Angkor Wat
The world's largest religious monument and symbol of Cambodia
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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.
- 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
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Siem Reap
The 3 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Bayon Temple
Temple with iconic smiling stone faces at Angkor Thom
Ta Prohm
Jungle temple famously featured in Tomb Raider film
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Siem Reap Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Siem Reap, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Siem Reap
- Days 1-2Siem Reap city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Siem Reap
- Days 1-3Siem Reap comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Siem Reap, departure
Where to stay in Siem Reap
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $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
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
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
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| 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
Essential travel tips
- 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
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
Do I need a visa to visit Siem Reap?
Most nationalities require a visa for Cambodia. E-visa available online for $36 USD. Visa on arrival available at airports and land borders for $30 USD. Many nationalities receive 30-day tourist visa. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Siem Reap?
The currency in Siem Reap is the Cambodian Riel (KHR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Siem Reap?
The main language(s) spoken in Siem Reap: Khmer, English. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.