Siem Reap

Home to Angkor Wat, the city of temples.

4.3

out of 5

Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor, the ancient Khmer city that’s now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Most visitors base themselves in Siem Reap and visit Angkor Wat and the other temples over the course of a few days. Siem Reap has grown into a lively town with a good range of restaurants, bars and hotels, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied in town if you don’t feel like venturing out to the temples. The night market is a must-see, as is the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, one of the most famous hotels in Southeast Asia.

Average temperatures during the day in Siem Reap.

April

29°

May

29°

Jun

28°

Jul

28°

Aug

27°

Sep

27°

Oct

27°

Nov

26°

Dec

25°

Jan

25°

Feb

27°

Mar

29°

Average temperatures during the day in Siem Reap.

What to do in Siem Reap

Top places to visit in Cambodia

Article from January 2024 with 6 places

Siem Reap is largely recognized as the gateway to the world-famous Angkor temples. Siem Reap is pretty much a city in its own right, with a lively night market, energetic street scenes, and a thriving cafe culture.

Despite its recent surge in popularity, Siem Reap retains an old-world charm with its French colonial buildings and leafy boulevards. The main attraction here is, of course, the Angkor Archaeological Park. Spanning over 400 square kilometers, it contains hundreds of temple ruins dating back to the Khmer Empire. The most famous of these is Angkor Wat, a colossal temple complex that is both a national symbol and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Siem Reap, due to its over-tourism, can take its toll on the city's infrastructure and environment. The heat can be intense and visitors should be prepared for this. Also, while generally safe, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

If you only have time for one destination in Cambodia, Siem Reap is the must-visit, not just in Cambodia but in Southeast Asia in general.

Top places for traveling on a budget in Asia

Article from August 2023 with 10 places

Siem Reap, located in northwestern Cambodia, is primarily recognized for its proximity to the world-renowned Angkor Wat. With daily entrance fees at $37, it's an affordable way to explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But beyond this ancient temple complex, Siem Reap offers markets, museums, and natural sites like the Tonle Sap Lake and Phnom Kulen National Park.

Accommodation in Siem Reap varies from budget guesthouses for around $10 per night to more upscale hotels from $50 and up. Eating out is also reasonable, with local meals costing around $2-5. Transportation, primarily by tuk-tuk, ranges from $1-3 for short trips.

Top places for first-time visitors to Southeast Asia

Article from March 2023 with 11 places

A world of wonders

Siem Reap is a city in northwestern Cambodia in the Siem Reap Province. It is known as the gateway to Angkor Wat, the world-famous temple complex of the ancient Khmer Empire.

What to do in Siem Reap

Explore the Temples of Angkor: One of the most popular attractions in the world, the Angkor Wat Temple Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site composed of a series of Hindu and Buddhist temples and monuments. Explore the ancient temples, such as Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon, and learn about their history and significance.

Visit the Tonle Sap Lake: Explore the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and the surrounding fishing villages. Take a boat tour to meet locals and observe the unique floating villages.

Check out Old Market: Old Market is the city's oldest and most famous market, where you can find a variety of souvenirs and local handicrafts.

Enjoy a Traditional Apsara Dance Performance: Watch a traditional Apsara dance performance, a form of classical Khmer dance, to get a glimpse into Cambodia's culture.

Try a Khmer Massage: Relax and unwind with a traditional Khmer massage. These massages are designed to help you relax and reduce stress.

What people say about Siem Reap

4.3

People

Food

Spaces

Value

Safety

Alina

Very interesting place

Anders

Siem Reap is all about Angkor Wat. And Angkor Wat is truly spectacular so that will spill over on Siem Reap for this review.

Siem Reap is totally fine as a town too, even though it mostly feels like the place where all the hotels and restaurants await the tourists after a long day at the temples. The hotels and restaurants were pretty great though!

I understand that the many tourists and the poor street kids really affect the experience, but of all the sightseeing that I have done in the world, Angkor Wat sits at the very top of the list. It feels unreal being there, like being in an Indiana Jones movie where every single piece of the set holds up to closer inspection. A massive temple city right in the jungle with beautiful decorations on pretty much every block of stone. And that weird feeling created by it having been abandoned for such a long time and the jungle simply overtaking it. Awesome.

Must do: I hate getting up early in the morning, but seeing the sunrise over Angkor Wat is probably my favorite memory from Cambodia. It was bliss to be there before the crowds, and get a peaceful experience more fitting the place itself. Highly recommended!

Articles about Cambodia

Popular on Humbo right now

The best places to visit in the world The 30 best food cities in the world The most beautiful national parks in the world The best places for women to travel alone The 20 happiest cities in the world The best disc golf destinations in the world The warmest places in Europe during winter The 10 most expensive cities in the world

Humbo™About Sustainable travel Privacy Terms