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