siem reap must visit

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Home » Southeast Asia » Cambodia » Siem Reap

11 BEST Places to Visit in Siem Reap (2024)

We don’t think you’ll find anyone who has travelled to Cambodia and without visiting Siem Reap. It’s the gateway to one of the most phenomenal tourist attractions in the world – Angkor Wat. However, as the temples have grown in popularity, so has the appeal of the town. There’s plenty here to spend multiple days, and it’s one of the tourist meccas of South East Asia. Whether you’re a backpacker, a flashpacker, travelling with the family, or hoping for a luxury break, you’ll find something for you. Great restaurants, nightlife, and nearby outdoor beauty; Siem Reap really does have it all!

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the best places to visit in Siem Reap. Yes, obviously Angkor Wat will already be number one on your Siem Reap itinerary, but there’s so much more waiting to be discovered when you travel to this friendly and fascinating country!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Siem Reap:

These are the best places to visit in siem reap, faq on the best places to visit in siem reap.

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Old French Quarter

Old French Quarter is the best place to stay in Siem Reap if you’re visiting for the first time. Located at the centre of the city, the Old French Quarter is close to main thoroughfares and well connected to the area’s top attraction, Angkor Wat.

• Try contemporary Asian cuisine and a good selection of wines at Cassia Restaurant
• See the home of the Cambodian royals by passing by the Royal Residence
• Enjoy delicious and authentic Cambodian food at chic and stylish Kroya Restaurant

Tap your foot on the brake pedal for a second! Before plunging straight into all the goodness below, check out where to stay in Siem Reap first. That way, you’ll be all sorted with your accommodation before embarking on your trip down the rest of this list (and hopefully to the actual Siem Reap soon!).

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#1 – Angkor Wat – One of the most amazing places in Siem Reap

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• Trip Advisor’s number 1 destination in the world for 2 consecutive years
• The biggest Buddhist temple on Earth
• Get an early start and catch the sunrise over Angkor Wat

Why it’s awesome: It’s unlikely that any tourist will travel to Siem Reap and not visit Angkor Wat, but we couldn’t miss it off our list! This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only one of the most famous places in Siem Reap, but all of Cambodia and South East Asia. Built in the 12th century, this is the largest complex of Buddhist temples in the world. In fact, it’s the largest religious monument in the world, covering over 400 acres. Since it’s so huge, you’ll probably need more than one day to really experience this incredible place!

What to do there: If you’d like to see the whole of the Angkor complex but don’t know where to start, it’s a good idea to get a tour guide. You can do tours for 1 day, 3, or even an entire week! Although a week would undoubtedly be interesting, you might end up with temple fatigue by the end of it! If you DO want to do this, stay in a hostel in a nearby area to make going back easier on transportation costs.

There are also a number of ways you can explore the temples. If on foot sounds like too much work, why not rent a bicycle? Whichever way you choose to visit Angkor Wat, they’re a Siem Reap must see and you won’t regret any time you spend here!

#2 – Cambodia Landmine Museum – One of the most underrated places to see in Siem Reap

• See a collection of disarmed landmines from the Khmer Rouge regime
• Learn about Cambodia’s bloody and brutal recent history
• One of the most moving and sobering attractions in Siem Reap

Why it’s awesome: The museum has a complex history. It was opened by a former Khmer Rouge fighter who worked with the UN to disarm and remove the landmines he had placed. What started as a collection grew into a museum as interest from foreign tourists grew. As the museum curator expanded his collection by visiting local villages, he also started to take in orphans who had been affected by the landmines. Nowadays, there are several children who are taken care of by the museum. It’s one of the best places in Siem Reap to get an insight into local life and history!

What to do there: Learn about the history of the Khmer Rouge and its effects on rural Cambodia and how landmines are being dealt within the region. Astonishingly, more than 6 million landmines were planted in Cambodia. Depending on when you visit, you may also be able to see some active landmine detonations. Most importantly, you’ll learn about how this part of the country is being cleaned up and you may even meet some of the children who have benefitted from the museum and the centre. It’s really a Siem Reap must do!

#3 – Phare, the Cambodian Circus

• Not your typical circus
• Combination of an NGO and a performing arts school
• One of the more unusual things to do in Siem Reap

Why it’s awesome: Circuses don’t have a great rep to be honest. Nowadays, many are associated with animal cruelty and are generally quite frowned upon. Not Phare though! This is a circus with a difference. An NGO and performing arts school take children from poverty and train them to work in this Cirque du Soleil style show. The performers use music, dance, and theatre to tell traditional Cambodian folk tales. It’s one of the top hotspots in Siem Reap at night!

What to do there: Roll up, roll up, for Phare the Cambodian Circus. Every night at 8 pm there’s a performance, so get your tickets in advance and enjoy one of the glitziest and most glamorous attractions in Siem Reap. It’s quite expensive when you compare it to other attractions in Siem Reap, but you can rest assured that your money is going to a very good cause!

#4 – Ta Prohm – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Siem Reap

• You might recognise this place from its appearance in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
• One of the best places in Siem Reap that mixes nature and history
• See if you can spot the dinosaur of Ta Prohm – it’s hidden in there somewhere!

Why it’s awesome: Part of the Angkor Wat complex, we probably wouldn’t have included this if it were as well maintained as the other temples around here. However, the fact that it wasn’t is what makes it so special. If you’ve seen the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie, you might have thought that it was mostly CGI, but no. It was a real place – Ta Prohm has been pretty much swallowed up by the surrounding jungle. It’s a haunting place that you won’t want to miss on your Siem Reap itinerary !

What to do there: Although you wouldn’t realise it, since Ta Prohm was rediscovered in the 20th century, it has been maintained in such a way that the neglect seems authentic, but it does not affect the integrity of the structure. Although it might seem like fun to pretend your Indiana Jones, do be careful when you’re visiting! Also, look out for the controversial dinosaur of Ta Prohm. No one knows if it’s genuine or a hoax!

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#5 – Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

• Wander round an enclosed garden filled with butterflies
• What to do in Siem Reap if you love animals and nature
• Learn about conservation at this cool butterfly sanctuary

Why it’s awesome: If you’re interested in butterflies, then this should be in first place on your Siem Reap itinerary. Yes, even above Angkor Wat! This cool butterfly sanctuary and conservation centre is home to thousands of butterflies from the local area, and it’s been built like the rainforest. This is to mimic the butterflies’ natural habitat and make them as comfortable and natural as possible!

What to do there: Get right up close with the Banteay Srey butterflies. If you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it), the butterflies might just land right on you! If you’re travelling with kids, you definitely shouldn’t miss this place. Not only can you get up close and personal with the butterflies, but you can also take an interactive tour to show you the life cycle of these wonderful insects. This is one of the most relaxing and tranquil points of interest in Siem Reap!

#6 – Tonlé Sap Lake – A nice quiet place to see in Siem Reap

• Take a cruise on the largest freshwater lake in Asia
• Bring your camera as it’s a great spot for animal lovers
• A perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap

Why it’s awesome: If you want to get a glimpse into a traditional Cambodian village, then head to Tonlé Sap. Incredibly, more than 3 million people call the banks of this lake home, but it’s still an incredibly quiet and peaceful area in Cambodia . There are several tours here from Siem Reap, and you can do a variety of things. Kampong Khleang is the largest village on the lake, and it’s situated on the north shore. Here, you can check out floating stilt houses and traditional handicrafts. The locals are really friendly too!

What to do there: As well as villages dotted around the lakeshore, there are some great natural attractions on Tonlé Sap too. One of the coolest places, and also one of the top attractions in Siem Reap, is the Prek Toal bird sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to over 100 species of water birds. There are plenty of observation towers, but if you want to get up close and personal with the birds, you can row out onto the lake! Keep an eye out for other wildlife such as crocodiles, snakes, and turtles too!

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#7 – Angkor Centre for the Conservation of Biodiversity

• One of the most important wildlife centres in Cambodia
• Meet Cambodian wildlife like porcupines, otters, and birds
• Take a guided tour to learn how the animals are rehabilitated

Why it’s awesome: If you hadn’t realised from the last two entries into our list, there are a lot of attractions in Siem Reap if you’re interested in animals and biodiversity. However, the Angkor Centre might just be the most important of all of them! Not only can you get up close and personal with Cambodian wildlife, but you can learn about breeding, conservation, and rehabilitation while you’re at the centre.

What to do there: Of course, you can visit the Angkor Centre for the Conservation of Biodiversity at any time. However, there are twice-daily tours at 9 am and 1 pm, and these are really worth doing. Knowledgeable and friendly guides will explain how the centre works and how these beautiful animals are rehabilitated. It’s a long journey for sick and injured animals to be reintroduced to the wild, but this centre is very successful at doing so. Don’t miss it when you travel to Siem Reap!

#8 – Kulen Nature Trails – A beautiful outdoor place to check out in Siem Reap

• Explore Siem Reap’s jungle and rainforest surroundings
• Escape from the heat on a cool and shady nature trail
• Enjoy the site of the waterfall at the end of the trail

Why it’s awesome: They say it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. However, when you’re visiting Phnom Kulen Waterfall, it’s kind of about both! These beautiful hiking trails take you along the side of rushing rivers, past ancient temples, and to a beautiful waterfall. There are some places to buy snacks near the waterfall, but a really nice idea is to bring a picnic here! This is one of the most evocative natural landmarks in Siem Reap, and you won’t want to miss it. Especially if you love hiking!

What to do there: Kulen’s Nature Trails are a great way to spend the day, and they’re suitable even for beginners. Therefore, it can get quite busy! We’d suggest getting up bright and early. Not only will it be less crowded, but you’ll also be trekking at the coolest time of day. Also, Cambodia is safe for travelers , but not here during rainy season when these trails become a mud bath of misadventures just waiting to happen. However, if you’re visiting Siem Reap during the dry season, these should be very high up on your itinerary!

#9 – Pub Street – A great place to visit in Siem Reap at night

• Let off steam and take a break from the city’s culture and architecture
• The best area for cheap hostels and late-night drinking and eating
• One of the best Siem Reap vacation ideas for homesick long-term travellers!

Why it’s awesome: Sometimes when you’re travelling, you start to miss home. And in a town like Siem Reap, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the architecture, history, and culture, so you may just want to spend some time cooling off in a more familiar environment. That’s where Pub Street comes in! Here, you’ll find some of the best places to eat in Siem Reap when it comes to international food, and lots of late-night bars and clubs. A perfect spot to meet like-minded travellers and relax with a drink… or a bucket!

What to do there: Take a break from immersing yourself in Cambodian culture and remind yourself about what you miss from home. The Western food on offer here is great, and there are plenty of bars where you can enjoy a few drinks. You can even watch the Premier League or the Champions League if you’re a football fan. It may not be the most cultural thing to do on your travels, but everyone deserves a break sometimes, right?!

#10 – Bayon

• See the 11,000 faces carved into the temple
• One of the most unique temples in the Angkor Complex
• One of the most famous landmarks in Siem Reap

Why it’s awesome: Yes, we’ve already included Angkor Wat on our list, but we couldn’t miss Bayon off the best places to visit in Siem Reap. The scale of this place is simply staggering! This temple is a real testament to the ego of Jayavarman VII, who it was built in honour of. 1.2km of facades, over 11,000 faces, and 54 Gothic towers are just some of the mind-boggling figures that identify one of the most recognisable landmarks in Siem Reap!

What to do there: You could easily spend a few hours exploring Bayon. It’s in Angkor Thom (the holy city) and it does look better from close up than far away! Most people like to visit in the early morning, thanks to its eastward facing direction. However, if you find it’s too crowded in the morning, it’s worth heading here for the sunset!

#11 – Psar Chaa (The Old Market)

• A great place to pick up fresh produce if you’re cooking your own meals
• Pick up some souvenirs for friends and family back home
• One of the best places to eat in Siem Reap

Why it’s awesome: When you’re in Southeast Asia, the local market is always one of the first ports of call. Siem Reap is no different, and you should head to Psar Chaa to pick up some food, especially if you’re planning on taking a picnic out or cooking fresh produce in your hostel. With juicy mangosteens, dragonfruit, and rambutan, you’ll certainly find a new favourite fruit or juice! It’s also a great spot to pick up souvenirs for family and friends.

What to do there: The Old Market is one of the best places to eat in Siem Reap, so come here and try local street food delicacies as well as tasting fresh products. If you want to cook Cambodian food back in your home country, pick up some spices here to use in future! You can also get clothes here, which is great if you’ve been soaked through trekking the Kulen Nature Trails or you want to refresh your holiday wardrobe!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Siem Reap

What is there to do in Siem Reap besides Angkor Wat?

Angkor Wat is pretty cool, but there are even better places to visit in Siem Reap: – Cambodia Landmine Museum – Ta Prohm – Tonlé Sap Lake

What is the most popular place to visit in Siem Reap?

Angkor Wat is probably one of the most famous attractions in Siem Reap. The temple sees thousands of visitors every month. However, the Ta Prohm temple is pretty popular as well.

What are the must-visit places in Siem Reap at night?

Pub Street is probably the must-visit place in Siem Reap at night. Dance the night away in one of the many nightlife venues, have a couple of tatsy drinks with your friends and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

What can you do in Siem Reap today?

Find out about the best tours, attractions and places to visit in Siem Reap on Klook . Everything that’s on today will be listed there. And if you want a more local experience, check out Airbnb experiences .

Final Thoughts

So, that concludes our list of the best places to visit in Siem Reap. We hope that you’ve found it useful and informative, and you’ve got some ideas of what to add to your Siem Reap itinerary after visiting Angkor Wat.

This town may get busy and crowded, but that all adds to the carnival atmosphere that you’ll find on pub street and at the local markets. However, there’s a sobering and peaceful side to it to as you’ll have seen from our list. There’s a good reason why Siem Reap is such a beloved backpacking destination in Cambodia .

We hope that you’ve not only found some more places to add to your Siem Reap itinerary, but you’ve also got some ideas about how to experience the city like a local. Keep your mind open while you explore Siem Reap and you’ll no doubt have an incredible vacation. We certainly hope you do!

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Things to Do in Siem Reap

Things to do in Siem Reap

Siem Reap , located in northwest Cambodia, is the major tourist hub in this country. It serves as the linking bridge to the ancient ruins and temples of Angkor Complex . To meet the continuously increasing demand to visit magnificent Angkor, Siem Reap has transformed itself into one of the world’s premier travel destinations. However, there is more to Siem Reap than Angkor with an endless choice of exciting activities awaiting the visitors. So be sure to spend an extra couple of days roaming this charming town. Check out top things to do in Siem Reap that you should not miss when visiting Cambodia .

Angkor Wat – the main magnet to attracts tourists to visit Siem Reap.

15 Best Things to Do in Siem Reap

Table of Contents

Explore Angkor Complex by bicycle.

Sunrise at angkor wat by tuk tuk., boat trip to floating villages in tonle sap lake., quiet sunset over phnom krom., sunset on kongkear boat., try quad bike adventure., angkor zipline eco-adventure canopy tour., siem reap cooking class., join in bokator class., bong thom eco tour & homestay., angkor balloon., siem reap scenic flight, traditional apsara dance performance., phare, the cambodian circus show., party on pub street., wander around angkor night market..

Riding a bicycle to approach a different side of majestic Angkor Temples.

Being defined as one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia by UNESCO , Angkor Archaeological Park spreads over 400km 2 , with remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire from the 9 th to the 15 th century.

Touring Angkor by bicycle is highly recommended for those, who have a bit of time, possess moderate physical fitness, and are up for a little adventure. Seeing Angkor on a bicycle, tourists will be able to escape the crowds, have flexible itinerary and approach a different side of these majestic temples with an expert cycling guide.

Besides Angkor Wat, the temple complex contains many other temples which are impossible for you to visit solely on foot. Or some temples are in remote areas, where tour buses are not allowed to enter. In this case, biking is a perfect option for the distances which are too far to walk but not so far to take tuk tuk or car. If you are in a tight schedule and just want a quick taste, one-day biking to main temples like Angkor Wat , Angkor Thom , Ta Prohm and Preah Khan is recommended.

Otherwise, three day Angkor Pass is an ideal option for most bikers as they can break up the program into half day biking and half day doing something different in between. More importantly, even you take biking in hot and sunny Siem Reap, you are strictly required to follow dress code in Angkor Area: shoulders and knees must be covered.

Take tuk tuk to Angkor Wat at sunrise to avoid heat and crowd.

Angkor Wat , the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was constructed by Suryavarman II who reigned Cambodia from 1113 to 1152 and built the five towers in the 12th century and dedicated them to the Hindu God Vishnu. It’s also the main reason for travelers all around the world come to visit Cambodia. Despite the growing crowds, this place is still incredible and should be visited at least one in your lifetime.

Taking tuk tuk to Angkor Wat at sunrise is designed to help tourists see “the temple reflex on the water” when it’s much cooler and less crowded. The ticket office is open from 5 AM so tourists should leave their hotels at 4:30 AM and be there no later than 5:15 AM to ensure they still get a good spot for viewing temple at sunrise.

Once the sunrise moments end, don’t forget to continue your Angkor Wat exploration while the temperatures are still cool in the early morning and not many people are there. When you feel tired and hungry, just take a rest and have light breakfast in a local restaurant right in front of the temple.

Visit floating villages in Tonle Sap by boat trip to witness the local daily lives.

Tonle Sap Lake is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in Southeast Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. During the rainy season (from May to October), the lake swells to six or seven times its normal size of approximately 2,600 square kilometres. Locals have learnt to adapts to the unique ebb and flow of the Tonle Sap Lake through the seasons by creating floating villages.

After discovery tour in Angkor Complex, tourists are recommended to spend one day trip from Siem Reap to one of the fascinating floating villages in Tonle Sap Lake to witness the local daily lives of rural communities settled on the shores of the lake.

Please remember that floating villages are not typical tourist attraction so tourists have to respect local privacy and not invade too much into the villager’s living space. Below are main floating villages that are accessible from Siem Reap:

* Chong Kneas: – Closest village from Siem Reap, approx.. 16 km. – Extremely touristy, unethical crocodile farms. – Famous for many Korean restaurants to serve Korean tourists. – Gateway to Battambang and Phnom Penh by boat.

* Kampong Phluk: – Just over 30 km from Siem Reap. – Scenic, though pretty short boat trip with a stop at a stilted restaurant for sunset. – Small boats to mangroves, or flooded forest.

* Kampong Khleang: – A permanent  stilted village around 50 km southeast of Siem Reap. – Furthest away from Siem Reap, offer more genuine experience. – The largest village on the lake and home to about 6,000 people. – Mix of stilted houses, floating raft houses, floating schools, pagodas and medical centres.

* Mechrey: – Located 25 km southwest of Siem Reap. – Least visited village on Tonle Sap, offer authentic floating village experience. – Emerged as an eco-friendly and community based tourism place in recent years. – The entry point into the Prek Toal Core Bird Sanctuary with best time to visit between December and early February.

Best time to visit these floating villages is during rainy season from June to November. March to May should be avoided when the summer is at its peak and most of the lake’s water is dried up.

Phnom Krom is an off the beaten path sunset viewpoint.

Pre Rup Temple and Phnom Bakeng are the usual popular spots for sunset in Siem Reap. However, if you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path sunset viewpoint, Phnom Krom is strongly recommended to be included into your visit in Siem Reap. Phnom Krom is a 140 meters-high hill located about 10km southwest of Siem Reap town, along the Road 63 which leads to the Tonle Sap Lake .

Therefore, you can combine the visit to floating villages in Tonle Sap and sunset trip in Phnom Krom in the afternoon. It also houses a spectacular Angkorian temple built in the 9th century, called  Prasat Phnom Krom . This temple ruin is also the best spot to view the sunset over the Tonle Sap Lake. From this view point, floating houses in Chong Kneas Village look prettier than in close distance on normal boat tours.

In addition, the journey to conquer Phnom Krohm itself takes in the beautiful scenery. Tourists will enjoy the great views of local Cambodian villages, the reflections of the sun off of the waters of Tonle Sap and the peaceful sounds of nature. In rainy season, the whole area turns green and it’s a wonderful time of year to visit. Please remember that the visit to Phnom Krom included into Angkor Temple Pass .

Cruise around the magnificent Angkor Thom by Kongkear Angkor.

Kongkear Angkor is a unique Khmer traditional paddle boat inside Angkor Park. This boat runs along the moat from South Gate to West Gate of Angkor Thom . Along the way, tourists can make stop at the rarely visited Prasat Chroung Temple . Sunset moments can be viewed from the boat or at this temple. A boat can accommodate up to 4 passengers but it’s much more suitable for honeymooners to share romantic moments under a glorious sunset best cocktail and mixed drink recipes.

This is really a peaceful experience to cruise around the magnificent Angkor Thom, travel along the water way where history, nature and culture merge into one.

Adventurous tourists can try quad bike to explore off road tracks in Cambodian countryside.

Quad bike is really a fun adventure experience to explore off road tracks, rice fields, untouched ancient temples and local life in Cambodian countryside. Quad bike providers have many routes available, from short trips in 1 – 2 hour to longer trip (4 – 4.5 hours), or even full day discovery in 8 hours. All trips include roundtrip transfer by tuk tuk between clients’ hotel and quad bike office. Riders of all levels are welcome: expert riders can take the quad on their own; beginners or elders, teenagers can be escorted by a guided rider.

Along the quad journey, riders will be welcomed by friendly and smiley villagers, children and Buddhist monks. This adventure brings them to the authentic and unique beauty of Cambodia, which are not popular with many tourists.

Angkor Zipline is located in the ancients jungles inside Angkor Park.

This type of activity is the lifetime opportunity to experience a world-class zipline in the ancient jungles inside the designated Angkor Archaeological Park . The trip includes round-trip transportation and a traditional Khmer lunch, as well as choice of two different packages. Tour durations vary from 6 hours to 4 hours with two main packages. Gold course takes around 5 to 6 hours (including pick up & drop off services) but the canopy tour lasts around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the group size.

The custom silver course takes 4 hours from pick up until drop off, including 1 to 1.5 hours on the jungle canopy tour. No matter which course you choose, each group has two highly trained professionals and no more than 9 guests to ensure a safe journey. No Angkor Pass is required for clients using shuttle transfer provided by Angkor Zipline . If not, private transportations have to get a valid pass to enter Angkor Park to take part in Angkor Zipline.

Surrounded by wildlife, butterflies, flowers, fauna and towering trees, this rainforest eco-adventure will bring tourists an unforgettable experience while in Siem Reap.

International students learn to prepare traditional Khmer dishes.

Cooking classes in Siem Reap are ideal places for those who want to take a taste of Cambodia back home. These classes are organized in half day duration (morning section from 9:30 and afternoon section from 3 PM). Morning classes are more preferable because learners will have opportunity to visit a local market where they will study about Cambodian vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients before going the classroom for a hands-on culinary experience.

Under the guidance of professional chef, visitors will learn how to prepare traditional and delicious Khmer dishes. Once the class is finished, learners can relax in the tropical garden setting and enjoy their own creations with other students.

Students learn Bokator at beginning level in Moha Nokor Club.

Bokator , considered one of the oldest martial art forms in Cambodia, and have certainly been part of Khmer culture for centuries. It is believed that Bokator was a soldier’s art of the angkorian armies, crafted to be used in the battlefield. Tourists may stumble upon Bokator depictions on bas-reliefs at the base of the entrance pillars to the Bayon temple.

In Siem Reap, tourists can go to the Moha Nokor Club to learn Bokator at beginning level. Basic classes aimed at tourists last one hour at 6am, 9am and 6pm. These run 7 days a week excluding Cambodian public holidays. Students should wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for a fairly intensive physical workout. They will learn fundamental steps that define the underlying base movement of almost all Bokator techniques. Then they use these base movements to learn a variety of attack maneuvers using their elbows, knees, shins, feet, hands and head.

Tourists take ox cart ride in Bong Thom Village.

