Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a vibrant gateway city blending rich Khmer culture with a laid-back traveller atmosphere. It offers affordable accommodation, lively street scenes, and a welcoming community of fellow explorers. Ideal for both budget backpackers and holidaymakers, the city balances tradition with modern comforts. With warm hospitality, unique local charm, and easy accessibility, Siem Reap is a memorable base for Southeast Asian adventures.
When to visit
Temp
Nov – Feb
24 – 35°C
75 – 95°F
Siem Reap’s Top Attractions
Attraction Matrix
Search for attractions that you are interested in based on WindingTravel categories:
WindingTravel Category Examples
Nature & Outdoors: Hiking, National Parks, Beaches, Wildlife Viewing, Camping
Culture & History: Museums, Monuments, Historical Buildings, Cultural Tours, Art Galleries
Food & Drink: Local Cuisine, Food Tours, Markets, Wineries/Breweries, Street Food
Entertainment & Nightlife: Bars, Nightclubs, Live Music, Festivals, Comedy Clubs
Adventure Sports: Surfing, Skydiving, Rafting, Scuba Diving, Climbing
Relaxation & Wellness: Spas, Hot Springs, Yoga Retreats, Meditation Centres, Thermal Baths
Shopping & Markets: Souvenirs, Flea Markets, Shopping Districts, Boutique Shops, Craft Fairs
Unique Experiences: Workshops, Volunteering, Local Festivals, Artisan Crafts, Rooftop Bars
City Highlights: Iconic Landmarks, Famous Streets, Observation Decks, Architectural Tours, Scenic Views
Family-Friendly: Zoos, Aquariums, Theme Parks, Interactive Museums, Educational Centres
Country Highlights: Attractions that are on the WindingTravel Country page that most tourists wont want to miss!
Review further details of each attraction to find out more:
| Angkor Archaeological Park | Wander through the vast ruins of Angkor, home to ancient temples like Angkor Wat and Bayon. Experience breath-taking architecture, jungle-fringed relics, and spiritual ambience at sunrise. |
| Phnom Kulen National Park | Hike through lush forest to sacred waterfalls, rivers with carved lingas, and temples atop the Phnom Kulen plateau. Enjoy both natural beauty and spiritual serenity in one visit. |
| Beng Mealea Temple | Explore this crumbling, jungle-covered temple that feels like a lost city. Less visited than Angkor, it offers a more adventurous, off-the-beaten-path ruin exploration. |
| Tonlé Sap Floating Villages | Cruise through floating homes and schools on Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Learn about local life, fishing culture, and seasonal water changes affecting the villages. |
| Cambodian Circus (Phare) | Watch an energetic performance blending theatre, music, acrobatics, and dance that tells Cambodian stories. A social enterprise that supports young artists and local communities. |
| Pub Street (Siem Reap Nightlife) | Stroll through Siem Reap’s vibrant nightlife hub, with neon-lit bars, live music, street food, and people from all over the world enjoying a lively night out. |
| Angkor Night Market | Browse through handcrafted goods, souvenirs, and local street food in a relaxed evening market setting. A great place to find unique gifts and enjoy affordable shopping. |
| Kampong Phluk Mangrove Forest | Paddle through a peaceful flooded forest by boat near a stilted village. Spot birds and observe traditional fishing practices during this tranquil escape from the city. |
| Cooking Class with Local Market Tour | Visit a traditional market to select fresh ingredients before learning to prepare Khmer dishes like amok and spring rolls. Gain culinary skills and insight into local culture. |
| Artisans Angkor Workshops | Observe skilled artisans creating traditional Cambodian crafts such as silk, wood, and stone carvings. Support sustainable jobs while gaining insight into Khmer artistic heritage. |
Check the map to plan your route:
Transport
Siem Reap offers tuk-tuks, motorbikes, bicycles, and car taxis for getting around, with tuk-tuks being the most popular and affordable. Walking is convenient in the city centre. Ride-hailing apps like Grab and TADA are widely used, offering fixed prices and safer, more reliable alternatives to negotiating fares on the street.
Seasonality and Weather
Siem Reap has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the wet season (May to October). The dry season features warm, sunny days with little rain—ideal for sightseeing. December to February is the coolest and most pleasant period, with average highs around 28°C (82°F). The wet season brings high humidity, heavy afternoon showers, and lush green landscapes, particularly between June and September. While the rain can disrupt plans, it’s less crowded and more affordable. The best time to visit is between November and February, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities.
Where to stay
The best areas for tourists to stay in Siem Reap vary by travel style, offering options for convenience, nightlife, and tranquillity:
Old Market / Pub Street Area – Ideal for first-time visitors; central, lively, and packed with restaurants, bars, and shops.
Wat Bo Road – A quieter, more relaxed area with boutique hotels and a local vibe, still close to the action.
Taphul Village – Budget-friendly, with hostels and guesthouses popular among backpackers.
Charles de Gaulle Boulevard – Near Angkor Wat; great for resort stays and a more peaceful atmosphere.
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