Why Visit Siem Reap?
Siem Reap serves as gateway to humanity's most magnificent archaeological treasure, the Angkor temple complex whose jungle-wrapped spires and intricate bas-reliefs represent the Khmer Empire's golden age spanning the 9th-15th centuries. Angkor Wat's three-towered silhouette framed by lotus ponds at sunrise creates photography magic, while its galleries depict the entire Hindu epic Ramayana in stone carvings so detailed they require hours to appreciate. Yet Angkor sprawls across 400 square kilometers with hundreds of temples—Ta Prohm's massive tree roots consume stone corridors in nature's slow-motion takeover (Tomb Raider filming location), Bayon's 54 towers bear 216 serene faces gazing in all directions, and Banteay Srei's pink sandstone showcases the finest Khmer craftsmanship in miniature.
Beyond temples, Siem Reap town has transformed from sleepy village to bustling tourism hub while preserving Cambodian character—Pub Street explodes with backpacker energy, night markets sell silk scarves and woodcarvings, and street food stalls serve amok fish curry and lok lak beef. The Apsara dance shows recreate celestial nymphs carved into temple walls, while Phare Circus offers contemporary acrobatics supporting local youth. Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater body, reveals floating villages where houses, schools, and shops rise and fall with dramatic seasonal water levels.
Khmer cuisine delights with sour fish soup, banana flower salads, and sticky rice in bamboo. Visit November-February for coolest weather (25-30°C) and dry season temple exploration. Siem Reap delivers ancient wonders, cultural immersion, and budget-friendly Cambodian hospitality that makes one of the world's great archaeological sites accessible to all travelers.
What to Do
Angkor Temples
Angkor Wat Sunrise
Watch dawn break over the world's largest religious monument, with its three iconic towers reflected in lotus ponds. Leave hotel by 4:30am to secure a spot by the left pond for best reflections. Entrance requires Angkor pass ($37/1-day, $62/3-days). After sunrise, explore the temple's vast galleries depicting the Ramayana in stone—allow 2-3 hours. Avoid midday heat; return late afternoon (4-6pm) for golden light and fewer crowds.
Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider Temple)
Nature's slow-motion takeover of 12th-century ruins where massive tree roots consume stone corridors and galleries. Made famous by Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Visit early morning (7-9am) or late afternoon to avoid tour group peaks. The interplay of jungle and temple creates otherworldly atmosphere. Allow 1-1.5 hours. Photo spots can get crowded—patience required for iconic root shots.
Bayon Temple's Faces
54 towers bear 216 serene stone faces gazing in all directions from the former Khmer Empire's capital. Part of Angkor Thom complex. Midday light (11am-1pm) actually works well here as sun illuminates the faces. Climb steep stairs for close-up views. Allow 1-1.5 hours. Combine with nearby Baphuon and Terrace of Elephants. Easier to navigate than Angkor Wat.
Banteay Srei
Exquisite pink sandstone temple featuring the finest Khmer stone carving in miniature scale. Located 25km north (1 hour by tuk-tuk, negotiate $15–$20 for half-day including other sites). Intricate devata carvings and detailed lintels reward close inspection. Morning light (8-10am) enhances the pink stone. Less crowded than main temples. Allow 1 hour plus travel.
Local Culture & Activities
Tonlé Sap Floating Villages
Boat tour through Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake where entire communities live on houseboats—homes, schools, shops rise and fall with dramatic seasonal water changes. Tours $15–$25 half-day. Kompong Phluk or Kampong Khleang villages less touristy than Chong Kneas. Go late afternoon (3-5pm) for best light. Respectful tourism essential—avoid tours that exploit locals. Bring small bills for school donations if visiting.
Pub Street & Night Markets
Tourist epicenter comes alive evenings with happy hours (5-7pm, $1 draft beers), street food, massage deals ($5–$8/hour), and night market shopping. Try fish foot spas, browse silk scarves and woodcarvings, sample Cambodian BBQ. Old Market (Phsar Chas) nearby sells local produce mornings. Can feel touristy but energy is fun. Watch belongings and negotiate prices.