About 26 km from Siem Reap and on the way to Bantey Srey temple , Bong Thom Homestay is a unique community-based tourism site which captures the essence of village life in the heartland of Siem Reap. Visiting Bong Thom, tourists will experience a taste of “real” Cambodian life with interesting activities: take ox cart ride to visit sugar palm village, make palm leaf, plant rice or vegetable, learn to cook some Khmer dishes. Moreover, tourists will stay in the traditional Cambodian house, which was made of timber and raised on stilts.

As a community-based project, the Bong Thom Homestay aims to help improve the livelihoods and reduce poverty in the countryside.

View Siem Reap & Angkor from above.

Magnificent overview of Angkor Wat from above.

It can’t be denied that seeing Angkor temples in close distance is pretty incredible but it’s even more amazing if you have chance to view them from above. There are two options that will give tourists an elevated perspective on the temples and surrounding areas: air balloon and helicopter.

The 10 minute flight by a tethered helium balloon to see Angkor Wat from a bird’s eye-view.

Angkor Balloon is a tethered helium balloon which is just 800 meters from Angkor Wat west gate. The 10-minute flight at 120 meters for a large bowl of fresh air allows tourists to witness Angkor Wat , Phnom Bakheng , and West Baray from a bird’s eye-view. Tonle Sap Lake and Phnom Krom even can be seen from the distance in clear sky conditions. This service runs both sunrise and sunset but depends mainly on weather conditions. It’s suggested to take afternoon flight in November to April and fly in the morning in May to October.

Helistar Cambodia offers helicopter scenic tours above Angkor.

Clients with better budget can try helicopter scenic tours above Angkor. This service is offered by Helistar Cambodia with 8-minute flight or 14-minute flight options. Helicopter flies along the moat of the magnificent Angkor Wat , Phnom Bakeng , Sras Srang , Pre Rup , East Mebon and Tasom temples. These flights give tourists better orientation of Angkor from a bird’s eye view and surely one of the most amazing things to do in Siem Reap.

Apsara Dance is the must see traditional performance in Siem Reap.

No visit to Siem Reap is complete without at least one time watching Apsara Dance . Dated back to the 7 th century, Apsara Dance is a classical Khmer performance art inspired by the water and cloud spirit of Hindu and Buddhist mythology.

Apsara dancers carved into the walls and bas-reliefs of the Angkor temples, which proves that this dance has formed an essential part of Khmer culture. Dancers wear tight-fitting traditional dresses, elaborate golden headdresses and gilded jewelry. Each of the graceful hand gestures and foot movements has its own particular symbolism, inspired by those illustrated on the walls of Angkor Wat and other ancient buildings in the area.

In the past, Apsara Dance was performed on special occasions, like the Khmer New Year or the King’s Birthday. But more commonly, this cultural performance can be watched in several hotels and restaurants in Siem Reap. Usually these shows are offered as a package combining a buffet dinner and a dance show. Most shows are modern reinventions for tourists, including the four genre of traditional Khmer dance: Apsara Dance, Masked Dance, Shadow Theatre, and Folk Dance.

* List of venues offering Apsara Dance Show in Siem Reap: – Apsara Terrace in Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. – Apsara Theater & Restaurant in Angkor Village Hotel. – Por Cuisine Restaurant.

Phare Circus is Siem Reap’s most authentic top rated evening entertainment.

Phare Circus is considered as Siem Reap’s most unique, authentic top rated evening entertainment unlike any other circus in the world. More than a just a circus, Phare performers and artists create different stories based on their own life experiences, reflecting recent Cambodian history, folklore, and modern society.

Local artists astonish spectators every night as they combine their energy, emotion, talents with traditional music, dance and modern circus arts. Stories depict Cambodian culture and society with main themes of war, discrimination, relationships, poverty and spirits. Behind each production, the artists want to convey striking social message to the audiences in a baroque act of movements and songs.

In addition, Phare artists are students from Phare Ponleu Selpak ’s vocational training center in Battambang, where provides free education for local children. After graduating, they can perform at Phare, The Cambodian Circus to earn a decent wage, which takes them out of poverty and give them self-respect and freedom.

* Location: Intersection, Ring Road, south of the Sok San Rd, Krong Siem Reap. * Operating hours: nightly 8 PM performances year-round.

Pub Street – the legendary party road in Siem Reap at night time.

After enjoying sunset over the spectacular Angkor temples, it’s time to come back town center to celebrate and party on Siem Reap’s infamous Pub Street . This legendary party road offers an alluring variety of pubs, clubs, cocktail bars, and restaurants that cater to any budget and preference. Coming there, tourists can find culinary tastes from Khmer specialties to Asian and European favorites, as well as inexpensive imported beers and cocktails. At night time, the road is blocked off to traffic, making it a relaxing and safe place to stroll, dance, and let loose.

Traditional Cambodian made handicrafts can be found in Angkor Night Market.

Just a couple of blocks from Pub Street lies Angkor Night Market . Established in 2007, this was the first night market in Cambodia. The place itself fosters a very Cambodian atmosphere with a series of stylish traditional huts built in Khmer style. Walking around the labyrinth of over 240 shops, tourists can find a variety of traditional Cambodian made handicrafts ranging from clothing, silk, paintings, jewelries, wood and stone carvings.

Moreover, there are countless street food vendors and some massage and spa bars for those who need a bit more pampering after a day of exploring the city. The Angkor Night Market opens up at 5 PM every night and operates until midnight.As you can see, there’s plenty to see and do in Siem Reap besides the temples of Angkor. You can warrant sticking around for a few days in between all the temple hopping. Just tell Cambodia Travel’s consultants about your request and we are more than happy to put any of these above activities into your coming trip in Siem Reap.

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21 Best Things to Do in Siem Reap Cambodia (other than temples)

Siem Reap, Cambodia surprised us- what was once just the gateway to the temples of Angkor, is now a bustling tourist destination, with a lot to keep you busy once you’ve had your fill of ancient temples and city ruins.

We spent a week in Siem Reap at the end of our month in Cambodia as a family. Waker and I had visited Siem Reap on our honeymoon ten years earlier and didn’t have high expectations of the city itself. However, where we expected a boring tourist zone, we found innovative restaurants, a mix of high and low-end shops, and a city that was pleasant to walk around and explore.

Siem Reap is the most touristed city in Cambodia, so expect some crowds, but you’ll also find museums, markets, lively streets of restaurants, and even mini golf. In this post, we’ll cover all the things to do in Siem Reap other than temples, where to stay in Siem Reap, how to get there, and how to get around Siem Reap while you are there.

This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase.   As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All our recommendations are our own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

At the bottom of this post,  download free Cheat Sheet for Short Term Rentals!

Table of Contents

What is Siem Reap Known for?

Siem Reap, Cambodia is known as the home of the Angkor Wat Archeological complex, generally referred to as Angkor Wat. This is a bucket list destination for many travelers and is what brings most people to this city that was once the seat of the Khmer Empire.

The Temples of Angkor

The temples of Angkor are amazing, and the reason Siem Reap has become the top tourist destination in Cambodia. Please don’t visit without seeing the impressive ancient structures of the city of Angkor!

We’ve got a full post on how to visit these extraordinary structures . However, once you’ve had your fill of temples in Angkor National Park, there is so much else to do in Siem Reap.

The Best Things to Do in Siem Reap Other than Temples

These are the best things to do in Siem Reap after you’ve visited Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples. Siem Reap is a vibrant city, with many family-friendly activities.

Please note that using elephants for tourism purposes is now illegal in Cambodia. You won’t find elephants at Angkor Wat or around Siem Reap. If you wish to learn more about Asian Elephants, consider visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary where you can volunteer, and do an elephant trek to see these wonderful creatures.

1. Stroll Pub Street

Pub Street is the center of tourist nightlight in Siem Reap, and wandering here can be a lot of fun. On this 100-meter strip officially called “Street 8”, you’ll find lots of restaurants, bars, loud music, some massage places with fish tanks out front (the kind that nibble the dead skin off your feet), flashing neon lights, street food, and lots of tourists.

Take your time here, enjoy the over-the-top feel of it, and then move on to more authentic areas in town. We recommend eating at Paper Tiger- it’s got a huge menu including some vegetarian options, fun pictures of Tin Tin on the menu, and the food is good (try the vegetable lak lak).

2. Take a Siem Reap Street Food Tour

A food tour of Siem Reap is a great way to dive into Khmer culture. You’ll taste all sorts of traditional dishes, from Cambodian BBQ to chive cakes and Beef Lok Lak, get to ask lots of questions, and start to understand Khmer culture.

Many of these tours take you to a local market where you can taste crickets and other fried bugs if you wish (we declined). Lasting anywhere from 2 1/2 hours to 5 hours, these tours are great for the whole family. They’ll get you off of the tourist path, and you’ll know exactly what you are tasting!

We’ve got a full list of the best food tours in Siem Reap , our top pick is this Sunset Food Tour .

3. Watch a Performance of the Phare Cambodian Circus

Don’t miss the Phare circus ! There are no animals involved, just talented human performers. This Cambodian circus was started to get underprivileged kids off the streets and teach them skills they could use to earn a living.

The circus is a mix of modern dance and acrobatics, with a loose storyline woven in that changes periodically. You’ll see fun costumes, flipping, balancing, and lifting.

The doors open at 5:30, the happy hour lasts until 6:30, and the show starts at 8:00. We arrived just after 5:30 to have dinner and take advantage of happy hour and found the place pretty empty.

There were 6-8 tables set up with different food options around the edge of the tent, you walk around and order what you’d like, then sit at tables in the middle to eat. You can easily eat dinner here- there are lots of fun options from vegetarian curry to rice balls, spring rolls, and coconut desserts. When we attended it was a rainy evening, but the seating area is covered.

Around 7 pm there was a short performance by kids in the Phare Circus program in the open area where food is served. It was so fun for our kids to watch other kids working on these dance skills!

The performance area has steeply tiered seats, so you should have no problem seeing over the people in front of you. They hand out bamboo fans when you walk it, but we didn’t find it particularly hot inside (and we visited at the end of August).

We opted for tickets in the Preferred Open Seating (B), which is in the center, but up above the Preferred Reserved (A). The Preferred Reserved get a cushion to sit on, and a souvenir water bottle. The other option is Open Seating (C), which is off to the sides.

We felt that B was the right choice- our seats were great, we had a clear view, and it wasn’t crowded around us. These seats are “open”, so they are not assigned.

You will want to line up to enter when the doors open at 7:30 to get seats in the middle. The performance space is not huge, so really there are no bad seats. We actually moved up a row for a better view, rather than wishing were down lower and closer to the stage.

Along with choosing your tickets, you can also opt to add in a backstage tour!

Book Now: Phare Circus Tickets

4. Shop in the Old Market

Officially called Psar Chas, the Old Market is a series of market stalls down by the river. This is the oldest market in Siem Reap. You’ll find mostly souvenir stalls on the outside rows- be sure to bargain for anything you decide to buy. You’ll find keychains, t-shirts, and other standard fare. As you move through the stalls inside the covered building you’ll find jewelry stores, handicrafts, and meat and produce markets. This market is the most bustling in the morning when locals are doing their shopping.

This is a great place for souvenirs, produce, housewares, and even small odd items. For example, we picked up some elastic line for restringing bracelets in this market.

5. Watch an Aspara Dance Performance

Aspara dance is a traditional form of dance in Cambodia- depictions of these dancers are all over Angkor. It is believed that at one time there were more than three thousand dancers at the court of Jayavarman VII, who performed only for the king. The art form was largely lost after the fall of the Khmer Empire and then resurrected in the early 1990s.

Expect to see dancers in intricate costumes and headdresses moving with their heels touching first, toes up, and lots of intricate hand positions that dancers train for from an early age.

Aspara Dance with Dinner and Transport

This experience includes a 90-minute Aspara dance show, dinner while you watch, and pick-up from your hotel to make it all flow smoothly.

You’ll experience several kinds of traditional Aspara dance including classical and folk. Travelers give the experience five stars and speak highly of the food, which at many other venues can be bland.

“The show is you must see when you are in SiemReap. The food is excellent and performance is so beautiful.”  -Veronica_H

The performance takes place at Amazon Angkor, a newer venue, which is between 5-10 minutes’ drive from the center of town. You’ll find a pamphlet on your table that helps explain the dances and the symbolism of the movements. You’ll see the Dance of the Coconuts, as well as the Dance of the Fisherman among others.

Book Now: Aspara Dance with Dinner and Transport

6. Learn about Landmines and Hero Rats

Visit the APOPO Vistors Center to learn how rats are used to clear landmines in Cambodia. This is a very kid-friendly way to introduce kids to information about landmines, including the different types, why they are hard to find, and how non-profit groups are working to remove them across Cambodia.

You’ll meet a retired rat who used to clear landmines, get to watch her do a demonstration, and then get a chance to hold her if you like. You’ll learn why this particular type of rat is used, how long they live, how they are trained, etc.

We thought the kids might be nervous to hold the rat (she was quite large), but E(6) jumped right it with a big smile on her face!

At the end of the tour, there is a short video that tells the stories of a few people who lost limbs or other parts from landmines on their farms. The video is in Cambodian with English subtitles, so I had to whisper read it to our youngest as she can’t read that quickly. Neither child found the video disturbing, it’s very well done.

Plan to spend around 60 minutes at the center. You’ll want to arrive in advance of your tour, we arrived just at the start and had to rush a bit through the written descriptions before the guided part of the tour began.

There is a small charge for the tour, of $8 per person, kids are free. You’ll need to book in advance- if you just want to visit the APOPO Visitor Center, you can call, email or text to make a reservation: email [email protected] , or call/Whatsapp +855 81599237 or +855 61799237.

You’ll need the email or number you used to make the reservation when you arrive. The center is about a 10-minute drive from the center of Siem Reap, you can easily take a tuk-tuk.

If you want to combine a trip to APOPO with a larger exploration of Cambodia’s rather dark history, this 4-hour private tour includes a visit to the APOPO center, the Wat Thmei Killing Fields, and the Angkor National Museum.

We opted not to take our children to the killing fields either in Siem Reap or in Phnom Penh, but you can decide at what age you feel they are appropriate.

7. Putt Through Temples

When you need a break from temples and museums, consider a round of mini golf at Angor Wat Putt ! This mini golf course is set up so you putt through replicas of the Angkor temples, which makes it fun. I actually got a hole-in-one! We went on an overcast day and had the place to ourselves.

The place is outdoors in a garden-like setting with a bit of cover, but it’s designed more to provide shade from the glaring sun than to protect you from rain. During hot days they have misters to help you stay cool. There are 14 holes, we made it through 9 before the rain came.

Open 8 am – 8 pm every day, each round is $5 per adult, $4 per child. It’s about a 14-minute drive south of the center of Siem Reap.

8. Take a Cooking Class

A cooking class is a great way to learn about Khmer culture! This three-hour class starts with a menu- choose the three dishes that you’d like to make, and then head to the market to select your ingredients. You’ll also pick fresh herbs from the garden surrounding the kitchen to add to your dish.

“ We first went to the local market and got to see all the fresh ingredients that we were going to use to cook, which was really fun. But the best part was definitely the cooking, very fun and enjoyable… and VERY delicious. “ -ISABELLA_P ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

For your dishes choose regional specialties like fish amok, Cambodian curry, spring rolls, or green mango salad. You’ll cook your Khmer dishes, then enjoy eating them! This class is limited to 8 students and makes a great family activity. Pick-up from your local hotel is included.

Book Now: Khmer Cooking Class with Market Trip

9. Buy Crafts in the Made in Cambodia Market

We found the Made in Cambodia Market to be the best shopping in Siem Reap. This market isn’t huge, but everything is beautiful- no junky souvenirs here!

You’ll find handmade jewelry, artwork, items made with Cambodian silk, locally made alcohol and ice cream, as well as all sorts of other treasures. We ended up doing quite a bit of shopping here! Once you get inside, it’s covered, so don’t worry if it’s raining, as it was for us. Open Noon – 8 pm.

10. Explore a Floating Village

Just over an hour’s drive from Siem Reap is Tonle Sap Lake- the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Here you’ll find floating villages that are complete with stores, schools, and even hospitals.

We looked into whether we could hire a tuk-tuk to drive us to the pier to arrange to see the floating villages on our own, but with the reduced tourism in Cambodia, you’ll need a tour guide who knows the locals and knows exactly where to take you.

Floating Village Tour

On this half-day tour , you’ll be picked up from your hotel, and then drive about an hour to the main pier. From here you switch into a boat to head to the floating village of Kompong Phluk. You’ll see how the stilt village operates including their fisheries and hospital, and learn about this traditional lifestyle.

You’ll then have the option (which is strongly suggested, so not really optional) to pay an extra $5 for a canoe ride through the mangrove forest before returning to open water. If you choose the afternoon option, you’re likely to see the sunset from the water.

“I really enjoyed the tour! It was very well organised and the tour guide explained everything we needed to know. Also the sunset at the lake was beautiful.” -Tabea

This four-hour tour has a maximum of 10 travelers and strong five-star reviews. Keep in mind the lake is much higher from October to January, water levels can get quite low through the dry season months.

Book Now: Floating Village Tour

11. Visit the Cambodian Landmine Museum

The Cambodian Landmine Museum is focused around the story of founder Aki Ra. He was first orphaned, then became a child soldier of the Khmer Rouge at age 10. After he returned from the war, he began clearing landmines manually and taking over the care of children hurt by the landmines.

The museum focuses on educating about the history of the Cambodian conflict, the dangers of landmines, and working to stop their use. This museum is appropriate for kids, it focuses on the positive impact that any individual can make, as well as safety and removal.

This small museum is located about 45 minutes north of the center of Siem Reap. Some families like to combine it with a visit to APOPO to learn about removing mines, others combine it with a visit to the nearby Banteay Srei Temple.

Tickets cost $5 for adults, children 12 and under are free.

12. Feel Blessed at Wat Preah Prom Rath

This large Buddhist temple is very close to the Old Market. Here you’ll find a Khmer-style pagoda, a reclining Buddha, as well as a seated Buddha. One of the first things you will notice is the large cows with golden headdresses.

This is a working monastery, and you’ll probably see monks moving about. It’s a lovely, quiet place to explore with colorful wall murals and many statues. It is most famous for reclining Buddha which was installed in 1500.

13. Take a Countryside Cycling Tour

A bicycle is a great way to see the countryside around Siem Reap and learn more about how the local people live today.

This five-hour cycling tour includes your bike and helmet as well as snacks. You’ll bike around rice fields and into local villages. You’ll make stops to see a local market, a mushroom farm, a lotus far, learn about distilling rice wine, see some temples, and even learn about a few village handicrafts.

“We had an amazing time on the cycle ride, it was a great balance of cycling and stopping to explore interesting features such as a local market, mushroom farm and lotus farm. I will definitely do this again when I return to Siem Reap, the guide spoke great English and was a great host.” jordan_S- ( More Reviews )

This tour gets all five-star reviews. Kids-size bikes are available, expect to bike 15-20 km on this tour. You’ll have a maximum of 12 travelers in the group. Water and snacks are included.

Book Now: Siem Reap Countryside Bike Tour

14. Explore the Coffee Shops of Siem Reap

Siem Reap has some wonderful coffee shops, these are great places to take a break and get out of the heat or rain. There are several chains you’ll see around town, but there are also a handful of delicious, locally-run smaller cafes.

Many of these (like The Little Red Fox Espresso Cafe ) are easy to find if you are looking for them, but you probably won’t stumble into them on your own. Many have additional seating on the second floor, so don’t walk away if you stick your head in and only see a few tables. They are very kid-friendly and have juices or icy mixtures the kids love, some even have games the kids can play.

Check out our full list of great coffee cafes in Siem Reap ! These will also take you down some streets with fun shops and great restaurants.

15. Get a Massage

Siem Reap is a great place to get a relaxing massage! Compared to Thai massage, Cambodian massage tends to be less stretching (what I often refer to as “forced yoga”) and more pressing and pulling.

Do be careful to choose a shop with a good reputation, there are many that are just not very good. Google Reviews is a great way to find a highly-rated shop close to your hotel. Expect to pay around $7-9 USD for an hour massage. Many hotels will offer their own massage services, though the price will be higher.

Our kids also got foot and leg massages which was a great way to introduce them gently to the joys of massage, in a way they could feel comfortable, and we could all be together.

16. Visit a Famous Cocktail Bar

Consider visiting one of Siem Reap’s famous cocktail bars! The two most famous are Long’s Bar and Miss Wong.

Long’s Bar is a stop on every tourist’s trip through Siem Reap, and for good reason- the beer is cold, there’s air conditioning, and it’s the only guaranteed non-smoking bar in town. There is an extensive menu that includes local dishes as well as pizza and pasta, which makes this a great family-friendly place for dinner. You’ll often also find live music here.

Miss Wong is a beautiful cocktail bar that looks like 1920s Shanghai, with dark wood, glowing lanterns, and high-end antiques. Its namesake, Miss Wong, was painted many times by the artist Vladimir Tretchikoff, you’ll see these portraits hung around the bar.

We took the kids here, and while there were no mocktails listed on the menu, the staff were happy to create a mocktail version of whatever they chose. There is some food available, but I wouldn’t recommend going here for a full meal.

The kids loved the menus printed on fans with Miss Wong’s image. This quiet, formal atmosphere is very different from Long’s, but worth a stop just to see the beautiful interior and enjoy a delicious cocktail.

17. Visit the Angkor National Museum

The Angkor National Museum chronicles the rise and fall of the Khmer Empire which stood from 800-1431. With extensive trading ties to the region, the empire thrived until it was overtaken by Thai armies in 1431.

Eight galleries in the museum explore the history, religious beliefs, and legends of the Khmer people who built the city of Angkor. You’ll find a gallery of 1,000 Buddhas, and many artifacts from the Khmer era, from statues to stone inscriptions. There is a full model of Angkor Wat which is interesting to see before you visit the actual structure.

This is a great place to go on a rainy or overly hot day- the museum is quite spacious, and there are several videos to watch as you move through the exhibits.

A lot of text panels are included, though you can also opt for the audio guide. Admission is $12 for adults, children ages 6-12 are $6, and children 5 and under are free.

18. Spend a Rainy Day at the Mall

Wondering what to do on a rainy day? Tired of museums? Check out the Heritage Walk mall and cinema!

An easy walk from downtown Siem Reap, they have a large chess board, free wifi, and a cinema. This is a big new development, so not all the storefronts are filled up, but you will find a Starbucks, bubble tea, a toy store, and a MiniSo. MiniSo is one of our favorite Korean shops- they have everything from cosmetics to socks to toys and accessories, mostly for less than $10.

Check the schedule for craft activities on the weekends.

19. Visit the Waterfalls of Kulen Mountain

Phnom Kulen National Park is located about 30 miles (48 km) north of central Siem Reap, or about a two-hour drive. Kulen Mountain, or Phnom Kulen, meaning “lychee mountain” is a sacred place. It is believed to be where King Jayavarman II declared independence from Java in the 800s, and where the stones used to build Angkor were sourced.

The river is called the “River of a Thousand Lingas” because lingas (phallic symbols) are carved into the sandstone just below the water level. At the Phnom Kulen Waterfalls, you can swim in the pool just below the falls.

Small Group Tour of Kulen Waterfall & 1000 Linga River

This small group tour visits a temple with Cambodia’s largest reclining Buddha in sandstone, then continues to the 1000 Linga River and Kulen waterfall. You’ll have a chance to take a dip before starting the journey back to Siem Reap.

“Voath was our guide today and he was amazing! He went above and beyond and is full of knowledge about his country, culture and religion. When we went swimming at the waterfalls he was also an excellent photographer.” -Amanda_S

Travelers give this tour 5 stars- they speak highly of the tour guides and appreciate the air-conditioned van for the long ride. This tour takes 5-7 hours, so expect this to take most of the day. The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Book Now: Day Trip to Kulen Waterfall & 1000 Linga River

If you prefer, you can also take a private tour to Kulen Waterfall .

