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Siem Reap

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Angkor Wat temple towers rising above misty jungle canopy at hazy sunrise

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Destination overview

Siem Reap Information

A breathtakingly beautiful resort town in northwestern Cambodia, Siem Reap is an incredible gateway to some of the most precious and culturally rich Angkor ruins. It is a must-visit when you’re in Cambodia and there are many ways to get there. Siem Reap has an International Airport, which is only 7 km from the town center and one of the easiest ways to get there. Many flights are serviced by the airport coming from and going to many well-known places including Bangkok, Shanghai, Luang Prabang in Laos and Singapore. If you are looking for a much cheaper option, there are many buses or minivans you can take from Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Laos Border, Koh Kong and more. What is unfortunate is that there’s no direct railway line in Siem Reap, although, the only nearby station is Sisophon station. Also, the only direct boat rides available are between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh through the Tonle Sap River.


Pub Street in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with colourful hanging lanterns, bar signs, tourists and parked motorbikes at dusk
About Siem Reap

Siem Reap Information

Siem Reap: gateway to Angkor

The land of majestic temples, the gateway to the Angkor Region, seat of the Khmer kingdom, those titles only capture a glimpse of what Siem Reap has to offer. Siem Reap is a well-known resort town in Northwestern Cambodia, known for some of the most gorgeous and interesting temples on earth. But, that's not all, as it has much more to offer. Between an intriguing cultural scene, wonderful nature, amazing temples, fancy hotels, delicious food and tranquil spas, Siem Reap has certified itself as an ultimate people pleaser and a must-visit destination.

Most visitors arrive to explore the Angkor Archaeological Park, then stay on for the riverside cafés, night markets and countryside villages that surround the town. Because it sits at the centre of Cambodia's northwest, Siem Reap is also a natural hub for onward travel across the country and towards neighbouring borders.

How to get to Siem Reap

Overland travel is the most common way to reach Siem Reap. National highways link the town with the capital, the coast and the Thai border, and services run throughout the day rather than on a single fixed departure. We currently list several routes connections serving this destination, with fares from our online fares.

Journey times vary with the distance covered, the road conditions and the number of stops on the way, so check the exact duration shown on your chosen departure before you book. Live schedules and seat availability are displayed at the moment of search, which is the most reliable source for today's timings.

Operators serving the route

Services are run by companies such as our transport partners. Vehicle standards differ between providers, so it is worth comparing what each includes: seat type, air conditioning, luggage allowance, rest stops and whether hotel pick-up or drop-off is offered. Each departure page lists the operator and the amenities confirmed for that service.

Departure and arrival points

Most long-distance services use the town's central bus and transport terminals, with some operators running their own offices and pick-up points closer to the main hotel districts. Arrival points are usually a short tuk-tuk ride from the Old Market and Pub Street area, where much of the accommodation is concentrated.

Because pick-up and drop-off locations differ by operator, always read the address printed on your ticket. If a service includes hotel transfer, you will normally be asked to confirm your accommodation name when booking.

Nearby transport connections

Siem Reap connects onward to Cambodia's main travel corridors: the capital and the Mekong region to the south-east, the Tonlé Sap lake communities nearby, the southern coast and islands, and the western border crossings towards Thailand. Travellers heading to the coast often break the trip in the capital rather than travelling straight through.

Compare timings and fares on our Cambodia route pages, or browse destinations near Siem Reap to plan a multi-stop itinerary.

Popular routes to and from Siem Reap

The busiest connections link the town with Cambodia's capital and largest city, with the Tonlé Sap and Mekong river towns, and with border points used by travellers continuing into Thailand. Coastal routes towards Cambodia's beaches and islands are also well used by visitors combining temples with time by the sea.

  • Capital and central Cambodia — the highest-frequency corridor, with departures spread across the day and evening.
  • Border crossings to the west — used by travellers connecting onward into Thailand.
  • Coast and islands — longer journeys, often booked as an overnight or a connecting trip.
  • Regional towns and lakeside communities — shorter hops for day trips and slower travel.

Exact route availability changes seasonally, so use the search box to see which connections are running on your travel date.

Practical travel information

Cambodia's dry season, roughly November to April, brings the most settled travel conditions and the largest visitor numbers. The wet season, roughly May to October, is greener and quieter, though heavy rain can occasionally affect road journeys and river levels.

  • Book ahead in peak season — popular departures around Khmer New Year and the December–January period fill quickly.
  • Arrive early — aim to be at your pick-up point at least 15 minutes before departure.
  • Carry ID — passports are required on cross-border services and are often checked at boarding.
  • Check luggage rules — allowances vary by operator and are shown on the booking page.
  • Angkor passes — buy your temple pass separately; it is not included in transport tickets.

Cancellation and amendment conditions are set by each operator and shown before you pay, so read them at checkout if your plans may change.

What to see and do

Angkor Wat is the obvious starting point, but the wider park rewards more than one day: Bayon's carved stone faces at Angkor Thom, the tree-covered ruins of Ta Prohm, and the finely detailed pink sandstone of Banteay Srei further out.

