Siem Reap Travel Guide 2026: Angkor Wat, Temples, Tonlé Sap, Pub Street, Costs & Tips
ℹ️ Travel notice (October 2026): Following deadly clashes with Thailand in 2025, a ceasefire has been in place since late December 2025, but the situation along the border remains unpredictable. Several governments advise against travel near the Cambodia–Thailand border (Canada: within 50 km), and land border crossings with Thailand are closed; fly between the two countries. Siem Reap and the Angkor temples remain open. Cambodia is one of the world's most heavily mined countries: in rural areas, stay on marked paths and roads.
Siem Reap, in northwestern Cambodia, is the gateway to Angkor, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Angkor Archaeological Park covers about 400 km² and contains the remains of the capitals of the Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Its crown jewel, Angkor Wat, is the largest religious monument in the world and appears on Cambodia's flag. Nearby, the giant stone faces of the Bayon in Angkor Thom and the jungle-covered ruins of Ta Prohm, made famous by Tomb Raider, are unforgettable. Siem Reap itself is a lively town with markets, the busy Pub Street, excellent restaurants, spas and cultural shows such as the Phare Circus. It's also close to the floating villages of the Tonlé Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. This Siem Reap travel guide covers the best time to visit, top places with booking tips, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical tips.
Best Time to Visit Siem Reap
Cool and dry season (November–February): The best time to visit, with temperatures of about 25–30°C and low humidity. Peak season, so book ahead.
Hot season (March–May): Very hot (35°C+), but quieter; temples are best early and late.
Rainy season (June–October): Afternoon downpours, lush green landscapes, fewer visitors and the best time to see the Tonlé Sap floating villages with high water.
Events: Khmer New Year (mid-April) and the Water Festival (October or November).
Top Places to Visit in Siem Reap
1. Angkor Wat
Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple to Vishnu, later Buddhist, Angkor Wat is famous for its five lotus-shaped towers and stunning bas-reliefs.
Booking tip: Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat with a guide who knows the best spots, and explore before the crowds. Book an Angkor Wat sunrise tour on GetYourGuide
2. Angkor Thom and the Bayon
The great walled city of King Jayavarman VII, with the Bayon temple and its 200+ smiling stone faces, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Baphuon.
Booking tip: A small-group tour of Angkor Thom helps you understand the temples' symbolism. Book an Angkor small-group tour on GetYourGuide
3. Ta Prohm
A temple where huge silk-cotton and strangler fig trees grow through the ruins, left largely as it was found by explorers.
Booking tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better light. Book an Angkor temples tour on GetYourGuide
4. Banteay Srei
About 35 km north, a small 10th-century temple of pink sandstone with some of the finest carvings in Angkor.
Booking tip: Combine with the Grand Circuit temples or Kbal Spean. Book a Banteay Srei tour on GetYourGuide
5. Tonlé Sap Floating Villages
Visit stilted villages such as Kompong Phluk and Kampong Khleang, and flooded forests by boat.
Booking tip: Choose a responsible tour that benefits local communities; avoid the more commercialised Chong Kneas. Book a Tonlé Sap floating village tour on GetYourGuide
6. Phare, the Cambodian Circus
A world-class performance combining acrobatics, theatre and music, by graduates of a social enterprise arts school.
Booking tip: Shows sell out in high season; book online. Book Phare Circus tickets on GetYourGuide
7. Food Tours and Cooking Classes
Explore Siem Reap's markets and street food by tuk-tuk, or learn to cook fish amok in a cooking class.
Booking tip: Evening tuk-tuk food tours are fun and informative. Book a Siem Reap food tour on GetYourGuide
Also worth visiting: Pre Rup at sunset, Preah Khan, Phnom Bakheng, the Angkor National Museum, Artisans Angkor, the Old Market (Psar Chas), Phnom Kulen waterfalls and Beng Mealea jungle temple (stay on paths, as mine-clearance work continues in rural areas).
Suggested 3-Day Siem Reap Itinerary
Day 1: Sunrise at Angkor Wat, then Angkor Thom, Bayon and Ta Prohm.
Day 2: Banteay Srei, Preah Khan and sunset at Pre Rup, then the Phare Circus.