20. Visit the War Museum Cambodia

The only war museum in Cambodia, this place used to be called the Siem Reap War Museum. The museum covers over 5 acres, entirely outdoors.

You’ll find a collection of materials used during the Civil War including Chinese, American, and Soviet-made weapons. Items include tanks like the T-54, a MiG-19 jet, and field artillery guns.

Most of the artifacts are not in great condition- they were largely pulled from the jungle and now remain sitting outdoors. Signage is minimal, but you can get up close to the exhibits.

It can be muddy here, so avoid visiting just after a rain. This museum is great for those with a strong interest in military vehicles, and a skip for those who are not.

Admission is $5 per visitor, cash only.

21. Visit a Water Park

If you’re looking for a fun way to cool off, there are two water parks close to Siem Reap to consider. The first is Water Park Khnar Siem Reap. It has three water slides leading into a pool, and a splash pad water playground.

I stumbled on this one before we arrived. It gets great reviews online, but when I asked around in town (including expats), no one seemed to know about it.

The second option is Wake Park Cambodia – this is where we were referred to when we inquired about the other water park. Also with great reviews, this park has a wake-boarding course, as well as a water playground course “Aqualand” where you climb and bounce around the obstacles. There are lockers and showers, as well as a cafe and a sandy beach.

We hit a patch of rain and weren’t able to try either park, but I think the best choice largely depends on the age of your kids. Older kids would love Wake Park, while the main draw at Water Park Khnar is the playground and splash pad for smaller kids.

When is the Best Time to Visit Siem Reap?

December, January, and February are the best time to visit Siem Reap. While you’ll find temperatures over 30 C (86 F) all year round, the weather is the driest during these months.

January through March is considered high season and brings the most crowds. April and May are the hottest months in Cambodia, with the rainy season covering May to October.

We have visited Siem Reap twice- once in January, and once in August. Both times we enjoyed our visit. During our August visit, we did have a few rain showers, but they tended to be sporadic and did not stop us from enjoying the day.

How Many Days Do You Need in Siem Reap?

2 days is the minimum you should spend in Siem Reap to see the most popular temples and explore the town. We highly recommend that you spend 3-4 days, and devote two full days to exploring the temples, and 1-2 days to other activities in and around Siem Reap.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap

You’ll want to stay in downtown Siem Reap, in walking distance to the river, the main markets and the cafes. From most hotels, you will need a taxi or tuk-tuk to reach the Angkor complex as well as some of the sites farther from town.

Recommended Hotel: Siem Reap Urban Boutique Hotel

This three-star hotel is where we stayed, in a family suite with two twin beds and one queen. The breakfast each morning is quite substantial- you choose a hot meal and they make it fresh. While all of the food was good, we found that the more local options with noodles were tastier than the Western breakfast options (though the kids stuck with ordering the pancakes).

The location is excellent, you can walk to Pub Street and the old market easily. The rooms are large and clean. There is a small swimming pool as well if you have hot weather. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

Book Now: Siem Reap Urban Boutique Hotel

How to Get Around Siem Reap

Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app in Siem Reap. This is what you’ll want to use when you are going a longer distance and need a car, or if you want to call a tuk-tuk to your location.

For most daily excursions, you’ll want to take a tuk-tuk. They are open-air and come in several sizes, so can fit most families. You can call a tuk-tuk via Grab, or you can negotiate with a driver on the street.

We like to use Grab to get an idea of what the ride should cost, and then negotiate from there. Grab will quote you in Cambodian Riel (about 4,000 Riel to 1 USD). With Grab, you can pay on the app with your linked credit card, otherwise, you can pay cash to the driver. Short drives will often be less than one dollar, so it makes sense to use Riel.

For example, we found that Grab quoted us just over 7,000 Riel for a trip from our hotel in downtown Siem Reap to get to the APOPO Visitors Center when hailing a tuk-tuk on the street, we would probably pay 8-10,000 Riel, but not have to wait for a vehicle. With a difference of about 50 cents, it isn’t always necessary to use the app.

We highly recommend having some local currency even though restaurants and larger establishments in Siem Reap all print their menus in US dollars. Street stands and tuk-tuk drivers will charge you more if you are rounding to the nearest dollar.

For details on hiring a tuk-tuk driver to take you around the Temples of Angkor, head over to our full post on visiting the temples.

Using US Dollars in Siem Reap

US Dollars are the currency most used in Siem Reap. While the Riel is the official currency, US dollars are widely accepted across Cambodia. While this may seem easier for US travelers, there are a few things to be aware of.

First, Cambodians will not accept any US bills that are not perfect. If there is a small tear, or they are too wrinkled, they will not take them. Cambodian banks charge a fee to accept these bills, a fee that merchants do not want to pay.

Check your bills when you are given change, and make sure no one is giving you a degraded bill as change- you won’t be able to spend it elsewhere in Cambodia.

Secondly, using US dollars means everything is either rounded up to US dollars, or you will receive change in Riel. No US coins are used in Cambodia. When negotiating with tuk-tuks or buying street food, we prefer to use Cambodian Riel.

How to Get to Siem Reap

Siem Reap is fairly easy to get to from anywhere in the world. You can fly directly to Siem Reap International Airport (REP), or Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH).

From Phnom Penh, you can take a bus to Siem Reap . It will take about 5-6 hours, and cost about $15.

FAQ: Things to Do in Siem Reap Cambodia

We recommend at least three days in Siem Reap, more if you want to have time for museums and tours. You’ll need two days to visit Angkor, plus time to explore markets, do some shopping, and see the Circus. We spent 6 nights in Siem Reap and didn’t have time to do everything!

Yes, there is a lot to do in Siem Reap. As this is where most tourists to Cambodia go, there is a lot happening, from markets to classes to water parks.

Yes, Siem Reap is a fairly safe city. While we aren’t often out late at night, the main touristy area is quite safe.

You can wear whatever you like in Siem Reap. The local population is used to tourist fashion, though it’s best to not expose too much skin. You can wear shorts and sleeveless tops without attracting too much attention. Be aware that for the temples inside Angkor, both men and women must have their shoulders covered. Unlike many places, a scarf is not considered acceptable for this. Bring a button-down shirt, or wear a T-shirt on the days that you visit the temples.

There You Have It: Things to Do in Siem Reap Cambodia

These are our top things to do in Siem Reap after you visit the Angkor Archeological Complex. Siem Reap is a vibrant city with a mix of shopping, restaurants, coffee shops, museums, and entertainment.

Whether you want to explore Khmer cuisine on a street food tour, relax with a family game of mini golf, check out a water park, or head to a museum, there are plenty of things to do in Siem Reap.

Cynthia Matthews von Berg is the founder of Sharing the Wander. She is a passionate traveler, mom, and travel coach specializing in long-term travel and family travel. She and her family embarked on a Family Gap Year in 2021, and haven't looked back.

The 15 Best Things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia

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Siem Reap is the closest town to Angkor Wat, which is the most popular tourist destination in all of Cambodia . Most people really only visit Siem Reap to see the nearby temples of Angkor Wat , but you’ll be surprised to learn that it’s actually a pretty lively little city!

With 2.6 million tourists annually, Siem Reap is one of the biggest tourism hubs in Southeast Asia. You’ll find luxurious hotels, world-class dining, endless shopping, a bustling pedestrian mall, and lots of fun things to do in Siem Reap.

While many people stop in Siem Reap for just long enough to see Angkor Wat, we think it’s worth spending a few extra days here. Most visitors also find that it’s easy to feel a little “templed-out” after a couple of days in the Angkor Archeological Park.

Taking a day off to relax in Siem Reap can give you the second wind you need to finish exploring Angkor Wat. We have compiled our list of the best things to do in Siem Reap to help you make the most of your trip to Cambodia. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Siem Reap Travel Basics

• Khmer is the official language of Cambodia and nearly 90% of the people in the country can speak it. Most people in Cambodia also speak English so don’t worry about communicating here.
• Learn a few Khmer phrases to get around! “Hello” is “ Sous-dey ”, “Thank you” is “ Or-kun ” (sounds like “air con”), and “Where is the toilet?” is “ Bantubdakknoew ay nah? ”
• Tipping should be minimal if at all here. And several restaurants that we recommend add a 5% service charge to your bill so be sure to check before leaving more.

Money in Cambodia

While the official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR) , most Cambodians use US Dollars. In fact, almost every ATM in the country will offer you the option of withdrawing either US Dollars or Cambodian Riels.

We recommend withdrawing Dollars as there is no advantage to using Riels and you just have to exchange any extra when you leave the country.

The Cambodian Riel is unofficially pegged at 4,000 KHR to 1 USD. So while the official exchange rate may vary slightly you can expect most businesses to use Riels and Dollars interchangeably at the rate of 4000 to 1.

Riels are primarily used to provide change if something costs less than $1. If you buy something for $0.50, you’ll receive 2,000 Riels as your change.

Getting to Siem Reap

Siem Reap is the closest city to the Angkor Archaeological Park . It takes just 15 minutes to get from the center of town to the park’s main entrance.

Siem Reap has an international airport (REP) so catching a flight from Phnom Penh or any other large city in Southeast Asia is relatively easy.

Check Flight Prices on Skyscanner

If you would prefer to travel to Siem Reap by bus, Giant Ibis is a reliable, low-cost company with several buses daily to Siem Reap from both Phnom Penh and Bangkok.

When booking buses around Southeast Asia, we always use Bookaway.com . It lets you check the routes, times, and prices of all the buses and minivans for your chosen route. Plus, it’s super easy to change or cancel bus tickets if something happens before your trip.

Getting Around Siem Reap

There are two apps that are similar to Uber in Siem Reap – Grab ( iPhone | Android ) and PassApp ( iPhone | Android ). You can use either app if you want to hail a car. And you can also use PassApp to hail tuk-tuks. If you would prefer to just hail someone on the street, there are literally hundreds of tuk-tuk drivers all over town.

If you want more freedom, you can also rent a motorbike for the day. Some people also choose to bicycle out to the Angkor Archaeological Park although we wouldn’t recommend it as you’ll be sweaty, exhausted, and sunburned by the end of the day.

The Best Tuk-tuk Driver in Siem Reap

After several trips to Siem Reap we have worked with quite a few local drivers and our favorite Siem Reap tuk-tuk driver is Nakry Mean who drives a batmobile-themed tuk-tuk. You can reach him on WhatsApp at  +855 17 761 110  or on his Facebook page,  Siem Reap Batmobile Tuk Tuk .

Where to Stay in Siem Reap

Park Hyatt Siem Reap

The Park Hyatt Siem Reap is the ultimate luxury hotel near Angkor Wat. Offering spacious and lavish suites with every amenity you could wish for, a relaxing spa, two huge outdoor pools, a fitness center, and the friendliest staff, you’ll never want to leave the hotel!

Check Prices on Booking.com

The Embassy Angkor Resort & Spa

The Embassy Angkor Resort & Spa features a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool, which is the perfect place to relax after a morning exploring the temples of Angkor Wat. Rooms are large with comfortable beds and the most inviting bathtub. You’ll love staying at The Embassy!

The Night Hotel

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel offering room options at a lower nightly rate, The Night Hotel is a great choice! The location is perfect, right near Pub Street, so you’ll be in the middle of the action. The large outdoor pool is pristine and the rooms are spacious and well-appointed.

The Top 15 Things to do in Siem Reap

1. explore the ancient temples of angkor wat.

The Angkor Archaeological Park is the crown jewel of Cambodia and the reason that most tourists visit Siem Reap. While some people just spend a single day in the Angkor Archaeological Park, we think you’ll want at least two days to see all the best temples at Angkor Wat .

There are two main routes to follow in the archaeological park. The Small Circuit (or “Short Circuit”) covers the most popular temples, including Ta Prohm (the “Tomb Raider Temple”), Bayon, and Angkor Wat itself. Almost everyone that visits the Angkor Archaeological Park will wind up doing the small circuit route or some variation of it.

The second standard route is the Grand Circuit (or “Large Circuit”) which covers many of the best temples that are located outside of the Angkor Thom walled city, including Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Mebon, and Pre Rup.

Read all of our Posts About Angkor Wat:

• Things to Know Before Visiting Angkor Wat
• Complete Guide to Angkor Wat: The Best Temples to Visit
• Angkor Wat: Guide to the Small Circuit Tour
• Angkor Wat: Guide to the Grand Circuit Tour
• What to Wear in Angkor Wat: Packing List for Cambodia

2. Visit a Floating Village on the Tonle Sap

There are several floating villages near Siem Reap. These villages are popular to visit so you can see the local people going about their daily lives. They live in floating houses on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake and travel by boat to get wherever they need to go.

Our favorite of the villages is Kampong Phluk floating village . Even though it is referred to as a floating village, it is technically more of a stilt village. The houses have been built on tall stilts to keep homes from flooding in the wet season.

If you visit during the wet season the houses will appear to be floating on the water. But during the dry season, you can actually get out of your boat and walk among the houses on dry land where they will tower 20 feet overhead. It’s a totally unique experience and one of the best things to do in Siem Reap after Angkor Wat.

Over the years, the floating villages of Tonle Sap have become increasingly touristy. It probably won’t feel as authentic as you want it to, but tourism does a lot to help support these villages. It’s interesting to see how people adapt to the changing seasons here.

If you want to see the villages without feeling invasive or pressured to buy their souvenirs, you can take a sunset cruise on Tonle Sap Lake . You’ll get to enjoy the views of the villages but in a more relaxed environment.

3. See the Cambodian Circus

Phare, the Cambodian Circus combines theater, music, dance, and circus performances that will keep you entertained for the entire show! It’s also one of the best activities in Siem Reap for kids .

The circus is similar to the Cirque du Solei but on a smaller scale, and with traditional Cambodian flare. Plus, it’s a good cause – the performers are graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak’s vocational training center which provides training for disadvantaged youth.

You can catch nightly performances at 8 pm, or the earlier 5 pm show on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

4. Try Khmer Fusion Cuisine at Pou

Siem Reap is known for its food and you’ll find plenty of fancy 5-star dining here. But our favorite place to eat in town is the unassuming Pou Restaurant and Bar . This small open-air restaurant is run by a group of up-and-coming Cambodian chefs who are creating unique Khmer fusion cuisine.

Our favorite menu item at Pou is the deconstructed chicken curry – it’s a totally original take on a classic Cambodian dish. Also, make sure you try some of their more creative dishes such as the Beehive Salad or the Grilled Beef with Red Tree Ants. And they have a cocktail list full of interesting drink options that use local flavors like ginger, galangal root, and lemongrass.

Everything at Pou is delicious and quite affordable so order a variety of dishes and share them all!

5. Sip Cocktails at Wild Creative Bar and Eatery

Wild – Creative Bar and Eatery is an incredibly popular little outdoor bar and one of our favorite places in Siem Reap. They serve fun boozy concoctions at totally reasonable prices. Food options here are limited, they really only specialize in spring rolls. But they’re delicious!

Wild is the perfect place for a pre-dinner cocktail and appetizer – be sure to try the Taco Loco roll. Make sure you give them a call to reserve a table, especially if it’s a big group as they fill up every night.

6. Enjoy Happy Hour at the Park Hyatt

Siem Reap is full of luxury hotels featuring upscale restaurants and cocktail bars. Our absolute favorite is the Park Hyatt Siem Reap which offers an evening happy hour with 50% off select cocktails and glasses of wine.

From 5 pm until 7 pm, you can sit in their beautiful courtyard where a massive banyan tree sits at the center of a reflection pool, and enjoy delicious discounted drinks (we recommend the Cucumber Mojito).

If you decide to stay for dinner, there is also a free cultural show every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday beginning at 7 pm. It features traditional music, dancing, and an exhibition-style Cambodian boxing match.

7. Get Your Sugar Fix at Gelato Lab

Gelato and Coffee Lab create interesting flavor combinations of deliciously decadent gelato. Options like Guatemalan coffee with caramelized Cambodian sugar cane or Papua New Guinea dark chocolate with black pepper from Kampot.

Each customer can sample two kinds before settling on a favorite. And you must get your ice cream in one of their warm, homemade waffle cones!

8. Go to a Pool Party at Cambo Beach

Cambo Beach Siem Reap is a lively “Beach Club” – a large private pool surrounded by sand (imported from Sihanoukville) and plenty of comfy beach loungers and cabanas. You’ll pay a $5 USD entrance fee that will be credited toward your food and beverage purchases. You can also pay $1 USD to rent a towel.

It’s a lively pool with daily music, pool parties throughout the week, family swim day on Sundays, and competitions where you can win boozy blended drinks. Make a splash by jumping off the high dive, play a game of beach volleyball, or lounge on one of the bean bags by the pool – it’s a good time for all ages! Plus, the food is really tasty and the drinks are reasonably priced.

If you’re feeling burnt out on exploring temples and need a day away from the heat and dust of Angkor Wat, then Cambo Beach is definitely one of the best things to do in Siem Reap!

9. Shop ’til you Drop

Considering the relatively small size of Siem Reap, there are a ton of markets around town if you like to shop for souvenirs. There is the Siem Reap Art Center Market , the Old Market (open from 8 am until 6 pm), the Made in Cambodia Market (open from 12 pm – 8 pm), and the Angkor Night Market (open from 5 pm until 11 pm).

You’ll find similar trinkets at all of these markets – loose-fitting parachute-style pants, cheesy t-shirts, straw purses, scarves, and wooden and brass statues. Most of this stuff can be found all over SE Asia but prices are reasonable. There’s no reason not to buy something that you love. Be sure to negotiate, the first asking price is never the price you should pay.

We found a few souvenirs that were unique to Cambodia. Pepper from Kampot is considered to be some of the best in the world. Silver boxes that are shaped like elephants are a good thing to pick up in Siem Reap. And you’ll see beautiful and unique brass jewelry that has been made from bullet casings found around the country.

10. Get an Archeology Lesson at the Angkor National Museum

The Angkor National Museum is the perfect addition to your tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Not only will it help you better understand the history of the Angkor Kingdom, but also many of the best-preserved statues and carvings have been moved to the archeological museum to protect them from further wear and tear.

The museum is well organized with good signage in English and will take at least two hours to get through all of the exhibits. If you want to learn more about the temples of Angkor Wat, this museum is a worthwhile place to spend an afternoon in Siem Reap.

11. Visit the Cambodia Landmine Museum

The Cambodia Landmine Museum is incredibly informative and well-organized. Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world and to this day civilians are injured and killed by landmines and other unexploded devices left from the decades of war that raged here. You’ll want to get the audio guide to get the full experience.

12. Party on Pub Street

Pub Street is the infamous party area of Siem Reap. It’s where the young backpackers go to drink too much, listen to outrageously loud music, and dance in the street. The street is lined with cheap restaurants, bars, clubs, and loads of touts trying to convince you to drink in their establishment. It’s a smaller-scale version of Khao San Road in Bangkok or Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City .

The most popular bar on Pub Street is Angkor What? Bar . They play the latest jams and have outdoor tables for prime people-watching. However, you probably won’t love this bar if you’re over the age of 25. We had one drink there (for blog research purposes of course) and during that time, we witnessed drunk people dancing on tables and one girl covered in puke get carried out of the bar.

Now that we’re in our mid-30s, this scene is not really our cup of tea. However, many backpackers would tell you a wild night of partying on Pub Street is a must-do in Siem Reap so we felt compelled to include it on our list.

13. Go Tuk-Tuk Bar Hopping

While we’re not huge fans of the bar scene on Pub Street, we love the tiny mobile tuk-tuk bars located on Street 10 at the intersection of Alley W.

These tuk-tuks have been converted into little cocktail bars with room for just 4-6 patrons. Each tiny bar has its own sound system, disco lights, and a laptop for choosing your jams. You’ll get to enjoy ridiculously cheap albeit simple cocktails and make your own little party.

Beware, the drinks are cheap because alcohol is the cheapest money can buy – you’re sure to wake up with a splitting headache the next morning. If you want to avoid the hangover, you can always stick to beer.

14. Support Local Artists at Maybe Later Mexican Bar and Grill

Maybe Later Mexican Bar & Grill is not only a great spot to get delicious nachos and the best margarita in town, but it’s also a cool way to support the local community. Every wall in this quaint little restaurant is covered in vibrant hand-painted “Day of the Dead” themed murals.

Maybe Later is not just a delicious restaurant, they also run an art program for young, talented locals who are interested in learning to create “street art”. In the coming months, they’ll also be running art classes and begin hosting open mic nights so check out their Facebook Page to see what they’re up to!

15. Drink Craft Beer at The Local

The Local Brew Pub is a great spot to go in the evenings if you want to meet some friendly travelers and drink Cambodia-brewed craft beer on tap. Currently, they only brew two of their own beers – a Creme Brulee Stout and a Hefeweizen. But they also have Indochine brews on tap so you can try the IPA or the Mango Pale Ale, both are outstanding!

A Few More of our Favorite Cafes and Restaurants in Siem Reap

The village bakery.

The Village Bakery is a really darling little bakery and coffee shop in Siem Reap. One peek inside their dessert case and your mouth will be watering! Homemade cakes, pies, cookies, tarts, and crumbles are on display. They also have freshly baked bread and bagels and have a few decadent breakfast offerings.

The Little Red Fox Espresso

The Little Red Fox Espresso is a great place to get some work done, or just grab a really tasty breakfast. They have creative coffee concoctions, yummy smoothie bowls, and really delicious bagel sandwiches. Plus, they occasionally offer live music (and air conditioning!) in the afternoons in “The Den” on the second floor.

Il Forno Siem Reap has really delicious, authentic Italian food if you’re looking for a break from Khmer classics. The cheese plate is a really lovely selection of fresh cheeses, a rarity in SE Asia. And the pizzas are thin crust and incredibly flavorful. Prices are on the higher side but it’s worth it for a fun date night!

The Christa Restaurant and Bar

The Christa Restaurant and Bar is the best go-to lunch spot in Siem Reap. It’s a laidback restaurant with super reasonable prices and a big selection of Khmer and Western food options. You’ll love coming here and enjoying a fresh fruit shake and a big bowl of soup after a long morning spent at Angkor Wat.

Bonfire Grill

At Bonfire Grill , you’ll find the perfect crispy wings and onion rings. If you are missing a taste from home, the American BBQ and pork ribs, and pulled pork are also one of the best you’ll find in Cambodia. It’s also a great place to eat with the family for lunch. Plus, the staff speaks fluent English and you’ll appreciate the quality.

That’s it – the best things to do in Siem Reap. Do you have a favorite Siem Reap activity that we missed? Let us know in the comments below.

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Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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19 Top Things To Do In Siem Reap, Cambodia

From dipping into Khmer culture and exploring the city’s heritage to visiting the must-see Angkor Archaeological Park (and an option to zipline over it), here are the top things to do in Siem Reap…

Table of Contents

Visit Angkor (Archaeological Park)

Angkor Archaeological Park represents the pinnacle of ancient Khmer architecture, art and civilization. It is undoubtedly one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia and is where you can find Siem Reap’s iconic Angkor Wat. There are also 50 Hindu and Buddhist temple sites here that were constructed between the 9th and 12th centuries. 

This park was once the largest pre-industrial city in the world and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992. Another important site here is the Terrace of the Elephants – a 300-metre-long wall decorated with fine sculptures of elephants, garudas, a 5-headed horse, Khmer dancers, and warriors. 

Tip: Visitors looking to explore the entirety of Angkor Archaeological Park are encouraged to purchase the multi-day passes as there are so many sightseeing opportunities here.

MARKETS & SHOPPING 

Visit the old market.

Image credit: PaulWong / Shutterstock.com

Locally known as Psah Chas , the Old Market in Siem Reap is located right in the heart of the town – on the west side of the river. It’s the oldest Khmer market in Siem Reap and is popular with both locals and tourists. Many locals visit here in the early mornings to shop which is an experience to see if you fancy getting there for sunrise! On sale at the market, you’ll find souvenirs, t-shirts, silk, wood & stone carvings, and Cambodian street food. 