Beyond the temples, the floating villages of the Tonlé Sap lake, the Old Market, Khmer cooking classes, Apsara dance performances and the town's spas fill the hours between sunrise and sunset visits. Cycling or tuk-tuk tours through the surrounding countryside are an easy way to see rice fields and village life.

Book your trip to Siem Reap

Compare several routes routes, check today's departures and secure your seat online in a few steps. Fares start from our online fares, and your ticket is confirmed by email straight after payment.

Search availability for your travel date and book your journey to Siem Reap.

Siem Reap Highlights

Ornate arched gateway of red and cream masonry framing a white Thai museum building across a paved plaza under blue sky

Angkor National Museum

One of the first places that you should visit while visiting Siem Reap is the Angkor National Museum. Located on the road to Angkor, is a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the ultimate collection, preservation and showcasing of some amazing Angkorian artifacts. The museum displays several fine collections and informative exhibits including Pre-Angkorian period of Chenla and Funan, Angkor Wat, the Gallery of a Thousand Buddhas, the Great Khmer Kings and many more. Capturing audio commentaries and touch screens are implemented to serve a more interactive experience. It’s recommended that you visit the museum before any of the temples for a more beneficial context.
Siem Reap Phare the Cambodian Circus

Phare the Cambodian Circus

Phare the Cambodian Circus is an entirely entertaining extravaganza, no one should pass by Cambodia without attending one of their riveting performances. This is much more than what you think a circus can be, as it’s not just a show. It’s a completely satisfying entertaining experience filled with culture and super meaningful messages. The circus has the highest-rated evening entertainment in Siem Reap. By telling moving stories that display Cambodia’s rich culture and history through performance art, Phare the Cambodian Circus has solidified its status as a highlight of the Cambodian experience.
Weathered stone face carved into a sandstone tower at Bayon temple, Angkor, framed by green trees and blue sky

Bayon

The Bayon is the state temple of the much-celebrated King Jayavarman VII originally built-in the 12th or early 13th century and located in the heart of Angkor Thom. A beautiful piece of architecture and an incredible temple, the Bayon has a mesmerizing presence providing a beautifully serene vista. While visiting, you can’t help but smile from ear to ear (pun intended) because of 216 enormous smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara engraved in the temple’s magnificent 54 towers. the temple’s former name was “Banyan Temple” and was changed after the locals who worked on the restoration of the temple mispronounced the name as Bayon, giving it its current catchy title.
Aerial view of Angkor Wat temple complex with stone towers, moat and causeway surrounded by dense jungle

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is among Siem Reap’s most popular and most talked-about places. Originally built as a Hindu temple for the Khmer Empire to dedicate to god Vishnu, and since the 12th century till now is known as the biggest Buddhist temple in the world, Angkor Wat is a severely interesting grand temple complex located in Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia. The temple complex is a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site and is about 500 acres. Visiting this magnificent temple is a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you with a lingering feeling, giving your trip an extra boost.
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the tourist seasons ?

Phuket

Phuket really just has two seasons, which are known as "high season" and "low season" (or "green season"). During the low season months (May–September), boat numbers are reduced. During the high season (October–April), boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options.

Koh Samui

There are three distinct weather seasons on the tropical island of Koh Samui: the dry season (December until February), the hot season (March until August) and the rainy season (September until November).

How do I unlock my account now?

Wait, and try again. Every lock lifts on its own — a minute the first time, and never more than an hour however many attempts have failed. There is nothing to click and nobody to contact.

If you have forgotten your password, do not keep guessing: each wrong attempt makes the next wait longer. Use Forgot password instead. Resetting your password gets you straight back in.

What is the difference between a locked and a blocked account?

Locked is automatic and temporary. It happens after repeated failed sign-in attempts and it lifts by itself — within a minute in most cases.

Blocked is a decision made by our team, and it does not lift on its own. If your account is blocked you will need to contact us; waiting will not change it, and neither will resetting your password.

If you are not sure which applies to you, get in touch and we will tell you.

How long am I locked out for?

The first lock is one minute. If sign-in keeps failing after that, each further lock lasts longer:

  • 1st lock — 1 minute
  • 2nd lock — 5 minutes
  • 3rd lock — 15 minutes
  • 4th lock and after — 1 hour

An hour is the longest you will ever be locked out. You get five attempts before the first lock, and as soon as you sign in successfully everything resets — the next time you mistype, you start again at one minute.

My account locked but I never tried to sign in

Then someone else was trying to sign in as you, and the lock did its job — it stopped them.

Your account is safe: a lock means the attempts failed. Nobody got in. You do not have to do anything, and the lock will lift on its own.

We would still recommend two things:

  • Change your password, especially if you use the same one on another website.
  • Add an authenticator app in your account security settings, so a password alone is never enough to sign in as you.

If you get these repeatedly, contact us and we will look into it.

Why is my account locked?

We lock an account for a short time after several failed sign-in attempts in a row. It is an automatic safety measure: it stops someone else guessing your password, and it happens whether or not the person typing was you.

You do not need to contact us. The lock lifts on its own — see How long am I locked out for?

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