Each year, millions of travelers arrive in Cambodia's second-largest city of Siem Reap only to quickly leave the crowded streets in search of ancient heritage. Just 4 miles (6.7 km) from the city center, the UNESCO-recognized Angkor Archaeological Park draws in millions of visitors annually, who yearn to see one of the world's greatest wonders: the iconic Hindu-Buddhist temple of Angkor Wat, considered the largest religious structure in the world. In its prime during the 12th century, the former city of Angkor (in which the archaeological complex and its famous temple lie), was the Khmer Empire's capital and the world's largest city, with an estimated 750,000 inhabitants.
At first glance, modern-day Siem Reap is a fairly typical Southeast Asian tourist hub, featuring a concentrated town center packed with hotels, hostels, eateries, markets, and backpacker bars. The destination deserves more than a brief stop to stand in awe of the nearby temple ruins, however, and is a happening city in its own right, with a vibrant arts scene, new restaurants serving sought-after tasting menus, and a surprising number of luxurious accommodations.
What To See and Do
Siem Reap is an art lover's paradise, thanks to its rich creative history and dedication to keeping Khmer crafts, such as stone carving, silk weaving, and lacquerware, alive. Serious collectors can organize private experiences with Siem Art Tours to visit select galleries, studios, and artists. If you're lucky, you may even snag an appointment with Belgium-born Christian Develter, known for his striking portraits, at his home and studio.
Meanwhile, unexpected must-dos in the heart of town showcase locals' dedication to two very different kinds of craft. Impressive performers at Phare Circus bring Cambodian stories to life every night in an entertaining show, while the APOPO Visitor Center educates visitors on the organization's mine-sniffing HeroRATs and the humans that work with them to clear landmines across the country. If the idea of rats makes you squeamish, consider stepping out of your comfort zone, as the work is fascinating.
Around 30 minutes from the city center is Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake and one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Spend a day exploring the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — ideally, you'll rent a boat and sample some of its floating restaurants.
Another great way to spend the day is with Vespa Adventures, which offers a variety of guided tours morning, noon, and night. Visit nearby villages (10 to 15 minutes from Siem Reap) for a taste of countryside living or get a sampling of Siem Reap's street food scene at night — all from the back of a classic Vespa.
Of course, no trip to Siem Reap would be complete without exploring the Angkor Archaeological Park, which covers more than 150 square miles, with 72 temples close to town. Most temple itineraries include one full day hitting the main temples, often starting with sunrise at Angkor Wat itself, then Ta Phrom, Angor Thom, The Bayon, and a few smaller sites. Two days allow you to venture further afield and appreciate the differences between sites. Intrepid explorers will want to plan for three or more days of temple touring to allow for longer travel times and plenty of R&R in between. However, before exploring the temples, stop at the Angkor National Museum to better understand the rise of the Khmer civilization, its customs, and its beliefs to set the scene for your own discoveries.
Back in town after a long day of temple-hopping, give tired muscles a rest with a well-deserved massage. SURI Spa at the sustainability-focused Treeline Urban Resort offers a welcome escape from Siem Reap's heat and hustle. Alternatively, those seeking ultra-luxe pampering can try and squeeze into the Aman Spa at Amansara, which opens up select appointment times when not filled by hotel guests.
Where To Shop
Siem Reap's numerous open-air markets are known for inexpensive souvenirs, but an increasing number of boutiques and cooperatives offer high-quality and custom goods.
In the center of town, Artisans Angkor runs guided tours that show off its active craft workshop and skilled onsite artisans before ending in its well-stocked showroom of traditional Khmer handicrafts ranging from handspun silks to sculptures made of wood, stone, and silver.
Nearby, the Kandal Village neighborhood has a concentration of boutiques, cafés, galleries, and spas. Stop in at Louise Loubatieres for highly curated local goods and in-house designed resort wear; stock up on the coveted Kampot pepper spice, recognized for its exceptional quality and unique herbal notes, at Khla; and snag delicate silk creations at Soieries du Mekong. On the edge of town, Theam's Gallery features a colorful array of paintings and other crafts.
Where To Eat
Casual eateries serving local cuisine make up most of Siem Reap dining but a growing number of talented chefs are turning the town into a rising gastronomic destination.
Located in a former home surrounded by a chef's garden, the dinner-only Embassy Restaurant offers a monthly tasting menu crafted by well-known local chef Kimsan Pol and her all-female team. The restaurant focuses on reimagining traditional Khmer cuisine with European cooking techniques in a refined setting. Think slow-cooked beef cheek with red curry, duck breast marinated in Koulen honey, and caramelized sea bass with Banteay Srei palm sugar.
