Siem Reap: The Complete Guide

Siem Reap is a vibrant city located in northwestern Cambodia, best known as the gateway to the ancient Angkor archaeological complex. Serving as the capital of Siem Reap Province, it attracts millions of tourists annually, who visit to explore the stunning temples of Angkor, including the iconic Angkor Wat. The city’s name, which translates to “Siam Defeated,” references its historical significance in the late 18th century when the Khmer forces repelled the Siamese invaders. Today, Siem Reap offers a blend of ancient history, modern amenities, and a thriving cultural scene, making it a key destination in Southeast Asia.

Beyond the temples, Siem Reap boasts a lively atmosphere with bustling markets, vibrant nightlife, and an array of restaurants offering both local and international cuisines. Pub Street, in particular, is a popular area where visitors can enjoy delicious Cambodian street food, shop for souvenirs, and experience the city’s lively nightlife. For those interested in local culture, the city is home to various museums, art galleries, and traditional Apsara dance performances, offering deeper insights into Cambodia’s rich heritage. The nearby floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake provide another unique experience, offering a glimpse into the lives of local communities who live on the water.

In recent years, Siem Reap has undergone significant development, improving its infrastructure while maintaining its traditional charm. Visitors can easily access the city via its international airport, which offers flights from major regional hubs. The city’s proximity to the Angkor temples makes it an ideal base for tourists, who can spend their days exploring the ancient wonders and their evenings relaxing in the city’s hotels, resorts, or homestays. Siem Reap’s mix of historical significance, cultural offerings, and modern developments has solidified its status as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cambodia.

History of Siem Reap

The Early History of Siem Reap

Siem Reap, a city in northwestern Cambodia, has a rich history dating back to the Angkorian period, a time when the region was the heart of the Khmer Empire. The area was initially inhabited by various indigenous groups before the Khmer Empire rose to prominence. The city’s name, “Siem Reap,” which means “Siam Defeated,” commemorates the victory of the Khmer forces over the Siamese invaders in the late 18th century. Before this, Siem Reap was a small village located near the Angkor temple complex, which served as the capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th centuries. The grandeur of Angkor, particularly Angkor Wat, made Siem Reap a key center of culture and religion.

Siem Reap in the Colonial and Post-Colonial Eras

During the French colonial period in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Siem Reap was incorporated into French Indochina. The French were instrumental in ‘rediscovering’ the Angkor temples, many of which had fallen into neglect after the decline of the Khmer Empire. Under French guidance, efforts were made to preserve and study the temples, leading to the establishment of Siem Reap as a base for archaeological research. However, the city remained relatively small and underdeveloped during this period. It wasn’t until the 1950s, when Cambodia gained independence from France, that Siem Reap began to experience more modern infrastructure development, though it remained a modest town.

Siem Reap in Modern Times

The city of Siem Reap began to transform dramatically in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, particularly following the end of the Khmer Rouge regime in the late 1970s. The 1990s marked the beginning of a tourism boom, as international visitors flocked to explore the famous Angkor temples. Today, Siem Reap is a bustling, modern city that thrives on tourism, drawing millions of visitors annually. The city has experienced significant development, with new hotels, restaurants, and an expanded airport catering to the growing number of tourists. Despite this, Siem Reap has worked to preserve its historical charm, maintaining its role as a cultural hub while offering visitors a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern conveniences.

Visiting Siem Reap for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Siem Reap on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Siem Reap not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Siem Reap and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat, located near Siem Reap in Cambodia, is a vast temple complex built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II (reigned 1113–c. 1150) of the Khmer Empire. It is the largest religious structure in the world, spanning approximately 400 acres (160 hectares), and is a pinnacle of Khmer architecture. The complex consists of […]

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Location: Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 5.6km

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Visiting Angkor Wat

Click here to read our blog about Angkor Wat Grand Circuit: Self-Guided Tour (+ Map)

Ta Prohm Kel

CC BY-SA 1.0 / Gary Todd

Ta Prohm Kel is a small, ruined sandstone monument located within Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. Ta Prohm Kel was one of 102 hospital chapels constructed by King Jayavarman VII across his empire, many of which were already in existence. The sanctuary faces east and features false doors on the remaining three […]

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Location: Ta Prohm Kel Temple, Angkor, Cambodia | Distance: 5.8km

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Visiting Ta Prohm Kel

Click here to read our blog about Angkor Wat Small Circuit: Self-Guided Tour (with Map!)

