Siem Reap is a city in Siem Reap Province, in northwestern Cambodia, and the main gateway for visitors heading to the Angkor Wat temple complex. The city's name is also written in Khmer as សៀមរាប.
Why visitors come
Angkor Wat and the surrounding temple complex are among the most important archaeological sites in the world, and Siem Reap is where most travellers base themselves to see them. Staying in the city makes it straightforward to plan visits to the temples at your own pace, returning to town for rest in between.
What the city offers
- Vibrant markets, where you can browse local goods and everyday life.
- A range of restaurants, from simple local eateries to more formal dining.
- A lively atmosphere that suits both short stays and longer trips.
Siem Reap is a major tourist destination, so you will find services geared to visitors throughout the city. Its markets and restaurants give you a chance to balance the scale of the temples with time spent in the town itself.
Planning your visit
Most people who come to Siem Reap do so to see the temples, and the city works well as a base for that. Allow time to wander the markets and sample the restaurants between visits, and consider how many days you want to set aside for the archaeological sites.
