Siem Reap Province

Area: 10,299 km²
Population: 1.115 million (2023)

GEOGRAPY
Siem Reap is located in northwestern Cambodia, approximately 320 km (200 miles) from Phnom Penh, the capital city. The town sits on the banks of the Siem Reap River, a peaceful waterway that adds charm to its colonial-style streets and vibrant night markets.
To the south of the city lies the vast Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and a lifeline for local communities. To the north stretches the lush jungle that conceals the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its central location makes Siem Reap a convenient base for exploring the wider region, whether you're heading to ancient ruins, floating villages, or national parks.

WEATHER & CLIMATE 
Siem Reap has a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Dry Season (November – April)
Best time to visit: Especially from December to February, when the weather is cooler (25–30°C) and less humid.
Ideal for temple tours, cycling, and outdoor activities.
 Wet Season (May – October)
Expect afternoon showers, especially in July–September.
Lush green landscapes and fewer crowds make it great for photographers and off-the-beaten-path travelers.
Don’t worry – rains are often short and refreshing, with plenty of clear skies too.
 Average temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) at night to 34°C (93°F) during the day.

TRANSPORTATION 
Getting to Siem Reap
By Air: Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI), located about 40km from downtown, serves flights from major Asian hubs such as Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

By Bus/Minivan: Daily buses and vans connect Siem Reap with Phnom Penh (6–7 hours), Battambang (3–4 hours), and even Bangkok (8–10 hours). you can also go by daily bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap

By Boat (seasonal): A scenic ferry from Phnom Penh via Tonlé Sap Lake is possible during high water months (Jul–Feb).

Getting Around Siem Reap
Tuk-tuks: The most popular and fun way to travel! Affordable and readily available everywhere.

Private car or van: Ideal for temple tours or larger groups needing comfort and air-conditioning.

Bicycle rental: For active travelers, many hotels and shops rent bikes — perfect for exploring Angkor Wat and the nearby countryside.

Motorbike: Can be rented, but not recommended unless you're experienced. Note that foreigners are not allowed to ride motorbikes into the Angkor Park.

Walking: Siem Reap's town center is compact and walkable, especially around Pub Street and the riverside.

Travel tips: Many hotels offer free tuk-tuk pick-up from the airport or bus station – always ask ahead!

SEE & DO

2. Angkor Thom – The Last Capital of the Khmer Empire
Step back in time as you wander through Angkor Thom, the final capital city of the Khmer Empire, also located in Siem Reap. Built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century, this sprawling complex rivals Angkor Wat in scale and splendor.
The show-stopping highlight of Angkor Thom is the Bayon Temple – a mysterious masterpiece adorned with 54 stone towers, each carved with four serene, smiling faces. The grandeur and artistic innovation behind these stone sculptures are awe-inspiring. Don’t miss your chance to be swept away by the mystique and magnificence of a once-great empire!

3. Bayon Temple – The Temple of the Stone Faces
Constructed between the late 12th and early 13th centuries under King Jayavarman VII, Bayon is world-famous for its enormous, enigmatic stone faces. With 54 towers and a total of 216 serene visages gazing out in all directions, this temple radiates a calm, mysterious energy.
Marvel at the intricate bas-reliefs that depict scenes of daily life, battles, and religious rituals of ancient Khmer society—Bayon is truly a journey into the heart of Khmer spirituality and culture.

4. Ta Prohm Temple – The Temple Embraced by Nature
A temple like no other, Ta Prohm is a hauntingly beautiful sight where nature and architecture intertwine. Massive roots of ancient trees like silk-cotton and strangler figs have taken over the temple ruins, creating a surreal and cinematic landscape.
 This unique setting made Ta Prohm the iconic backdrop of the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), rocketing the temple to global fame. Walking through its moss-covered corridors feels like discovering a long-lost world!

5. River of a Thousand Lingas – The Sacred River of the Gods
About 50km north of the Angkor temple complex lies the River of a Thousand Lingas (Kbal Spean), where thousands of Linga and Yoni symbols, along with carvings of Hindu gods, are etched directly into the riverbed.
 Initiated by King Suryavarman I around 1050 and continued under King Udayadityavarman II, this sacred river was once a site for important spiritual rituals. It’s a tranquil, mystical place where spirituality and nature merge.

