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Siem Reap

Gateway for the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap (see-em ree-ep; សៀមរាប) was always destined for great things. Visitors come here to see the temples, of course, but there is plenty to do in and around the city when you're templed out. Siem Reap has reinvented itself as the epicentre of chic Cambodia, with everything from backpacker party pads to hip hotels, world-class wining and dining across a range of cuisines, sumptuous spas, great shopping, local tours to suit both foodies and adventurers, and a creative cultural scene that includes Cambodia's leading contemporary circus.

Angkor is a place to be savored, not rushed, and this is the base from which to plan your adventures. Still think three days at the temples is enough? Think again with Siem Reap on the doorstep.

Explore Siem Reap

  • Angkor National Museum

    Looming large on the road to Angkor is the Angkor National Museum, a state-of-the-art showpiece on the Khmer civilisation and the majesty of Angkor…

  • A

    Apopo Visitor Centre

    Meet the hero rats that are helping to clear landmines in Cambodia. Apopo has trained the highly sensitive, almost-blind Gambian pouched rat to sniff…

  • P

    Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm

    Located just west of the royal residence is this shrine. Said to represent two Angkorian princesses, these sacred statues were originally housed at the…

  • A

    Angkor Silk Farm

    Les Chantiers Écoles maintains the Angkor Silk Farm, which produces some of the best work in the country, including clothing, interior-design products and…

  • C

    Cambolac

    Cambodia has a long tradition of producing beautiful lacquerware, although the years of upheaval resulted in some of the skills being lost. Cambolac is a…

  • A

    Angkor Conservation

    Angkor Conservation is a Ministry of Culture compound that houses more than 5000 statues, lingas (phallic symbols) and inscribed stelae, stored here to…

  • S

    Senteurs d’Angkor Botanic Garden

    The botanic garden of Senteurs d’Angkor is a sort of Willy Wonka’s for the senses, where you can sample infused teas and speciality coffees in the on-site…

  • W

    Wat Bo

    This is one of the town’s oldest temples and has a collection of well-preserved wall paintings from the late 19th century depicting the Reamker, Cambodia…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Siem Reap.

  • See

    Angkor National Museum

    Looming large on the road to Angkor is the Angkor National Museum, a state-of-the-art showpiece on the Khmer civilisation and the majesty of Angkor…

  • See

    Apopo Visitor Centre

    Meet the hero rats that are helping to clear landmines in Cambodia. Apopo has trained the highly sensitive, almost-blind Gambian pouched rat to sniff…

  • See

    Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm

    Located just west of the royal residence is this shrine. Said to represent two Angkorian princesses, these sacred statues were originally housed at the…

  • See

    Angkor Silk Farm

    Les Chantiers Écoles maintains the Angkor Silk Farm, which produces some of the best work in the country, including clothing, interior-design products and…

  • See

    Cambolac

    Cambodia has a long tradition of producing beautiful lacquerware, although the years of upheaval resulted in some of the skills being lost. Cambolac is a…

  • See

    Angkor Conservation

    Angkor Conservation is a Ministry of Culture compound that houses more than 5000 statues, lingas (phallic symbols) and inscribed stelae, stored here to…

  • See

    Senteurs d’Angkor Botanic Garden

    The botanic garden of Senteurs d’Angkor is a sort of Willy Wonka’s for the senses, where you can sample infused teas and speciality coffees in the on-site…

  • See

    Wat Bo

    This is one of the town’s oldest temples and has a collection of well-preserved wall paintings from the late 19th century depicting the Reamker, Cambodia…

Guidebooks

Learn more about Siem Reap

Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.