket prices start at $37 for a one-day pass
ποΈMust-See Spots
Angkor Wat
π―The crown jewel of Khmer architecture. This 12th-century temple is an immense, perfectly symmetrical complex with five lotus-bud towers, 800 meters of narrative bas-reliefs, and a moat 190 meters wide.
Bayon Temple
π―The enigmatic state temple of King Jayavarman VII, famous for its 216 serene stone faces gazing in every direction from 54 Gothic towers. The bas-reliefs depict vivid scenes of daily Khmer life.
Ta Prohm
π―The atmospheric "Tomb Raider temple" where massive silk-cotton and strangler fig trees have engulfed the stone ruins, creating a dramatic fusion of nature and architecture deliberately preserved by restorers.
Angkor Thom South Gate
πΌThe monumental entrance to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, lined with 54 devas and 54 asuras pulling a giant naga in a dramatic stone depiction of the Churning of the Sea of Milk.
Banteay Srei
π―A 10th-century temple 25 km northeast of the main complex, renowned for its intricate pink sandstone carvings that are considered the finest examples of classical Khmer art.
Pub Street & Night Market
πThe lively pedestrianized center of Siem Reap's nightlife, lined with bars, restaurants, and market stalls. Busy and touristy but an essential part of the Siem Reap experience.
Tonle Sap Floating Villages
πCommunities living entirely on water in houses, schools, and shops built on stilts or floating platforms. Kampong Phluk and Kompong Khleang offer the most authentic visits.
Angkor National Museum
ποΈA modern, well-curated museum providing essential context for understanding the Angkor temples. Galleries cover the Khmer Empire's history, religion, and artistic achievements.
πΊοΈWhere to Next
Phnom Penh
Cambodia's dynamic capital city with the Royal Palace, sobering Khmer Rouge history sites, excellent food scene, and lively riverside promenade.
Battambang
Cambodia's second city with well-preserved colonial architecture, the famous Bamboo Train, Phare circus performances, and a charming riverside atmosphere far from tourist crowds.
Luang Prabang
A UNESCO World Heritage town in Laos where gilded temples, French colonial buildings, and the Mekong River create one of Southeast Asia's most enchanting destinations.
Bangkok
Thailand's energetic capital offers world-class street food, ornate temples, modern shopping, and excellent nightlife. The Poipet border crossing is rough but cheap.
Koh Rong
Cambodia's premier island destination with white-sand beaches, bioluminescent plankton, jungle treks, and a backpacker vibe on Long Set Beach.
πHidden Gems
Beng Mealea
A sprawling 12th-century temple 70 km east of Siem Reap, largely unrestored and swallowed by jungle. Massive stone blocks lie scattered where they fell, and tree roots crack through walls.
What Ta Prohm looked like before restoration and tourism. You can explore freely with very few other visitors β a genuine Indiana Jones feeling.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
A world-class circus combining acrobatics, theater, music, and dance to tell Cambodian stories. Performers are graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak, an NGO arts school for underprivileged youth.
Far more than a tourist show β the performances are genuinely moving, the talent is exceptional, and ticket sales directly fund education for at-risk youth.
Kompong Khleang Floating Village
The largest floating community on Tonle Sap Lake, home to over 10,000 people. Unlike the more touristed Kompong Phluk, this village sees very few foreign visitors.
The most authentic floating village experience on Tonle Sap, without the tourist infrastructure (and associated hassles) of Chong Kneas or Kompong Phluk.
Siem Reap River Food Trail
The streets around Wat Bo and the old market area south of the river have excellent local restaurants and street food stalls serving authentic Cambodian dishes.
While tourists eat overpriced food on Pub Street, locals and expats eat along the river for a fraction of the price with much better quality.
Preah Khan Temple (Early Morning)
A massive 12th-century temple complex originally housing a Buddhist university for over 1,000 teachers. The tree-covered corridors and crumbling galleries feel vast and mysterious.
Most tour groups skip this or rush through. Arriving at opening time (7:30 AM) means you can explore the labyrinthine corridors virtually alone.
βοΈWeather
Siem Reap has a tropical monsoon climate nearly identical to Phnom Penh. It is hot year-round with a distinct wet season from May to October. The temples can be brutally hot midday β plan early morning and late afternoon visits.
Cool Dry Season
November - February72-90Β°F
22-32Β°C
The most comfortable period for temple exploration. Lower humidity makes full-day excursions feasible. Mornings can feel cool by local standards.
