Hanoi vs Siem Reap

Hanoi

Hanoi has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid with heavy monsoon rains, while winters are cool and drizzly. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are the most pleasant.

Siem Reap

Siem Reap has a tropical monsoon climate nearly identical to Phnom Penh. It is hot year-round with a distinct wet season from May to October. The temples can be brutally hot midday — plan early morning and late afternoon visits.

Hanoi

Hanoi's public transit is expanding rapidly with new metro lines, but most visitors rely on Grab (ride-hailing), walking in the Old Quarter, and buses. The city launched Metro Line 2A in 2021 and Line 3 is under construction.

Walkability: The Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem area are very walkable, though chaotic sidewalks (often blocked by parked motorbikes and street food stalls) force pedestrians onto the road. Beyond the center, distances are long and walking is impractical due to traffic and heat.

Siem Reap

Siem Reap town is compact and walkable, but the temples require wheels. Most visitors hire a tuk-tuk or car with driver for full-day temple tours. Bicycles are popular for the Small Circuit temples. The town has no public transit system.

Walkability: The town center around Pub Street, the Old Market, and the river area is easily walkable. Most hotels and guesthouses in the tourist zone are within a 15-minute walk of the center. The temples, however, are 6+ km away and require transport.