Korean MOFA travel advisory: Your destination: Level 1 (exercise caution) · some areas of the country have advisories

Elsewhere in the country: Level 3 (leave the country) — some regions: L3 (leave): within 50 km of the Thai border, Sihanoukville city, Bokor Mountain (Kampot), Bavet, Poipet / L2: Preah Sihanouk province / L1: rest of the country

Visits to the listed regions should be cancelled or postponed (see Details for other areas).

since 2026-06-30 · checked 2026-10-01 · Details ↗ This is the Korean government’s advisory — also check your own government’s travel advice.

Siem Reap Travel Guide

The gateway town to Angkor, the UNESCO World Heritage park holding the remains of the Khmer Empire's capitals. Spread Angkor Wat at sunrise, the stone faces of the Bayon and root-wrapped Ta Prohm over a few days, then enjoy Khmer food in the small town at night — ideal for history and temple lovers.

Angkor Wat silhouetted at sunrise
Angkor Wat · Photo: Alexey Komarov / CC BY-SA 4.0

Plan your Siem Reap trip

We never take payment — compare, then book on the official partner site.

At a glance

Currency
KHR (៛)
Power & plugs
230V · plug type: check before you go
Driving side
Right
Tipping
Check official sources
Local language
ភាសាខ្មែរ
How long to stay
4 to 5 days

Emergency numbers

When to go

The rainy season usually starts around May and brings frequent rain into the autumn, followed by a dry season that lasts until the next spring. The turn of the year is relatively cool within the dry season, good for temple walking. Season start dates vary each year, so check the local forecast before you go.

Airport to the city

Airport Bus (shuttle)

Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) lies outside town in Sotr Nikum district. The Airport Bus counter is on the left as you exit arrivals; check the official airport information for times and fares.

Time check officialCost check official

Taxi or pre-booked car

With luggage or a late arrival, a taxi or a car pre-booked through your accommodation or an operator takes you door to door. Confirm the fare before you get in.

Time check officialCost check official

Flights from Korea and elsewhere

Flights from Korea usually connect via hubs such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Bangkok. Routes and schedules change often, so check with the airline.

Time varies by connectionCost varies by season

Getting around

Tuk-tuks (remork-moto)

Motorbike-towed carriages are the most popular way around town and the Angkor park. For a day at the temples, agree the route and fare before setting off.

Ride-hailing apps

Booking a tuk-tuk or car in an app fixes the fare in advance, so no haggling. Handy around town and in the evening.

Taxi hire (air-conditioned)

Can be hired for a day or more — easiest on hot days, for far-flung temples or with family.

Bicycles

A good way to reach every corner of the park. Start early to avoid the midday heat and carry plenty of water.

Walking

The town centre around Pub Street and the river is walkable. The temples are far apart, so walking between them isn't practical.

Where to stay

Pub Street & town centre

Good for: First visit, restaurants, nightlife

The heart of town near the river and markets; the street closes to traffic at night and fills with restaurants, bars and stalls. It can be noisy late.

Along the Siem Reap River

Good for: Strolling, calmer stays

The river runs through the centre, so you can walk to the main streets while staying a little away from the Pub Street noise.

North of town (towards Angkor)

Good for: Sunrise trips, temple-focused stays

Angkor Wat is about 6 km from town, so staying on the temple side shortens pre-dawn rides. You'll need a tuk-tuk into town for dinner.

Map of stays in Siem Reap

Compare prices from many booking sites on the map

Search stays in Siem Reap in the app

Map & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site

Top sights

  1. Angkor Wat

    The vast temple that symbolizes Angkor. Entry opens before dawn, so a popular plan is sunrise by the moat, then exploring inside.

  2. Angkor Thom & the Bayon

    At the heart of the walled royal city of Angkor Thom stands the Bayon, crowded with carved stone faces. Go early for fewer crowds and less heat.

    Face towers of the Bayon temple in Angkor Thom
    Bayon, Angkor Thom · Photo: Jakub Hałun / CC BY-SA 4.0
  3. Ta Prohm

    A temple wrapped in massive tree roots and one of the most visited sites after Angkor Wat. Many structures are fragile, so follow the signs and don't climb on loose stones.

  4. Phnom Bakheng

    A hilltop temple and popular sunset spot looking towards Angkor Wat. There's an uphill walk, so wear good shoes and leave in good time.

  5. Banteay Srei & Kbal Spean

    Banteay Srei, a 10th-century temple about 25 km north-east of the main Angkor group, is famed for its fine carving. Pair it with Kbal Spean, where lingas are carved into the riverbed, for a half- or full-day trip.

    Finely carved red sandstone shrines of Banteay Srei
    Banteay Srei · Photo: Gerd Eichmann / CC BY-SA 4.0
  6. Tonle Sap villages (Chong Kneas, Kampong Khleang)

    Tour the lake's floating villages by boat. At Chong Kneas you buy boat tickets at the official office at the pier; Kampong Khleang is about 45 km from town. Check fares officially.

  7. Pub Street at night

    The town-centre street that closes to traffic at night and fills with restaurants and stalls. Ask prices and bargain at the nearby markets.

Tours & tickets →

What to eat

Fish amok

Fish gently steamed with coconut milk and spices — Cambodia's signature dish, and mild enough for first-timers.

Num banh chok (Khmer noodles)

Rice noodles topped with a fish-based curry broth and fresh greens, a breakfast staple at markets and stalls.

Kuy teav

A clear-broth rice noodle soup that locals love for breakfast.

Lok lak

Stir-fried marinated beef served with rice and vegetables, with a lime and pepper dipping sauce.

Tropical fruit & shakes

Mango, dragon fruit and cold fruit shakes help beat the heat. If you're wary of ice, choose bottled drinks.

Daily budget (per person)

Budgetabout US$30-45 per day: guesthouse, local food, tuk-tuks (Angkor pass extra)
Mid-rangeabout US$80-130 per day: mid-range hotel, tuk-tuk hire, restaurants (Angkor pass extra)
Comfortabout US$250+ per day: resort, car hire, guide (Angkor pass extra)

Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.

Sample itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Transfer from the airport and check in, sort your Angkor pass at the official ticket office or online, then Khmer food around Pub Street.

  2. Day 2

    Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and the Bayon, a midday rest, Ta Prohm in the afternoon, then sunset at Phnom Bakheng.

  3. Day 3

    Hire a car to Banteay Srei and Kbal Spean, back in town by late afternoon for a riverside walk and a massage.

  4. Day 4

    Morning at a Tonle Sap village, lunch in town, then leave plenty of time to reach the airport.

Local tips

Related articles

All articles →

Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.

More city guides