Siem Reap is one of Cambodia’s premier tourist destinations, thanks to its central location and abundance of cultural activities.Nicknamed the “Great Gate to Angkor”, the city is best known for its close proximity to Angkor Archaeological Park, which is less than 6 kilometres (4 miles) away. This is the site of the ancient Khmer Empire, which ruled during the ninth to 15th centuries. Ruins of the ancient city are scattered throughout the park. Angkor Wat Temple and Bayon Temple are the focal points of the area. Both are covered with intricate carvings and are beautifully preserved. Get your camera out at Ta Prohm Temple the trees growing into the structure make it a prime photography spot. You can easily access the archaeological park from Siem Reap on a tour bus, bicycle or tuk-tuk. Within the park, you can even rent an elephant to get around. The city of Siem Reap does have charms of its own as well. Be sure to enjoy some of the local cuisine. Many of the restaurants feature outdoor seating so that you can relax on the patio for the afternoon while savoring a Khmer curry. End your evening in the Red Lantern District, Siem Reap’s central nightlife area. Venues here range from pubs offering cheap jugs of beer, to vintage-style bars serving inventive cocktails. Siem Reap is packed with day spas, where you can get traditional treatments and massages to unwind after a day of exploring. Fill your suitcase with handmade goods that you can find at the street markets. The area specialises in silk and it’s hard to resist the gorgeous fabrics, robes, and home items that vendors sell. Siem Reap International Airport has daily arrivals and departures from all over the world. Visitors can also get buses into the city from Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. Many people opt to rent a taxi from the border of Cambodia if they’re doing a multiple country tour.
Siem Reap Travel Guide
Where to stay in Siem Reap
Downtown Siem Reap
The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Downtown Siem Reap. Make a stop by Pub Street or Old Market Area while you're exploring the area.
Wat Bo Area
Travellers come to Wat Bo Area for its lively bars, and you can see top attractions like Apsara Theatre and Wat Bo while you're in town.
Taphul Village Area
Taphul Village Area is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to National Road 6 and Lucky Mall while you're in town.
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024
Reviewed on 26 Apr 2024
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Reviewed on 14 Apr 2024
Popular places to visit
Angkor Wat
Experience the famous architecture and stunning history of this unique temple, located in the ancient ruins of Cambodia’s Khmer Empire.
Pub Street
During your trip to Siem Reap, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Pub Street. Discover the area's breathtaking sunrises and temples.
Angkor Night Market
During your trip to Siem Reap, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Angkor Night Market. Discover the area's breathtaking sunrises and temples.
Old Market Area
During your visit to Siem Reap, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Old Market Area. Savour the area's bars and restaurants.
Cambodian Cultural Village
You can browse the exhibits at Cambodian Cultural Village, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in Siem Reap. Discover the breathtaking sunrises in this culturally rich area or enjoy its local tours.
Bayon Temple
Visit the “Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia” in Angkor Archaeological Park’s exquisite temple.
Things to do
2-Day Temples with Sunrise Small Group Tour of Siem Reap
Siem Reap: Phare, the Cambodian Circus Show Tickets
From Siem Reap: Kampong Phluk Floating Village Tour by Boat
Sunset Dinner Tour: Tonle Sap Lake Floating Village
Siem Reap: Apsara Dance Show & Dinner with Tuk-Tuk Transfers
Full-Day Angkor Wat Temples with a local Tuk Tuk Tours
Reviews of Siem Reap
5/5 - Excellent
Loved it ! absolutely to be recommended & would live to visit it again ! People are super nice , city is airy , alot of options & facilities for tourists!
5/5 - Excellent
It is a fabulous destination for a weeks break. It is very quiet at the moment and the Cambodian people really appreciate visitors coming to the area, they cannot do enough to make your visit special.
4/5 - Good
Phare was a great experience
4/5 - Good
We used Tuk Tuks to get around and felt safe all the time we were there. Because of the Corona Virus it was quietl, so the tourists there had a lot of attention from drivers and stall holders but never any issues, be polite and you will be fine.
4/5 - Good
Siem Reap is a lovely, quiet yet vibrant city. Food is cheap and there’s no traffic congestion. The locals are some of the friendliest.
5/5 - Excellent
Siem Reap was incredible. I am so thankful that we decided to make this quick trip to Cambodia to see it.