About Siem Reap
Siem Reap Province in northwestern Cambodia is world-famous as the gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park, home to the iconic Angkor Wat temple and hundreds of other ancient Khmer temples. Beyond the temples, Siem Reap city offers a lively atmosphere with excellent restaurants, night markets, floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, and authentic Khmer cultural experiences. The province combines rural countryside, traditional villages, and a rapidly developing tourism infrastructure that makes it one of Southeast Asia's premier destinations.
Quick Overview
Capital: Siem Reap City
Largest City: Siem Reap City
Population: 1.1 million
Languages: Khmer, English
Currency: Cambodian Riel
Time Zone: UTC+7 (Indochina Time)
Explore Siem Reap by Topic
Best Places to Visit in Siem Reap
Discover the top 3 must-see destinations in Siem Reap, from iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path treasures.
Angkor Wat
The world's largest religious monument and symbol of Cambodia
Bayon Temple
Temple with iconic smiling stone faces at Angkor Thom
Ta Prohm
Jungle temple famously featured in Tomb Raider film
Recommended Itineraries for Siem Reap
Plan your perfect Siem Reap trip with our expertly crafted itineraries for every travel style and duration.
5-Day Siem Reap Explorer
- Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap, explore city center
- Day 2: Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3: Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4: Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5: Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Siem Reap
- Days 1-2: Siem Reap city highlights
- Days 3-4: Regional exploration
- Days 5-6: Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7: Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Siem Reap
- Days 1-3: Siem Reap comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6: Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9: Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12: Southern attractions
- Days 13-14: Return to Siem Reap, departure
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, Siem Reap offers accommodations for every traveler.
Budget Options ($30-50)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-Range ($80-120)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ($300+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
A legendary heritage property opened in 1932, the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor is Siem Reap's most iconic hotel. Facing the Royal Gardens, this white colonial masterpiece has hosted royalty, celebrities, and heads of state. The hotel features 119 rooms and suites decorated in colonial Khmer style, a large outdoor pool, the acclaimed 1932 restaurant, the Elephant Bar, a world-class spa, and immaculate tropical gardens. The history and architecture alone make it worth a visit.
Park Hyatt Siem Reap
Opened in 2012, the Park Hyatt Siem Reap is a contemporary luxury hotel that perfectly blends Khmer architectural tradition with modern design. Located in the heart of Siem Reap near the Old Market, the hotel features 104 spacious rooms and suites, three restaurants including the excellent The Dining Room and The Living Room, a stunning pool, a Park Hyatt spa, and private access to an art gallery. Known for its impeccable service and sophisticated ambiance.
Amansara
Amansara is arguably the most exclusive retreat in Siem Reap - an ultra-luxury property of just 24 suites housed in a modernist villa built in the 1960s for Cambodian King Sihanouk. The property has been transformed by Aman Resorts into an intimate sanctuary with a serene pool, outstanding cuisine, and bespoke temple tours in private air-conditioned tuk-tuks. The price includes all meals, minibar, laundry, and guided Angkor tours. The definition of slow, immersive luxury.
Rosewood Phum Baitang
Phum Baitang, meaning 'Green Village' in Khmer, is a breathtaking luxury resort set among organic gardens, rice paddies, and traditional Khmer villages on the outskirts of Siem Reap. The 45 beautifully designed wooden villas are raised on stilts above the landscape, each with a private plunge pool. The resort features two exceptional restaurants, a spa, cooking school, and a network of cycling paths through the countryside. It feels like a private Cambodian village.
Where to Eat in Siem Reap
Discover the culinary delights of Siem Reap, from local street food to fine dining experiences.
Cuisine Wat Damnak
Widely considered the finest restaurant in Cambodia, Cuisine Wat Damnak is the passion project of French chef Joannès Rivière and his Cambodian wife. The restaurant offers a 5-course set menu that changes weekly, based entirely on local seasonal ingredients sourced from Cambodian farmers and foragers. The inventive dishes reinterpret traditional Khmer flavors with refined French technique. Reservations essential weeks in advance.
