Gateway to the Angkor temples, Siem Reap blends Angkor Wat at sunrise, the Bayon's stone faces, root-wrapped Ta Prohm, night markets and the Tonle Sap lake. Here's how to enjoy it in 3 days or more.
Siem Reap at a glance
Population
245,000
Airport
SAI
Ideal stay
3 to 4 days
Budget / day
$25-120
Angkor Pass
$37 / day
Time diff
+6h
Current climate
Best season
In brief
The base for visiting Angkor
Plan at least 3 days: one for the small circuit, one for the grand circuit, one for the distant temples and rest.
Sunrise over Angkor Wat is earned
Get up at 4:30am to grab a spot facing the reflecting pool. The show is worth every minute of lost sleep.
The full-day tuk-tuk is king
For $15 to $20, a driver follows you all day between temples. The simplest and most flexible option.
Proper dress required in temples
Shoulders and knees covered to enter Angkor Wat. Keep a scarf or light pants in your bag.
The town comes alive after sunset
Pub Street, night markets and the Phare Circus take over once the temples close.
Must-see
The world's largest religious monument, stunning as the sun rises behind its towers.
The central temple of Angkor Thom, bristling with towers carved with smiling faces.
The temple left to the jungle, where giant silk-cotton trees grip the walls. A movie set.
The fortified former royal city, its monumental gates and the Terrace of the Elephants.
On Tonle Sap lake, stilt houses and flooded forest to explore by boat.
The lively heart of town. Bars, stalls, foot massages and street food.
Acrobatics, theatre and live music by young artists from a social-enterprise school.
To understand the Khmer empire before the temples. Gallery of 1,000 Buddhas.
Stone carving, silk and lacquer. Free tour of the training workshops.
30 km away, the temple with the finest pink sandstone carvings in all of Angkor.
Choose your district
The tourist heart, steps from Pub Street and the night markets. Lively and practical. From $15/night.
โ Recommended
East bank of the river, quieter and residential. Lovely guesthouses, local vibe. From $18/night.
Quiet
A rising street of boutique hotels and bars, 10 min from the center. From $25/night.
Trendy
Along the temple road, upscale hotels and resorts with pools. From $90/night.
Luxury
Getting around
Full-day tuk-tuk
The go-to option for the temples. A driver waits for you at each site, all day long.
Bicycle
The Angkor park is flat. Ideal for the small circuit at your own pace, early in the morning.
Car with driver
Air-conditioned, useful for distant temples (Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea) or hot days.
Grab / PassApp app
Handy in town for short hops and the ride back from Pub Street at night.
Climate & crowds
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Jan
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Feb
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
Dry season
Nov to Feb ยท 24-32ยฐC, clear skies ยท Ideal: the best window, but the busiest
Hot season
March to May ยท 33-40ยฐC, dry air ยท Fair: temples scorching at noon, start early
Monsoon
June to Oct ยท Afternoon showers ยท Fair: Tonle Sap at its highest, cheaper hotels
How much
Backpacker
$25
per day
Comfort
$70
per day
Premium
$180
per day
Our tested itinerary
Day-by-day program.
Around
30 min away ยท Floating villages
45 min away ยท Pink sandstone citadel
1h away ยท River of a thousand lingas
๐ 5h away ยท The country's capital
FAQ
Marie Laurent โ
ยทSoutheast Asia specialist
Last updated: June 6, 2026.