Phnom Bakheng

CC BY-SA 3.0 / 松岡明芳

Phnom Bakheng is a Hindu temple in the form of a temple mountain, located in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. Dedicated to Shiva, it was constructed at the end of the 9th century during the reign of King Yasovarman (889–910). Positioned atop a hill, it has become a popular destination for tourists, offering stunning sunset views […]

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Location: Phnom Bakheng, Angkor Archaeological Park, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 6.7km

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Visiting Phnom Bakheng

South Gate of Angkor Thom

The South Gate of Angkor Thom is one of the most iconic landmarks within the Angkor Archaeological Park, a must-see for visitors. Standing on the causeway and marveling at its immense scale, one can easily imagine the awe felt by those who approached the city during its prime—a truly unforgettable experience. Also known as the […]

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Location: Tonle Om Gate (Southern Gate), ស្ពានក្លោងទ្វាខាងត្បូង, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 7.2km

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Visiting South Gate of Angkor Thom

Prasat Kravan

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Diego Delso

Prasat Kravan is a 10th-century Hindu temple located at Angkor, Cambodia, situated south of the Srah Srang baray (artificial lake). It consists of five reddish brick towers arranged on a common terrace. The original Sanskrit name is unknown, but the modern Khmer name, “Prasat Kravan,” translates to “artabotrys odoratissimus temple.” The temple, dedicated to Vishnu, […]

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Location: Prasat Kravan, Angkor Archaeological Park, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 7.8km

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Visiting Prasat Kravan

Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom, meaning “Great City,” is one of the most iconic areas in the Angkor Archaeological Park, located just northeast of Angkor Wat and about 15 minutes from Siem Reap. This vast complex is home to some of the most notable ancient temples and sites, such as Bayon Temple, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of […]

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Location: Angkor Thom, Cambodia | Distance: 8.2km

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Visiting Angkor Thom

Bayon Temple

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marcin Konsek

Bayon Temple is an awe-inspiring Khmer temple located at the heart of Angkor Thom, in the Angkor Archaeological Park of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th or early 13th century, it remains one of the most iconic temples in the region. Famous for its intricate bas-reliefs […]

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Location: Bayon Temple, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 8.7km

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Visiting Bayon Temple

Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider Temple)

Ta Prohm is a temple located near Siem Reap, Cambodia, about one kilometer east of Angkor Thom and on the southern edge of the East Baray. Constructed primarily in the late 12th and early 13th centuries in the Bayon style, the temple was originally known as Rajavihara (“Royal Monastery”). It was founded by King Jayavarman […]

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Location: Ta Prohm, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 8.7km

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Visiting Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider Temple)

Banteay Kdei

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Clay Gilliland

Banteay Kdei, meaning “Citadel of Chambers”, also referred to as the “Citadel of Monks’ Cells,” is a Buddhist temple located in Angkor, Cambodia. Positioned southeast of Ta Prohm and east of Angkor Thom, the temple was constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, between the mid-12th and early 13th centuries AD. Built in the […]

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Location: Banteay Kdei, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 8.7km

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Visiting Banteay Kdei

Prasat Bayon

Prasat Bayon is a highly ornate Khmer temple located at Angkor, Cambodia, and is closely associated with Buddhism. Constructed in the late 12th or early 13th century as the state temple of King Jayavarman VII, it stands at the center of his capital, Angkor Thom. The Bayon’s most notable feature is its numerous serene, smiling […]

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Location: Bayon Temple, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 8.7km

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Visiting Prasat Bayon

Kmoch Gate (Gate of the Dead)

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Stephen Bain

The Angkor Thom East Gate, also known as Thvear Khnoch or Kmoch Gate (Gate of the Dead), is one of the five monumental gates that provide access through the walls of Angkor Thom. While it remains one of the lesser-visited sites in the area, it offers a distinct and captivating charm that sets it apart […]

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Location: Khmoch Gate (Gate of the Dead) CVRF+H7P Unnamed Rd Krong Siem Reap Cambodia | Distance: 8.9km

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Visiting Kmoch Gate (Gate of the Dead)

Baphuon

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Diego Delso

The Baphuon is a temple located in Angkor, Cambodia, within the boundaries of Angkor Thom, to the northwest of the Bayon temple. Known as the “Golden Mountain” (Svarnādrī), the Baphuon is constructed on an artificial hill. Initially dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, it was later converted into a Theravada Buddhist temple. The dating of […]

