Siem Reap
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At a glance
- Country
- Cambodia
- Region
- Siem Reap
- Population
- 250,000
- Best time to go
- November to March
- Main airport
- Siem Reap–Angkor International (SAI)
- Coordinates
- 13.36°N, 103.86°E
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Overview
Siem Reap grew up as the base for exploring Angkor, the vast capital of the Khmer empire, and the temples remain the reason almost everyone comes. Hundreds of them lie scattered through the forest just north of town, from the famous towers of Angkor Wat to roots-wrapped ruins.
The town itself is easy and welcoming, with a slow river, leafy lanes and an excellent food scene. Give the temples at least two or three days, and leave evenings for markets and circus.
Things to see
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Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 4.0 Angkor Wat
The largest religious monument in the world, its five lotus towers reflected in the moat at sunrise.
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Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0 Bayon
At the heart of Angkor Thom, a temple of serene stone faces gazing out from every tower.
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Photo: This Photo was taken by Supanut Arunoprayote . Feel free to , CC BY 4.0 Ta Prohm
A temple left in the grip of giant silk-cotton and strangler fig roots, atmospheric in the early morning.
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Photo: Tsui, CC BY-SA 3.0 Banteay Srei
A small pink sandstone temple further out, covered in some of the most delicate carving in Angkor.
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Photo: This Photo was taken by Supanut Arunoprayote . Feel free to , CC BY 4.0 Angkor National Museum
A good primer before the temples, explaining Khmer history, religion and architecture with well-chosen sculpture.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: McKay Savage from London, UK, CC BY 2.0 Cycle the temple circuit
Flat roads and shady forest make Angkor a joy by bicycle or e-bike, and you can stop wherever you like.
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Photo: Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0 Floating villages of the Tonlé Sap
Take a boat to stilt villages such as Kampong Phluk, where life moves with the lake's dramatic seasonal rise.
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Photo: flowcomm, CC BY 2.0 Phare circus
Young Cambodian performers mix acrobatics, theatre and live music in a big top near the town centre.
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Learn Khmer cooking
A half-day class starts at the market and ends with your own fish amok and green mango salad.
Where to stay
Old Market area
Central and walkable, with Pub Street, restaurants and night markets close by. Can be noisy.
Hotels in Old Market areaWat Bo
Across the river, quieter lanes with boutique hotels and good cafés, still a short walk to the centre.
Hotels in Wat BoRoad to Angkor
The avenue towards the temples has larger resort hotels and makes early starts easier.
Hotels in Road to Angkor
Getting around
Hire a tuk-tuk driver by the day for the temples, or use ride-hailing apps in town. The centre is small enough to walk.
The airport is about 50 km east of town; shuttle buses and taxis take around an hour to the centre.
When to go
November to March is dry and cooler, ideal for temple days but also the busiest. April and May are very hot. The rainy season from June to October brings green landscapes, full moats and fewer crowds.
Plan your trip to Siem Reap
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.