Destination guide

Siem Reap

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Siem Reap is a small, relaxed town in Cambodia, and the gateway to Angkor, the largest religious monument in the world. The temples, set in forest, are among the most extraordinary sights in Asia.

The town itself has cafes, night markets and a friendly atmosphere, and it is a good place to rest between early starts.

How many days: 3

Three days is a good amount of time for the main temples at an unhurried pace. Two covers the highlights, and four or five suit temple enthusiasts.

Start early to avoid the heat, and take a break at midday.

What to do in Siem Reap

See Angkor Wat at sunrise
The most famous temple glows at dawn. Arrive in the dark, and expect crowds.
Explore Angkor Thom and the Bayon
A walled city with giant stone faces smiling from towers. A highlight of any visit.
Visit Ta Prohm
A temple wrapped in giant tree roots, left much as it was found. Atmospheric and quiet in the early morning.
Visit a smaller temple
Banteay Srei is famed for its fine pink sandstone carvings. A short drive from the main group.
Take a boat on the Tonle Sap
A floating village on a vast lake shows a different side of life. Choose a responsible operator.
Browse the night markets
Small stalls sell crafts, clothes and snacks in the town centre. Bargain politely.
Watch a traditional dance show
Evening shows present classic Khmer dance, often with a meal.
Visit a craft workshop
Local schools and workshops train young people in stone carving, silk weaving and woodwork. A good way to support local work.
Visit Pub Street in the evening
A lively lane of bars and restaurants close to the markets. Fun if you want something livelier.
Take a cycling tour of the countryside
Quiet lanes lead through rice fields and small villages. A good way to see local life.
Visit a landmine or war museum
Small museums explain the country's recent history in a direct and moving way.
See Beng Mealea or a remote temple
Further out, jungle-covered temples are much quieter than the main complex.
Visit a floating or stilt village with a guide
Guides can explain how families live on the water. Choose a community-run option.

What to eat and drink

Fish amok
Fish steamed in a coconut curry and served in a banana leaf. The national dish.
Khmer red curry
A mild coconut curry with vegetables and meat.
Lok lak
Stir-fried beef with a tangy pepper dipping sauce.
Fresh spring rolls
Rice paper rolls with herbs and vegetables.
Tropical fruit shakes
Mango and coconut shakes are cheap and refreshing.
Street snacks
Look for grilled skewers and sweet pancakes in the evening markets.
Khmer barbecue
Grilled meat cooked at the table, often with hot pot.
Palm sugar sweets
Local sweets are made from palm sugar, rice and coconut.
Fresh river fish
Grilled or steamed fish from the Tonle Sap is a local staple.

Getting around

Tuk-tuks are the usual way to get around town and to the temples, and many visitors hire one for the day. Agree the price first.

Bicycles are a good way to see the temples in the cooler hours.

The town centre is walkable.

Good to know

  • The temple complex is huge, and a pass is needed to enter. Check the official site for how to buy one.
  • Dress modestly at the temples. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
  • It is hot and humid for most of the year. Carry water and sun cream.
  • Be respectful when taking photos of monks and local people. Ask first.
  • Check visa rules before you go, as they vary by nationality.
  • Temples close in the evening, and sunrise and sunset spots fill early. Plan your day around them.
  • Use a reputable guide for background, as the temples have little signage.
  • The best light at the main temples is early morning and late afternoon. A rest in between works well.

Where to stay in Siem Reap

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Old Market & Pub Street

The Old Market and Pub Street area is Siem Reap's busiest visitor hub, with restaurants, bars, night markets and shops packed into a very walkable centre. It is ideal for first-time visitors and nightlife, but it is tourist-heavy and one of the poorest choices for a quiet night's sleep.

Wat Bo & Riverside

Wat Bo sits just east of the Siem Reap River, close enough to walk into the Old Market while offering boutique hotels, cafés and a calmer atmosphere. It is one of the best-balanced locations for couples and general sightseeing, although nightlife is less immediate than around Pub Street.

Wat Damnak & Sala Kamreuk

South and east of the Old Market, Wat Damnak and Sala Kamreuk offer quieter lanes, villas and smaller hotels while remaining a short tuk-tuk or bicycle ride from the centre. They suit couples and families seeking more space and calm, but restaurants and entertainment become increasingly scattered away from the river.

Taphul

Taphul is a practical central neighbourhood of guesthouses, inexpensive hotels and local restaurants north-west of the Old Market. It offers strong value and easy access to the centre without being directly inside the nightlife zone, but the streets are functional rather than especially scenic or romantic.

Charles de Gaulle & Wat Polanka

The northern hotel corridor around Charles de Gaulle Avenue places visitors closer to Angkor Archaeological Park and attractions such as the Angkor National Museum while retaining easy access to central Siem Reap. Larger hotels and resorts make it good for families and temple-focused trips, but it lacks the dense restaurant and nightlife scene of the Old Market.

National Road 6

The National Road 6 corridor contains larger hotels, resorts and transport connections and provides straightforward road access east towards SAI. It works well for organised tours, business travellers and airport-conscious stays, but heavy traffic and a spread-out layout make it much less pleasant for walking than central Siem Reap.

What it costs

A typical day in Siem Reap, per person, in pounds.

£20

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£34

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

£62

Treating yourself - the good hotel, the good tables.

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