Hot Dry Season
March - May79-100Β°F
26-38Β°C
Scorching heat that makes temple-hopping exhausting. April regularly exceeds 40Β°C. Carry plenty of water and take a midday break at your hotel pool.
Wet Season
June - October77-93Β°F
25-34Β°C
Afternoon storms lasting 1-2 hours followed by clearing. The moats around Angkor Wat fill and reflect the temples beautifully. The countryside turns lush green.
π‘οΈSafety
Moderate
out of 100
Siem Reap is generally safe for tourists and feels more relaxed than Phnom Penh. The main concerns are petty theft, temple scams, and road safety. The town's economy depends on tourism, so there is strong local motivation to keep visitors safe.
Things to Know
- β’Never buy temple artifacts or "ancient" items β they are fakes, and real ones are illegal to export
- β’Children selling postcards or bracelets at temples are often exploited β buying encourages the cycle
- β’Stay on marked paths at remote temples β unexploded landmines still exist in some outlying areas
- β’Lock your tuk-tuk valuables or take them with you when exploring temples on foot
- β’Avoid the unofficial "guides" who aggressively approach at temple entrances β arrange one through your hotel
- β’Road conditions deteriorate significantly during the wet season, especially on unpaved routes to outer temples
- β’Keep your Angkor Pass on you at all times β checkpoints verify it throughout the park
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
Police
117
Fire
118
Ambulance
119
Tourist Police
012 402 424
πTransit & Transport
Siem Reap town is compact and walkable, but the temples require wheels. Most visitors hire a tuk-tuk or car with driver for full-day temple tours. Bicycles are popular for the Small Circuit temples. The town has no public transit system.
Tuk-Tuk (Temple Tours)
$15-20/day for Small Circuit, $25-30/day for Grand Circuit, $40-50 for outer temples like Banteay SreiThe classic way to explore Angkor. Hire a driver for a full day β they wait at each temple. Arrange through your hotel or use PassApp. Agree on the circuit (Small or Grand) in advance.
Best for: Full-day temple tours for 1-2 people; flexible timing with waiting driver
Bicycle Rental
$2-5/day for regular bike, $8-15 for e-bikeMany guesthouses rent bikes for $2-5/day. The Small Circuit temples are 15-20 km round trip on flat terrain. E-bikes are available for $8-15. Start early to beat the heat.
Best for: Small Circuit in cool season, eco-friendly travel, independent exploration at your pace
Private Car with Driver
$35-50/day for standard car, $50-70 for SUV or remote templesAir-conditioned cars can be hired through hotels or tour agencies. Essential for distant temples like Beng Mealea or Koh Ker, and much more comfortable in extreme heat.
Best for: Distant temples, hot season comfort, families, groups of 3-4
PassApp / Grab
$1-3 within townAvailable for trips within town. PassApp is more widely used than Grab in Siem Reap. Useful for getting to restaurants or the night market.
Best for: Evening trips to restaurants, Pub Street, and getting to/from the airport
πΆ Walkability
The town center around Pub Street, the Old Market, and the river area is easily walkable. Most hotels and guesthouses in the tourist zone are within a 15-minute walk of the center. The temples, however, are 6+ km away and require transport.
βοΈGetting In & Out
βοΈ Airports
Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (new)(REP)
40 km east of the city centerThe new airport opened in late 2023. Shuttle buses ($6-8, 45-60 min) and taxis ($25-35) serve the route. Some hotels offer private transfers. The old airport (closer to town) is now closed to commercial flights.
π Bus Terminals
Various company terminals
Giant Ibis and Mekong Express run from their own offices to Phnom Penh (6h, $15), Battambang (3-4h, $8), and the Poipet border for Bangkok (3-4h to border, $10). Capitol Bus and Virak Buntham offer budget options.
ποΈShopping
Siem Reap's shopping revolves around night markets, the Old Market, and several NGO-run shops producing quality handicrafts. The night markets near Pub Street are lively but heavily tourist-oriented β bargain hard. For quality gifts, head to the social enterprise shops.
Old Market (Phsar Chas)
traditional marketA partly covered market selling fresh food on one side and tourist souvenirs (silk scarves, carvings, T-shirts) on the other. The surrounding streets have cafes and boutiques.
Known for: Silk scarves, spices, temple rubbings, Cambodian coffee, local street food
Angkor Night Market
night marketA sprawling complex of bamboo stalls open from late afternoon. The atmosphere is lively with bars, massage stalls, and a wide variety of handicrafts and clothing.