Day 3: Tonlé Sap floating village, then a cooking class or spa.
Cambodian Food
Try fish amok (fish curry steamed in banana leaves), lok lak (stir-fried beef), num banh chok (rice noodles with green fish curry), kuy teav (noodle soup), bai sach chrouk (pork and rice breakfast) and fresh tropical fruits.
Practical Planning Notes
Buy the Angkor Pass at the official ticket office or online: 1 day (US$37), 3 days (US$62, valid for 10 days) or 7 days (US$72, valid for one month). Dress modestly at temples: cover shoulders and knees. Hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day (about US$15–25) or a licensed guide. Start early to avoid the heat. The new Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) is about 50 km from town, so allow about an hour for transfers.
Cambodia in Brief
Cambodia is a Southeast Asian kingdom of about 17 million people, mostly Theravada Buddhist. The Khmer Empire once ruled much of mainland Southeast Asia. The country suffered terribly under the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979) and has been rebuilding since.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
- Pub Street and Old Market: Lively area with restaurants and nightlife.
- Wat Bo area: Quieter boutique hotels.
- Riverside: Mid-range and luxury hotels.
- Road to Angkor: Resorts close to the temples.
Compare hotel prices and availability in Siem Reap here.
Getting There & Around
Flying to Siem Reap
Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI), which opened in 2023, has flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City and other Asian hubs. Shuttle buses and taxis connect it with the town. Search and compare cheap flights to Siem Reap to find the best fares.
By Bus
Buses connect Siem Reap with Phnom Penh (about 5–6 hours), Battambang and other cities. Land crossings from Thailand are currently closed.
Getting Around
- Tuk-tuks: The most popular way to visit temples.
- Ride-hailing apps: PassApp and Grab.
- Bikes and e-bikes: For the small temple circuit.
- Private car: For distant temples.
Travel Costs in Siem Reap
Cambodia uses the Cambodian riel (KHR), but the US dollar is widely used.
| Travel style | Accommodation | Food & drink | Transport & activities | Daily total (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | US$8–20 (hostel/guesthouse) | US$8–15 | US$15–30 | US$31–65 |
| Mid-range | US$35–80 (boutique hotel) | US$20–40 | US$30–70 (guide, tuk-tuk) | US$85–190 |
| Luxury | US$150–500 (luxury resort) | US$50–120 | US$80–200 | US$280–820 |
Angkor Pass fees are extra.
Visa Rules
- Visa: Most visitors need a tourist visa. An e-visa costs about US$30, applied for on the official website, or a visa on arrival costs US$30 in cash at international airports. Stays are limited to 30 days.
- e-Arrival card: Complete Cambodia's free e-Arrival form online within 7 days before arrival.
- Passport: Valid for at least six months, with blank pages.
- Onward ticket: May be requested.
Local Tips for Siem Reap
- Dress modestly at temples.
- Carry small US dollar bills.
- Stay on marked paths in rural areas.
- Staying connected: A travel eSIM or local SIM works well. Get your Cambodia eSIM here.
Tours & Experiences
- Angkor sunrise tours.
- Tonlé Sap floating villages.
- Phare Circus.
- Food tours and cooking classes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Siem Reap
How much is the Angkor Pass?
US$37 for 1 day, US$62 for 3 days (valid within 10 days) and US$72 for 7 days (valid within a month). Buy it at the official ticket centre or online.
How many days do I need for Angkor?
Two to three days allow you to see the main temples without rushing, including sunrise at Angkor Wat and more distant temples like Banteay Srei.
Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
Most visitors need a visa: an e-visa (about US$30) online or a visa on arrival (US$30 cash) at airports. You must also complete the e-Arrival form before arrival.
Can I travel overland from Thailand to Siem Reap?
Land border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia are currently closed. Fly instead, and check for updates.
What should I wear at Angkor Wat?
Clothes covering shoulders and knees. Visitors may be refused entry to some areas if dressed inappropriately.
Siem Reap is unmatched as a base for exploring Angkor — catch sunrise at Angkor Wat, wander the carved faces of the Bayon and the jungle-swallowed ruins of Ta Prohm, then unwind on Pub Street once the temples close.
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