The Siem Reap Chilled Backpacker

The best time to visit Siem Reap is from November to February, when the weather is dry and cooler, making temple exploration pleasant. March to May is the hottest stretch, with temperatures peaking in April. The rainy season from June to October brings lush greenery but frequent downpours, especially in September. The famous Angkor Wat sunrise views are clearest in the dry season.

Stay near the Old Market area for easy access to Pub Street and restaurants, ideal for first-timers. The Central Area around Sivutha Boulevard suits those wanting upscale hotels like Park Hyatt or Prince d'Angkor. For a quieter stay near the temples, consider the Angkor National Park area, where Templation Hotel is located. Wat Bo village offers a local feel with riverside charm, close to Viroth's Hotel.

Angkor Wat is the iconic temple complex, a must for its grandeur and sunrise views. Bayon Temple is known for its serene stone faces. Ta Prohm is famous for trees growing through the ruins. Pub Street offers a lively evening scene. Angkor National Museum provides context on Khmer history.

You can take full-day tours to Kulen Mountain, known for its waterfall and riverbed carvings, and Beng Mealea, a sprawling jungle temple. Kampong Phluk is a floating village on Tonle Sap lake, best seen by boat. These trips each take a full day and are a good change from the temple complex.

Plan 3 days for Siem Reap: one for Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm, one for Phnom Bakheng, Preah Khan, and Pre Rup, and one for Pub Street and the Angkor National Museum. Add an extra day if you want a full-day tour to Kulen Mountain or Kampong Phluk. Two days can cover the main temples, but three lets you see the sights at a relaxed pace.