Is Siem Reap Worth Visiting? Magic Awaits in Cambodia

If you’ve ever stared at a photo of Angkor Wat at sunrise and thought, “Is Siem Reap really worth visiting?” — let me tell you something right now: absolutely, yes.

But it’s not just about ancient temples (although, trust me, they are otherworldly). There’s something about Siem Reap that lingers long after your passport gets stamped and your plane takes off — a kind of magic that wraps itself around you. I have spent 4 days in Siem Reap during my last trip to Cambodia and I am here to tell you everything you need to know before planning a trip there.

In this post, I’ll break down everything you need to know: what to expect, why you should go, frequently asked questions, and my honest take on what makes Siem Reap an unmissable stop in Southeast Asia.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Why Siem Reap Is Worth Visiting: My Honest Take

1. Angkor Wat Is Just the Beginning

Sure, Angkor Wat is the face of Siem Reap — and for good reason. Seeing the sun rise over its lotus-shaped towers is spiritual, cinematic, and even a little surreal. But the Angkor Archaeological Park spans over 400 square kilometers, with dozens of temples that feel like walking through time.

Must-See Temples Beyond Angkor Wat:

• Bayon: Known for the massive stone faces smiling from the towers
• Ta Prohm: The “Tomb Raider” temple with trees growing through the ruins
• Banteay Srei: Intricate pink sandstone carvings that are smaller but jaw-droppingly detailed

Walking among these ancient stones, especially early in the morning or as golden hour sets in, is the kind of thing that makes you whisper, “I can’t believe this is real.”

Angkor Wat isn’t just one temple—it’s part of a huge archaeological park with dozens of sites to explore. To visit, you’ll need an Angkor Pass, which gives you access to the entire complex. You can choose between a 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day pass, depending on how much time you have. This is the exact ticket I used for Angkor Wat—made everything super easy!

2. The Local Culture is Deeply Humbling and Beautiful

Cambodia has faced immense hardship, but you wouldn’t know it from the warmth of the people. The Khmer culture is built on spirituality, and community — and Siem Reap is one of the best places to experience that up close.

You’ll see orange-robed monks walking quietly to temple, markets buzzing with tuk-tuk horns and mango sellers, and kids playing by the riverside.

Want a deeper connection? Take a cooking class with a local family, join a monk blessing ceremony, or visit an NGO-led artisan workshop.

In Siem Reap, I wandered into a silk workshop run by a local NGO—and left completely moved. Watching the artisans weave by hand, thread by thread, was like witnessing poetry in motion. I bought a scarf, but it felt like I was taking home a story.

3. It’s Budget-Friendly (and Still Luxurious If You Want It to Be)

Whether you’re a backpacker, a family, or a luxury seeker, Siem Reap delivers. For $3–5 you can enjoy a delicious local meal. A massage? Under $10. A private pool villa? Yes, that too — and for a fraction of the cost compared to Bali or Thailand.

My top accommodation choices in Siem Reap

• Budget Stay: Onederz Hostel (great location + community vibes)
• Mid-Range: Khmer Mansion Boutique Hotel (beautiful rooms, central location)
• Luxury: Angkor Grace Wellness Resort or Sofitel Angkor (sustainable and unforgettable service)

What to Expect When Visiting Siem Reap

1. The Weather

Siem Reap has two major seasons:

• Dry Season (Nov–Apr): Ideal weather, cooler evenings, higher hotel rates
• Wet Season (May–Oct): Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, afternoon rainstorms

I visited in April and the weather was sunny and warm, but manageable with a hat and water bottle.

2. The Vibe

The city itself is laid-back but lively in all the right ways. The famous Pub Street is where backpackers dance until midnight, while nearby you’ll find art galleries, chilled cafés, and tranquil riverside walks. It’s easy to toggle between full exploration mode and relaxed wandering.

And for foodies? Siem Reap is a dream.

Must-Try Local Dishes:

• Amok Trey: A creamy, coconut-based fish curry served in banana leaf
• Lok Lak: Stir-fried beef in a tangy sauce, served with pepper-lime dip
• Sticky rice with mango (because dessert is non-negotiable)

Book a Cambodian Cooking Class that includes Khmer specialties!

3. Temple Fatigue Is Real, But Avoidable

Three days of temples can feel like a lot — unless you plan smartly. I recommend:

• Day 1: Angkor Wat + Bayon + Ta Prohm (the classics)
• Day 2: Sunrise at Pre Rup + Banteay Srei + Landmine Museum
• Day 3: Floating village + cooking class or spa time

Mixing cultural experiences with downtime gives you space to reflect and appreciate each moment without burnout.

Questions People Always Ask About Siem Reap (And Honest Answers)

Is Siem Reap Safe for Solo Travelers?

Yes — I traveled with a friend, but I have seen many solo female travellers. And everyone felt completely safe. Locals are helpful, the tourism infrastructure is well-established, and tuk-tuk drivers are used to working with international visitors. Just follow common sense: don’t flash valuables, lock up your belongings, and use hotel-recommended transportation at night.

Is It Only About Temples?

Nope. While the temples are the headline act, there’s much more:

• Floating Villages: Explore life on stilts at Kampong Phluk or Kampong Khleang
• Phare Circus: A breathtaking Cambodian acrobatic storytelling show
• Artisans d’Angkor: Watch traditional craftwork come to life
• Tonlé Sap Lake: Take a boat ride through Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake
• Night Markets: Souvenir heaven with handcrafted goods and street food

Is It Ethical to Visit Cambodia?

This is a really important question — and I’m glad you’re asking.

Cambodia has a painful history, especially from the Khmer Rouge era. Some people worry about visiting “poor” countries and whether their presence does harm.

But the truth is: tourism, when done thoughtfully, supports families, artists, tuk-tuk drivers, and small business owners who rely on it to thrive.

Be a respectful traveler:

• Avoid orphanage tours
• Support ethical businesses and NGOs
• Dress respectfully at temples
• Ask permission before taking someone’s photo

Unforgettable Moments You’ll Only Find in Siem Reap

Let me tell you one of my favorite memories:

I was sitting at the edge of a quiet temple, sandals off, feeling the cool stone beneath me as the sky slowly shifted from rose-gold to deep indigo. There were no crowds, just stillness—and a sense that the whole world had paused, if only for a moment.

That’s what Siem Reap gives you. Moments that feel suspended in time. And that’s what makes it so much more than a checklist destination.

Final Verdict: Is Siem Reap Worth Visiting?

Yes. A thousand times, yes.

Whether you’re a culture lover, temple chaser, foodie, digital nomad, or just someone looking to be inspired — Siem Reap offers a rare kind of magic. It’s the kind of place where ancient ruins meet warm hospitality, where every tuk-tuk ride is a mini adventure.

Travel Planning Made Easy with Journeyintheclouds

Still asking yourself is Siem Reap worth visiting? If you’re dreaming of Cambodia but don’t want to stress over where to stay, what to do, or how to organize temple passes — I’ve got you covered. Journeyintheclouds is my travel planning service, and I help fellow wanderlusters create magical, customized itineraries across Southeast Asia (and beyond).

Let’s plan your Siem Reap escape. You focus on the magic — I’ll take care of the details.