Siem Reap

Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious complex: sunrise over Angkor Wat, the Khmer smiles of the Bayon and the tree roots of Ta Prohm, a once-in-a-lifetime journey among ancient ruins.

Siem Reap lies in northwestern Cambodia, on the northern shore of Tonle Sap Lake. It is the capital of Siem Reap Province and the gateway city to Angkor Archaeological Park. The Angkor complex is only 6–8 km from town; it is what remains of the capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th centuries, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992, and covers more than 400 square kilometers, with dozens of major temples including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (the Bayon) and Ta Prohm. Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, opened in 2023, is about 40 km east of town, with direct flights from Guangzhou, Kunming, Chengdu, Shanghai, Beijing and other cities, taking 3–5 hours; Chinese travelers can get an e-visa or a visa on arrival (about US$30). The climate is tropical monsoon: November to February is the cool season, dry with temperatures of 25–30°C, the best time to visit; March–May is scorching, up to 40°C, so sightsee early in the morning and in the evening; June–October is the rainy season with afternoon showers, but there are fewer visitors and the moats and trees are at their greenest. Visits revolve around the Angkor pass: US$37 for a one-day pass, US$62 for three days and US$72 for seven days, which must be bought at the official ticket center northeast of town (cards accepted); a ticket bought after 5 p.m. is valid from the next day, but you can enter the park that evening to watch the sunset. The classic routes are the "Small Circuit" (Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm, 1 day) and the "Grand Circuit" (Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Pre Rup and more, 1 day); on a third day you can visit the outlying Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea or Tonle Sap Lake. Chartering a tuk-tuk is the main way to get around: about US$15–20 a day for the Small Circuit, about US$20–25 for the Grand Circuit, with outer sites negotiated separately; you can also hire an air-conditioned car. Plan on staying 3–4 days. Tips: shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the temples, and the top level of Angkor Wat and Phnom Bakheng have limits on visitor numbers and dress codes; the park has plenty of mosquitoes and strong sun, so bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent; the US dollar is the main currency, with Cambodian riel used for small change; the bar street and night market on both banks of the Siem Reap River in town are the center of evening activity.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries