Siem Reap International Airport (REP) is located about 7 km from the city center. The journey takes 15-20 minutes by tuk-tuk or taxi, passing through the town to the main tourist area near Pub Street and the Royal Gardens.

About Siem Reap City Center

Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Wat and the vast Angkor Archaeological Park, but the town itself has developed into a charming destination with a personality of its own. The city center along the Siem Reap River is a compact, walkable area where colonial French shophouses mix with modern hotels, art galleries, and the famous Pub Street — a pedestrian entertainment strip that comes alive nightly with restaurants, bars, and live music.

Beyond the party atmosphere of Pub Street, Siem Reap offers authentic Cambodian cultural experiences. The Old Market (Phsar Chas) is a bustling local market selling everything from fresh produce to silk scarves and silver jewelry. The Artisans Angkor workshop trains disadvantaged youth in traditional Khmer arts, and the Cambodian Circus (Phare, The Cambodian Circus) performs a nightly show combining acrobatics with Cambodian storytelling — widely regarded as the country's best cultural performance.

The town is also a base for exploring beyond the temples: floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake (Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake), bird sanctuaries, rural cycling tours through rice paddies, and the Angkor National Museum which provides essential context for understanding the temple complex with its magnificent collection of Khmer sculpture and artifacts.

Nearby Landmarks

Angkor Wat Pub Street Old Market Angkor National Museum Tonle Sap Lake

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost Varies by traffic
Time 20-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit REP arrivals — tuk-tuk drivers and taxi operators will approach immediately
2. Best option: open the Grab app and book a tuk-tuk or car ($3-5 to city center)
3. Alternatively, negotiate with a tuk-tuk at the airport ($5-7, agree on price first)
4. The ride to Pub Street / Old Market area takes about 15-20 minutes
5. Many hotels offer free airport pickup — check with your accommodation before arriving

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi Varies by traffic 20-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Tuk-tuks and taxis are available at the airport until the last flight. Grab ride-hailing operates in Siem Reap and is the most reliable night option, with fares from the airport to the city center around $4-7 USD. Pub Street area tuk-tuks are available past midnight. Walking from Pub Street to many hotels is possible.

Luggage Tips

Tuk-tuks can handle 1-2 medium bags behind the passenger seat. For large luggage, request a car via Grab or take an airport taxi. Siem Reap's streets are mostly flat but some are unpaved, making wheeled luggage impractical on certain routes. Most hotels offer free airport pickup.

Accessibility

Siem Reap airport has basic wheelchair assistance. The town's main streets are generally flat but sidewalks are uneven or nonexistent in many areas. Pub Street is pedestrianized and manageable. Angkor Wat itself has mostly flat grounds but temple interiors involve steep stairs. Some tour operators offer accessible temple experiences.