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Visitors flock far and wide to Siem Reap in order to visit the Temples of Angkor. Once a small market town, the temple complex’s increasing popularity has seen it undergo one of the fastest periods of development in Southeast Asia. As a result, it has reinvented itself into a dynamic, busy town, encompassing a range of experiences that range from high-end dining to adventurous jungle trails that lead to hidden temples.
At Siem Reap’s doorstep is Asia’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Tonle Sap, and Phnom Kulen National Park, sheltering the sacred Phnom Kulen. Wash down some fried crickets with rice wine on a guided local food tour. Or chase the sunset on a quad bike on the outskirts of town. Siem Reap hosts a blooming cultural scene which includes a performance from Cambodia’s leading contemporary circus, run by a non-profit association seeking to improve the lives of rural Cambodian communities.
Despite the modern developments of Siem Reap, traditional Cambodian life still resonates throughout the town. You can experience local history and culture through daily activities such as wandering through the markets, or by trekking through luxuriant jungle to unearth a hidden temple.
Discover the Temples of Angkor
Strewn across over 400 sq km (150 sq m), hidden inside twisting jungle and standing amidst open rice paddies, Angkor is a staggering collection of temples. Angkor Wat is the most well-known, with such powerful cultural significance it’s celebrated on the national flag.
There are many ways to immerse yourself in Angkor Wat and its maze of surrounding temples. Arriving at an alternative time of day, or from an unusual angle can often present the temples in a different light. Our guides know Angkor intimately, and can recount the history of each monument, carving and statue.
Photographers flock at the early-morning golden hour, snapping photos of Angkor Wat’s impressive structure and murals depicting tales of Cambodian history. We suggest following suit and visiting Angkor Wat and the Bayon’s towers just after sunrise, before tours begin for the day.
You can explore Ta Prohm, a crumbling temple which has been engulfed by the jungle. The temple is cloaked in heavy, vast roots and at dawn you might see the mist eerily rising through sun-soaked trees.
Cycling between temples allows you to reach ones which aren’t as frequently visited. Or, you can travel by car to even more remote temples such as Beng Mealea. This temple is drowning in strangling root formations, making Ta Prohm seem relatively manicured.
Travel north of Siem Reap and you can visit the secluded Banteay Srei (the Citadel of Women), a red-sandstone temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. A knowledgeable guide explains, while ducking through the low hanging doorways, how it’s locally believed that the intricate carvings are too fine to have been done by the hand of a man.
Siem Reap beyond the temples
Siem Reap is arguably Cambodia’s culinary heart, with a range of cooking and dining experiences. You can jump on the back of a Vespa for a guided after-dark food tour through local communities on the outskirts of town. You’ll get to sample freshly prepared fish amok (fish coated in coconut milk) or Khmer noodle soup. If you dare, try stir-fried beef garnished with tree ants.
Alternatively, you can learn to cook a traditional Cambodian five-course tasting menu at Kroya, a stylish restaurant near the centre of town serving authentic Khmer cuisine. Guided by a chef, you’ll wander through the morning food markets selecting your own ingredients. The day culminates in sampling your own Cambodian creations from a swinging lounger on the terrace, surrounded by gurgling water features and leafy plants.
Not far from Banteay Srei is Phnom Kulen National Park, where local people come to bathe in the allegedly holy water in the shadow of the one of Cambodia’s most sacred mountains, Phnom Kulen. Hike or cycle through the thickset jungle and you can find The River of a Thousand Lingas, decorated with intricate carvings and the giant reclining Buddha.
For something different, admire the flexible gymnasts, acrobats and talented jugglers of the Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus. The shows come alive with a fanfare of traditional instruments like khims (stringed instruments) and roneats (bamboo xylophones) mixed with modern flutes and drums.
Tonle Sap’s floating villages
One hour outside of Siem Reap lies Tonle Sap Lake. The lake is subjected to a heavy influx of flood water between October and January, when the Mekong floods. The surrounding villages live in harmony with these seasonal floodwaters, several even shifting position along the river according to the water levels. A few stilted bamboo houses spill out onto the freshwater lake all year round.
The floating village of Kompong Khleang offers a community-led boat tour across the lake. You’ll find gold-painted pagodas, families crammed onto a wooden boat taking their children to school and may spot a painted stork’s orange face and pink tail-feathers. You’ll gain an understanding into how these communities have adapted their ways of life to the fluctuation of the water levels.