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Location: Baphuon Temple, Angkor Archaelogical Park, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 9.0km

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Visiting Baphuon

Prasat Suor Prat

CC BY-SA 3.0 / CEphoto, Uwe Aranas

Located inside Angkor Thom, about 180 meters east of the Royal Palace and its terraces, Prasat Suor Prat consists of twelve monumental and enigmatic towers made from laterite. They stand in front of the north and south Khleangs, with six towers on each side of Victory Avenue, the causeway leading to the Victory Gate. The […]

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Location: Prasat Suor Prat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 9.1km

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Visiting Prasat Suor Prat

Srah Srang & Kandal Srah Srang

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Diego Delso

Srah Srang is a large reservoir in Angkor, Cambodia, situated south of the East Baray and east of Banteay Kdei. Measuring 700 by 350 meters, it is bordered with laterite blocks capped by sandstone, featuring a landing stage or terrace on its western side and an island temple at its center. This terrace has a […]

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Location: Srah Srang, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 9.2km

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Visiting Srah Srang & Kandal Srah Srang

Phimeanakas

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Diego Delso

Phimeanakas or Prasat Vimean Akas, located at Angkor, Cambodia, is a Hindu temple built in the Khleang style at the end of the 10th century, during the reign of Rajendravarman (941–968) and later completed by Suryavarman I. The temple is constructed as a three-tiered pyramid, originally serving as a Hindu temple. Atop the pyramid was […]

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Location: Phimeanakas, Angkor, Cambodia | Distance: 9.2km

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Visiting Phimeanakas

Terrace of the Elephants

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Diego Delso

The Terrace of the Elephants is located within the walled city of Angkor Thom, a historic temple complex in Cambodia. Description This terrace was used by King Jayavarman VII of Angkor as a platform to observe the triumphant return of his army. It was connected to the Phimeanakas Palace (Khmer: ប្រាសាទភិមានអាកាស), of which only a […]

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Location: Terrace of the Elephants, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 9.2km

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Visiting Terrace of the Elephants

Victory Gate of Angkor Thom

The Victory Gate of Angkor Thom, known as Thvear Chey, is one of the five monumental gates surrounding the ancient city. Located on the eastern side, it deviates from the symmetry of the other gates, which align with cardinal points based on Hindu cosmology. The gate stands on a non-secular axis that connects to significant […]

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Location: Victory Gate, Angkor, Cambodia | Distance: 9.4km

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Visiting Victory Gate of Angkor Thom

Terrace of the Leper King

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jasoneppink

The Terrace of the Leper King (Khmer: ព្រះលានស្តេចគម្លង់, Preah Lean Sdach Kumlung) is situated in the northwest corner of the Royal Square in Angkor Thom, Cambodia. Built in the Bayon style during the reign of Jayavarman VII, the terrace gets its modern name from an 8th-century sculpture found at the site. An inscription from the […]

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Location: Terrace of the Leper King, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 9.4km

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Visiting Terrace of the Leper King

Prasat Leak Neang

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Arabsalam

Prasat Leak Neang is a small temple located opposite Pre Rup within Angkor Archaeological Park. According to an inscription, the temple dates back to 960 AD, during the reign of King Rajendravarman II (944–968 AD). This single-brick structure has a square base measuring 4.5 meters on each side and rises in three false levels, each […]

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Location: Prasat Leak Neang, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 9.5km

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Visiting Prasat Leak Neang

Preah Palilay

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95

Preah Palilay is a small temple located in Angkor Thom, Cambodia, situated 400 meters northwest of Phimeanakas. This Buddhist sanctuary, nestled in a wooded area north of the Royal Palace, features several interesting attributes, making it worth a short visit. History of Preah Palilay Dating the temple is challenging due to the blend of Hindu […]

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Location: Preah Palilay, Angkor, Cambodia | Distance: 9.5km

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Visiting Preah Palilay

Ta Keo

Ta Keo or Prasat Ta Kêv is a temple-mountain in Angkor, Cambodia, possibly the first temple constructed entirely from sandstone by the Khmer Empire. The Site Ta Keo was built as the state temple of King Jayavarman V, son of Rajendravarman, who also constructed Pre Rup. Similar to Pre Rup, Ta Keo features five sanctuary […]

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Location: Ta Keo, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 9.5km

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Visiting Ta Keo

Thommanon

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Ziegler175

Thommanon is a Hindu temple located at Angkor, Cambodia, built during the reign of King Suryavarman II (1113–1150). This small yet elegant temple lies east of the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom and north of Chau Say Tevoda, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1992. Thommanon is dedicated to the […]

