Siem Reap is still a little charmer, with old French shop-houses, shady tree-lined boulevards and a slow-flowing river.

Siem Reap is the town where travellers stay when visiting Angkor, just 8 km away. Back in the 1960s, Siem Reap was the place to be in Southeast Asia and saw a steady stream of the rich and famous. After three decades of inactivity, it is now one of the most popular destinations on the planet. The life-support system for the temples of Angkor, Cambodia’s eighth wonder of the world, Siem Reap was always destined for great things, but few people saw them coming this fast. It has reinvented itself as the epicentre of the new Cambodia, with more guesthouses and hotels than temples, world-class dining and sumptuous spas.

Siem Reap is still a little charmer, with old French shop-houses, shady tree-lined boulevards and a slow-flowing river. But it is expanding at breakneck speed with new houses and apartments, hotels and resorts sprouting like mushrooms in the surrounding countryside. The tourist tide has arrived and locals are riding the wave. Not only is this great news for the long-suffering Khmers, it has transformed the town into a vibrant place for visitors.

Angkor is a place to be slowly enjoyed, not rushed, and this is the base to plan your visits.

When to travel to Siem Reap

Siem Reap is located near the equator and experiences a tropical climate. The summer season lasts from March to May and the temperature averages 33 C. Winter months are November to February and the weather is pleasant and cool with low humidity.