At Lum Orng, billed as Cambodia's first farm-to-table restaurant, chef Sothea Seng highlights seasonal produce from his farms, local markets, and regional growers to create dishes he calls "New Mekong Cuisine." Situated in a wooden house about a 15-minute drive from the city center, the inviting restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, with enticing a la carte and set menus with dishes such as local clams steamed with tamarind juice.
The stylish Cuisine Wat Damnak by Chef Joannès Rivière — a French chef who put a spotlight on Cambodian cuisine with the first Cambodian restaurant to make Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2015 — is now a Siem Reap staple for upscale dinners. It offers both a standard tasting menu and a plant-based tasting menu designed to delight even discerning carnivores. Each meticulously plated dish is packed with intriguing local ingredients — think tropical fruits, like tamarind and jackfruit, and plenty of spices and botanicals, from Kampot pepper to water hyacinth blossoms — offering visitors a modernized vision of Cambodian cuisine.
Connected to the Shinta Mani Angkor hotel, Kroya by Chef Chanrith reinterprets traditional Cambodian recipes with modern flair within a contemporary setting. The restaurant serves an à la carte menu at lunch (make sure to try the pomelo salad, a refreshing mix of pomelo, bell pepper, and river prawns topped with toasted coconut) as well as 4- and 6-course tasting menus at dinner.
Where To Stay
For timeless charm, the 93-year-old Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor epitomizes the grandeur of European hotels that thrived in Asia during the 1930s, when globetrotting was a glamorous pursuit among high society. In 2019, the hotel underwent a meticulous renovation, restoring its 119 rooms and suites to their original splendor.
Nestled in 20 acres of vibrant rice paddies outside of town, Phum Baitang also takes guests back in time, offering 45 terrace and pool villas styled as traditional, wooden stilted farmhouses.
Shinta Mani Angkor offers whimsical opulence, comprising three neighboring properties — Shinta Mani Shack Angkor, Shinta Mani Angkor, and Shinta Mani Angkor - Bensley Collection — all designed by lauded American architect Bill Bensley. The Bensley Collection features 10 exclusive villa compounds, each outfitted with a private pool, rooftop terrace, and indoor/outdoor bathroom featuring larger-than-life wall art. Service here is equally extraordinary thanks to the "Bensley Butler," a personal butler responsible for ushering you through airport arrivals, securing dinner reservations, and planning excursions.
Those who prefer quiet luxury should check into Amansara. Once a private residence for King Sihanouk, the intimate 1960s complex now houses 24 contemporary suites, along with a circular dining room, two pools, and Aman's signature spa. Amansara rises above the rest with its daily excursions and cultural experiences included in the room rate. Tailored guest experiences include discovering Angkor's most famous sites with an Amansara guide in the hotel's fleet of remorques (a Cambodian-style tuk tuk) or vintage Jeep, taking breakfast in a traditional wooden home located within the park grounds, or meditating with a Buddhist monk.
The Best Time to Go
The best time to visit is from November through early February. This coincides with Cambodia's "cold season" with temperatures typically ranging from 75°F to 85°F and minimal rainfall. It's also the high tourist season, so crowds can be overwhelming.
To avoid overtourism, the "wet season" from June to October can be very charming, with lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower hotel rates. Rains often come as afternoon showers, so it's still possible to explore, though conditions can be humid and muddy.
How to Get There
Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) has direct flights from major cities like Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, and sometimes from Seoul, Hong Kong, or China and Australia, depending on the season.
What To Know Before You Go
- Cambodia uses both Cambodian riel (KHR) and U.S. dollars (USD) as currency. While credit card use is common at hotels and for larger purchases or high-end eateries, you'll still need cash for market purchases and tipping. While tipping is not culturally ingrained, it's naturally more commonplace in tourist areas. Consider tipping guides and drivers around 10% for their services and rounding up the bill, or leaving a couple of dollars, at bars, casual restaurants, or street stalls (more expensive restaurants and hotels include a service charge in their bills.) ATMs typically dispense USD when taking out $50 or more.
- All visitors must purchase an Angkor Pass to enter Angkor Archaeological Park through the official government website. Passes are available for one, three, or seven days and require a recent photo. Once purchased, they're stored on your smartphone and scanned at temple entrances.
- Though there are thousands of registered guides trained to lead guests through the Angkor complex, it's always smart to book your guide in advance to ensure working with someone who aligns with your interests, timing, and preferred transportation style. Booking in advance is essential during the high season.
Combine With
Within Cambodia, a trip to Siem Reap can easily be combined with a few days in Phnom Penh, the capital. Learn about the country's history by visiting the Killing Fields and the Royal Palace. From there, it's a 50-minute flight or a five-hour bus ride to Siem Reap.
A trip to Bangkok is also possible, as the short flights (a little over an hour) between Bangkok and Siem Reap are frequent.