Known for: Handicrafts, paintings, clothing, evening entertainment, fish massage
Artisans Angkor
social enterpriseA showcase workshop and shop where you can watch artisans carving sandstone, painting silk, and creating lacquerware using traditional Khmer techniques. All proceeds support rural communities.
Known for: High-quality stone carvings, silk products, lacquerware, bronze reproductions
Made in Cambodia Market
artisan marketA curated market (operating select evenings) on King's Road featuring only locally-made products. Jewelry, clothing, leather goods, and art directly from Cambodian artisans.
Known for: Locally-designed jewelry, ethical fashion, handmade leather goods, original art
π Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- β’Angkor Wat temple rubbings on rice paper β unique and lightweight
- β’Cambodian silk scarves and krama in traditional patterns
- β’Kampot pepper β available at the Old Market and specialty shops
- β’Stone and wood Angkor-inspired carvings from Artisans Angkor
- β’Cambodian coffee from Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri provinces
- β’Handmade silver jewelry in traditional Khmer designs
- β’Siem Reap-brewed craft beer (Siem Reap Brewpub, Cerevisia)
π΅Money & Tipping
US Dollar / Cambodian Riel
Code: USD / KHR
US dollars are used for nearly all tourist transactions. Riel (4,100 KHR = ~$1) is used for amounts under $1. ATMs dispense USD. The Angkor Pass must be purchased in USD. Bring clean, undamaged US bills β torn or marked notes are often refused.
Payment Methods
Cash (USD) dominates. Credit cards are accepted at upscale hotels, restaurants, and the Angkor ticket office, but most tuk-tuk drivers, markets, and smaller restaurants are cash-only. Some places charge a 2-3% card surcharge. ABA and ACLEDA ATMs are most reliable.
Tipping Guide
$5-10 per person for a full-day private guide is standard. Guides at major temples rely heavily on tips.
Not expected for regular rides. For a full-day temple driver ($15-25), a $3-5 tip for good service is appreciated.
Not traditionally expected. 10% at tourist restaurants is generous. Check if service charge is already added.
$1 per bag for porters. $1-2 per night for housekeeping at mid-range hotels.
$2-3 for a massage is customary in the tourist area.
π°Budget
budget
$25-45
Hostel dorm, street food, bicycle temple tour, $37 one-day Angkor Pass amortized
mid-range
$70-130
Boutique hotel with pool, restaurant meals, tuk-tuk temple tours, Phare circus tickets
luxury
$200-500+
Five-star resort (Amansara, Park Hyatt), private guide and car, fine dining, spa treatments
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed | $4-8 | $4-8 |
| AccommodationMid-range boutique hotel | $30-80 | $30-80 |
| AccommodationLuxury resort | $200-800+ | $200-800+ |
| FoodStreet food meal | 4,000-8,000 KHR | $1-2 |
| FoodOld Market restaurant | $3-7 | $3-7 |
| FoodPub Street restaurant | $6-15 | $6-15 |
| FoodDraft beer (Pub Street) | $0.50-1.50 | $0.50-1.50 |
| TransportTuk-tuk (Small Circuit full day) | $15-20 | $15-20 |
| TransportBicycle rental (full day) | $2-5 | $2-5 |
| AttractionsAngkor Pass (1 day) | $37 | $37 |
| AttractionsAngkor Pass (3 days) | $62 | $62 |
| AttractionsAngkor Pass (7 days) | $72 | $72 |
| AttractionsPhare Circus | $18-38 | $18-38 |
π‘ Money-Saving Tips
- β’The 3-day Angkor Pass ($62) offers the best value β it's valid for any 3 days within a 10-day window
- β’Buy your Angkor Pass after 5 PM the day before β you get a free sunset visit that doesn't count against your days
- β’Rent a bicycle ($3) for the Small Circuit instead of hiring a tuk-tuk ($18) β it's flat and scenic
- β’Eat at the Old Market or Wat Bo area instead of Pub Street for half the price and better quality
- β’Happy hour draft beers on Pub Street go as low as $0.50 β look for the signs
- β’Many guesthouses include breakfast β factor this into your accommodation choice
- β’Skip the tourist-trap floating village tours (Chong Kneas) and visit Kompong Khleang independently for a fraction of the cost
- β’Download the Angkor Archaeological Park map offline β avoid paying for overpriced paper maps at the entrance
ποΈWhen to Visit
Best Time to Visit
November to February offers the coolest, driest weather for temple exploration. Late September to early November (end of wet season) offers lush green scenery, full moats, and fewer crowds β an increasingly popular choice among experienced travelers.