6. Tonle Sap Lake – Southeast Asia’s Largest Freshwater Lake
Tonle Sap Lake, or the “Great Lake,” is the beating heart of Cambodia’s waterway system. Formed by the unique ebb and flow of the Mekong River, it’s Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.
A speedboat from Siem Reap will take you to this aquatic world, where you can explore floating villages, witness the thriving mangrove ecosystems, and visit the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1997.

7. Phnom Kulen National Park – The Birthplace of the Khmer Empire
Hidden in the sacred Phnom Kulen mountain range, this national park is where the Khmer Empire was born in the year 802. It's a spiritual pilgrimage site for Cambodians, home to ancient shrines and peaceful waterfalls.
Breathe in the fresh mountain air and immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of the jungle – Phnom Kulen is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking to reconnect with history and spirit.

8. Kampong Phluk Floating Village – Life Among the Mangroves
Nestled on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake, Kampong Phluk is a captivating floating village surrounded by lush mangroves. Houses here are built on tall stilts, creating a magical landscape that seems to float above the water.
Visit Kampong Phluk to experience daily life on the water, interact with friendly locals, savor traditional cuisine, and cruise through the enchanting green canopy by boat.

9. Pub Street – Siem Reap’s Lively Walking Street
Get ready for non-stop excitement at Pub Street, the beating heart of Siem Reap’s nightlife! Comparable to Bui Vien Street in Vietnam, Pub Street is alive with buzzing energy, vibrant lights, and a dynamic mix of international travelers.
Here you’ll find bars, restaurants, and cafes that cater to every taste—from luxurious dining to late-night cocktails. The area comes alive after 7 PM, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy the local party scene and maybe even find a unique souvenir at the nearby shops.

10. Siem Reap Night Market – A Shopper’s Paradise
Open from 5 PM until midnight, the Siem Reap Night Market is a kaleidoscope of colors, flavors, and culture. Stroll through the lively stalls offering handmade silver jewelry, silk scarves, traditional crafts, and Khmer ceramics.
Be sure to sample local street food and Khmer delicacies as you soak in the festive night-time atmosphere. This is the perfect place to grab meaningful souvenirs and create unforgettable memories.

FOOD AND DRINK 
Siem Reap is a fantastic destination for food lovers. The local cuisine is rich, aromatic, and deeply rooted in tradition, with French and Thai influences adding depth and flair.
Must-Try Cambodian Dishes
Fish Amok: Creamy coconut-based curry made with freshwater fish, steamed in banana leaves. This is Cambodia’s national dish – fragrant, flavorful, and unique.

Khmer Red Curry: A milder cousin of Thai curry, often made with beef, chicken, or tofu and served with rice or bread.

Nom Banh Chok: A traditional Khmer breakfast noodle soup with green fish gravy and fresh herbs.

Lok Lak: Stir-fried beef with a peppery lime dipping sauce, served with rice and a fried egg on top – simple but satisfying.

Street food treats: From skewered meats to crunchy fried tarantulas, grilled frogs, and banana pancakes, adventurous eaters will find plenty to explore.

Drinks & Local Delights
Cambodian Iced Coffee (with condensed milk): A sweet caffeine kick, perfect on a hot day.
Palm Wine & Rice Wine: Traditional brews are sometimes offered in cultural shows.
Craft Beer: Try locally brewed beers like Siem Reap Brewpub or Fifty5 Brewing Co.
Cocktail lounges and rooftop bars offer fresh tropical flavors with views over the city.

NIGHTLIFE: From Chill Vibes to Full-on Party
As the sun sets, Siem Reap lights up with a unique energy. While it may not be as wild as Bangkok, the city offers a fun and friendly nightlife scene perfect for all types of travelers.

Pub Street – The Beating Heart of Siem Reap by Night
Bright neon lights, thumping music, and a fun-loving crowd make Pub Street a must-visit. Lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants, it’s ideal for bar hopping. Try a $0.50 draft Angkor Beer or sip on a fruity cocktail as you watch the world go by.