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Location: Thommanon, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 9.6km

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Visiting Thommanon

Angkor Thom North Gate

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marcin Konsek

The North Gate of Angkor Thom, also known as Dei Chhnang Gate, is one of the five grand entrances (gopuras) into Angkor Thom. Like the other gates—South Gate (Thvear Tonle Om), West Gate (Thvear Ta Kav), Victory Gate (Thvear Chey), and East Gate (Gate of the Dead or Thvear Khnoch)—it features a massive gopura with […]

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Location: Tonle Om Gate (Southern Gate), Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 10.3km

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Visiting Angkor Thom North Gate

Pre Rup Temple

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95

Pre Rup is a grand brick temple complex featuring a quincunx of towers that rise from a pyramid-like base, embodying the “temple mountain” design—a concept rooted in ancient Khmer architecture to symbolize Mount Meru, the sacred mountain in Hindu cosmology. Situated approximately 5 km northeast of Angkor Wat, Pre Rup predates Angkor and was constructed […]

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Location: Pre Rup temple, Angkor Archaeological Park, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 10.6km

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Visiting Pre Rup Temple

Prasat Prei

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Stefan Fussan

Prasat Prei is situated on a small rise, once home to a compact compound enclosed by a wall, which surrounded a single sanctuary and a ‘library.’ Today, visitors can still see remnants of the entrance gopura (gate), the wall, and the library and main temple, both of which are still standing. Though small, the main […]

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Location: Prasat Prei, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 10.9km

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Visiting Prasat Prei

Preah Khan

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Jakub Hałun

Preah Khan, originally known as Nagara Jayasri (the holy city of victory), is a grand and expansive temple complex located within Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap. Built in the 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII (1181–1218 AD), it was constructed to honor his father, who in turn built the nearby Ta Prohm […]

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Location: Preah Khan Temple, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 11.1km

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Visiting Preah Khan

East Mebon Temple

CC BY-SA 1.0 / Gary Todd

The East Mebon is a 10th-century temple built during King Rajendravarman’s reign (944–968 AD), positioned at the center of the vast Yasodharatataka Baray reservoir. Known today as the East Baray, this reservoir has long been dry, but in its prime, the temple would have appeared as an island accessible only by boat, with its reflection […]

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Location: Eastern Mebon Temple, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 11.5km

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Visiting East Mebon Temple

Neak Poan – The Mystical Island Temple

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Kiensvay

Built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII (1181–1218 AD), Neak Pean is a unique and mysterious temple complex located on a man-made island in the center of the Jayatataka Baray reservoir. The temple sits atop a double circular lotus base, surrounded by a large central basin with four smaller shrines positioned at each cardinal […]

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Location: Neak Poan Temple, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 11.9km

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Visiting Neak Poan – The Mystical Island Temple

Neak Pean

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mao Piseth

Neak Pean, also known as Neak Poun, is a unique and enigmatic temple built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII (1181–1218 AD). Situated on a man-made island in the middle of the vast Jaytataka Baray (lake), hidden among dense woods, the temple stands out for its extraordinary design. It rises from a double circular […]

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Location: Neak Pean, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Hours: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM | Distance: 11.9km

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Visiting Neak Pean

Banteay Prey Temple

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Stefan Fussan

Also known as Prasat Banteay Prei, this temple is located in the Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap, just north of Preah Khan and off the Grand Circuit road. First, you’ll encounter Prasat Prei, and 100 meters further is the larger Banteay Prei site. The temples were built during the late 12th to early 13th […]

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Location: Prasat Banteay Prei, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 12.0km

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Visiting Banteay Prey Temple

Krol Ko Temple

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95

Krol Ko Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Built at the end of the 12th century in the Bayon style under the reign of King Jayavarman VII (1181–1218 AD), it lies to the south of the famous Neak Pean island temple, situated in the Jaytataka Baray. The […]

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Location: Krol Ko, Angkor Archaeological Park, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 12.4km

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Visiting Krol Ko Temple

Ta Som

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ussfa344

Ta Som is located just east of the Jayatataka Baray within Angkor Archaeological Park. While it is one of the smaller temples in the area, it is still highly recommended for visitors. Built during the 12th century under the reign of Buddhist King Jayavarman VII, it bears a resemblance to other temples of the era, […]

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Location: Ta Som, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Distance: 12.8km

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Visiting Ta Som