Explore Art Night Market

Image credit: C.Lotongkum / Shutterstock.com

Located on the east bank of the Siem Reap River, right opposite the Old Market (Phsar Chas), the Siem Reap Art Center Night Market is one of the newer night markets in the area. The market opened in 2012 and has become a popular spot amongst tourists. You’ll also find the usual handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs on sale here. The market also has a couple of restaurants on-site which offer both Khmer and Western food. 

Tip: The market has free wifi

Go to the Angkor Night Market

Image credit: withGod / Shutterstock.com

The Angkor Night Market, commonly known as the Original Night Market , was the first night market to open in Siem Reap. Established in 2007, it has been copied countless times – but never replicated. Stroll through over 200 bamboo huts and shop the thousands of souvenirs on sale. There’s even an inside bar with live music. 

Visit Made in Cambodia Market

Image credit: CK Travels / Shutterstock.com

As its name suggests, The Made in Cambodia Market brings together the most exciting examples of craftsmanship in Cambodia today. They heavily promote Cambodian goods, rather than imported goods from countries like China. The aim of this artisan market is to help locals – from making the goods to selling them. You’ll find here: wood and stone carvings, bars, restaurants, clothes, bags, accessories, recycled products, and more. There’s even live acoustic music and traditional dance shows on the weekend evenings. 

Learn at the Landmine Museum

Image credit: lensfield / Shutterstock.com

Just like its neighbouring country, Laos, dozens of Cambodians are injured or killed each year due to leftover landmines or other unexploded bombs leftover from the 20th century. 

In 1997, tourists began hearing stories about a young Khmer man and ex-soldier, Aki Ra, who cleared landmines with a stick. He also had a house full of defused ordnance. Ra began charging to see his collection, which then became the landmine museum.

The museum relocated in 2007, 25km north of the city, and currently houses a four-gallery museum – as well as being the home to 27 children. The Cambodia Landmine Museum aims to tell Aki Ra’s story, tell the world about the horrors of landmines and explain that war is only half the problem, and care for the children who live at the museum. 

Free time recommendation: Cambodia Tour (Day 7)

Explore the Angkor National Museum

Image credit: Giovanni Zacchini / Shutterstock.com

Before you explore the famed Angkor Wat complex in Siem Reap, we recommend visiting the Angkor National Museum. This archaeological museum will take you back to the golden era of the ancient Khmer Kingdom. Learn from the interactive displays, exhibits, and collections mainly dated from the 9th-14th century. 

The museum shares useful information on the temples, particularly about the famed Angkor Wat, as well as the Khmer art, culture, and architecture. The building itself is beautifully designed, resembling a temple itself, and has a state-of-the-art showpiece on the majestic history of Angkor. 

Free time option in Cambodia Tour (Day 4)

Visit the War Museum Cambodia

Image credit: Maurizio Biso / Shutterstock.com

Located West of the city, War Museum Cambodia features outdoor displays of old, broken-down military hardware. Such as fighter jets, tanks, helicopters, and artillery guns – taken straight from the battlefield. The main aim of the museum is to keep the memory of the civil war alive. 

There are even free tour guides available for those who are ex-veterans, eyewitnesses of the war, and landmine victims. So you’ll get to learn about their personal experiences and stories of the civil war. You can even hold some of the small arms like M16s, AK47s, and rocket-propelled grenades!

Free time option in Cambodia Tour (Day 7)

Visit the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity

Located 45km north of Siem Reap, the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity is a non-governmental organisation in Cambodia. 

It is one of the first nature conservation and endangered wildlife rescue and breeding centres in the country. It rescues, rehabilitates, and releases threatened wildlife into Cambodian forests.  There are also breeding programs for some threatened species to help preserve them from extinction. There are a couple of tours available each day.

Tip: ACCB is located on the walk from the highway to Kbal Speanon – so it’s worth doing both at the same time. 

Half-day option in Cambodia Tour (Day 7)

Explore Phnom Kulen, National Park

Located in the Phnom Kulen mountain massif in Siem Reap Province, Phnom Kulen National Park is famed for its two stunning waterfalls. In fact, there are two waterfalls which vary in size depending on whether it’s the rainy season. One is 5 metres tall and the other is over 15 metres tall. Legend has it, this national park was the birthplace of the Khmer empire, where the King proclaimed independence from Java. There is also a Kbal Spean archaeological site located on the mountain. 

Full-day option in Cambodia Tour (Day 7)

Go to Wat Preah Prom Rath

Located in the centre of Siem Reap, on the west bank of the river, Wat Preah Prom Rath is a local monastery packed with colourful statues and stupas, lush gardens, stunning wall paintings, and replica war boats. 

The temple boasts a history which may even date back to as early as the 13th century, and there’s even a sleeping buddha which was said to be installed in 1500. Most of what you see here though was built after World War II. Wat Preah Prom Rath is a great temple to visit if you don’t want to go far from the middle of the city, whilst learning how Cambodian Buddhism is practised today.

Free time recommendation : Cambodia Tour (Day 4)

Visit Wat Damnak Pagoda 

Image credit: amnat30 / Shutterstock.com

Whilst in Siem Reap, be sure to visit the largest pagoda in the city, Wat Damnak. This unique temple was once a royal palace at the beginning of the 20th century, during the reign of King Sisowath (1904–1927), before serving as a Khmer Rouge military depot between 1975 and 1979. 

It now offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling town centre and features traditional Khmer architecture, frangipani trees, stone sculptures of Buddha, and a pond containing colourful water lilies. The monastery is home to many monks and also has a primary school, 2 charities, and a sewing academy for young local women. It’s the ideal place to experience the daily life of its resident monks. In fact, most monks here will be more than happy to show you around and educate you on Buddhism. 

Go to Kampong Phluk Floating Village (Tonle Sap Lake)

Kampong Phluk offers a truly unique experience that exposes you to local life in Siem Reap whilst exploring the floating markets and fish farms here. Located 16km southeast of Siem Reap, this cluster of three floating villages features tall, traditional stilt houses. And, if you visit during the dry season, you’ll see the houses suspended by 16-foot stilts.

Depending on what time of year you visit, there are around 3,000 inhabitants. Also, the village is also connected to Tonle Sap lake – the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Optional visit in Cambodia Tour (Day 7)

Visit Angkor Silk Farm

The Angkor Silk Farm produces some of the finest silk work in the whole of Cambodia and is a must-visit when travelling in Siem Reap. At the farm, you can see all stages of the production process, from the cultivation of mulberry trees to the nurturing of silkworms to the dyeing and weaving of silk. Clothing, interior-design products and accessories are all produced here and the farm employs more than 400 local people. 

Tip: There are free guided tours available daily as well as a free shuttle bus that departs from Les Chantiers Écoles in Siem Reap.

Included in : Cambodia Tour (Day 7)

Experience Phare the Cambodian Circus

Treat yourself to a night you’ll never forget at the Phare Cambodia Circus. A similar vibe to Cirque du Soleil, Phare is so much more than your average circus. This not-for-profit organisation uses theatre, music, dance, and modern circus arts to tell Cambodian stories, with a social message behind each performance. 

Several generations of performers who have graduated through Phare’s original Battambang campus have even gone on to perform in international shows around the world. Many of the performers have deeply moving personal stories of abuse and hardship, making their talents a triumph against the odds. It really is a world-class performance and an inspiring night out suitable for the whole family. 

Tip: Each show lasts for around an hour. No animals are used in any performance. All proceeds are reinvested into Phare Ponleu Selpak activities. 

Half or full-day option in Cambodia Tour (Day 7)

EXPERIENCE 

Get an adrenaline boost at angkor zipline.

Experience the Angkor Archaeological Park from a unique perspective on the treetop zipline adventure inside the UNESCO World Heritage itself. This eco-adventure will see you across four hanging bridges and endless treetops along the 10 zip lines and 21 platforms that make up this adrenaline-boosting course. The course takes about 5 hours to complete and you’ll even have a tasty traditional Khmer meal whilst you’re there. 

ARTISTIC 

Visit artbox.

Prepare to be amazed at Siem Reap’s Artbox museum. Just a few kilometres outside the centre of the city, this museum features over 150 two-dimensional pieces of art that play tricks on your mind and make you feel (and look) like you’re part of the art, too. 

Free time recommendation: Cambodia tour (day 7)

Les Artisans d’Angkor

Image credit: Pack-Shot / Shutterstock.com

Artisans Angkor is a Cambodian social business that was created to give young people in the village access to work. As well as reviving traditional Khmer craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Since it was founded in the late 1990s, Artisans Angkor has focused on providing professional skills, opportunities, and good working conditions to communities with limited educational opportunities. It has now opened 48 workshops in Siem Reap and provides employment to over 1100 people. Free guided tours are also on offer for visitors. 

Included in: Cambodia Tour (Day 4)

Join a Pottery Class

Immerse yourself into true Khmer tradition by joining a ceramic pottery class in the heart of the city! Learn how to create your own Khmer pottery and add unique Khmer carvings to it. From shaping it on the pottery wheel to firing and glazing the finished product. Experienced instructors will guide you as you mould your very own Angkorian bowl. 

Tip: This class is suitable for beginners or pottery pros – even kids are welcome to join in! Hotel pick-up and drop-off services are also available for your convenience.

Half-day optional tour in Cambodia Tour (Day 7)

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The 13 Best Things to Do in Siem Reap

Eurasia/robertharding/Getty Images

Many travelers may come to Cambodia solely to visit the temples of Angkor Wat , but there's more to Siem Reap than the Angkor temples they lead to.

Over a million tourists a year pass through Siem Reap, making it the fastest-growing place in Cambodia outside of the capital Phnom Penh . With a history dating back to the year 802, visiting Siem Reap is a highlight for many people traveling through Southeast Asia… with a wealth of activities and attractions that go far beyond the ancient ruins down the road. 

Take a Day (or Three) to Explore the Angkor Temples

TripSavvy / Paula Galindo Valle

Despite so many other things to do in Siem Reap , the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat is still the primary draw for tourists. Constructed in the 12th century by the Khmer people working under Jayavarman II, the temples of Angkor Wat must be seen to be believed.

Scores of temples - some restored and some still overgrown with jungle vines - make up the Angkor temple complex, about 4 miles north of Siem Reap. (Many travelers staying at one of the hostels or hotels around Siem Reap hire a tuk-tuk to take them around the temple complex.)

The scale of Angkor Wat is overwhelming; while a one-day pass is enough to reveal the highlights, you can buy a three- or even a seven-day pass to explore the Angkor temples in microscopic detail.

Enjoy a Thousand-Year-Old Apsara Dance After Dark

Nick Ledger/ AWL Images Ltd / Getty Images

The lithe young female dancers performing the "apsara" traditional dance draw from a tradition as old as the carved Angkor Wat dancers they're named after.

The millennia-old Khmer traditional dance was almost wiped out during the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime. Fortunately, a few survivors managed to pass on the art to a new generation of apsara dancers, whose students, in turn, now perform on stages across Siem Reap, wearing form-fitting clothing and golden headdresses.

Visitors looking for authentic apsara performances should avoid the usual dinner-buffet-dance performances and head to the Divine Sala to watch the "Sacred Dancers of Angkor," the only apsara dancers under royal patronage.

"Sacred Dancers of Angkor" shows take place at the Divine Sala on Wednesdays and Sundays from 7 p.m. onward, captivating viewers with an intricately-performed Khmer dance performance infused with a spiritual presence lacking in the city's other apsara shows.

Wander Through the Angkor National Museum

Opened in 2007, the Angkor National Museum houses thousands of artifacts recovered from Angkor Wat and the surrounding areas in an impressive building.

Relics from the ancient Angkor Empire—including over 6,000 lintels, assorted statues of Hindu gods, Buddhist bodhisattvas, and sandstone reliefs—tell the fascinating story of the Angkor Empire's beginnings eventual downfall.

Visit the museum before you check out Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples, and you'll visit the latter with significantly more insight into the culture that brought it ​into existence!

To get the most out of your visit, rent a portable media player (available at the entrance) to get an audio explanation of some of the more obscure items on display. When you're done, stop by the 86,000-square-foot duty-free mall to take back a tiny part of Angkor with you. 

Take in a Show at the Phare Circus

Founded by eight Battambang performers, Phare Ponleu Selpak operates a big-top-style extravaganza that interprets Cambodian culture through a raucous blend of comedy, dance, and acrobatics reminiscent of Cirque d' Soleil.

Despite its modern look, Phare Circus taps deep into a historic Khmer tradition of acrobatics, making this fun romp just as authentically Khmer as the apsara dance. Any speaking parts are performed in the Khmer language, though subtitles in three languages are projected on a screen to help the narrative along.

Performing at the Phare Circus is a dream come true for many PPS students, who train for years before getting a shot at the stage. For tickets and show information, visit the Phare official site .

Wing It at the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary

The 31,000-hectare Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary has become one of Southeast Asia's most important breeding grounds for endangered water birds.

Located in the marshes of Tonle Sap Lake around Battambang province, this bird sanctuary provides a chance to tour by boat and see rare large waterfowl outside of captivity: storks, ibis, pelicans, and much, much more.

Travelers between the dry months of December and March see untold thousands of local and migratory birds fishing and mating in Prek Toal's waters.

If this is your kind of nature experience, make arrangements to visit Prek Toal through your guest house or hire a boat from the Phnom Krom/Chong Khneas boat dock. You'll be dropped off at the Prek Toal Environmental Research Station, where you can pick up more information about the area's wildlife and plant life or book a boat tour of the sanctuary.

You can even book an overnight stay at the Station—all the better to see the area's "fowl" play after dark! 

See Siem Reap's Countryside from Way, Way Above

courtesy of Microlight Cambodia 

Take a seat behind one of Cambodia’s most experienced microlight pilots to see the Cambodian countryside from a bird’s eye view. Eddie Smith’s Microlight Cambodia takes paying passengers on a selection of flight patterns.

The company’s Pegasus Quik microlight seats two (pilot and passenger) and flies at a cruising speed of about 68 mph and an altitude of 1,500 feet.

Some 3,000 passengers have already flown with Eddie, taking up to one hour to see the floating villages on Tonle Sap; the storks inhabiting the waters around Kampong Phluk; and an aerial temple route that covers the Roluos Group, Banteay Samrei, Sra Srang, and Angkor Wat.

(The latter route takes in the view from a distance of 1.7 nautical miles from the temple sites; microlights are not allowed to fly directly over the Angkor temples.)

Microlight Cambodia flies seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., then later in the afternoon from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Custom itineraries are available upon request.  

Buy Upscale Cambodian Culture at Kandal Village

Don't let the name fool you; Kandal "Village" isn't some secluded rural hamlet but a cunningly-rebranded street south of Siem Reap's French Quarter. Hap Guan Street is a 500-foot shophouse-lined avenue that has become ground zero for Siem Reap's hip and upscale set.

Take an afternoon to explore Kandal Village's clutch of culturally-conscious establishments. The proprietors traffic in repurposed Cambodian culture, from the lacquerware and textiles at Louise Loubatieres to the Buddhas with modern paint patterns at Niko's Studio .

Trunkh sells clothing and home decor with Khmer and modern influences, while the heavenly-scented Saarti boutique hawks beeswax candles from Angelina Jolie's foundation.

End your trip with a turmeric-and-ginger-infused coffee at the Little Red Fox . For something more substantial, try the authentic Italian pasta at Mamma Shop .

See Authentic Village Life at Kampong Phluk

About 13 miles from Siem Reap, Kampong Phluk is a fishing village constructed on stilts in the swamps around Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Cambodia.

Only a handful of tourists make the journey by boat or bus to Kampong Phluk, which has helped the village retain much of its authenticity. This is the place to see daily Khmer life away from the influence of heavy tourism; come on any regular day, but try to schedule your visit to coincide with the Cambodia festival calendar .

Read about etiquette in Cambodia to enhance your visit to Kampong Phluk.

See the Ruin of War at the Land Mine Museum

Like the rest of Cambodia, Siem Reap suffered heavily under the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and the Vietnamese occupation in 1979. Despite largely recovering from those national traumas, the horrors of the past still lie beneath the surface—quite literally.

Millions of land mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) remain from those deadly years, occasionally maiming or killing locals even today. 

To warn of the dangers of UXO, the Cambodia Land Mine Museum was founded by a former child soldier whose parents were killed by the Khmer Rouge. In the present day, it's staffed by victims and orphans of mines.

Visitors are charged $5 (adult rate) to enter. The funds support a relief center and school attached to the museum. Tours can be booked on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in English and Japanese. 

Buy Souvenirs at the Old Market

The riverside psah chas, or old market, combines shopping for tourists and locals alike. The half of the market bordering the riverside stocks tourist tchotchkes from floor to ceiling: silverworks, T-shirts, brass sculptures, jewelry, handbags, and art.

A whole arcade sells pearls, gold, and silver, though the buyer should beware when browsing through the valuables in this part of the market.

The other half of the market caters to locals, especially in the “wet market” that bisects the Psah Chas complex at its center. At this market, locals haggle for raw meat, vegetables, and processed food products. Tourists interested in Khmer day-to-day life can visit this part of the market and watch the wives banter and buy. 

Shudder at Relics of Human Cruelty in Wat Thmei

MosayMay/Getty Images

Siem Reap suffered horribly under the Khmer Rouge, and the area's victims are commemorated today in Wat Thmei.

A glass-walled stupa on the premises holds a mass of bones belonging to massacre victims. Like its counterpart Tuol Sleng in Phnom Penh , Wat Thmei provides a stark reminder of the insanity that ruled Cambodia in the 1970s.

It's not all bones and death here, though; the large monastery here houses a good number of monks and orphans under their care. (Wat Thmei is not part of Siem Reap's unfortunate orphanage tourism circuit—here's why orphanages in Cambodia should not be tourist attractions .)

Get Buzzed over Rice Liqueur at Sombai

 Image courtesy of Sombai

Sombai's workshop, set in a traditional Khmer wooden house, offers a modern take on a heritage tipple. Marrying the conventional Cambodian sraa tram ("soaked wine") with modern flavored rums, Sombai sells the result in hand-painted bottles or serves it in cocktails for your pleasure.

About eight flavored liqueurs make up Sombai's product line: the tasting parlor allows you to taste and pick your favorite flavor combination. From the Pina-colada-inspired coconut and pineapple to the fiery ginger and red chili liqueur, no two products have the same flavor or impact on your taste buds.

To get the most out of your visit to Sombai, book a tour from their website : you'll be guided through their workshop and infusion room to see the liqueurs (and the bottles) come to life, then taste samples of all available flavors. Come in sober, leave riding that sraa tram buzz!

Party or Shop After Dark at the Pub Street & Night Market

After dark, it's less about the authenticity and more about getting soused: thus the draw of Pub Street and the neighboring Night Market for Siem Reap's tippling visitors.

Drink an Angkor Beer (or a good number of decent Southeast Asian beers , for that matter) at one of the many neon-lit bars down this pedestrianized corner of the city.

The best place to start: the graffiti-covered Angkor What?, the bar that launched Pub Street into the Siem Reap stratosphere when it opened in 1998. Its incredible energy, cheap drinks, and late hours keep it a Pub Street mainstay for both long-timers and newcomers alike.

The Night Market across Sivatha Street from Pub Street offers some excellent bargains, from Kampot peppers to obscenely-carved ashtrays to counterfeit branded clothing. Shop for souvenirs among the Night Market's warmly-lit Khmer hut-styled stalls.

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17 Best Things To Do in Siem Reap

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: September 9, 2024

Many travellers visit the Angkor Archaeological Park to see Cambodia’s famous temples without knowing there are many other things to do in Siem Reap.

There are lots of things to do in Siem Reap besides temples. Some attractions include cooking classes, circus shows, and day trips. Visit places like Tonle Sap Lake and Kulen Mountain, or for adrenaline seekers, zip-line through the jungle.

Eat in one of Siem Reap’s community cafes and learn how local enterprise ventures support Cambodia’s culture. You can also visit community markets in Siem Reap to watch local artisans at work and buy Cambodian crafts. Whatever your interests are, this post will uncover 17 of the best things to do in Siem Reap to enhance your time in Cambodia.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – please read my  disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Siem Reap?

If you only want to see the Angkor Wat temple complex , one day is enough; however, you will undoubtedly miss out on some of the other must-see things in Siem Reap.

I spent four days in Siem Reap , which allowed me to see the Angkorian temples at a leisurely pace and add some other popular attractions to my travel itinerary.

What Is There To Do in Siem Reap?

Visit angkor archeological park #1.

Angkor Archaeological Park is a bucket list destination that every traveller should visit in their lifetime. It is one of the best things to experience in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Wander around ancient temples and imagine a time when Angkor was a bustling metropolis of royalty, scholars and workers. Visit at sunrise or sunset, and you will leave Cambodia with memories that will last forever.

Book a Two-Day Sunrise and Sunset Temple Tour if you are short on time.

Phare Circus #2

After a day of temple hopping, you might want to experience something completely different. Phare Cambodian Circus is one of the popular things to do in Siem Reap in the evening. It offers a one-hour show that mixes traditional and modern theatre, acrobatics, music, and comedy.

You can book here for Phare Cambodian Circus tickets

Dine at a Local Community Restaurant #3

An enjoyable experience in Siem Reap is eating local Khmer food and Western dishes by visiting one of the local community restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

These restaurants and cafes have been set up to support their employees and the local community’s learning and education. Training in culinary skills at restaurants such as Haven and The Footprint Cafe allows students to gain qualifications and build skills for themselves.

Food and drinks at all the local Siem Reap community restaurants are of a high standard and are delicious.

Cambodia Landmine Museum #4

You will have spotted limbless locals around Siem Reap, which is heartbreaking. These Cambodians have mostly lost their limbs from stepping on landmines still buried in the jungle, left there by the Khmer Rouge.

A trip to the Landmine Museum will inform you of what happened during the war and what is now being done to rid Cambodia of these deadly explosives that still lie in wait for unexpecting passers-by.

The entry fee is $5, which helps keep the museum afloat. If this is the only place you intend to visit inside the Angkor Archaeological Park, you can visit it without purchasing an Angkor Temple Pass.

Address: 67, Phumi Khna, Cambodia – located inside the Angkor Archaeological Park near Banteay Shrey Temple.

Angkor National Museum #5

The Angkor National Museum is an archaeological museum dedicated to collecting, preserving, and presenting Angkorian artefacts. It also provides information and education about the art and culture of the Khmer civilisation.

Address: 968 Vithei, Charles De Gaulle, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Pub Street #6

While Pub Street seems to be a popular tourist place in Siem Reap, I will buck the trend by saying I didn’t like it. We went there only to see Miss Wong’s 1930s Shanghai cocktail bar, but the bar was shut!

Nothing about Pub Street said you were in Cambodia. Its loud, brash bars with touts beckoning you inside could have been just about anywhere in the world.

We walked the length of Pub Street but didn’t stay, preferring to return to one of the quiet backstreets away from the chaos of drunken tourists and over-enthusiastic Cambodian market sellers.

Of course, this is purely my preference, and if you want to drink copious amounts of alcohol for next to nothing and dance until the morning, then Pub Street is the place for you!

Siem Reap Night Market #7

Like the rest of Southeast Asia, Siem Reap doesn’t fall short on night markets. This is where you will find the all-important harem pants (who even are you if you don’t own a pair of these!), fridge magnets, incense burners, t-shirts, and jewellery – the list is endless.

Markets in Siem Reap include the Art Centre Night Market, Angkor Night Market, Old Market and Noon Night Market .

Unlike the low-level sales pitches we had encountered in Vietnam and Thailand, the ones in Siem Reap were more similar to markets in places such as Egypt.

We found the stallholders more forceful and rude than we expected. Be firm if you don’t want to buy, or you may go home with more harem pants than you ever need!

Wat Preah Prom Rath City Temple #8

Wat Preah Prom Rath is a 12th-century Buddhist temple in beautiful grounds in Siem Reap. Visitors will enjoy the decorative pagodas, colourful wall paintings, a giant sleeping Buddha, and secluded areas where they can escape from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap.

It is an active temple, and you may see Buddhist monks giving daily offerings and prayers inside it.

Address: Opposite Temple Coffee & Bakery, Pokambor Ave, Krong Siem Reap 17254

Banteay Srei Temple #9

Head further afield and visit a few lesser-known Angkor temples, including Banteay Srei, Neak Pean, Pre Rup and Preah Khan .

You can book here for your Day Trip to Banteay Srei Temple

Siem Reap River #10

Siem Reap River runs along the outskirts of the city’s central hub. It is a pleasant place to take a stroll in the early evening.

Made in Cambodia Market is open daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. It is located along the river and sells handicrafts made by Cambodian artisans.

It has a more mellow vibe than the night markets in central Siem Reap and has a few bars and street food vendors.

The main philosophy behind the Made in Cambodia Market is to help create Khmer jobs, from the villagers producing the handicrafts to the sellers interacting with the visitors.

Address: Oum Khun St, Oknha-Oum Chay St, Siem Reap  

You can book here to try a Cambodian Pottery Class for yourself.

Glide through the jungle on the Angkor Zipline #11

One of the fun things to experience in Siem Reap is ziplining.

The Angkor Zipline will take you through the Cambodian jungle canopy between zip lines and canopy bridges close to Ta Nei Temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park. You may even spot the park’s gibbons swinging from the trees alongside you.

Angkor Zipline is a great adventure activity in Siem Reap for thrill-seekers.

Join a Cambodian Cookery Class #12

Undoubtedly, Asian food is delicious. Now is your chance to join in with one of the popular activities in Siem Reap – a cookery class. Learn how to prepare and cook a favourite Khmer dish with a local to recreate when you get home. It is sure to impress family and friends!

Book here to experience a Cambodian cookery class in a local home .

Private Street Food Tour and Dinner #13

One of the fun things to experience in Siem Reap is a street food tour with a local. Visit a local fruit market and navigate the alleyways of a bustling market. Explore the stalls and bright lights at Siem Reap’s local picnic spot and hear insights on Cambodian favourites from your local guide.

Book here to enjoy a Private Street Food Tour in Siem Reap.

Take A Day Trip To Prek Toal Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve Tour #14

Prek Toal is a must-see location for birdwatchers visiting Siem Reap or Cambodia.

Located on Tonle Sap Lake, Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve is Southeast Asia’s most important breeding ground for large waterbirds. Enjoy a tour around the wetlands before returning to the Queen Tara riverboat for a meal.

This Siem Reap day trip includes stops at rice and lotus fields, a boat ride through a floating village and other activities on Tonle Sap highlighting daily life on the river.

Book a day trip to Prek Toal Tonle Sap Reserve or an Evening Dinner Cruise on Tonle Sap Lake .

Fuel Your Adventurous Side With An Eco-Quad Bike Experience #15

Hop aboard an eco-quad and head to the Siem Reap countryside to ride through paddy fields and local villages.

Book a Quad-Bike Countryside Experience .

Experience Kampong Phluk Floating Village #16

If you want to see an authentic Cambodian floating village, head 15 miles out of Siem Reap, and you will arrive at Kampong Phluk Floating Village.

The village sits on the famous Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, where visitors can experience life on the river firsthand.

You can book a tour of Kampong Phluk floating village here .

Chasing Waterfalls In Kulen National Park #17

Kulen National Park is a magical place to visit if you love a waterfall.

Hike through the rainforest, swim in the shadow of the magnificent waterfall featured in the Tomb Raider film, and see the sacred site of Wat Preah Ang Thom.

You can book a Full-Day Kulen Mountain Waterfall Tour here .

Please Pin for Future Travel to Cambodia

Are you looking for further Cambodian travel inspiration? Please check out the following posts:

Visit Ta Nei – The Hidden Jungle Temple in Cambodia

Visit Bayon – The Smiling Face Temple in Angkor Thom, Cambodia

Visit Ta Prohm: The Tree Root Temple in Cambodia

The Very Best Travel Advice on How To See the Angkor Temples in Siem Reap

Angela Price is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel. With over 35 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations. Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”

 I would like to receive occasional updates and new travel posts.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

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14 Best Things to Do in Siem Reap

By Jamie Gambetta · Last updated on May 3, 2024

Nestled in northern Cambodia, Siem Reap sings the tale of a bygone era. Intrepid backpackers and tourists alike arrive in the city to learn about its ancient magic and heritage and explore its burgeoning modernity.

Siem Reap is best-known as the gateway to Angkor Wat. Such is the revered status of the temple, we won’t even argue. Yet, the spirit of the Khmer Empire combines with the bustling French Quarter and Old Market to create a city that celebrates the past and present in a harmonious fashion.

Besides the Angkor temples, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Siem Reap itself. Days spent wandering the downtown streets bring an assortment of eye-catching colonial architecture set between mom and pop restaurants. Here, you can let the aromas and history guide you. At night, the traveling world descends on the tantalizing night markets and Pub Street where you can tell the tales of your day’s adventures.

14. Psar Chaa (Old Market)

Those who have traveled, especially to South East Asia, know that a trip to a market is a quintessential portion of their must-do lists. For those with family at home hoping you will come back with souvenirs of your time abroad, then a visit to the Psar Chas is called for.

The Psar Chas, also known as the Old Market of Siem Reap, is a local haven. It’s home to over 300 stalls selling various souvenirs, clothes, and even incredible street food for those looking for a bite. When we say souvenirs we do not mean just your standard magnets or “My Family Member Went To Cambodia” memorabilia, but items much more illustrative of the local culture.

A few hours getting lost among the intricately sculpted wood pieces, stunning silk fabrics, and handmade textiles is a must.

13. War Museum Cambodia

While in current times Cambodia is seen as a beautiful and peaceful country, the late 1900s were the contrary to the Cambodian people.

A visit to the War Museum will offer a unique and thought-provoking experience of one of the devastating reigns of the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979.

At your own pace or with the use of the free guide resource provided at the facility, you can begin your deep dive into the poignant history. The museum provides ample information through its various exhibits. These even include artillery and machines such as a T-54 tank and a Mil Mi-8 helicopter on display.

We, however, recommend making use of the free guide, as each guide has their own story. Whether they be a war veteran, a witness or landmine victim, each can provide a very invaluable insight into an important time in Cambodian history.

12. Kbal Spean

Located roughly one hour Northeast of Siem Reap in the Kulen Mountain range is the compelling Kbal Spean. The eye-catching body of water, also known as the River of 1000 Lingas, is a significant cultural and archaeological site.

After a moderate 1.5km walk up to reach the river, nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike will get a unique experience. Prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding rainforest while trekking along a beautifully carved sandstone riverbed, adorned with a number of Hindu and Buddhist symbols and Lingas. These sacred lingas symbolize fertility and spirituality.

As you discover the intricate carvings along the river, you will be provided with a deeper insight into the spiritual beliefs and artistic backgrounds of the ancient Khmer civilization.

11. Banteay Srey Butterfly Center

A captivating attraction located within Siem Reap is the Banteay Srey Butterfly Center. With its mission based around the conservation and study of butterflies, this center provides a utopia for nature lovers and photographers.

Boasting more than 30 species of Cambodian butterflies, this center is one of the largest fully enclosed facilities in South East Asia. You can expect the incredibly passionate staff to help walk you through the complete life cycle of the butterfly, from egg to caterpillar and then cocoon.

For only $6 per adult, this is a must-visit for those looking to wander lush gardens while also learning about the importance of butterfly conservation and the delicate balance of ecosystems.

10. Angkor Night Market

Best known for its lively atmosphere, the Angkor Night Market is awash with colorful stalls and enthusiastic vendors.

Home to a number of food stalls and restaurants, this Night Market is a food lover’s paradise. You can start your experience with large offerings of local and international cuisines. Visitors can indulge in savory street food ranging from grilled meats, noodles, and for the very adventurous, fried crickets.

Once you’re full of delicious offerings, make sure to browse shops selling everything from clothing, spices, jewelry, or authentic Khmer -style wood. Prices are negotiable at the market, so you can try your hand at haggling for a good deal.

The market is open 7 days a week from 4pm to midnight. But it is best to arrive before 6pm if you are looking to avoid large crowds.

9. Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity

An impressive institution, the Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) is dedicated to preserving the rich and exotic biodiversity of the Angkor region in Cambodia.

Upon opening in 2003, this center was the first nature conservation center to be opened in the country of Cambodia. Its mission is to provide a safe home for animals that have been confiscated from illegal trade or injured as a result of human activity. The wide range of veterinarians and caretakers work an incredible amount to get the animals ready for release back into the wild.

Tours of the facility are offered daily starting at either 9am or 1pm, with only a minimum donation of $5 asked in return. With consideration of its proximity to the Kbal Spean and Banteay Srei, this is an easily accessible and worthy visit for those especially interested in the ACCB mission.

8. Kulen Waterfalls

If you journey 1.5hrs northwest of Siem Reap, you will find yourself at an impressive marvel within the Phnom Kulen National Park. These cascading falls within a lush forest are known as the Kulen Waterfalls.

A day trip to the Kulen waterfalls can offer opportunities to swim in the refreshing pools formed by the falls and relax to the soothing sounds of rushing water. For those looking for a bit more adventure, there are a multitude of trails nearby, ranging from leisurely walks to more thrilling hikes.

The Kulen Falls have a story beyond their beauty, this site is known for its cultural significance among the Khmer people. The falls served as a source of water for the ancient civilization and were believed to have sacred powers. For this reason, it is asked that you be mindful in respecting local etiquette.

7. Siem Reap food tour

Siem Reap, one of Cambodia’s most universally known cities, has more to boast than just temples and architecture. One of our favorite ways to get to know a city is to eat its local cuisine.

A great way to experience the flavorful and unique fare Cambodia has to offer is via a Siem Reap food tour. Get your appetite ready because Khmer cuisine is best known for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and the use of fresh ingredients.

Small group tours via tuk tuk are a great way to explore the city while trying traditional dishes such as beef loklak or fish amok, all while getting to know your local guide. If you’re seeking even more thrill, look into a Vespa Food tour and experience all the local specialties while whizzing through the city streets on the back of a scooter!

6. Cambodian Circus Show

Experience the magic of a circus performance that will leave you in awe. Phare Circus, a concept that originated in Cambodia, gained recognition for its unique ability to combine native folklore, history, and everyday life. This allows the audience to connect to the spectacle in a new way.

Dubbed “Circus with Purpose”, the Phare Circus performers are all students and graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak School. The school provides many community development programs. These create employment and training opportunities for young artists and work to help break a cycle of poverty.

For those looking for an immersive blend of dance, culture, acrobatics, and resilience, then the Phare Circus is an absolute must. With the performers being recognized on the world stage and being invited to perform at renowned locations such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Sydney Opera House, you know it is an experience you cannot miss.

5. Kampong Phluk floating village

Situated in the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia is the unique floating village of Kampong Phluk . Kampong Phluk, meaning “Harbor of Tusks”, is a network of homes built rising out of water using bamboo pillars and wooden planks. When visiting during the wet season, the water rises to a certain level, giving the homes a floating effect.

We recommend opting for a boat tour of the village that picks up from Siem Reap. As you tour the floating village, you will learn about the culture and way of life of those who have adapted to the ever-changing water levels. Such as their heavy reliance on fishing and farming to sustain life in their village.

For those looking to extend their journey, you can opt to take a second smaller boat through the flooded floating mangroves that surround the village for a different perspective.

4. Cambodia Landmine Museum

With Cambodia’s long history of battle and conflict, the Cambodian Landmine Museum is an impactful reminder of the lasting implications of war.

Founded by Aki Ra, a former child soldier who was forced into battle at the age of nine. Aki Ra used the museum to display the horrors landmines had on Cambodia. In doing so, he uses the proceeds to clear landmines and provide aid to wounded and orphaned children.

Providing visitors with a wealth of knowledge regarding landmines and UXOs, the museum also serves as a repository for landmines that have been found and cleared from the Cambodian countryside. Visitors can see the mines on display and learn about the process of clearing them.

3. Pub Street

Located in the heart of bustling downtown Siem Reap is Pub Street. This is a vibrant area filled with exciting nightlife, enticing restaurants, and infinite entertainment.

Pub Street is lined with countless pubs and bars. The restaurants range from street food to fine dining and traditional Cambodian to western-style menus. With cheap beers and cocktails served out of chamber pot buckets, there really is something for everyone.

Along with all of its food and drink options, there is also lively entertainment. You can enjoy live music, comedy shows, and even theater performances. The street is closed to road traffic, so there is ample space to walk around or dance. If you are looking for a memorable night out in Siem Reap, pub street is the place to be.

2. Angkor National Museum

Home to an extensive collection of artifacts, art, and sculptures from the ancient Khmer Empire is the Angkor National Museum. The museum is a great way to take a deep dive into the history and culture of this captivating country.

The main building is a grand structure spread over two floors where visitors will find a wide range of artifacts from the ancient Khmer Empire, such as clothing, weapons, tools, and jewelry.

The Angkor National Museum features more than 20,000 books and manuscripts related to Khmer culture and history. It’s an impressive resource to learn about the culture and geography surrounding you.

Make sure to look into one of the many lectures, workshops, and activities offered for a fun and educational day.

1. Visit the Temples of Angkor

Undeniably the most famous sights in all of Cambodia, drawing crowds from around the world are the temples of Angkor . Built between the 9th and 15th centuries, the temples represent the pinnacle of Khmer architecture and are recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Most recognizable is the Temple Angkor Wat. Originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the entire world. The temple is surrounded by a large moat and its walls are embellished with the longest continuous bas-relief in the world.

Don’t just stop at Angkor Wat, however, make sure to add the temples of Bayon and Ta Prohm to your list. The temples of Angkor are an astonishing legacy of the Khmer Empire and something you cannot miss while visiting the country of Cambodia.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap

There are a handful of great areas to stay in Siem Reap , so there is bound to be a spot that suits you best. Those wanting to be among the action and history should stay in the French Quarter. It’s close to some of the best attractions and boasts attractive colonial architecture.

On the edge of the quarter, you’ll find Mango Kesararam Hotel . This is a budget-friendly 3-star hotel with daily breakfast, air-conditioned rooms and private balconies. You’ll also be within walking distance of the Old Market and the famed Pub Street.

To enjoy more peace and quiet, head over the eastern side of the Siem Reap River. Here, quiet neighborhoods combine to offer a more authentic vibe and great food. It’s also home to the 5-star Central Indochine D’angkor Hotel , boasting luxurious amenities, an outdoor pool, spa house and several dining options.

How to get there

You’ll have a full breadth of options to choose from when deciding how to get to Siem Reap. Travelers will be able to fly directly from major South East Asian cities, such as Singapore, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.

Those who don’t fly directly from overseas will likely travel from Phnom Penh. You can also fly, although you’ll find buses, trains and private transport. Whichever way you choose, these on-ground journeys take from 5 to 7 hours on average.

Approximate travel times

• Phnom Penh – 5 hours by car, 6 hours by bus
• Battambang – 3 hours by car, 4 hours by bus
• Sihanoukville – 10 hours by car, 12 hours by bus
• Kampong Cham – 3.5 hours by car, 5 hours by bus
• Poipet – 2 hours by car, 3 hours by bus
• Bangkok (Thailand) – 8 hours by car, 9 hours by bus

Best Time to Visit Siem Reap

While November through to February is by far the best time weatherwise to visit Siem Reap and, of course, Angkor Wat, these are also the busiest, most expensive months. Many Europeans come for their Christmas holidays so the temples, ruins and hotels are all packed.

As the humidity is lower and there is almost no rain, the conditions are best for sightseeing and enjoying outdoor activities. Temperatures remain high at 30 to 34°C (86 to 93°F) but do cool down a bit in the evenings. This period also sees exciting boat races held for its Water Festival along the Tonle Sap River.

Despite it being the hot season and temperatures soaring to 36°C (97°F), many still visit in March and April as the monsoon hasn’t yet started. Its Giant Puppet Parade and all the fun festivities for Khmer New Year are great events to attend then.

As May to October is the rainy season, tourist numbers and prices are largely low. There is a spike in July and August though as many head here on their summer holidays. Visiting then is a bit of a lottery as you may be lucky and get clear blue skies instead of heavy tropical downpours.

Map of Things to do in Siem Reap

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The 10 Best Things to Do in Siem Reap (Other Than Angkor Wat!)

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Table of Contents

Siem Reap. The second largest city in Cambodia (next to the capital city of Phnom Penh), Siem Reap is an amazing city for backpackers and luxury travelers alike, with lively markets, cultural shows, breathtaking natural sights, and ancient temples. Needless to say, there are many incredible things to do in Siem Reap .

But when deciding what to do in Siem Reap, many people immediately think of Angkor Wat. And obviously I 100% recommend a trip to this archeological wonder. But don’t forget, there are countless Siem Reap attractions beyond Angkor Wat!

I recommend planning your Siem Reap itinerary with a mix of different activities. A bit of nature, some history, a shopping spree, a night of partying… and surely, a whole bucket-load of fun! 

As you’ll soon discover, many of the most interesting places to visit in Siem Reap are closely tied to its tumultuous history and difficult past. By visiting the Siem Reap attractions listed below, you can contribute to some amazing causes . These visits and donations can help the local communities, the environment they depend on, and various humanitarian efforts. 

A Quick Summary of the Best Things to Do in Siem Reap

• Angkor National Museum
• Cambodia Landmine Museum
• The Old Market
• The Angkor Night Market
• Apsara Dance Performance
• Phare, the Cambodian Circus
• The Tonle Sap Lake Floating Villages
• Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity
• Angkor Pottery Center

These are all great places to visit in Siem Reap and will surely make your trip a memorable one. And remember, this Siem Reap itinerary is made in no particular order, so plan what to do based on your preferences and travel style!

Getting Around Siem Reap

Before I get into all the amazing things to do in Siem Reap, I first want to share my tips on how to get around.

One of the easiest ways of getting around Siem Reap is by tuk tuk , an open carriage attached to a driver’s motorbike. It’s the main form of transportation in Siem Reap; you can even use it for far away destinations , like the Tonle Sap villages and Angkor Archeological Park! Renting a tuk tuk for the day will usually cost $15-25 USD. 

Most hotels and hostels can arrange a tuk tuk service, but you can also easily find one yourself, as there are thousands of drivers in Siem Reap. Don’t forget to ask about the price and haggle a bit. And, an advantage to using the tuk tuks is the drivers are often also able to give you guided tours and recommend the best restaurants in Siem Reap. 

If you prefer to be more self-sufficient, there is also the option of bike rental in Siem Reap . But be prepared to pedal (and sweat) a lot, as some attractions cover quite a long distance! 

And, of course, you can always use a taxi, rent a scooter, or simply get there by foot.

The 11 Best Things to Do in Siem Reap

1) angkor wat and angkor archeological park.

• Opening Hours : Varies by temple, but usually 5:00 am/7:30 am to 5:30 pm/7:00 pm.
• Angkor Wat Entrance Fee : $37 USD for 1 day, $62 USD for 3 days, or $73 USD for 7 days.
• Website : https://www.angkorenterprise.gov.kh/temple

While Angkor isn’t the only attraction in Siem Reap, you would be completely nuts to skip it. A visit to these awe-striking remains is an absolute must on your Siem Reap itinerary!

For a bit of background, Angkor was an ancient city and the capital of the Khmer Empire, which ruled over most of Southeast Asia from the 9th to 15th centuries.

The area spans 400 square kilometers, and it is thought to have supported up to 1 million inhabitants. At its peak, it not only boasted magnificent temples, but also a complex irrigation system and communication routes. 

By the 16th century, the city was completely abandoned. Since then, it has fallen into nature’s leafy hands and has become overgrown with lush jungle. Some of the most obstinate plants have pushed into — or even through — the temples themselves!

The Temple of Angkor Wat

The most famous of the Angkor temples — and perhaps the most famous of all Siem Reap tourist attractions — is Angkor Wat .

Built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the first half of the 12th century, Angkor Wat was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, but it became a Buddhist temple by the end of the same century. It is notably the largest religious monument in the world — no wonder it took 30 years to build!  

The Temples of Angkor Archeological Park

Let’s not forget there are many other temples in Angkor — over a thousand in fact! And your temple pass will give you access to all of them, so it would be a shame to come all the way out to Angkor and only check out Angkor Wat.

But even with the 7-day pass, you won’t be able to explore the entire area. I recommend doing some research and planning ahead for your Angkor Wat itinerary. Or, you can leave it up to your driver’s expertise and let them lead the way.

As a summary, here are the top temples in Angkor Archeological Park (other than Angkor Wat):

• Bayon Temple : Famous for the carvings of 216 smiling faces, I definitely recommend visiting (and trying to spot as many faces as you can!).
• Ta Prohm Temple : A filming location for Lara Croft Tomb Raider, Ta Prohm Temple is literally being consumed by nature; visit to gape at the powerful trees taking over the ancient temple!
• Ta Som : A smaller temple, I recommend visiting the eastern gate of Ta Som, where you can find another smiling face carved into the temple walls, as well as another tree consuming the temple gate!

How to Get to Angkor Wat

As with most places in Siem Reap, the easiest way to get to Angkor Wat is by tuk tuk . It’s best to set out early in the morning (the Angkor Wat temple opens at 5:00 am); you should be at the gate before opening time if you want to beat the biggest crowds! This will also allow you to experience sunrise at Angkor Wat.

If you visit by tuk tuk, your driver will take you from temple to temple and wait for you at each one. But make sure you take a photo of your driver and tuk tuk, because the place will be filled with them and it’s easy to lose track! (Trust me, I learned this from experience).

Other ways to get to Angkor Wat include taxi, renting a bike, renting a scooter, or by guided tour. I personally spent 3 days in Angkor Wat, and decided to get there differently each time: once by bike, once by guided tour, and once by tuk tuk!

The Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat

For an extra special experience, come for the Angkor Wat sunrise and then stay for the Angkor Wat sunset — not necessarily on the same day, but they are both downright magical things to do in Siem Reap!

How to Buy Angkor Wat Tickets

On your way to Angkor Wat, your tuk tuk driver or tour guide will stop at the Angkor Ticket Office off Apsara road. Here, you’ll be able to buy your Angkor Wat ticket — this is the only place you can buy valid tickets, so don’t waste time looking online. And make sure to bring your passport or country ID ! 

The passes will allow you to visit Angkor Wat, as well as all the other temples of Angkor Archeological Park. There are three possible passes you can buy:

• 1-day pass for $37 USD
• 3-day pass for $62 USD
• 7-day pass for $72 USD 

One thing to note is that the 3-day and 7-day passes don’t need to be used consecutively; the 3-day pass is valid for 10 days from the date of purchase, and the 7-day pass is valid for seven different days within a month of purchase!

I recommend buying the 3-day pass, as you surely won’t have enough after just one day. Even if you only go for two out of the three days, it’s still cheaper than buying two 1-day passes.

What to Wear to Angkor Wat

One last thing to note is that, as Angkor is a sacred site, there is an Angkor Wat dress code, so make sure to wear appropriate clothing when you visit!

Pants or skirts should be long enough to cover your knees, and shirts must cover your entire shoulder. You will not be allowed in if you wear revealing clothing, even if you cover up with a scarf! For shoes, flip flops or sandals are allowed, but I recommend sneakers for your Angkor Wat visit as the ground is uneven.

2) Angkor National Museum

• Opening Hours : 8:30 am-6:00 pm from April to September, 8:30 am-6:30 pm from October to March.
• Cost : $12 USD for adults, an extra $3 USD to use your camera, and an extra $3 USD for an audio headset.
• Website : http://www.angkornationalmuseum.com/

Angkor Wat is an absolute must on your Siem Reap itinerary , but don’t zoom off to this wild and wondrous land on your very first day. First, make a visit to Angkor National Museum.

One of the best museums in Siem Reap, this iconic Siem Reap attraction holds 1,000 artifacts from the Khmer empire, and 8 galleries themed by era, religion, and royalty, including:

• Relics of the Khmer kings
• Stone pallets with ancient Khmer and Sanscrit inscriptions
• Traditional costumes of former royalty and Apsara dancers

Starting your Siem Reap itinerary by visiting this museum will give you a greater understanding of the Khmer civilization that created the temples of Angkor and other popular landmarks. You should also pay the extra fee for the audio headset, as it’s incredibly informative!

3) Cambodia Landmine Museum

• Opening Hours : 8:00 am-5:30 pm, every day of the year.
• Cost : $5 USD
• Website : https://www.cambodialandminemuseum.org/

The Cambodia Landmine Museum is one of those Siem Reap attractions that will leave a deep mark on you.

Cambodia has a difficult past, ravaged by the Khmer Rouge Army for nearly 35 years. During this time, over 6 million landmines were planted by child soldiers forced to work for the Khmer Rouge.

One of these soldiers was Aki Ra. After the Khmer Rouge were brought down, he came back to the villages where he had planted thousands of landmines and started removing them by hand, one by one. 

In the villages, he also found many orphaned or abandoned children who had been wounded by the landmines. He brought them home where he and his wife cared for them along with their own children. 

To provide for all the children, he let tourists view the landmines he had dug up and defused in his home for $1. And so began the Cambodia Landmine Museum in 1997. Today, the museum (now near the Banteay Srey Temple in Angkor National Park) is one of the most visited attractions in Siem Reap .

You can get a free guided tour of the museum in Khmer or in English. During your visit, you will:

• See active and detonated landmines up close
• Learn all about the history behind the landmines
• Get an up-to-date briefing on the current landmine situation

The Cambodian Landmine Museum is a great way to discover Siem Reap and, at the same time, support a great cause . You can read more about the museum’s history, mission, and projects on their official website . 

If you’re planning a Southeast Asia itinerary and you’re looking for tips and inspiration, click here to read my 5-week Southeast Asia itinerary !

4) The Old Market

• Opening Hours : From 7 am.
• Cost : Depends on what you buy.

If you’re wondering what to do at Siem Reap, the Old Market is another must-visit! Give your brain a break from the intense history lesson it’s getting and put your haggling skills to the test.

As the name suggests, it’s the oldest market in Siem Reap — in fact, it’s around a century old. It’s also the only daytime market in the city. While it certainly won’t provide the same thrilling experience as the night market, the Old Market definitely feels more authentic, as this is the market locals use to do their shopping.

At the Old Market, you can find a wide variety of items, including fruits and vegetables, meat and seafood, seasonings, clothes, shoes, jewelry, and crafts. Truly, you can find pretty much anything for around $5 USD — it’s a shopaholic’s dream!

5) The Angkor Night Market

• Opening Hours : 5 pm-12 am.

Right around the corner from the Old Market, but with a strikingly different atmosphere, is the Siem Reap Night Market.

It was founded in 2007 with the aim of preserving Khmer handicrafts and helping the locals. Now, it holds over 200 shops offering local handcraft-goods including bags made from recycled materials and hand-carved jewelry. Beer and snacks are also offered here — but save your appetite for the next stop on your Siem Reap itinerary!

6) Pub Street

• Opening Hours : 5 pm-4 am.

Pub Street is the perfect antidote to tourism fatigue; after a day bursting with culture, history, and ancient architecture, it’s time to enjoy Siem Reap’s nightlife!

Pub Street is bursting with color, filled with neon signs and countless clubs and bars, so let your hair down and get ready to party! Most bars offer draught beers for $0.50 USD and cocktails for $1.50 USD.

You’ll also find cafés, souvenir shops, art galleries, and restaurants, so it’s a great spot during the day as well! But note that Pub Street only becomes a pedestrian zone after 5 pm. 

7) Apsara Dance Performance

Apsara is the traditional dance of Cambodia , dating back to the 12th century when Suryavarman II (the king who had Angkor Wat built) was in power. In fact, there are carvings of the Apsara dance at Angkor Wat itself!

The dance used to only be performed for the royal family by beautiful women who were thought to have supernatural powers. Today, you can be royalty for a day and catch an Apsara performance at many hotels and restaurants. 

The show is complete with professional lighting, backdrops, and intricate costumes. The duration varies, but usually lasts 2 hours. Most of the performances also include other genres of traditional Khmer dance and martial arts, including: 

• Masked Dance
• Shadow Theater
• Bokator fight demonstration

The Apsara dance is undoubtedly one of the most popular things to see in Siem Reap, mixing culture, history, art, and entertainment into one incredible package!

8) Phare, the Cambodian Circus

• Performance Times : Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 pm (& pre-show entertainment from 5 pm).
• Cost : $18-38 USD for adults, depending on seat location.
• Website : https://pharecircus.org/

You’ll find plenty of things to do in Siem Reap that contribute to great causes, and Phare, the Cambodian Circus is one of them (rest assured, no animals are used!).

This social enterprise model took root back in the 1980s. On the Thai border, a refugee camp gave a home to children who escaped the violent aftermath of the Khmer Rouge regime. Here, a French art teacher taught the children drawing and painting as a form of art therapy. 

By 1994, the center had closed, but nine of the children, who had by then grown into young men, weren’t ready to give up the concept. They wanted to share the therapeutic effects of art with the poor, socially deprived, and troubled youth in the city .

And so they started the non-profit organization Phare Ponleu Selpak , which translates to Brightness of the Arts. It first began as a continuation of the art classes, taught by the same art teacher. 27 years later, it has grown into a network of multifaceted schools and educational initiatives, including:

• A music school
• A theater school
• A community library
• A kindergarten
• A public primary school
• A public high school
• A children’s house/support program
• An animation studio
• A graphic design and illustration studio
• A visual and applied arts school

Over 1,000 students attend the schools every year, and four of the original founding members are still actively committed to the organization today.

If you want to travel the world but you’re still in school, click here to read my article on how to travel as a student !

Phare, the Cambodian Circus Today

In 1999, students and graduates of the Phare Ponleu Selpak schools started performing in circus shows. In doing so, Phare gives them a place to hone their skills and earn a decent wage. The circus also supports the non-profit schools through royalties, fees, donations, and a portion of the profits. 

Needless to say, you should definitely catch a show!

If you’re hungry, you can grab drinks, snacks, or a full meal at the Phare Café — it’s considered the best restaurant in Siem Reap by some. The show is suitable for all ages, so if you’re looking for things to do in Siem Reap with kids , this should be the top of your list! There is also a gift shop, which is an excellent place to buy souvenirs in Siem Reap. 

9) The Tonle Sap Lake Floating Villages

• Cost : Varies by village.

Around 15 kilometers south of Siem Reap is Tonlé Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It is home to a huge number of scaly, furry, and two-legged inhabitants, including:

• Over 300 species of fish, snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, and otters
• Over 100 species of water birds such as storks and pelicans
• Over 3 million people living in the floating villages scattered around the lake

Tonlé Sap is an excellent place to see both local wildlife and a very unique lifestyle. The houses of the floating villages either float on rafts anchored in the lake or rest on stilts up to a dozen meters tall. Even the schools, churches, and markets are built this way!

Depending on the season you visit (wet or dry), you may be able to walk on dry land in some villages. However, other times of the year, it can be filled with 10 meters of water.

The History Behind the Tonle Sap Floating Villages

There is a great deal of political history behind this unique Siem Reap attraction. During the Khmer Rouge regime, many of the Vietnamese immigrants in Cambodia were forced to leave. After the regime fell in 1979, these refugees returned to Cambodia where they had grown up and felt most at home. 

But with no documents proving that they were born in Cambodia, the Cambodian law doesn’t allow them to own land. The water, however, isn’t mentioned in the law — and that’s exactly where these villagers took to. They make their living by fishing on the lake, giving tours, and selling food and products.  

Unfortunately, many of the villagers continue to live in poverty. In some villages, there is a stark contrast between the villagers living on land and those on water. Moreover, the boat trips are organized by external companies and many of them don’t employ or give anything back to the villages they profit from.

If you’d like to contribute to the local community, consider buying food from the locals or eating at a restaurant. You might be surprised to find some of the best restaurants in Siem Reap here!

The Tonle Sap Villages

There are four main Tonle Sap villages open to tourism and accessible from Siem Reap:

• Chong Kneas (15 km away)
• Kampong Phluk (30 km away)
• Mechrey (30 km away)
• Kampong Khleang  (50 km away)

Which is the Best Tonle Sap Village to Visit?

Chong Kneas is unfortunately the most touristy floating village, being the closest to Siem Reap at just 15 km away. Consequently, a lot of tourists fall prey to scams here; for instance, boat guides may ask you for money to “buy rice for the local children” (but they don’t).

For more comfortable, safe, and responsible tourism, consider either Kampong Khleang or Mechrey.

Kampong Khleang is the farthest away from Siem Reap, which means it attracts fewer tourists. You’ll also be able to see both stilted and floating houses here. The best part of Kampong Khleang is that the boat service is owned and run by locals, so visiting this village will actually support the local community! There’s no need to book in advance, just show up and find a boat — tours cost around $20 USD per person.

Mechrey is the most recently opened village to tourism. Unfortunately, you will see some of the scams used in Chong Kneas here. However, you can also find a reputable organization: The Lake Clinic. At this organization, you can donate to support medical services in the local communities!

The local boat service, Prek Toal Tours, also supports the community. A full visit to Mechrey will cost $45 USD per person, including transportation to and from the village, a two-hour boat tour, and an English speaking guide. 

10) Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity

• Cost : Minimum donation of $3 USD.
• Tours Available : Monday to Saturday at 9:00 am or 1:00 pm sharp.
• Website : http://www.accb-cambodia.org/en/index.php

The Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity (or the ACCB) is another one of the best things to do at Siem Reap (especially for those who like to give back!). 

The ACCB is a non-profit organization that uses all revenue to rescue, feed, and rehabilitate the native Cambodian wildlife. The center also aims to increase awareness about conservation and environmental protection. 

You can only visit through a guided 1.5-hour tour with an official environmental tour guide. The guide will provide you with up-to-date information about wildlife conservation and show you a variety of animals at the center.

If you have a temple pass, you can also check out the waterfall and riverbed carvings at Kbal Spean temple in Angkor Archeological Park!

11) Angkor Pottery Center

• Opening Hours : 6:00 am-8:00 pm, Monday through Sunday.
• Cost : Classes start at $7 USD.
• Website : http://www.angkorpotterycenter.com/

Last but not least, one of the best things to add to your Siem Reap itinerary is the Angkor Pottery Center.

Whether you’re hoping to bring back some handmade souvenirs, want to learn more about the cultural significance of Angkorian pottery, or you’re an avid pottery-enthusiast interested in learning Khmer and Angkorian pottery techniques and design, the Angkor Pottery Center is the place to go.

Offering daily ceramic and pottery classes led by Paruth Hann, the Angkor Pottery Center provides you with the experience of working with Cambodian clay and a traditional potter-wheel.

The Angkor Pottery Center is also a school, workshop, cultural center, art gallery, and souvenir shop all in one; needless to say, this is a great experience whether you’re traveling with friends, solo, or with kids!

And That’s It for the Best Things to Do in Siem Riep!

There are endless places to visit in Siem Reap. But alas, vacations don’t last forever! This itinerary of Siem Reap will give you the right mix of all that Siem Reap has to offer (and convince you that a trip back is definitely in order!). If you happen to have some extra time, consider adding the hikes in Phnom Kulen National Park to your itinerary.

Overall, from ancient temples to wild jungles, crazy parties and lively markets, there are always more things to do in Siem Reap. And let’s not forget the dozens of great causes you can support through many of the Siem Reap attractions! So happy responsible traveling, and have a great trip.

Thanks for reading the article! If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below, and if you want to see more travel and hike-related content, make sure to check out my other articles.

Photos by Mia and Pixabay.

About to embark on a trip around Southeast Asia? Here are some helpful articles to make your trip as awesome and stress-free as possible:

• The Minimalist Southeast Asia Packing List for Women
• My 5-Week Itinerary for Southeast Asia
• How to Travel Without Breaking the Bank
• 15 Things to Do Before a Trip
• How to Start Hiking: 15 Beginner Hiking Tips
• How to Travel as a Student (Even If You’re Broke!)

And here are some additional helpful links:

• Click here for my walking tours
• Click here for my hiking guides
• Click here for more posts on Asia
• Click here for more posts on Cambodia
• Click here for more resources

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Mia is the founder of Walk a While with Me, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the best self-guided walking tours, travel itineraries, and hikes for destinations around the world. A keen traveler, she has visited more than 20 countries in the past six years. She is excited for you to follow along on her adventures!

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Gateway for the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap (see-em ree-ep; សៀមរាប) was always destined for great things. Visitors come here to see the temples, of course, but there is plenty to do in and around the city when you're templed out. Siem Reap has reinvented itself as the epicentre of chic Cambodia, with everything from backpacker party pads to hip hotels, world-class wining and dining across a range of cuisines, sumptuous spas, great shopping, local tours to suit both foodies and adventurers, and a creative cultural scene that includes Cambodia's leading contemporary circus.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Angkor National Museum

Looming large on the road to Angkor is the Angkor National Museum, a state-of-the-art showpiece on the Khmer civilisation and the majesty of Angkor…

Artisans Angkor – Les Chantiers Écoles

Siem Reap is the epicentre of the drive to revitalise Cambodian traditional culture, which was dealt a harsh blow by the Khmer Rouge and the years of…

Apopo Visitor Centre

Meet the hero rats that are helping to clear landmines in Cambodia. Apopo has trained the highly sensitive, almost-blind Gambian pouched rat to sniff…

Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm

Located just west of the royal residence is this shrine. Said to represent two Angkorian princesses, these sacred statues were originally housed at the…

Angkor Silk Farm

Les Chantiers Écoles maintains the Angkor Silk Farm, which produces some of the best work in the country, including clothing, interior-design products and…

Cambodia has a long tradition of producing beautiful lacquerware, although the years of upheaval resulted in some of the skills being lost. Cambolac is a…

Angkor Conservation

Angkor Conservation is a Ministry of Culture compound that houses more than 5000 statues, lingas (phallic symbols) and inscribed stelae, stored here to…

Senteurs d’Angkor Botanic Garden

The botanic garden of Senteurs d’Angkor is a sort of Willy Wonka’s for the senses, where you can sample infused teas and speciality coffees in the on-site…

Latest stories from Siem Reap

Wildlife & Nature

Nov 18, 2021 • 5 min read

The Temples of Angkor Wat are a must, but what do you do after? Here are the best things to do in Siem Reap.

Jan 14, 2020 • 2 min read

Nov 13, 2019 • 5 min read

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Book popular activities in Siem Reap

Adventures of Alice

12 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia

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Are you planning on visiting Siem Reap? I honestly don’t blame you because the entire place is wonderful. Cambodia is a beautiful country in Southeast Asia, mostly known for its outstanding temples, incredible history and rich culture. Angkor Wat is the historic capital of the Khmer Empire, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and one of the main reasons that people visit Siem Reap. 

Cambodia itself is easily a country you can fall in love with. Sandwiched between Vietnam, Thailand and the lesser-known Laos, it’s super easy to reach if you’re already in Asia and well worth a visit. Honestly, the temples at Angkor are totally stunning and do not miss Siem Reap if you’re travelling around Asia.

The friendliness of the people, their fascinating Khmer culture, cuisine and the general affordability of Siem Reap will honestly make you want to return again and again. So, here are some of the top tips for visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia.  

1. Be Careful with the Currency 

When travelling from Thailand to Cambodia, I almost instantly noticed that things seemed more expensive. And a lot of the time, they were. This is simple because Cambodia’s main form of currency for tourists is the USD. So, instead of paying 100 TBH for a tuk-tuk which works out to about £2.50, I was paying $5. This isn’t too much more but quickly adds up after about 2 or 3 journeys.  

The local Cambodian currency is the Cambodian Riehl, which you can only get from the country itself. I tried to buy some of the currency before I left the UK but was told it wasn’t available and to buy USD instead. I ended up withdrawing some at the airport (a mistake in itself as the ATM charged me $5 for the transaction!).  

Be careful when spending in Cambodia as, even though they accept USD for payment, they will quite often give you Cambodian Riehl for change. Make sure you spend all of this before you leave the country or you’ll be left with a currency that you can’t spend and will find very difficult to exchange. 

2. Hotels Aren’t Expensive – And Often Come with Perks! 

One of my favourite things about visiting Siem Reap is how cheap the hotels are. And they’re quite often super nice too! Our favourite hotel we stayed in for our entire trip was the hotel in Siem Reap. And it was one of the cheapest.

I paid £40 for a 4* hotel for 2 people for 2 nights including breakfast. That’s just £10 each per night. In comparison, a similar hotel I stayed in in Phuket cost £50 per night.

They also threw in a bunch of perks for us. We had a free welcome drink, free WIFI, and a free transfer from the airport which was useful as we landed quite late at night. The transfer was also by tuk-tuk, which came as a bit of a surprise as we were expecting a taxi. 

The guy had to strap our luggage to the front, and it was an excellent way to see the city for the first time. Whizzing down the streets with the wind in your hair on a free tuk-tuk ride. 

If you’re a solo traveller or hotels aren’t your thing, there are plenty of hostels in Siem Reap for an affordable price. You can find a decent bed in a hostel dorm for around $3 per night and centrally located too. You will most likely have to cook your own breakfast but you can source groceries from a local market or shop and use the hostel kitchen.  

To find the best places to stay in Siem Reap, click here.

3. Avoid Pub Street for Food 

If you ask tour guides about the best place to eat when visiting Siem Reap, many of them will reply ‘Pub Street.’ And it is indeed full of restaurants and bars. However, it’s also full of tourist traps, overpriced ‘Western Food’, and people trying to usher you into their already crowded restaurants.  

Now, by no means I am suggesting you shouldn’t visit Pub Street. In fact, I think it’s one of the most interesting places to visit in Siem Reap. However, if you’re after a taste of Khmer food and authentic Cambodian dining, Pub Street is not your best bet.  

You’re much better off going to the markets (which we’ll cover in a minute). But, if markets aren’t your thing, some of the restaurants outside of Pub Street also offer great affordable food.

My favourite is Marum, located near Wat Polanka in the town centre. They serve a range of traditional, freshly made Khmer dishes, cocktails, and refreshing shakes. And all their food is designed for sharing, so perfect if you fancy trying a bit of everything. 

4. Visit Siem Reap’s Street Markets

For the best food experience in Siem Reap, join the locals at the Old Market, also known as Phsar Chas. Here you can find a selection of Cambodian delicacies from spicy sausages, to soups, basic noodle and rice dishes and Khmer curries, all for about $2 each. You can also find some slightly strange dishes like spiced frogs, dried insects (including tarantulas) and spit-roasted crocodiles! It’s safe to say I decided against trying any of those! 

If you enjoyed the Old Market then you’ll also love the Angkor Night Market. This features hundreds of bamboo huts selling just about everything you can think of – all handmade by Cambodian locals. From clothing to ornamental pots, handmade soaps and lotions and, of course, food.

Similar to the Old Market, it’s all incredibly affordable but also comes with live music. Why not grab a table, curry and Cambodian beer and listen to the music until late? 

5. Haggle with the Tuk-Tuk Drivers 

This is a pretty hard and fast rule in a lot of Southeast Asia , but the rule about haggling with the tuk-tuk drivers is the same in Siem Reap. The common exception to this rule is if it’s a tuk-tuk that your hotel has ordered you. Normally this is a set fee (or free completely) unless you haggle it down when you book it.  

A lot of the time Cambodians almost expect tourists to knock them down so their prices are higher than usual. So, if you don’t try to haggle, you could be automatically losing money! 

6. Don’t Book Tours Before You Arrive 

One of the best tips I got before visiting Asia was not to book all your tours and activities before you go. For places like Orlando or Paris , it makes sense. Turning up at the door to DisneyWorld is always going to be more expensive than booking in advance. But Siem Reap is different. 

Just walking down Pub Street you’ll find your vendors offering trips to Angkor Wat, or a tuk-tuk driver might offer to take you tomorrow at sunset. And usually, as with a lot of things you can buy in Cambodia , these prices can be negotiated. 

The initial offering price will always be inflated – so don’t take it. Instead, try to haggle them down and you can usually get 20-40% off the original asking price. If the worse comes to worse, you can just say no and try to find someone else. 

This, too, can sometimes work in your favour as they might reduce their prices even more if you walk away. I had a guy ask for $6 to take me back to my hotel, which was just around the corner. I said ‘No, thank you.’ and he instantly dropped his price to $3. 

7. Use Recommended Tour Operators

However, regardless of which tour operators you use, make sure they’re recommended. If you find a tour vendor in the city, be sure to Google them and check their ratings and reviews. Just because someone tells you they’re good, doesn’t mean others think so! 

You could also check your hotel for cheap excursions. Most hotels will offer the most popular tours. But, they’re not always as cheap, or as willing to negotiate as the street dealers.

Checking popular tour websites is still worth doing, even if it’s to compare the price you’ve been quoted in person. Plus, they sometimes have offers. GetYourGuide is always my go-to for booking any tours or activities as they more often than not have the best prices.  

If you are looking for a tour guide in Cambodia, I cannot recommend Journey Cambodia enough. We used them for our trip to Angkor Wat and Banteay Srei and the guides were brilliant. They were informative and gave us cold water, iced towels and plenty of time to look around the temples. 

I learnt a lot more about Cambodian culture and history than I would have if I’d gone alone, however… 

8. Consider Exploring the Temples on Your Own 

It’s pretty simple to get to Angkor Wat from the centre of Siem Reap and can easily be done without a tour group. This is perfect if you prefer exploring at your own pace, don’t want to start at a certain time, or would rather have your own schedule. 

Some tour companies can give you less time than you’d like. This was not the case at all with Journey Cambodia, but it certainly has been with other tours, (like in Turkey ). And some tours also do not stop at some of the sights that you’d like to see (which is why we hired a car in Athens ). 

Going on your own also means you can stop for as many photo opportunities as you’d like without irritating the driver! 

You can hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day for about $20-25. Although, if you’re looking to visit Angkor Wat at sunrise, you’re likely to get an additional fee.  

The other way to get around would be to hire a bicycle. You can hire a pedal bike for about $4 per day. There are hire shops in the Old Market, in town, and some hotels offer free bicycle hire. It’ll take you about 20 minutes to cycle from the centre of Siem Reap to Angkor Wat. Most of the other temples are close by (except Banteay Srei), so it won’t be far to cycle between them.

Just remember to grab your ticket from the ticket office in town first as you can’ buy tickets at the temples themselves. Also, remember to bring plenty of water! 

9. You Might Not Get the Sunrise Shot you Dream of

I feel obliged to point out that, if you want to capture the famous photo of the sun behind Angkor Wat and the reflection in the lake, sunrise is no longer the peaceful, perfect time to get tourist-free photos! 

We visited at sunrise expecting it to be fairly quiet. Instead, it was rammed with people. There must’ve been about 50 other tour groups there (I wish I was exaggerating) and it was very hard to get the perfect picture. It seems that everyone has the idea that sunrise is the best time to visit

It was much quieter about 7-7:30am, once the sunrise crowds had either left for breakfast or moved to explore inside the temple itself. Of course, you don’t get the gorgeous skies, but at least you don’t get a crowd of heads blocking your camera! 

A few of the tour guides recommended the sunset to us instead if we wanted there to be fewer crowds. You won’t get the sun setting behind the temple, but the skies can still be quite pretty and the crowds are smaller.

To book a sunset tour of Angkor Wat, click here.