Cool Dry Season (November - February)
Crowds: High β peak season, especially December-JanuaryThe best weather for all-day temple exploration. Comfortable mornings, warm afternoons, and clear skies. This is peak tourist season, so book accommodation early.
Pros
- + Most comfortable temperatures for temples
- + Clear skies
- + Full moats from recent rains
- + Best overall temple photography
Cons
- β Peak prices
- β Crowded temples, especially Angkor Wat sunrise
- β Book well in advance
- β Dust from dry conditions in February
Hot Dry Season (March - May)
Crowds: Low β heat deters most visitorsExtremely hot, especially April. Temple-hopping becomes grueling without an air-conditioned car. However, crowds thin dramatically and prices drop.
Pros
- + Fewest tourists
- + Lowest prices
- + Khmer New Year in April is festive
- + No rain interruptions
Cons
- β Brutal heat (38-42Β°C)
- β Temples have no shade areas
- β Moats may be low or dry
- β Dusty conditions
Wet Season (June - October)
Crowds: Low to moderate β a hidden gem periodAfternoon storms bring relief from heat and fill the temple moats. The jungle is at its most lush and green. Rain usually clears within 1-2 hours.
Pros
- + Lush green jungle around temples
- + Dramatic cloud formations for photography
- + Lower prices
- + Full moats and baray reservoirs
Cons
- β Afternoon rain disrupts plans
- β Some dirt roads flood
- β Higher humidity
- β Moss makes temple steps slippery
π Festivals & Events
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon
DecemberRunners race through the temple complex at dawn. Registration opens months in advance and fills quickly.
Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey)
April 13-16The biggest Cambodian holiday. Temples are packed with local worshippers, water throwing fills the streets, and many restaurants close.
Angkor Sangkran (New Year at Angkor)
AprilSpecial performances, traditional games, and cultural events held within the Angkor Archaeological Park during Khmer New Year week.
πVisa & Entry
The same visa requirements apply as for all of Cambodia. Tourist visas are available on arrival at Siem Reap airport or via the e-Visa system. The Angkor Pass is separate from the national visa.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Yes | 30 days (extendable once) | Visa on arrival ($30) or e-Visa ($36). Passport must be valid for 6 months. One passport photo required for visa on arrival. |
| UK Citizens | Yes | 30 days (extendable once) | Same process. e-Visa recommended to skip airport queues, especially during peak season arrivals. |
| EU Citizens | Yes | 30 days (extendable once) | Standard $30 visa on arrival or $36 e-Visa for all EU nationalities. |
| ASEAN Citizens | Visa-free | 21-30 days (varies) | Most ASEAN nationals enjoy visa-free entry for 21-30 days. |
| Australian Citizens | Yes | 30 days (extendable once) | Standard process. The new airport is efficient for visa on arrival processing. |
Visa-Free Entry
Visa on Arrival
Tips
- β’The Angkor Pass is NOT a visa β it is a separate ticket purchased at the Angkor Enterprise ticket center
- β’Have $30 USD in exact change and a passport photo ready for visa on arrival to speed up processing
- β’The new airport is farther from town β factor in longer transfer times when planning connections
- β’e-Visa is valid at Siem Reap airport but NOT at all land borders β check before using an overland route
- β’Visa extensions are processed in Phnom Penh, not Siem Reap β plan accordingly if you want to extend
π¬Speak the Language
The same Khmer language as Phnom Penh, though some local expressions differ. English is widely spoken in the tourism industry. Many tuk-tuk drivers speak basic English. Temple guides are often multilingual.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | αα½ααααΈ (Suostei) | SOO-uh-STAY |
| Thank you | α’ααα»α (Aw kun) | aw-KOON |
| Beautiful | ααα’αΆα (S'aat) | s-AHT |
| How much? | ααααααα»ααααΆα? (Tlai ponmaan?) | TLAI pon-MAHN? |
| Too expensive | ααααααα (Tlai peek) | TLAI PEEK |
| Can you reduce? | α α»αααααααΆααα? (Choh tlai baan te?) | CHOH TLAI bahn TAY? |
| Yes (male) / Yes (female) | ααΆα / α αΆα (Baat / Chaas) | BAHT / CHAHS |
| No | αα (Te) | TAY |
| Delicious | ααααΆαα (ChngaΓ±) | ch-NYANG |
| Water | ααΉα (Teuk) | TUHK |
| Where is the temple? | ααααΆααΆααα α―ααΆ? (Prasat neuv ae na?) | prah-SAHT nuh ay NAH? |
| Slowly, please | ααΊαα (Yeut yeut) | YUHT YUHT |