Siem Reap Province · Cambodia
The lively gateway to Angkor, with night markets, circus, cooking classes and floating villages.
Photo: Radosław Botev · CC BY 3.0 pl
Siem Reap grew from a village into Cambodia's tourism capital because of its position next to Angkor. Beyond the temples, it is a pleasant, walkable city of French-colonial buildings, riverside cafes, spas and a lively evening scene.
Pub Street is the nightlife centre, while the Old Market offers souvenirs and street food. The Phare Cambodian Circus is a world-class show from a local arts charity, and cooking classes teach Khmer dishes like amok. In the afternoon heat, visitors relax at pools, massage salons and cafes.
Outside town, the Tonle Sap lake is the largest freshwater lake in South-East Asia, and floating villages such as Kampong Phluk offer a look at life on the water. Nearby, Banteay Srei and Kbal Spean can be visited as half-day trips.
Why visit
Siem Reap is more than a stopover.
From street stalls to fine dining.
A highlight show.
Life on Tonle Sap.
Cafes and spas.
Everything starts here.
Main attractions
Most sights are in the compact centre.
Souvenirs, silk and street food.
Tip Bargain politely.
Bars and restaurants.
Tip Lively at night.
A quiet green park.
Tip Evening walk.
Acrobats and storytelling.
Tip Book ahead.
A stilt village on Tonle Sap.
Tip Go at high water.
Background to the temples.
Tip Allow an hour.
Things to do
There is plenty to do between temple days.
Evening shows.
Tip Book tickets.
Learn amok.
Tip Morning class.
Boat trip.
Tip Go at sunset.
Crafts and gifts.
Tip Bargain.
After temples.
Tip Cheap.
Villages and rice fields.
Tip Join a tour.
Local food
Siem Reap is full of good eating.
Coconut curry steamed fish.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Stir-fried beef.
Where to try it Local eateries.
Noodles with fish gravy.
Where to try it Morning stalls.
Grilled meat.
Where to try it Night markets.
Fresh and cheap.
Where to try it Pub Street.
Accommodation
Stay in the centre or near the river.
Transport
Siem Reap has an international airport.
Tuk-tuks and bikes.
When to go
Cool and dry months are best.
Cool and dry.
Hot.
Green and rainy.
Floods recede.
Worth planning around: April and May.
Itinerary
City and lake.
Markets
Tonle Sap
Travel tips
Tips.
FAQ
Two to three days.
Yes with care.
US dollars and riel.
Yes at night.
Yes by boat.
No.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Siem Reap and Tonle Sap, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Siem Reap Province, north-west Cambodia, Cambodia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site covering over 400 square kilometres, with Angkor Wat, the faces of the Bayon, the jungle-wrapped Ta Prohm and dozens of other temples.
Don't miss Watching the towers of Angkor Wat emerge from the dark at sunrise.
Explore Destination — Angkor Archaeological ParkBattambang Province, north-west Cambodia, Cambodia
A relaxed provincial capital with French architecture, a contemporary arts scene, the bamboo train, Phnom Sampov bat cave and temples.
Don't miss Riding the rattling bamboo train through green fields.
Explore Destination — BattambangPhnom Penh Municipality, Cambodia
A busy riverside capital with the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Central Market, Tuol Sleng, Choeung Ek and a growing food scene.
Don't miss Watching the sun set over the river from a rooftop after a day of palaces and markets.
Explore Destination — Phnom PenhRead next
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