Siem Reap Travel Guide
For visitors to Cambodia’s Siem Reap or Temple Town as residents fondly call it, the main attraction is the magnificent, sprawling, compelling Angkor Empire ruins and its star sight, Angkor Wat. These days there’s much more to Siem Reap than history. Try hip hotels, a burgeoning art scene and chic boutiques brimming with fashion, jewellery and decor by local designers. Cafe culture is strong and restaurants serving creative Cambodian cuisine rival the best in Southeast Asia’s capitals. Explore the temples but also allocate time to experience the culture, cuisine and everyday life of this lively little city.
Siem Reap Itineraries
ONE DAY
Itinerary
TWO DAY
Itinerary
Stay in Siem Reap
Where to Stay in Siem Reap – Best Boutique Hotels and Stylish Resorts
Where to stay in Siem Reap? It’s not an easy…
Renting an Apartment in Siem Reap – Insider Guide to Siem Reap Apartment Rentals
Renting an apartment in Siem Reap can be challenging at…
Accomodation
Insurance
Eat in Siem Reap
Best Siem Reap Bakeries for Croissants, Cakes, Muffins, Bagels and More
The best Siem Reap bakeries pull everything out of their…
Our Guide to the Best Siem Reap Markets – When to Go and What to Buy
Our guide to the best Siem Reap markets covers the…
Drink in Siem Reap
Coolest Siem Reap Neighbourhood – Where to Stay, Eat, Drink and Shop in Wat Bo Village
Meet the coolest Siem Reap neighbourhood, Wat Bo Village on…
Best Cafes in Siem Reap – Where to Drink the Best Coffee in Temple Town
The best cafes in Siem Reap include everything from arty…
Explore Siem Reap
Guide to Angkor Wat and Angkor Archaeological Park – 2026 Update
Our guide to Angkor Wat and Angkor Archaeological Park covers…
Hiring a Tour Guide for Angkor Wat and Angkor Park is Essential. Here’s Why
Hiring a guide for Angkor Wat and Angkor Archaeological Park…
Experience Siem Reap
8 Ways Animal Lovers Can Help Animals in Siem Reap – Donate, Sponsor and Volunteer
We’ve got 8 ways animal lovers can help animals in…
How to Experience the French Side of Siem Reap – A Local Guide, Ooh La La!
How to experience the French side of Siem Reap is…
Book Siem Reap Tours
Absorb Siem Reap
Siem Reap Circus is a Must Do When You’re in Cambodia and Here’s Why
Siem Reap circus is a must do when you’re in…
A Night at Phare Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap is a Must-Do Experience
A night at Phare Cambodian Circus, Siem Reap, might seem…
Shop Siem Reap
Sustainable Souvenirs to Buy in Southeast Asia – No, Not Elephant Pants
Sustainable souvenirs to buy in Southeast Asia include anything that’s…
Our Guide to the Best Siem Reap Markets – When to Go and What to Buy
Our guide to the best Siem Reap markets covers the…
Siem Reap Festivals & Events
Siem Reap Water Festival – A Celebration to Mark the End of Monsoon
Siem Reap Water Festival or Bon Om Tuk marks the…
Khmer New Year in Siem Reap – A Buddhist Holiday Imbued with Rituals and Meaning
Khmer New Year in Siem Reap, as in the rest…
Siem Reap Local Knowledge
Myths About Monsoon in Cambodia – It’s Called The Green Season for Good Reason
Myths about monsoon in Cambodia don’t seem to be going…
Rainy Season in Cambodia – Why You Should Visit During Monsoon Season
Rainy season in Cambodia – the monsoon season – is…
Siem Reap Resources
Guide to Angkor Wat and Angkor Archaeological Park – 2026 Update
Our guide to Angkor Wat and Angkor Archaeological Park covers…
World’s Top Landmark is Angkor Wat According to Travellers on Trip Advisor
World’s Top Landmark on Trip Advisor for 2017 is Angkor…
Siem Reap Essentials
WHEN TO GO
Nov–Feb Peak season finds Siem Reap at its most crowded, but the weather is at its best.
Mar–May Weather heats up. Restrict temple exploring to early mornings and late afternoon.
Jun–Oct Wet season commences, but it’s not like clockwork with daily afternoon showers.
HEALTH
Siem Reap has basic healthcare facilities. If you fall critically ill or have a serious accident, you may have to be evacuated to Bangkok. As this can cost up to US$25,000 it is of great importance that you get full medical insurance. Recommended Vaccinations
VISAS
Tourist visas cost US$30 on arrival and are valid for one month. A business visa cost US$35 and can be extended through a travel agent. You will need one passport-sized photo and USD in cash. An eVisa can be easily issued online and will save you time on arrival.
CURRENCY
CURRENT EXCHANGE RATES
$1.00 USD = 4,013.61 KHR
$1.00 AUD = 2,869.24 KHR
€1.00 EUR = 4,718.77 KHR
£1.00 GBP = 5,417.70 KHR
The Cambodian currency (KHR) is called the ‘riel’, however USD is the most common currency used in the country and the riel is used to give change for amounts that are less than one USD when shopping.
LANGUAGE
KHMER IS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF CAMBODIA.
ELECTRICITY
ELECTRICITY IN CAMBODIA IS 220 VOLTS. 50 CYCLES/SEC.
LOCAL TIME ZONE
Time in Siem Reap:CAMBODIAN TIME ZONE
Cambodian Time Zone is (GMT+7)
Cambodia does not have daylight saving.
INSIDER TIP:
For the iconic dawn sunrise at Angkor Wat, you need to be there ready at least one half hour before sunrise.
WEATHER
CURRENT SIEM REAP WEATHER
TRANSPORTATION
AIR/LAND/SEA
There are direct international flights to Siem Reap International Airport (REP) from most major Asian cities. Domestic routes are to Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Buses and minivans run between most tourist destinations. Boat services run from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh and Battambang. Bike and motorcycle hire is available. Tuk Tuks are used for local travel, but increasingly locals and travellers are using the Grab App on phones for short trips.
Siem Reap Daily Costs
BUDGET
Daily Budget Up To:
US$30
- Guesthouse dorm room: US$3–10
- Cheap restaurants, street food: US$1–3
- Pushbike hire: US$5–10 per day
MID RANGE
Daily Budget From:
US$31–200
- Air-con hotel room: US$15–50
- Good local restaurant meal: US$3–10
- Official tour guide per day: US$25
LUXURY
Daily Budget From:
US$201+
- Boutique hotel or resort: US$50–500
- Degustation meal with drinks: US$25–50
- Private car with driver per day: US$60–120