With its ancient temples, floating villages, and bustling markets, Siem Reap is a welcome addition to our Hidden Gems destination list.

Hidden Gems Siem Reap

All at once sleepy and vibrant, Siem Reap is a Cambodian provincial capital that boasts a huge array of sightseeing opportunities from colonial and ancient ruins to traditional markets, bustling bars, and lush rice paddies. It is the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, the seat of the Khmer kingdom from the 9th–15th centuries. Once the largest pre-industrial city in the world, it is a vast complex of intricate stone temples that included its most famous, Angkor Wat, which is pictured on Cambodia’s flag. These mysterious ruins have fascinated visitors for centuries and represent the pinnacle of ancient Khmer civilization. It’s no surprise that they have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992.

“Shrouded in mystery and baffling even to historians, the walls of Angkor Wat are covered in intricate carvings that depict scenes from mythology. To this day, experts are still debating what they mean and why they are there.”

Hidden Gems Siem Reap

The location

The Siem Reap Province is in northwestern Cambodia, Southeast Asia.

The people

The Khmer people are known to be generous, patient, and resourceful, and they are extremely welcoming to visitors. The population of the Siem Reap province is roughly one million. Cambodia has a population of almost 17 million people.

The climate

Siem Reap has a tropical climate. Temperatures during the day range from 31 °C (87 °F) in January to 35 °C (95 °F) in April. Highest night temperatures occur in April at around 25 °C (78 °F) and the lowest in December at around 19 °C (67 °F).

Hidden Gems Siem Reap

Tourism

Siem Reap is one of Cambodia’s most visited places and is known as its tourism capital. With it’s natural and manmade attractions, it draws visitors from all over the globe.

What to see in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Angkor Thom

Kampong Phluk

Ta Prohm

Psar Chas

The Bayon

Terrace of the Elephants

Cambodia Landmine Museum

Hidden Gems Siem Reap

Best time to visit

Visiting between June and October will ensure visitors will avoid the crowds and see the glory of the ancient temples with blankets of green hues all around the ruins. The least rainy month in Siem Reap is December and the wettest month is September.

What makes Siem Reap unique

Strolling through the millennium-old Angkor Wat is like taking a step back in time. It is also the largest religious monument on the globe and was famously captured in the movie Tomb Raider.

Flying private to Siam Reap

Chartering a private jet means you can create your unique Siem Reap experience and begin enjoying your trip before you even leave home. Travelling at your own pace and handpicking your schedule and activities to suit your requirements.

Entry airport

Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport

ICAO: VDSA

IATA: SAI

Coordinates: 132231N 1041315E

Elevation: 60ft

Fuel: JET A1

Operating hours: 2300-1500Z

Operational information

Slots are required and applications must be made through a licensed agent via email to the Airport Slot Committee

Only a Landing Permit and Airport Slot are required for operations to VDSA, VDSV and VDPP

The lead time for landing permits is three days. Applications must be made through a licensed agent. For urgent requests, permits can be arranged in 24 hours

Lead time for overflight permits is one day but for urgent requests they can be arranged within a few hours before flight schedule. Overflight permits can only be obtained through a licensed agent

Ground Handling Services, VIP Terminal Services, Aircraft Maintenance Services (provided by a local line maintenance company), and cargo handling are available at VDSA and VDPP

Ground Handling Services, VIP Terminal Services are available at VDSV, VDPP and VDSA

Parking is available

Passengers are required to stay at least one night in VDSA as same-day entry and exit is usually not allowed

Hidden Gems Siem Reap

Commercial flights

There are 12 airports around the world that have direct flights to Siem Reap, spread around 11 cities in 6 countries: China, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. The airport welcomes 39 commercial flights every day.

Immigration

Visas are required for visitors to Cambodia and may be obtained on arrival. For visas on arrival, a blank page and passport validity of over six months are required.

E-visas are also available, and the process takes about 5-10 minutes. For e-visas, apply online here (at least three days is required to get approval).

Hidden Gems Siem Reap

Visitor tips

The Cambodian currency is Cambodian Riel (KHR) but USD is accepted throughout and often preferred

Getting around is easy with tuk-tuks being widely available and affordable but ensure you negotiate the price before your trip

Keep cultural sensitivity in mind; it’s advisable to wear modest and respectful attire when visiting temples

To create your ultimate Siem Reap travel experience, contact UAS Charter or UAS Executive Travel.

For more Hidden Gems, visit the UAS Blog