Cambodia
The gateway to Angkor Wat and beyond, a city steeped in heritage, culture and history.
UNESCO World HeritageAngkor Wat
LanguageKhmer
Time zoneGMT+7
History and context
The gateway to Angkor
The heart of the mighty Khmer Empire, and the city that still carries the remnants of its glorious past.
Siem Reap, meaning Siam Defeated, is a city steeped in heritage, culture and history, serving as the gateway to Cambodia's ancient wonders. The location once served as the heart of the mighty Khmer Empire and remains adorned with remnants of its glorious past.
The most notable site is Angkor Wat, an architectural marvel representing the pinnacle of Khmer artistry and spirituality, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond temples, heritage is accessible through museums like the Angkor National Museum, displaying artifacts from the ancient Angkor temples, and the Cambodian Landmine Museum and Relief Center, highlighting the nation's resilience in the face of adversity.
The city preserves cultural traditions through bustling markets, traditional dance performances and authentic Khmer cuisine, while charming villages, artisans at work and cultural festivals that celebrate Cambodia's unique traditions remain accessible to visitors.
- Location
- Gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park
- Language
- Khmer, English widely spoken
- Timezone
- GMT+7 (Indochina Time)
- Setting
- Northwest Cambodia, near Tonle Sap
Day 1 · The Angkor temples
- Morning, Angkor Wat at first light
- Afternoon, Banteay Kdei and Neak Pean
- Evening, Pub Street and the night markets
Day 2 · Museums and the country around
- Morning, Angkor National Museum
- Afternoon, Phnom Kulen National Park
- Evening, a Khmer cooking class or Phare circus
GoodMobileCoverage can be spotty in rural areas
Widely availableWi-FiHotels, cafés and restaurants
US dollarMoneyRiel for small transactions; Wing and Pi Pay for mobile payments
Right now in Siem Reap
Reading the sky…
Dry season · Nov – AprDry seasonNov – Apr25–35°CThe most popular time to visit, cooler temperatures and little to no rainfall.
Wet seasonMay – Oct25–35°CHot and humid with regular rain, but far fewer crowds at the temples.
If you don't mind the heat, you can visit Siem Reap any time of the year.
The gateway to Angkor Wat and beyond
The most notable site is Angkor Wat, an architectural marvel representing the pinnacle of Khmer artistry and spirituality, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond the temples, heritage is accessible through the Angkor National Museum and the Cambodian Landmine Museum and Relief Center, while markets, traditional dance performances and authentic Khmer cuisine keep the city's living culture within reach.
Points of Interest to Visit
Angkor Wat, an architectural marvel representing the pinnacle of Khmer artistry and spirituality, and the museums and parks around it.
Local gastronomy
Alongside these local specialties, Siem Reap offers a variety of street food stalls and restaurants serving international cuisine. Tap a dish to find the local kitchens cooking it:
Where to stay
Where to stay
In Siem Reap, there is a diverse range of accommodation options catering to various budgets and preferences. These include hotels, resorts, villas, and hostels, providing choices from budget to luxury. Travelers can also opt for homestay programs in rural communities, offering an authentic experience with local families, traditional Khmer housing, and cultural activities.
01Hotels and resorts
The widest choice in town and the easiest to book ahead, running from budget rooms to the luxury end.
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02Villas and guesthouses
Smaller properties, including the hostels at the budget end, for travellers who would rather not stay in a large hotel.
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03Village homestays
Homestay programmes in the rural communities around the city: local families, traditional Khmer houses and cultural activities.
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Living traditions
Handicrafts of the Khmer Empire
Handicrafts from Siem Reap are a great way to support local artisans and bring home a unique souvenir from your trip.
Silk weaving
Silk weaving has been a tradition in Cambodia for centuries, and the city is home to a number of silk weaving villages. Visitors can watch the entire process, from the harvesting of the cocoons to the weaving of the finished product.Explore
Stone carving
Stone carvers work in sandstone, limestone and marble, producing statues, fountains and reliefs known for their intricate craftsmanship and artistry.Explore
Angkuoch (Cambodian jaw harp)
The Angkuoch, a traditional Cambodian mouth harp, is a simple but distinctive musical instrument deeply connected to Cambodia's cultural heritage.Explore Local businesses
Shops, stays and makers in Siem Reap
Independent businesses run by people who live here, listed by the project team. Get in touch with them directly.
9th – 15th century
The heart of the mighty Khmer Empire, still adorned with the remnants of its glorious past.
Events and festivals
Festivals and ceremonies
Cultural festivals that celebrate Cambodia's unique traditions through the year.
Walking map of Siem Reap
The heritage sites in this guide on one printable sheet.
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Two days in Siem Reap
The two-day route from this page, laid out stop by stop.
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Crafts and kitchens of Siem Reap
The workshops and dishes listed on this page, with where to find them.
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