Malis Restaurant
Malis (meaning 'jasmine flower') is one of Cambodia's most celebrated restaurants, dedicated to preserving and elevating traditional Khmer cuisine. Chef Luu Meng, one of Cambodia's most respected chefs, oversees a menu that showcases classic Cambodian dishes prepared with the finest ingredients. Set in an elegant open-air pavilion with a beautiful tropical garden, Malis offers both a la carte and tasting menus. A must for experiencing the depth of authentic Khmer gastronomy.
Mahob Khmer Cuisine
Mahob (the Khmer word for 'food') is a highly regarded restaurant serving authentic traditional Khmer cuisine in an elegant setting. The menu focuses on dishes that have been part of Cambodian culture for generations, presented beautifully. Signature dishes include fish amok (Cambodia's national dish), loc lac beef, and Khmer red curry. The warmly decorated interior and attentive service create an excellent dining experience.
Haven Restaurant
Haven is a beloved social enterprise restaurant that trains vulnerable youth in hospitality skills. The food is excellent - a creative menu of Khmer dishes alongside Western comfort food - but the real draw is the warm hospitality of the graduates who work as servers and chefs. The restaurant consistently wins awards both for its food and its social impact. Dining here is both delicious and meaningful.
The Sugar Palm
The Sugar Palm is a Siem Reap institution run by Chef Kethana Dunnet, who trained as a chef after fleeing the Khmer Rouge as a refugee. The menu celebrates traditional Khmer home cooking with dishes like lemongrass beef skewers, banana blossom salad, and fish amok. Housed in a beautiful traditional wooden building on two floors, it offers one of the most authentic and memorable dining experiences in town.
Viroth's Restaurant
Viroth's Restaurant, attached to the award-winning Viroth's Hotel, is one of Siem Reap's most acclaimed dining establishments. The menu balances contemporary Khmer cuisine with international influences, and the presentations are beautiful. The outdoor poolside setting in a gorgeous garden makes it one of the most romantic dining spots in the city. The Khmer tasting menu is highly recommended.
Getting Around Siem Reap
Getting around Siem Reap is easy and affordable. The iconic tuk-tuk is the most popular and atmospheric mode of transport for both city travel and temple touring. The Grab app (Southeast Asia's equivalent of Uber) is now available in Siem Reap and provides transparent metered fares. Most visitors hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day to visit the Angkor temples.
Budget Breakdown for Siem Reap
Plan your spending with our comprehensive cost guide. Currency: USD.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8-15 | $40-70 | $200+ |
| Food (per day) | $10-15 | $25-35 | $60-100 |
| Transportation | $5-8 | $15-20 | $50-80 |
| Activities | $37 (3-day temple pass) | $37-60 | $100+ |
| Daily Total | $30-50 | $80-120 | $300+ |
Best Time to Visit Siem Reap
Best Season: November to February
Peak Season: December to January
Avoid: July to September (heaviest rains)
Essential Travel Tips for Siem Reap
- Buy 3-day temple pass for best value
- Hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day rather than individual rides
- Visit temples early morning to beat heat and crowds
Safety Information
Travel Advisory
Siem Reap is generally safe for tourists. Exercise normal precautions. Landmines exist in remote areas outside tourist zones - stick to marked paths.
Never walk on unmarked paths in remote areas due to landmine risk
Use licensed tuk-tuks or Grab app to avoid overcharging
Keep valuables secure in crowded markets
Dress modestly at temple sites
Stay hydrated in the tropical heat
Bargain respectfully at markets
Carry small denominations of USD
Purchase travel insurance before your trip
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Siem Reap?
The best time to visit Siem Reap is November to February. July to September (heaviest rains) may have less favorable conditions.
Do I need a visa for Siem Reap?
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check with your nearest embassy or consulate for Siem Reap for current requirements before travel.
How many days do I need in Siem Reap?
For a comprehensive Siem Reap experience, we recommend 7-10 days. However, you can have a great trip in 5 days focusing on highlights.
Is Siem Reap expensive to visit?
Budget travelers can expect $30-50 per day, mid-range $80-120, and luxury $300+.