Skip to content

Travel guides

Siem Reap travel guide

Siem Reap is the town that serves the Angkor Archaeological Park, laid out along both banks of the Siem Reap River with the Old Market and Pub Street at its centre. Its airport moved in 2023 to a new site roughly 50 km out of town, so the transfer now matters as much as the temple pass when planning a stay.

By Hotel Unfiltered · Copy reviewed

Getting there and choosing your base

  • Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI): Opened in October 2023 to replace the old airport near town, which has closed. It sits about 50 km away, so the ride in is longer and dearer than it used to be; shared minibus seats are the cheap option, and a hotel that includes the transfer removes the haggling after a late arrival.
  • Long-distance bus terminal: Many buses from Phnom Penh and the borders end at a station east of town, with tuk-tuks waiting. Coming from the west, you can usually ask to be let off where the bus crosses the river on National Road 6, which suits hotels in the centre.
  • Phnom Krom boat landing: Boats across the Tonle Sap from Battambang arrive at this port south of town. The Phnom Penh ferry service has been suspended since COVID, so do not plan an arrival by river from the capital.

Areas to consider

Old Market and Pub Street

Suits backpackers and anyone who wants restaurants and bars on the doorstep after a day at the temples. The bars here run late every night, so ask whether your room faces Pub Street or one of the side alleys.

Wat Bo Road

Suits couples looking for smaller boutique hotels set among trees on the quieter east side of the river. Some places here are a longer walk from the Old Market than their listings suggest; check whether the hotel runs a free tuk-tuk into the centre.

National Road 6, west of the centre

Suits groups and tour parties, as most of the town's larger hotels line this road. Look at the distance to the river on a map, because several of these hotels are a ride rather than a stroll from the evening restaurants.

Kandal Village

Suits travellers who like galleries, cafés and independent shops between Pub Street and the old French quarter. If you are arriving late from the distant airport, confirm whether reception is staffed overnight.

When to go

November to March is the cooler, drier period and the busiest time for Angkor and for the town's hotels. April and May are the hottest months, while June to September brings the rains, when smaller Khmer-run guesthouses can be especially good value.

Before choosing a room

  • Ask whether the rate includes the airport transfer, and whether it is a private car or a seat on a shared minibus, given how far the new airport is.
  • Budget guesthouses often sell fan rooms and air-conditioned rooms side by side; in the April–May heat make sure you have booked the air-conditioned one.
  • Temple days start before sunrise, so check whether breakfast can be packed or served early on the days you go to Angkor.

Sources and planning resources

Facts checked on . Transport services, taxes and hotel offers can change. Confirm the details for your trip before booking.

Find a stay in Siem Reap

Set your dates and compare the room offers available for your trip.

Explore hotels

More guides for Cambodia

All Cambodia guides →