Tee Off in Temple Town: A Complete Guide to Golf in Siem Reap
Looking to combine world-class golf with rich cultural exploration? Golf in Siem Reap offers just that – lush fairways set against a backdrop of ancient temples, warm hospitality, and unforgettable off-course experiences. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to plan the perfect trip to golf in Siem Reap, including the best times to visit, where to play, estimated costs, and tips to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Overall weather and best time to play golf in Siem Reap
Siem Reap has a tropical wet and dry climate. The city is generally hot all year round, with average high temperatures not falling below 30 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity is high and rainfall is influenced by the monsoons, so you need to know the weather characteristics of each season in advance to plan the perfect trip.
- The rainy season in Siem Reap starts in April and ends in November. July and August are especially prone to flooding with average monthly rainfall of over 200mm. Although the rains do not last long, the sudden changes in weather and wet ground make golfing more difficult, so most golfers will avoid this time.
- The dry season lasts from November to April and is also the best time to travel to Siem Reap. The weather is pleasant, with little rain and low humidity, and temperatures ranging from 22–28°C in the morning to 30–32°C at noon, making it a comfortable time to play golf at any time of the day. However, towards the end of the dry season, temperatures can rise to 35–37°C (95–99°F), so book your tee time early in the morning and stay hydrated.
General weather of Siem Reap
Best golf courses in Siem Reap
Phokeethra Country Club
Phokeethra Country Club (Siem Reap)
Phokeethra Country Club is the first international-class golf course in Cambodia, providing the best services of a modern golf course but still preserving the unique neys with a rustic flavor. The course also has a restored Roluh Bridge, dating back to the 11th century of the Khmer Empire and is also the symbol of the course. Phokeethra Country Club has its own country style with wide and straight fairways, delicate perspectives, creating a unique attraction for visitors to this place. A special feature at hole number 18 is the double water trap, the last difficult challenge before finishing a round of golf.
Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club
Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club
Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club is the third international standard golf course opened in the Angkor Wat complex, about 15km from the city center. This is also a favorite place for famous golfers and especially the visit of many high-ranking Cambodian officials such as the Cambodian Prime Minister. Taking advantage of the flat terrain of the rice fields, the course is designed with water traps everywhere, sand traps along the fairway to create more challenges for players. The course is also a classy international resort with luxurious space and separate villas.
Angkor Golf Resort
Angkor Golf Resort (Siem Reap)
Angkor Golf Resort is considered the best golf course in Cambodia, designed by Nick Faldo. The entire course, as well as the tee boxes, fairways and greens, are maintained in good condition to ensure good playing conditions all year round. The sand and water traps are intricately arranged but can be easily seen from each teeing area so that players can find their own way of playing more easily. Coming to this challenging golf course, players need to have reasonable strategies to be able to approach each golf hole successfully, in which the last 3 holes are considered the most difficult to play.
Must-try activities beyond golf in Siem Reap
Explore the Angkor Wat Temple complex
Angkor Wat
Anyone traveling to Siem Reap will visit the Angkor Wat complex, a symbol of Cambodia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historical structure is considered a cultural monument with impressive architecture. The site was built in the 12th century but is still almost intact. Coming here, you will surely be impressed by the reliefs, doors, columns, domes… The moss-covered stone slabs further highlight the antiquity and sacredness of this structure. Along with that is the statue of the 7-headed cobra Naga, a very typical image of Hinduism.
Inside the temple, there are more than 80 ancient structures, divided into 5 main areas (including the Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, Little Circuit, Big Circuit, Roluos and surrounding peripheral temples), giving visitors the opportunity to expand their knowledge. In addition, next to Angkor Wat, there are many magnificent temples such as Bayon, Baphuon, Ta Prohm… which are equally famous. One of the things worth trying is sitting in a hot air balloon watching the sunrise or sunset at Angkor Wat. You will admire the whole complex from above, feeling its majesty and poetic beauty.
Discover local life on Tonlé Sap Lake
You can explore some floating market in Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It has abundant seafood, especially freshwater fish. It is no exaggeration to say that Tonle Sap Lake provides a large amount of fish for the entire Cambodian population. Boating around the lake and watching the life of fishermen is very popular with tourists.
Coming here, you will have the opportunity to admire the peaceful floating village of Kampong Phluk or Chong Khneas. This is home to many Vietnamese and Cham people. The peaceful scenery with stilt houses, floating schools and the daily work of local fishermen will make you feel extremely relaxed and have a clearer view of the indigenous culture. During the trip, you can also stop at the bird sanctuary with many rare species raised and preserved here.
Watch the Phare Circus
Experience the Magic of Cambodian Storytelling at the Phare Circus
When traveling to Cambodia, in addition to visiting the ancient Angkor Wat temples, do not miss the opportunity to admire the most magnificent circus performance in Siem Reap – PHARE, The Cambodian Circus. As a famous circus and theater, Phare Circus has become the leading modern cultural art icon in Siem Reap city.