Best time to visit Siem Reap
For a dry, warm climate Siem Reap is best visited between November and April. Throughout the rest of the year the humidity increases, and there are frequent showers. November is a particularly good month to visit as it's less humid, and not as crowded.
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Suggested itineraries featuring Siem Reap
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Siem Reap, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places in and around Siem Reap
- Temples of Angkor Siem Reap
- Battambang 48 miles away
- Banteay Chhmar 71 miles away
- Preah Vihear 91 miles away
- Koh Kong 134 miles away
- Phnom Penh 143 miles away
- Kratie & Chhlong 158 miles away
- Sihanoukville 191 miles away
- Kampot 192 miles away
- Kep 201 miles away
- Ratanakiri 212 miles away
- Ban Lung 213 miles away
- Sen Monorom 233 miles away
- Mondulkiri 237 miles away
Photos of Siem Reap
Our expert guides to exploring Siem Reap
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Siem Reap, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Siem Reap at its best.
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Cambodia family holidays: timeworn temples and jungle adventures Cambodia family holidays: timeworn temples and jungle adventures
Cambodia family holidays: timeworn temples and jungle adventures
Cambodia specialist, and Siem Reap ex-resident, George explains why he sees Cambodia as an ideal family holiday destination. He has picked out experiences that are suitable for children, from exploring temples deep in the jungle to counting the gemstones in Phnom Penh’s glimmering Royal Palace.
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What to do in Cambodia: our highlights guide What to do in Cambodia: our highlights guide
What to do in Cambodia: our highlights guide
Think Cambodia and the famous temples of Angkor might automatically come to mind. However, our guide encompasses diverse destinations, from fishing villages to the capital Phnom Penh, and the elephants in the remote hills of Sen Monorom,
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Mekong river cruises Mekong river cruises
Mekong river cruises
The Mekong is one of the greatest rivers in Asia, and on an Audley tailor-made trip we will ensure you're able to take in the local culture, wildlife and scenery at a relaxed pace in comfortable surroundings.
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Accommodation choices for Siem Reap
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Siem Reap. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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FCC Angkor
Siem Reap -
Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
Phum Baitang
Siem Reap -
Belmond La Residence d’Angkor
Siem Reap -
Park Hyatt
Siem Reap -
Amansara
Siem Reap -
Maison Polanka
Siem Reap -
Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
Shinta Mani Angkor
Siem Reap -
Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
Jaya House River Park
Siem Reap -
Montra Nivesha
Siem Reap -
HanumanAlaya Villa
Siem Reap -
Viroth's Hotel
Siem Reap -
Sala Lodges
Siem Reap -
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
Siem Reap
Ideas for experiencing Siem Reap
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Siem Reap, and which use the best local guides.
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Angkor Wat at sunset Angkor Wat at sunset
Angkor Wat at sunset
Believed to be the world's largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmers. Watching the sun set, sat on one of the temple's ancient walls is a magical experience.
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Cooks in tuk-tuks cooking class Cooks in tuk-tuks cooking class
Cooks in tuk-tuks cooking class
Join a Cambodian chef and go shopping at the local market for fresh locally-grown ingredients. You explore several classic Khmer dishes and enjoy tasting the end result at a traditional Khmer-style luncheon. The class takes three to four hours.
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Birdwatching at Prek Toal Biosphere & Tonle Sap Lake Birdwatching at Prek Toal Biosphere & Tonle Sap Lake
Birdwatching at Prek Toal Biosphere & Tonle Sap Lake
This excursion is not only a great birdwatching opportunity but also offers a fascinating insight into life on the lake. The village of Prek Toal is one of the largest floating villages on the lake.
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Professional photographer workshop at the Temples of Angkor Professional photographer workshop at the Temples of Angkor
Professional photographer workshop at the Temples of Angkor
For those with a keen interest in photography and wanting to get the best of their time at the temples in Cambodia, this trip has been designed to help you do just that. All levels of skill are welcome.
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Kompong Khleang & the Tonle Sap Kompong Khleang & the Tonle Sap
Kompong Khleang & the Tonle Sap
Travel southeast to one of the largest and least-visited villages on the Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Khleang, about 55 km from Siem Reap. It has a population of about 10,000 people, all of whom make a living from the fishing industry.
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Sunset Quad Bike Adventure Sunset Quad Bike Adventure
Sunset Quad Bike Adventure
Follow your guide into the countryside immediately surrounding Siem Reap for an insight into a different side of Cambodia seeing how local people live and taking in the rural scenery.
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