10. If You’re Visiting Angkor Wat, Get the 3 or 7-Day Pass 

Before visiting any of the temples either you or your tour guide, will need to go into town to buy your tickets. There’s only one place in Siem Reap where you can buy tickets to the temples. Ticket entry into the temples is pretty strict and they’ll check your tickets before allowing you to enter any of the historical sites.  

The tickets are a set price and probably the most expensive thing you will buy in Siem Reap. A single day is $37, 3 days is $62 and 7 days is $72. You can find out more about the tickets here .

The multi-day tickets are the best value for money. But whether or not you need it depends on how long you’ll be visiting Siem Reap. I opted for the 3-day ticket and spent the first day exploring Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples such as the Tomb Raider (or Ta Prohm) temple and the Bayon Temple. 

I then spent a second day exploring Banteay Srei. This is a little further afield but well worth the trip as the detail on the carvings is incredible! On the third day, I didn’t visit any temples as I decided to visit Tonle Sap Lake. But I would’ve liked to go back to Angkor Wat and see if the sunset was any quieter than the sunrise!  

You’ll need to buy at least the 3-day ticket as it’s going to be very tricky and a little rushed to see everything in a single day. 

To book a tour to Angkor Wat, click here.

11. Be Careful of Scams when Visiting Tonle Sap Lake 

Besides beautiful temples, the next most popular thing when visiting Siem Reap is to take a trip to Tonle Sap Lake. I recommend doing this as part of a tour due to the number of scams that do happen on the lake. Plus, to be honest, it’s a pretty tricky DIY trip to do.

The lake is located about 15km south of Siem Reap. It’s a very important lake for the Cambodian people as in the rainy season, it helps fertilise their crops. They even have a festival to celebrate in November .

However, the main tourist draw to the lake is the floating villages. The entire town is floating on water. They have schools, a town hall, shops, a police station, and much more on the lake and it’s fascinating to see how they live. There’s no electricity on the lake at all, everything’s powered by solar energy. Also, a lot of the people that are living there are doing so illegally (another reason I recommend going with a tour group). 

The scams are mainly by the families that live on the lake. A lot of them will prey on tourist’s pity and beg for money, claiming they are too poor to eat or the children will put on some sort of act and then demand money at the end.

There have been stories about tourists visiting the lake unescorted who have bought an overpriced boat ticket and were then asked to give $50 to buy rice for the orphans. They usually also ask for a tip and can turn quite nasty if you don’t give them what they want. 

Always buy from a reputable tour agent when visiting Tonle Sap. But, I still recommend visiting because it is very pretty and fascinating.

To book a tour of Tonle Sap Lake, click here.

12. Check Out Happy Hour on Pup Street 

Despite what I said earlier about avoiding Pub Street for food, if you’re looking for a nice cold beer after a day’s temple trekking, Pub Street is the place to go. 

There are so many bars to choose from (it’s not called Pub Street for nothing!), and many of them have Happy Hours. This often means $0.5 per pint and, let’s be honest, who can say no to that? 

There’s also plenty of nightlife to be found on Pub Street – check out Temple Club and Angkor Wat Bar. You can see live performances of the Apsara Dance (another authentic part of Cambodian culture) in the upstairs part of the Temple Club. There are also opportunities to get a fish massage or do some shopping. But once again, stay away from the kids trying to sell you stuff.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Siem Reap 

Overall visiting Siem Reap is a wonderful experience. The temples are stunning, the people are super kind, and I am willing to bet you’ll want to return the second you leave. 

The biggest tips I brought away from my trip are to haggle where to can, watch out for scammers, and live like the locals do. You can have a wonderful time and not have to worry about the cost, which is most certainly the way I like to travel. 

My favourite tools for finding cheap travel

• SKYSCANNER – For amazing flight deals.
• BOOKING.COM – For affordable hotels and accommodation.
• SAFETY WING – For affordable, reliable travel insurance.
• DISCOVER CARS – For cheap car hire around the world.
• OMIO – For trains, coaches, and transfers.
• GET YOUR GUIDE – For attractions and tours.
• AIRALO – For a global eSim that keeps you connected.

Disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links that earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. If you purchase through my links – thank you so much! I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.

Alice Smith is a travel blogger, content creator, and founder of Adventures of Alice. Following an unexpected redundancy, she embraced her passions and turned her hobby of travel blogging into a full-time career.

Based in the UK, she's ventured to over 30 countries since 2016. With a passion for the outdoors and going off-the-beaten-path, Alice is on a mission to show that budget travel can still be luxurious and that every destination, no matter how touristy, holds hidden gems.

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Spent 2 days in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Little town full of culture. Angkor Wat is an absolute gem on earth. Little cheeky tip: go on night out at Pub Street, then make your trip to go catch sunrise at Angkor Wat. Tell nobody 🙂

Haha, that’s brilliant! I really enjoyed my time in Siem Reap. Such a beautiful and fascinating part of the world! 🙂

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A Full Guide for Best 10 Things to Do in Siem Reap and 16 must visit Siem Reap Attractions

It is vital to take the time to learn about Siem Reap’s rich culture and traditions if you are visiting the region and searching for Things to do in Siem Reap and Siem Reap Attractions. With a more than 2,000-year-old history, Cambodia has a distinct cultural identity that has been shaped by the country’s various ethnic groups, religions, and historical influences.

• – Where to Start Your Siem Reap Culture Journey?
• – Exploring the Temples of Angkor: A Cultural Journey
• – Celebrating Festivals and Events
• – Sustainable Tourism in Siem Reap: Preserving Cambodia's Culture for Future Generations
• – Our Top Picks for a Memorable Things to do in Siem Reap
• – Best Things to do in Siem Reap with Family
• – Best Siem Reap Attractions Worth Exploring
• – Discover 5 Hidden Gems: Top Siem Reap Attractions Beyond Angkor Wat
• – Park Hyatt Siem Reap | The Perfect Hotel for your Siem Reap Trip

Where to Start Your Siem Reap Culture Journey?

If you are wondering, “Where should I start learning about the rich culture of Siem Reap?”, here are some pointers to get you started:

• Going to the Angkor National Museum is among the greatest ways to get started learning about Cambodian culture. Through multimedia exhibitions and interactive displays, you may fully immerse yourself in the history and mythology of the Angkor Period at this location. You will gain knowledge about the history of the ancient Khmer kingdom, the building of the Angkor temples, and the way of life of those who lived throughout this prehistoric era.

• The Cambodian Cultural Village , which displays the traditions and customs of the country’s numerous ethnic groups, is another must-see sight. This living museum gives a fascinating look into the cultural richness of Cambodia, with everything from dance performances and traditional music to handicraft exhibitions and village recreations.

• We strongly advise taking a guided tour of Siem Reap’s historical monuments and landmarks to obtain a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s history and culture. You’ll learn things that you might not learn from books or the internet when you have an experienced guide at your side.

Additionally, you may not expect that the food of Cambodia is an essential aspect of the nation’s cultural legacy, and should also not be missed on the list of things to do in Siem Reap. Cambodia’s food is an authentic representation of its rich cultural past, from the savoury and sweet delights of Khmer sweets to the fragrant spices and tastes of Amok curry.

Exploring the Temples of Angkor: A Cultural Journey

As mentioned above, the Angkor temples are a must-see site for anybody travelling to Siem Reap . In addition to being amazing works of engineering and design, these ancient ruins offer a glimpse into Cambodia’s vibrant past and culture. In fact, touring the Angkorian temples may be a cultural excursion in and of itself.

Plan ahead to be prepared and get the most out of your trips to the temple. Prioritising the temples that interest you the most and designing your schedule accordingly is one of our top recommendations when deciding on things to do in Siem Reap. There are over a thousand additional temples in the area to choose from, with Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Preah Khan being the most well-known.

Another tip is to hire a knowledgeable guide who can share insights about the temples’ history, symbolism, and significance. This will help you appreciate the temples on a deeper level and provide context for the carvings, statues, and architecture.

One thing to keep in mind is that many of the temples require modest clothing to be worn . This means covering your shoulders and knees and avoiding revealing or tight-fitting clothing. It is also important to be respectful of the temples and avoid climbing on or touching the ancient structures.

If you are looking for a luxury hotel near Angkor Wat to rest after an extensive cultural journey, we highly recommend the Park Hyatt, a 5-star hotel in Siem Reap .

Celebrating Festivals and Events

Attending one of the many festivals or events in Siem Reap is a necessity if you wish for a genuinely authentic cultural experience there. The rich cultural legacy of Cambodia is honoured throughout the year via a wide variety of festivals and events.

• Khmer New Year

One of Siem Reap’s most recognised celebrations. It generally starts in the middle of April and lasts for three days. The city comes alive at this time with vivacious street parties, age-old dance performances, and eye-catching parades. It is a wonderful chance to take in the best of Cambodian culture.

• Bon Om Touk (Water Celebration)

Translating roughly to “water celebration,” this festival commemorates the end of the rainy season and the Tonle Sap River’s flow being reversed. There are boat races, live music performances, and fireworks displays throughout the three-day celebration in November. Pub Street Siem Reap is often at the centre of the action of the festivities.

The Vesak Day honours the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha, and is a major occasion for individuals who are interested in Buddhism. With vibrant processions and offerings to the monks, it is a day of introspection and meditation as well as joy and celebration.

• Angkor Empire Marathon

The famous Angkor Empire Marathon is held annually in December, and it is a unique way to explore the temples while getting in a good workout. The race takes runners through the stunning Angkor Archaeological Park, and participants can choose to run a full or half marathon or a 10 kilometres race.

Sustainable Tourism in Siem Reap: Preserving Cambodia’s Culture for Future Generations

As tourists, it is our duty to preserve the places we visit and make a difference in the local communities we come across. In Siem Reap, a city steeped in culture and history, this is particularly true. Therefore, i t is crucial to think about sustainable ways to protect Cambodia’s cultural legacy for future generations as tourism continues to expand in the area.

Selecting reputable tour operators and lodging is one method to promote sustainable tourism in Siem Reap. Look for businesses that place a high priority on environmental preservation and community involvement. By doing this, you can make sure that the money you spend on tourism supports environmental preservation and regional economic growth.

Another way to support sustainability in Siem Reap is by respecting the local culture and traditions. Be mindful of appropriate dress codes when visiting religious sites, and ask for permission before taking photos of locals. Engage in cultural activities and support local artisans by purchasing handmade souvenirs instead of mass-produced items.

Volunteering with regional groups that prioritize environmental preservation and community development is another way to promote sustainable tourism. This is a wonderful opportunity to support the local community while learning more about the customs and way of life there.

There are many fantastic places to visit and things to do in Siem Reap. By practising sustainable tourism in Cambodia, we can help preserve the region’s rich cultural heritage for generations to come.

Our Top Picks for a Memorable Things to do in Siem Reap

1.discover the magnificence of angkor wat.

Let’s start with the pinnacle of them all: Angkor Wat . If you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates spectacular beauty, then this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an absolute must-visit. You will undoubtedly feel completely awestruck when you first lay eyes on this magnificent temple complex.

Built in the 12th century by the Khmer King Suryavarman II , Angkor Wat is a stunning example of ancient Khmer architecture. As you explore the temple’s intricate carvings, you will feel as if you are walking through a living history book. We highly recommend getting up in the early morning and arriving at the temple before sunrise, so you can witness the sun rising over the temple’s iconic spires. 

Additionally, you should be aware that Angkor Wat is a popular tourist site; therefore, you can expect crowds. Still, do not let it stop you from going. You may still take in the magnificence and beauty of the temple with a little bit of patience. And if you wish to understand more about Angkor Wat’s past, we suggest hiring a professional local guide who can provide enlightening details and tales about the temple.

On top of that, if you wish to get to the temple before every else, we suggest staying at Park Hyatt, a luxury hotel near Angkor Wat .

2.Get a Glimpse of Local Life at the Old Market

You should certainly head for the Old Market, also known as Phsar Chas , if you want to immerse yourself in the community and experience real Cambodian life. 

The centre of Siem Reap is home to this lively market, which is a hive of activity from dawn till night. There are many varieties of locally produced goods available here, including stunning fabrics, fresh fruit, and handcrafted crafts. 

However, the Old Market offers more than simply a place to buy; it is also a chance to meet the welcoming locals and get a glimpse into their way of life . Your taste buds will thank you for sampling some of the delectable street cuisine on offer, including the renowned fish amok and the cool sugar cane juice. Additionally, if you are feeling especially daring, try some of the strange fruits you have never heard of; we assure you, it will be worthwhile!

The Old Market’s bustling atmosphere, though, could be what you enjoy best. Vendors shout out their products and haggle with buyers in this kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and scents. It is tough to resist getting sucked into the excitement because of the contagious energy. The Old Market in Siem Reap is the place to go whether you are searching for trinkets, a good lunch, or just a glimpse into local life.

3.Experience the Thrill of Ziplining at Angkor Archaeological Park

Ziplining over the jungle canopy at Angkor Archaeological Park may turn out to be one of the most exhilarating experiences of your life. It is an activity that combines adventure and sightseeing, offering a unique perspective of the stunning temples and lush greenery from above .

If you feel a little anxious or uneasy, the knowledgeable guides will quickly calm you down and supply all the required safety gear. Whether you are a novice or an experienced zipliner, you will have a blast since the course is made to accommodate all skill levels.

Experience a surge of excitement and an incredible sensation of freedom as you soar into the air. The vistas are amazing, and it is an exhilarating way to explore the area. With this special vantage point, you will be able to see the finely carved temples and the surrounding forest in a way that you otherwise would not have been able to.

In addition to the zipline experience, there is a brief journey into the rainforest, where you may discover the park’s flora and species . The guides do a fantastic job of making the trip both instructive and enjoyable. They are informed and eager.

We highly recommend ziplining in Angkor Archaeological Park if you are looking for an activity that will make your heart race. It is a one-of-a-kind and amazing event that will undoubtedly rank as the high point of your visit to Siem Reap.

4. Relax and Unwind at the Prasat Chrung Temple

The Prasat Chrung Temple is the ideal getaway from Siem Reap’s busy streets if you want to unwind. This is an excellent place to visit in Siem Reap for couples since it is the perfect getaway for those looking for peace and quiet ; it is perched on a hilltop.

You will be impressed by how peaceful it seems when you enter the temple. The atmosphere was wonderfully tranquil because of the temple’s gorgeous architecture, rich gardens, and expansive views of the surrounding countryside.

To complement the moment, the temple has a meditation area . Set apart from the rest of the complex, the meditation area is a quiet space that allows a disconnect from the outside world, where you can sit in silence, meditate, and reflect. Another highlight of the temple is the small pond filled with koi fish . Watching the colourful fish swim around is surprisingly therapeutic and will allow you to fully embrace the calmness of the environment.

Best Things to do in Siem Reap with Family

5.tonlé sap.

One of the most significant areas to the locals is the ‘Tonlé Sap’ lake. As one of the planet’s most diverse and productive ecosystems, the lake is critical to the country’s food supply. This great lake on a sedimentary flood plain served as a source of water and sustenance to the city of Angkor and now continues to support many small communities where people live on stilts amongst the forest area and the banks of the river.

Today, the lake is a popular tourist destination, and it is one of the best Siem Reap attractions with family. Tonlé Sap draws countless tourists each year to explore its remarkable floating villages of Kampong Phluk, Kompong Khleang, Chong Kneas, and Mechrey. Their native lives are brought to life through demonstrations of fishing activities, rowing boat trading, and its distinctive method of making a livelihood on the water.

6. Angkor National Museum

When it comes to Angkor Archaeological Park, the ultimate experience of visiting the park itself is a must-do as one of the top Siem Reap attractions.

Nonetheless, comprehensive information about the Khmer empire’s various wonders is rather scarce at the ruins themselves. That is why a visit to this insightful, privately run museum is essential for visitors interested in Khmer architecture and the legendary story of Angkor. The displays themselves are not especially spectacular; in fact, the selection has been chastised for being aesthetically attractive but lacking in authentic Angkorian symbolic importance. On the other hand, the presentation is first-rate, and it is one of the few places in Cambodia that provides travellers with a basic knowledge of the historical background and heritage of this once-mighty empire.

7.Siem Reap River

The Siem Reap River flows along the periphery of Siem Reap’s main hub and is a charming place to wander along in the early evening. Which is one of the Best Things to do in Siem Reap with Family .

One of the Siem Reap attractions that is looking to make a difference is the Made in Cambodia Market , located along the river, which is open every day from 12:00 to 18:00, and vendors sell arts and crafts produced by local Cambodian craftsmen. It has a more relaxed atmosphere than the central Siem Reap night markets, a handful of bars, and street food sellers. The main goal of the Made in Cambodia Market is to support the local economy by providing jobs for the people in the village who make handmade items and for the vendors who communicate with tourists.

8.Wat Preah Prom Rath

Wat Preah Prom Rath is a 12 th -century Buddhist temple in Siem Reap with magnificent premises. People visiting will appreciate the elegant pagodas, colourful wall paintings, a giant sleeping Buddha, and peaceful areas where it is possible to get away from the bustling and liveliness of Siem Reap. In addition, this is a functioning temple, so you may come across Buddhist monks inside the temple making daily offerings and praying.

9.Phare Cambodian Circus

You and your family might be searching for one of the Siem Reap attractions that offer something a little different after a day of wandering from one temple to another. The Phare Cambodian Circus is a popular evening activity in Siem Reap. It presents a one-hour performance that combines traditional and modern theatre, acrobatics, live performances, and comedy .

This music, theatre, and dance entertainment venture is not simply a circus. Since its inception in 2013, it has grown to become one of Cambodia’s largest and most important social enterprise concepts for community development.

10.Cambodian cooking classes

Without a doubt, Asian food is delectable and has great diversity, and Khmer cuisine is no different. It is no wonder, therefore, that cooking classes are some of the most popular Siem Reap attractions/activities to do. 

In these classes, you will learn how to prepare some of the most loved Khmer dishes with a local chef. You can then take home and recreate the dishes back in your country, which will surely dazzle your family and friends!

Best Siem Reap Attractions Worth Exploring

Siem Reap is rapidly gaining recognition as one of Asia’s most affordable destinations. With a multitude of places to explore, things to do, delicious foods to savour, and souvenirs to purchase, many prioritise fun over budget-saving. Nevertheless, taking a moment to save a bit of money while getting the most out of Siem Reap Attractions can be a wise approach.

1.Tour the Local Markets

Despite being on a budget, the bustling market scene is a place to visit in Siem Reap and is a strongly recommended experience for all travellers. The local markets offer a chance to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the local crowd, observing and navigating the excitement as they carry out their routine shopping.

The most prominent market is the ‘ Psar Chas ,’ also known as Siem Reap Old Market. It presents an array of distinctive shopping opportunities at friendly prices, including traditional Khmer food, silk, textiles, spices, jewellery, and traditional crafts. Furthermore, you can venture to ‘ Phsar Leu ,’ or the Upper Market, the largest and most captivating of Siem Reap’s markets, yet with fewer tourists. Not to mention the Angkor Night Market , Siem Reap’s most renowned shopping venue, housing over 200 vendors selling a wide range of clothing and handicrafts by the locals.

2.Unwind at West Baray

West Baray, or ‘Baray Teuk Thla’, is yet another Siem Reap attraction that is lesser known to most tourists. This gigantic water reservoir was built during the ancient Angkor era and is located to the west of Angkor Thom, around 12 km from Siem Reap centre. West Baray is a scenic spot, perfect for a cool down from a long day without the need for a ticket. It is a popular spot for the locals to go for a swim with their friends and families.

In the middle of the baray, you can find the West Mebon temple, which you can walk out to during the dry season or take a boat if you are visiting during the rainy season. Not only that, you can pay for a hammock, hire a rubber ring, or hire a bungalow next to the water’s edge for an even more relaxing stay.

3.Enjoy Green Spaces at the Royal Gardens

The Royal Crusade for Independence Gardens is a well-known Siem Reap attraction among both locals and visitors. Its history traces back to the 1950s when King Sihanouk and General Lon Nol strategically pursued Cambodia’s independence from their French occupiers. Open for visits at any time and with no entrance fee; the Royal Gardens offer a variety of attractions across the area. These include a pagoda, shrines, a river, and the Royal Residence, creating an ideal spot for outdoor leisure with friends and family.

You might also come across the name ‘Bat Park’ in reference to the hundreds of fruit bats that inhabit the trees in the garden and are observable during dusk. As long as bats don’t pose a concern for you, this free experience can be a delightful way to wrap up a lengthy day.

On a different note, you might encounter special events taking place here, such as captivating Apsara dancing performances or occasional art installations. It’s a wonderfully inviting spot to spend time, particularly as the sun begins its descent and the afternoon heat gradually fades away.

4. Go on a Cycling Tour Around the City

Cycling is an eco-friendly and budget-friendly way to explore the area around the town, as well as a means to visit various attractions. Siem Reap features many exciting bike trails that would take you through the lush jungle, the Angkor Complex, and the local town.

Exploring Siem Reap by cycling introduces you to one of its most compelling aspects: the chance to interact with the friendly locals. Cambodians are known for their honesty and a deep-seated sense of politeness and respect. The rich tapestry of traditions, customs, beliefs, ways of life, and cultures within the country makes it a captivating destination to pedal through and learn about. Cycling also allows you greater access to connect with people as you traverse rural villages, allowing you to pause and engage with the surroundings at your leisure.

Discover 5 Hidden Gems: Top Siem Reap Attractions Beyond Angkor Wat

5.kbal spean: the mystical trek to the river of a thousand lingas.

Kbal Spean, also known as ‘the River of a Thousand Lingas,’ is one of the Hidden Gems of Siem Reap Attractions . The trek to this mystical site takes you through a lush jungle, where the sound of water trickling through the rocks and chirping birds fills the air . It is a journey that will take you back in time, immersing you in the rich history and spirituality of the Khmer people.

Apart from the river and the lingas, the site is also home to a small waterfall, providing a tranquil oasis amidst the natural beauty of the jungle. Visitors can take a dip in the cool waters, surrounded by enchanting carvings and the lush greenery of the forest.

A trip to Kbal Spean is not just a trek through the jungle, but a spiritual and cultural journey back in time. It is an essential place to visit in Siem Reap province for those seeking adventure, history, and spirituality in Siem Reap.

6.Preah Khan: A Majestic Temple of Intrigue and Enigma

Preah Khan, a sprawling temple complex located just outside Siem Reap , is one of the most magnificent and memorable sites in Cambodia. Built in the 12 th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, it was initially a Buddhist monastery and a centre of learning . The temple’s intricate carvings and detailed sculptures offer a glimpse into the rich history and artistry of the Khmer Empire.

Preah Khan is not just a temple complex but a window into the past that provides a glimpse into the religious and cultural practices of the Khmer Empire . It is one of the must-visit attractions for tourists interested in history, architecture, and art, and a reminder of the enduring legacy of this ancient civilisation.

7.Koh Ker: A Journey to the Remote Ruins of an Ancient Kingdom

Koh Ker, located in the northeast of Siem Reap province , is a remote site of ancient ruins that will transport you back in time to the Khmer Empire of the 10 th century. The site was the capital of the Khmer Empire for a brief period during the reign of King Jayavarman IV. Koh Ker is another of the top Siem Reap attractions for history enthusiasts and those seeking a unique and authentic travel experience.

Koh Ker is a mystical treasure that is off the beaten path and provides a glimpse into the lesser-known history and culture of Cambodia . The remote location and the serene atmosphere make it a perfect place to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the ancient history of the Khmer Empire.

8. Banteay Srei: The Pink Jewel of Khmer Art and Architecture

Banteay Srei, also known as the ‘Citadel of Women,’ is a stunning temple complex located in Siem Reap province . Built during the 10 th century, Banteay Srei is renowned for its intricate carvings and pink sandstone used in its construction. It is a masterpiece of Khmer art and architecture and one of the top things to do in Siem Reap for anyone interested in history, culture, and art.

The temple is a stunning example of the skill and craftsmanship of the Khmer people , with intricate carvings of deities, animals, and historical events covering every inch of its walls. In addition, the pink sandstone used in its construction gives it a unique and ethereal quality, with the stone seeming to glow in the light.