Coming to Phare Circus, visitors will be immersed in a magical world of color, rhythm, and emotion, where art converges to create an unforgettable experience of Cambodian culture. Phare Circus is not just an ordinary acrobatic circus. Artists create and perform stories based on their own life experiences. Inspired by history, folklore and modern society, artists combine drama, dance, live music and circus arts to share a part of their lives with the audience.
Indulge in Khmer cuisine and cooking classes
Learn to cook traditional Khmer dishes in a hands-on cooking class
Like other tourist centers, food in Siem Reap is very diverse due to the cultural exchange between many countries. You will also find many foreign dishes in the city such as from India, Europe, Vietnam, China, Japan, etc., when you walk along the streets. Therefore, finding food in this historic city is never a problem. If you want to eat like the locals, visit the sidewalk eateries in the night market or the streets far from the center. If you want to try a slightly more expensive flavor, visit the restaurants in the bustling Old Market area.
In addition to tasting famous dishes such as amok, Khmer curry, bai sach chok, … you can learn how to cook them through local cooking classes. This is a very interesting way to get closer to the culinary heritage of Cambodia. You will go directly to the market to prepare ingredients, process and enjoy the flavors made by your own hands.
Experience the vibrant nightlife in Pub Street
The vibrant nightlife of Pub Street in Siem Reap is an experience you won’t want to miss
During your trip to Siem Reap, don’t miss out on nightlife! Through that, you will have a clearer view of the vibrant life of Siem Reap at night. To feel that, visit Pub Street right away. This is one of the destinations that is very popular with domestic and international tourists. Pub Street is located right in the center, including a series of bars, restaurants, eateries… bustling from 5 pm to 12 am. Besides experiencing Western cuisine, tourists can stroll along the street, listen to acoustic music, try fish massage services, and shop for gifts for relatives.
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Estimated cost for your Siem Reap golf trip
On-course fees
Siem Reap has three major international standard golf courses: Angkor Golf Resort, Phokeethra Country Club, and Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club. The green fees range from $100-$150 for an 18-hole round, which usually includes a shared cart and caddies. You will also need to pay for club or apparel rentals if you don’t bring your own, which cost around $30-$50 per round.
Accommodations
Not as bustling as Phnom Penh, hotels in Siem Reap seem to be scattered, not concentrated but there are many options for you. You can book a hotel near the night market or Pub Street because it will be very convenient to visit other places, and not too far from Angkor Wat. These accommodations are mostly mid-range hotels or guesthouses, providing basic amenities with prices ranging from only $30-$90 per night. 5-star hotels or golf resorts directly next to the golf course have high prices, from $150 to over $250 per night.
Estimated cost for a Siem Reap golf trip
Transportation
Getting around Siem Reap is easy and convenient. A one-way airport shuttle costs around $10-$15, and you can check with your hotel in advance to see if they offer the service or ask them to book it for you if needed. To get between places like golf courses or tourist attractions, a private car with a driver is the most convenient option, allowing you to move more flexibly and privately, with a rental price of $40-$60 a day. A more economical option is the tuk-tuk, the main means of transportation in Cambodia. Usually, 1 kilometer will cost between $1 and $1.5, and remember to negotiate the price clearly before going.
Dining and other activities beyond golf
One of the joys of visiting Siem Reap is the variety and affordability of its cuisine. If you stick to local Khmer eateries or street food stalls, you can easily enjoy delicious meals like fish amok, beef lok lak or noodle soup for $3–8 a meal. Mid-range restaurants – both local and international – typically charge $10–20 per person, while fine dining at upscale establishments can run as much as $30–50 per person. Many 4-star hotels include breakfast, which can help keep your overall food costs down.
In addition to great food, Siem Reap has plenty of other attractions. The main experience is the Angkor Wat temple complex, which includes a 1-day pass for $37, while a 3-day pass costs $62. You’ll need to pay an additional $20–$30 to hire a licensed English-speaking guide. Other activities like watching the Phare circus show, taking a cooking class or going on a cruise around Tonle Sap Lake cost around $20–35.
> > > Looking to plan the perfect golf trip to Cambodia? Siem Reap offers world-class courses, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Some helpful tips
To get the most out of your Siem Reap golf trip, here are some helpful tips:
- If you are golfing in Siem Reap between March and July, book your tee time early in the morning to avoid the harsh sun and enjoy the cool, quiet atmosphere. Also, finishing your round early will give you more time during the day to explore or relax.
- The three golf courses in Siem Reap are among the best and most prestigious in the country, so always book your tee time or equipment rental at least two weeks in advance to secure your preferred tee time.
- Some golf courses and tour operators offer attractive accommodation packages during the low tourist season (especially May-September). These packages can include green fees, carts, caddies and accommodation at a significantly lower price than booking each service separately. Always ask your hotel or golf course if they have any special promotions, which can save you hundreds of dollars.
- Choose accommodations that fit your travel schedule. Consider hotels near golf courses for convenience and time savings.
With the right preparation, you can seamlessly combine a morning of golf with an afternoon of exploring ancient temples or relaxing at a local spa. Whether you are an experienced golfer or planning your first international golf vacation, Siem Reap offers the perfect combination of challenge, comfort and adventure. Contact us today to start customizing your unforgettable golf experience in Siem Reap.
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