While I tend to favor long pants when in southeast Asia, I know that it will be uncomfortably hot in Siem Reap, our first stop on our February trip. Assuming that we are well-protected with sunscreen, how acceptable is wearing shorts while touring Angkor Wat? Also, can we expect to see many mosquitos in February?

We were in Siem Reap last February, and wore shorts every day, as did most of the tourists we saw. We came back totally free from mosquito bites. Have fun!!

No question, it will be very hot. I wore long pants because I wanted protection from the sun as much as anything. (Sun screen makes me feel even hotter!) I found that some areas had many more mosquitos than others. I actually got the most mosquito bites while dining at La Noria (even with long pants, repellant and a mosquito coil burning beneath our table.)

I would definitely wear loose, light weight breathable pants.

I wore shorts one day while at Angkor and got completely bitten up by mosquitos. But this was in September. February may be different. I would heed Gloria's advice and wear loose, light long pants. Why don't you get a pair that zip off into shorts so if the mosquitos aren't bad, you have the option of shorts if you would be more comfortable? I have several pair of these and they are great.

Went to Angkor in July and the greatest mistake I made was not bringing any shorts or short sleeve shirts. I was so paranoid about mosquitos. There was no problem with bugs at all.
let's see when is the rainy season there?

Someone gave great advice about the zip off shorts.

long, for the reasons kathie and laurie cite....coverage from sun, bugs of all kinds and dust....

natural fibers and very loose fitting...elastic waist---like us old people wear all the time...
an umbrella is not a bad idea either...you see many locals using them

We visited in late October after the "wet" and found few mossies, though I'm sure they were there. And some of us are just an appetizing meal for flying things, regardless where and time of year. The mosies fly, so can be anywhere, anytime.

When we wore shorts, they were the longer ones (to the knee), but mostly crop pants or longer and loose fiting. For tops, we opted for camp-type shirts over t-shirts as these don't cling to the body and covered the shoulders and back of neck. With the heat and humidity, stay with loose fitting clothing. Everything will get wet through and through, so have extra tops and "wears"... not unusual to change a few times daily. And pray that your clothing dries between wearings; air conditioning in your hotel is no guarantee.

Those umbrellas are the best idea to keep the brutal sun off your head and back. And always have water with you for drinking or pouring over your head!

I'm with Kathie, Gloria, Laurie and Bob here - I visited in August but even then there were not many mozzies however I actually find light long trousers much more comfortable in the heat - they protect you from the sun better and do stop most biting things as well

Sorry lost the last part of my message - wanted to say that long trousers also protect from some of the long grasses that you may walk through - there is not a lot but some of the grasses were seeding and they were quite sharp and irritating! I also wear a very light long sleeve shirt most times as I find that more comfortable than putting on lots of sunscreen. You may note that most of the guides wear long trousers and long sleeve shirts too. Do take a hat or umbrella (for the shade)