Cambodian Cooking Class
Half-day classes ($15–$25) start with market tour teaching local ingredients, then hands-on cooking of 4-5 dishes—amok fish curry, lok lak beef, spring rolls, mango sticky rice. Multiple schools offer classes; book day ahead. Morning classes (9am start) beat afternoon heat. Great way to understand Khmer cuisine and take skills home. Most include recipe booklets.
Beyond the Temples
Phare Circus Performance
Contemporary circus show by Cambodian artists blending acrobatics, theater, and live music to tell stories about Cambodian life and history. Supports local youth through arts education. Shows 8pm most evenings, $18–$38 depending on seat. Book tickets day ahead. 1-hour performance in permanent big top. Transport can be arranged. Moving and entertaining—suitable for all ages.
Beng Mealea Jungle Temple
Atmospheric temple ruin 65km east, largely unrestored and consumed by jungle. Less touristy alternative for Indiana Jones atmosphere. Half-day trip by tuk-tuk/taxi $50–$80 including guide. Entry $5 separate from main Angkor pass. Wooden walkways wind through collapsed galleries. Best combined with Banteay Srei or Koh Ker. Allow 2-3 hours exploring plus 2.5 hours round-trip travel.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: REP
Best Time to Visit
November, December, January, February, March
Climate: Tropical
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33°C | 23°C | 0 | Excellent (best) |
| February | 34°C | 23°C | 0 | Excellent (best) |
| March | 35°C | 26°C | 8 | Excellent (best) |
| April | 34°C | 26°C | 17 | Wet |
| May | 35°C | 27°C | 19 | Wet |
| June | 32°C | 26°C | 25 | Wet |
| July | 32°C | 25°C | 26 | Wet |
| August | 32°C | 25°C | 26 | Wet |
| September | 31°C | 25°C | 28 | Wet |
| October | 29°C | 23°C | 25 | Wet |
| November | 30°C | 23°C | 6 | Excellent (best) |
| December | 30°C | 22°C | 3 | Excellent (best) |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Visa required
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): November 2025 is perfect for visiting Siem Reap!
Practical Information
Getting There
Siem Reap International Airport (REP) is 7km from town. Tuk-tuks charge $7–$9 to center. Taxis $10–$12 Many hotels offer free pickup. Flights from Bangkok (1hr), Hanoi (2hr), Singapore. Buses from Phnom Penh (6hr, $10–$15) or Bangkok (8-10hr). No trains in Cambodia.
Getting Around
Hire tuk-tuks for temple tours ($15–$20/day, negotiate before). Bicycles possible but hot ($2–$5/day). Scooters available ($7–$10/day, risky traffic). Walking in town is pleasant. No public buses worth using. Most tourists use tuk-tuks—drivers become your guide. Longer distances use minivans or private cars.
Money & Payments
Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollar both used. US dollars preferred for larger transactions. Cards accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants. Bring small US bills—change given in riel. ATMs dispense dollars. Check current exchange rates in your banking app or XE.com. Tipping: $1–$2/day for tuk-tuk drivers, 10% in restaurants.
Language
Khmer is official. English widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by tuk-tuk drivers. Younger Cambodians speak decent English. Learn 'Aw-kohn' (thanks) and 'Sompiah' (greeting with hands together). Menus have English.
Cultural Tips
Dress modestly for temples—shoulders and knees covered, remove shoes when required. Respect Buddha images. Don't touch monks or children's heads. Angkor requires early starts (4:30am for sunrise). Bring sun protection, water, and comfortable shoes. Negotiate tuk-tuk prices before riding. Pub Street has happy hours 5-7pm. Don't give to begging children—support schools instead. Khmer Rouge history is recent and sensitive. Land mine museum educates responsibly.
Perfect 3-Day Siem Reap Itinerary
Day 1: Angkor Temples
Day 2: Jungle Temples
Day 3: Banteay Srei or Lake
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
Old Market/Pub Street
Best for: Nightlife, restaurants, night market, backpacker hub, central
Wat Bo Area
Best for: Quieter guesthouses, local life, authentic restaurants, riverside
Charles de Gaulle Road
Best for: Mid-range hotels, restaurants, less touristy, local vibe
Airport Road
Best for: Luxury resorts, spas, pools, away from town chaos
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