Picasso Bar is a small venue with a barrel vaulted ceiling, its main feature is the horseshoe - shaped - bar, across which conversation flows as easily as the drinks. Centrally located in Alley West (a stones throw from Pub Street). Extensive Cocktail menu. 2 for 1 Happy Hour. Hot snacks served up all night. FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED. Small outside terrace, where smoking is permitted. Closed on Monday
Add: Alley W, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor What? Bar – A traveler’s favorite since 1998 with a rowdy vibe.
Add: Street 08, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Barcode Bar Siem Reap: Welcome to Barcode, Cabaret gay Bar in Siem Reap! Our chic décor and ambiance provides the perfect setting for your evening whether you’re looking for a wild night out or a few classy cocktails with friends. Be dazzled by our famous nightly cabaret shows. With a mix of the sexy, the strange, and the side splittingly hilarious, we guarantee a wonderful night out in town. At Barcode, we know how to party! Our resident DJ Mab tears it up every night delivering the coolest club tracks of then and now. He knows exactly how to get you going depending of the guests crowd 
Add: Mondul 1 Village, New Street A, Krong Siem Reap 17252, Cambodia

X-Bar Siem Reap: X Bar is Siem Reap’s premier rooftop bar and party venue. The bar is unique in Cambodia with a 6ft half-pipe on the top floor, a stage for live music & DJs, billiards & foosball tables as well as big screen broadcasting. If you’re looking for something unique in the heart of Siem Reap, then X Bar is your destination.
Add: bvd. and, Corner of Sivath, Sok San Rd, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Miss Wong Cocktail Bar – A more laid-back experience with a 1920s Shanghai theme.
Miss Wong is the creation of the award-winning radio journalist, Dean Williams. The New Zealander says he is providing a quiet and refined place to drink, where customers feel like they are getting a quality product and personalized service.
“I wanted a place where people could chat and not be drowned out by loud music, a place where customers feel like they are away from the hustle,”Dean says.
Add: 26 Str, Siem Reap, Cambodia

WILD is cocktail bar and spring roll restaurant in Siem Reap, 1-minute walk from the river and the Old Market, only few kilometers away from the world famous Angkor Wat! Our restaurant and cocktail bar is nested in a cute Khmer Traditional wooden house and a tropical garden, in the Wat Damnak neighborhood. You can have lunch, dine or just enjoy one of our craft cocktails under the sun or the stars of Cambodia✨! We stay small so we can provide you an intimate atmosphere and we make sure to provide you the most romantic atmosphere, especially at night when our fairy lights are on! We've been awarded twice best cocktail bar in Cambodia by the Khmer Magazine Sovrin for our unique Cambodian craft cocktails. KITCHEN CLOSES @ 10PM
Add: Wat Damnak, Aleah Road, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Sokkhak River Lounge: three-story building includes a café on the ground floor, an impressive wine bar on the middle level and the crown jewel – a lush, stylish and spacious rooftop cocktail bar with sweeping views of Siem Reap river, golden pagodas and Siem Reap town. It’s a magical spot to sit and watch one of Cambodia’s iconic sunsets with a cool drink in hand while listening to smooth tunes. We serve a mixed of Cambodian and continental food also creation of Khmer dessert, selection of coffee. At night, we turn to cocktail bar or Pub which guest can enjoy food, wine, cocktails with complimentary of Cambodian live band. Cozy style set up, a mixed of traditional and modern art deco with decoration of different
Add: Pokambo Advenue, Along Siem Reap River, 20 meter before Pheah Prom Roath Pagoda Svay Dangkum Commune, Krong Siem Reap

Evening Relaxation- Massage & Markets. 
If partying isn’t your style, don’t worry – there’s plenty of chill nighttime fun:
Night Markets: The Angkor Night Market and Made in Cambodia Market are perfect for souvenir shopping. Pick up silk scarves, handmade jewelry, and local art.
Foot massages & spas: After a long day of walking, enjoy a relaxing Khmer massage or a rejuvenating herbal spa treatment – many options right on Pub Street or nearby.