Banteay Srei is a reminder of the rich history and culture of Cambodia and a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the Khmer people. It is a treasure trove of beauty and wonder that will leave visitors awe-inspired.

9. Beng Mealea: The Enigmatic Jungle Temple of Ancient Khmer Civilisation

Beng Mealea is a mysterious temple complex located in the jungles of Cambodia and is believed to have been built during the 12 th century by King Suryavarman II, the same ruler who constructed the iconic Angkor Wat. Although not as well-known as its more famous counterpart, Beng Mealea is a significant part of the ancient Khmer civilisation, which flourished in the region from the 9 th to the 15 th century.

Beng Mealea’s remote location and hidden status only add to its mystique, and it is no surprise that it has become a popular destination for adventurous travellers seeking to uncover the secrets of the ancient Khmer civilisation.

As you see, from the enigmatic temple of Beng Mealea to the stunning jungle trail of Kbal Spean, world-class destinations await in Siem Reap. The city has something for everyone. Still, there are numerous other attractions that you can visit during your time in the ancient city of Siem Reap. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Siem Reap is the perfect destination. So why not discover the hidden Siem Reap attractions for yourself? With so much to see and do, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

10. Apsara Theatre

The Apsara Theatre is the oldest and most well-known venue for Apsara dance performances in Siem Reap. It is a cultural centre dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional arts and culture of Cambodia, including Apsaras dance . Visitors can enjoy a stunning performance of Apsaras dance, accompanied by live music and a chorus, in a beautiful and authentic setting. The theatre also offers traditional music and dance workshops, allowing visitors to experience the culture of Cambodia firsthand. It is one of Places to visit in Siem Reap for anyone interested in the rich history and cultural heritage of Cambodia.

11. Banteay Chhmar

Banteay Chhmar is an archaeological site and temple complex located in northwestern Cambodia. It was built in the late 12 th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. The temple is known for its well-preserved carvings and inscriptions, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology, as well as historical events and everyday life during the Angkor period. Banteay Chhmar is also notable for its large sandstone causeway, which was used to connect the main temple to the nearby city. 

Despite being less well-known, Banteay Chhmar is considered a momentous cultural and historical site and is among the must-visit Siem Reap attractions for anyone interested in the rich heritage of the country.

12. Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

Situated about 25 km from Siem Reap, Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre is a conservation centre in Siem Reap d edicated to the preservation and protection of Cambodia’s native butterfly species , as well as to educating visitors about the important role that butterflies play in the ecosystem. The centre houses a large collection of live butterflies, which visitors can observe and learn about in a natural and interactive setting. In addition to the exhibit, the centre also offers guided tours, workshops, and educational programs, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the biology, behaviour, and conservation of butterflies. 

Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre is a unique and educational destination that offers various things to do in Siem Reap for those interested in nature’s creatures and environmental education.

13. Cambodia Cultural Village

Cambodia Cultural Village is a cultural theme park located in that offers a unique take on the rich and diverse culture of Cambodia through a series of interactive exhibits, performances, and activities. The park features replicas of traditional Cambodian homes, as well as exhibits showcasing the country’s art, music, dance, and history. Here, you can also enjoy traditional dance and music performances, try on traditional clothing and participate in traditional hands-on activities.

The park originally opened to the public in late 2003. Now, it is home to more than 10 villages that showcase the diverse cultures and characteristics of 19 Cambodian races. It is a fun and educational destination, offering a comprehensive and immersive introduction to the culture of Cambodia.

14. Phnom Kulen National Park

Phnom Kulen National Park is positioned approximately 45 km north of Siem Reap centre, it is considered one of the significant cultural and natural sites in Cambodia. It hosts a range of scenic landscapes, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bike, or by car, taking in the breathtaking views, crystal-clear streams, and lush vegetation. Phnom Kulen National Park is also a popular destination for outdoor activities, such as trekking, picnicking, and bird-watching. All in all, it offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors.

15. Phimeanakas

A Hindu-style temple located within the Angkor Thom and is the tallest climbable temple in the complex. Its history dates back to the 10 th century and was built during the reign of King Rajendravarman. The temple is known for its central tower, which is surrounded by four smaller towers and a moat. It was used as a royal palace and was later converted into a temple. Phimeanakas is considered one of the most important temples within Angkor Thom, and its architectural style is unique, reflecting a blend of Hindu and Khmer design elements.

From the top, it offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area, which is enough to say that it is one of the places to visit in Siem Reap you should not overlook.

16. Pub Street

If you are looking for nightlife or vibrant fun, Pub Street Siem Reap is the perfect place for you. The street is lined with bars, restaurants, and shops selling a wide range of goods, including souvenirs, clothing, and local handicrafts. Visitors can enjoy live music, drink local and international beers, and try traditional Khmer dishes. Pub Street is also home to several spas and massage centres, offering a range of treatments and services to help visitors relax and rejuvenate. With its vibrant atmosphere and wide range of attractions, Pub Street is the place to visit in Siem Reap for anyone looking to experience the nightlife under the atmosphere of Cambodian culture.

But if these 12 Siem Reap Attractions are not enough for your next holidays, you can explore more about Places to visits in Siem Reap and Underrated Places to Visit in Siem Reap for making your trip unforgettable.

After a long day of finishing your Things to do in Siem Reap lists and visiting unforgettable Siem Reap Attractions choosing the right hotel to unwind is a must. Our hotel, Park Hyatt Siem Reap, is a 5-star hotel in Siem Reap located the central Siem Reap, next to Angkor Archaeological Park.

Park Hyatt Siem Reap | The Perfect Hotel for your Siem Reap Trip

Park Hyatt Siem Reap is a 5-star hotel in Siem Reap, situated only steps away from the Angkor Archaeological Park. It is also within walking distance from the central market, restaurants, and various top Siem Reap attractions.

The hotel’s 104 rooms come complete with polished decorations and are set in a Khmer-influenced Art style decoration. The rooms are filled with modern amenities, surrounded by rich facilities, including a spa, a swimming pool, and a fitness centre with top-tier gym equipment. Indulge in the best offers, accommodations, and things to do only at our 5-stars hotel in Siem Reap.

Explore things to do and experiences at Park Hyatt Siem Reap here

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Visit our website or contact us today to find out more. Tel: +855 6321 1234 Fax: +855 6396 6001 Email: [email protected]

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1. Explore The Iconic Angkor Wat

6 km from city center 1 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

In northern Cambodia lies one of the world's largest and most significant monuments. Angkor Wat is a treasured Buddhist temple and the allure of the Angkor Archaeological Park. It is considered the gateway to the ruins of Angkor. This temple is a national icon and source of pride for Cambodia and is also proudly displayed on the national flag.

2. Visit Tomb Raider Temple (Ta Prohm Temple)

9 km from city center 2 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Ta Prohm is one of the prominent temples in Siem Reap popularly known as the 'Tomb Raider Temple' because of its appearance in the Tomb Raider movie. Unlike other structures, Ta Prohm has been left in the same condition in which it was found. It is surrounded by a thick jungle, making you feel like you have come to a lost world.

3. See Carved Smiling Faces At Bayon Temple

9 km from city center 3 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Bayon Temple is a Khmer Temple and the only Buddhist shrine in the Angkor region, otherwise dominated by Hindu temples. It is located in the center of the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. The central characteristic elements of the Bayon temple are huge smiling faces made of large blocks of stone on 37 towers adorning all four sides.

4. Enjoy Nightlife At Pub Street

2 km from city center 4 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Pub Street is one of the most famous streets located in downtown Siem Reap, lined with plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes, entertainment clubs, massage parlors, and pubs. It is the most visited street after Angkor Archaeological Complex. The pubs are open until morning hours, a few until 3 or 4 AM.

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5. Tour Angkor National Museum

2 km from city center 5 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap houses artifacts of the Khmer empire that ruled for more than seven centuries. It spreads over 20,000 square meters and is home to over 8000 relics, including many statues of Buddha and Hindu Gods.

6. Explore Preah Khan Ruins

11 km from city center 6 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Preah Khan is one of the last remaining remote structures in Siem Reap. Khmer King Jayavarman VII built it and dedicated it to his father, Dharanindravarman. Located about 2km from the dynasty's capital Angkor Thom, this massive complex is over 55 hectares, serving as a monastery and a learning center for Buddhist monks.

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7. Enjoy Sunset View At Pre Rup Temple

11 km from city center 7 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Pre Rup is one of the oldest structures, located south of East Baray in Siem Reap in Cambodia. King Rajendravarman II built this mountain temple in 961 AD. It was the capital and also a state temple during his reign. A temple dedicated to Hindu God Shiva, it is popular among tourists for the gorgeous sunset views.

8. Watch Phare, the Cambodian Circus

8 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Phare, the Cambodian Circus, is located outside Siem Reap in Cambodia. It is a unique circus company that gives performances combining modern arts, theatre, music, and dance to tell tales from various parts of the country.

9. Climb The Baphuon Temple

9 km from city center 9 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Baphuon Temple is an ancient mountain temple located in Angkor archaeological park in Siem Reap in Cambodia. This sandstone monument is known for the magnificent views of Angkor Thom witnessed from the top of its pyramid-shaped towers reached by steep wooden staircases. It is also well-known for the incomplete sculpture of the Reclining Buddha.

10. Tour Cambodian Cultural Village (Angkor Green Park)

2 km from city center 10 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Cambodian Cultural Village, known as Angkor Green Park, is a cultural village and open-air museum in Siem Reap. It comprises 11 artificially-made unique villages representing the culture, traditions, and heritage of 19 different ethnic groups of Cambodia. Each village presents miniature replicas of historical buildings and recreation of local lifestyles quintessential of Khmer ethnic culture.

11. Admire Banteay Srei Temple

28 km from city center 11 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

One of the most popular attractions in Cambodia, the 10th Century temple Banteay Srei is located in the province of Angkor. It was built to solely dedicate and honor Hindu God Shiva.Compared to other Angkor temples in terms of size, it is quite minimal. But the lack of size is compensated by the high level of detail in all of the carvings in the temple.

12. Terrace of the Leper King

9 km from city center 12 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

The Terrace of the Leper King is situated in Siem Reap, on the northwest corner of Angkor Thom. The terrace is home to a 360 m long sandstone wall that beholds intricate historic carvings of demons and dragons. The terrace is named after a statue of the ‘Leper King’ that was originally found in the middle of the terrace during excavation, and currently stands in the National Museum. A replica of the same is perched on the terrace.

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13. Trip To Phnom Kulen National Park

45 km from city center 13 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Phnom Kulen National Park is a revered site in Cambodia that houses the Kulen Mountain. About 90 minutes from the city, Phnom Kulen was the capital of the earliest Khmer Empire. It houses some temple ruins and sculptures, but most of the area remains untouched. You can walk around, visit the 20 small temples, and enjoy swimming in the waterfalls.

14. Ta Keo Temple

9 km from city center 14 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Part of Siem Reap’s historic Angkor Archaeological Park, Ta Keo is a massive unfinished temple-mountain built by Khmer ruler Jayavarman V. It is located just east of Angkor Thom near the temple of Ta Prohm. The shrine within the central spire is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Several lingams and statues of other Hindu deities were found in the sanctuary champers within the towers.

15. Visit Terrace of the Elephants

9 km from city center 15 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

The Terrace of the Elephants is a part of the walled city of Angkor Thom within the Angkor Archaeological Park. It is a raised platform once used by Khmer King Jayavarman VII to view grand ceremonies, public functions, or the parades of his victorious armies. The corridor gets its name from the many carvings of elephants and their mahouts on the eastern side.

16. Handicrafts Shopping At Made in Cambodia Market

2 km from city center 16 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Located at the corner of Achar Sva Street and Street 27, Made in Cambodia Market is an open-air handicrafts market featuring local artisans and designers. You can shop for things like silk/cotton scarves, lip balm, handmade dolls, ceramic mugs, spices, and postcards. There are free live traditional dance shows or live acoustic music during the weekends from 6:00 PM onwards.

17. Visit Banteay Samre Temple

15 km from city center 17 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Banteay Samre is an Angkorian temple located close to the East Baray off the city of Siem Reap in Cambodia. This Hindu temple is known for its elegantly carved temple towers, bas-reliefs, the interior moat comprising of beautiful statues, and the views of the structure in the sunset.

18. Try the Street Food

1 km from city center 18 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Sample a wide range of Cambodian delicacies along the streets of Siem Reap. Cow brain soup is a specialty served in a few shops along the riverside. Lort Cha, a type of fried egg noodles, is another must-try dish, and so are sticky bamboo rice and a variety of sandwiches known as the Num Pang. Pho Langka Market is one of the best places to sample the local cuisine.

19. East Mebon Temple

12 km from city center 19 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Built during the reign of Khmer King Rajendravarman II, East Mebon is a 10th-century Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It stands north of the king’s chief state temple Pre Rup on a small island in the now-dry East Baray reservoir. The temple has five towers arranged in a quincunx representing the five peaks of Mount Meru.

20. See Art Pieces At Theam’s Gallery

2 km from city center 20 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Theam's gallery is a museum home to highly appreciated Cambodian designer Lim Muy Theam. The alluring Theam's gallery showcases authentic fine art pieces and designs from medieval Khmer times. Appealing artwork from local artists and apprentices is often displayed on site, with many of them for sale.

21. Walk To Neak Poan

12 km from city center 21 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Neak Poan is a small Buddhist temple on a circular island on the banks of the Jayatataka lake, originally built as a reservoir. It was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. The location is believed to represent Anavapata, a mythical lake in the Himalayas whose waters are assumed to cure all illnesses. The temple rests in the lake's center and is reached via a footbridge.

22. Explore Bakong Temples

14 km from city center 22 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Bakong is a popular Angkorian temple mountain in the Rolous area close to Siem Reap. It is the first temple mountain or step pyramid structure of the Khmer period, dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. The largest of all the temples in Rolous, it is famous for its unique five-tier central pyramids, eight intricately carved temple towers, and bas-reliefs depicting the architectural brilliance of the Khmer period.

23. Tour Floating Villages On Tonle Sap Lake

25 km from city center 23 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

The Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia, near Siem Reap in Cambodia. Stretching from Angkor Wat to Phnom Penh. it is known for its rich ecosystem and many floating villages. You can go on a day trip from Siem Reap to some of the floating villages located on Tonle Sap, where you can see the villagers' unique life amidst a vibrant landscape.

24. Visit Cambodia Landmine Museum

22 km from city center 24 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

The Cambodia Landmine Museum and Relief Facility is in Angkor National Park near the Banteay Srey Temple complex. It displays an exclusive collection of Cambodian landmines and other weapons used during war periods, educating the importance of clearing mines in Cambodia.

25. Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre Tour

19 km from city center 25 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre (BBC) is an interactive butterfly zoo and the largest butterfly enclosure center in SE Asia. Tourists can see thousands of species of colorful butterflies belonging to Cambodia and other nearby regions on a short trip to this farm, which is worth exploring, and especially enjoyable if you are traveling with kids. Guided tours are available.

26. Enjoy Ziplining in Siem Reap

10 km from city center 26 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Enjoy a zipline canopy tour inside the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap. The four hanging bridges allow enthusiasts to explore the forest vegetation under the guidance of expert Sky Rangers. Starting at KHR 408575, the tour packages usually include a traditional Khmer meal, snacks, and a roundtrip shuttle service.

27. Koh Ker Day Trip

88 km from city center 27 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

A three-hour car ride away from Siem Reap, Koh Ker is home to the ruins of an ancient city. At Koh Ker, you can visit the pyramid temple complex of Prasat Thom and Prang. This old city is home to many temples, buildings, and other monuments and was a thriving town home to over 20,000 people.Tickets cost 10 USD for foreign tourists, while guides are an additional 5 USD.

28. Kampong Phluk Floating Village

17 km from city center 28 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Kampong Phluk is one of the floating villages on Tonle Sap, the largest lake in Southeast Asia. Located about 30 km from Siem Reap, visiting Kampong Phluk is one of the popular day trip options for tourists visiting Cambodia to experience the unique life of locals and rural Cambodia.

29. Tour Cambodia War Museum

3 km from city center 29 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Housing a number of equipment, possessions, memorabilia, arms, and weapons, War Museum Cambodia is the country's largest museum dedicated to war exhibits. The artifacts belong to the era of Khmer rule and conflicting times in Kampuchea, along with an extensive evidence collection of bombs, landmines, tanks, guns, and bullets from the cold war era.

30. Shopping At Psar Chas

2 km from city center 30 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Psar Chas or Psar Chaa is a local market in Siem Reap for shopping for plenty of cheap souvenirs, clothes, and delicious street food. There are more than 300 shops selling souvenirs including sculpted wood, colorful postcards, silverware, silk fabrics, stone carvings, Cambodian handicrafts, textiles, and handmade products like bags, jewelry, and purses.

31. Enjoy a Spa Therapy

1 km from city center 31 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Spas at Siem Reap offer traditional massages using local ingredients. Resorts such as Borei Angkor Resort and Spa provide massage services to residents and walk-in clients. Le Meridien Angkor Spa, Frangipani Spa, Bodia Spa, and Khmer Relief Spa are other well-reviewed standalone spas. Siem Reap also offers fish spas, where small fish nibble dead skin cells off your feet.

32. Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum

4 km from city center 32 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum is a well-maintained joint effort with the Japanese government to retain and restore the rich cultural heritage of the Angkor period. The Hindu and Buddha treasures found during archaeological excavations are well-preserved and kept on an elaborate display at this divine museum.

33. Go on a Local Village Tour

1 km from city center 33 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Tours around Siem Reap allow tourists to experience a slice of life in the villages of Cambodia. Local village tours take you into the countryside, away from the bustle of the city. For example, you could opt for an ox-cart ride and watch farmers working in the paddy fields. Some operators offer paddy field tours as well as visits to local schools. Village Tours often include visits to the Artizans d’Angkor Silk Farm.

34. Take a Cooking Class

1 km from city center 34 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Siem Reap hosts multiple cookery classes, teaching tourists to cook local delicacies with local ingredients. Countryside Cooking Class on the outskirts and Lily’s Secret Garden Cooking Class near Siem Reap center teach tourists to cook with local flavors, while Le Tigre de Papier is in the center of the town and Champey Cooking Class offers market tours along with cooking and tasting.

35. Enroll in a Pottery Class

1 km from city center 35 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

The Khmer Ceramics and Fine Arts Centre offers visitors pottery classes, where an expert demonstrates using the pottery wheel. Visitors can then make their own bowls and then create designs on their bowls using proper carving tools. These bowls can be picked up after a week and returned as souvenirs. Classes start around KHR 103236 per person for 1.5 hours.

36. Hike To Kbal Spean

65 km from city center 36 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Kbal Spean is an ancient Angkorian site in Cambodia, found in the Phnom Kulen National Park in Banteay Srei. Stretching for more than 150 meters, Kbal Spean runs under the Stung Kbal Spean river. Popularly known as the River of Thousand Lingas, it is an intricately carved river bed with more than 1000 Lingas, depictions of the Hindu God Shiva, and sculptures of other Gods. It was built in the 11th century.

37. See Papier Mâché Sculptures At Jayav Art

3 km from city center 37 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Curated by a well-known French creator Philippe Brousseau, Jayav Art is a modern art gallery and shop exclusively popular for working with papier mâché sculptures and items. They display several other artworks of lacquered wood, terra cotta, stone, etc., for sale with elusive masterpieces.

38. Visit McDermott Gallery

2 km from city center 38 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Established by the well-known fine art photographer John McDermott, this photography gallery primarily displays the exclusive work of John McDermott in capturing the beauty of Angkor. Although filled with subtle colors, the gallery follows an elegant black-and-white theme to feature all the photography graciously.

39. Experience ArtBox Trick Art Museum

2 km from city center 39 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

The ArtBox Trick Art Museum is a fun interactive art museum with beautiful art murals and live artwork. The museum has become a significant visitor photo shoot spot because of its embellished art decor. It houses a massive collection of photographs, entertaining 3D art, and huge landmark paintings to admire.

40. Ride a Quad Bike

1 km from city center 40 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Quad bike rides through Siem Reap take tourists through villages and paddy fields, allowing for much more profound interaction with local communities. Quad bike tours include visits to Buddhist monasteries, as well as a temple even older than the famous Angkor Wat. Quads let tourists go off the beaten track and explore the region, which is a fun experience. Operators offer short one-hour rides as well as longer multi-hour rides.

41. Sit By Siem Reap River

41 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

The Siem Reap River flows through Siem Reap Province and is a part of the Mekong River, the largest river in Asia that passes through many countries flowing through cities and towns. If exploring Siem Reap beyond temples is your idea, a short getaway to the river is one of the must-do things to experience rich nature consisting of dense forests and wildlife.

42. Prasat Beng Mealea Day Tour

43 km from city center 42 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

The Beng Mealea temple is a 1.5-hour car ride away from Siem Reap, and entry to the temple complex costs 5 USD per person. Prasat Beng Mealea is surrounded by a massive moat, and while most of the temple has collapsed, there are multiple carvings on the walls, such as one depiction of the myth of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk.

43. Watch Apsara Show At Siem Reap Art Center Market

2 km from city center 43 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Situated on the banks of the river and close to all popular hotels, Siem Reap Art Centre Market has stalls with handicraft items, clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, jewelry, paintings, and artwork. The traditional dance show, Apsara, is hosted daily at 8:00 PM. There are also some food stalls around.

44. Souvenir Shoppin At BB Angkor Market

2 km from city center 44 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

BB Angkor Market is a common market selling accessories, clothing, bags, silverware, carvings, and souvenirs. It has some restaurants and bars that start after 8 pm serving a nice collection of beer, wine, and drinks, BBQ places with delicious food, and live karaoke places.

45. Take a Cycling Tour

1 km from city center 45 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

A cycling tour through Siem Reap is a great way to experience the countryside and explore otherwise unreachable parts of the region. Cycling tours pass through the quiet and green countryside and often include trails through the ruins of the ancient Angkor kingdom. Some tours also explore the villages around Siem Reap.

46. See Giant Fig Treet At Ta Son Temple

13 km from city center 46 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

The temple of Ta Som is a small structure located in Angkor Thom, Siem Reap. It was built at the end of the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII. It has undergone minimum restoration and beholds a single shrine which is believed to be in the honor of Jayavarman’s father. The highlight of this location is the gigantic strangler fig tree, taking over the east gate.

47. Explore Ta Nei Temple

10 km from city center 47 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Ta Nei Temple is off the beaten track, near the northwest corner of East Baray. It was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman and dedicated to Buddha. It is believed by archaeologists that the area was once densely populated under the Khmer empire. Currently, the temple is in a deep undisturbed forest, accessible by car or tuk-tuk. It gives a rare chance to explore temple ruins undisturbed since it is rarely visited by tourists.

48. Trek To Phnom Bok Temple

19 km from city center 48 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Phnom Bok Temple is located about 30 kilometers from Siem Reap. The temple is on the top of the Bok mountain and gives a chance to behold the panoramic view of lakes, cities, and fields beneath you. It’s a trekking spot in the city that tourists rarely trot.

49. Bird Watching At Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary

49 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is located at Prek Toal near Tonle Sap, the largest lake in South East Asia. Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is one of the three biosphere areas reserved for bird watching. You can opt for a guided boat trip, which will take you through the rich forests secluded amidst Tonle Sao.

50. Swimming At Phnom Kulen Waterfall

45 km from city center 50 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Phnom Kulen is one of the largest waterfalls in Cambodia, located in the Phnom Kulen National Park. It has two levels that submerge into a pool, where you can swim. The grounds of this national park are known to hold ancient history, along with a reclining Buddha statue. The waterfall is delineated by large trees and rocks and thus promotes a feeling of a secluded cove.

51. Noon Night Market

2 km from city center 51 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

Located close to the Angkor Night Market at Night Market Street, Noon Night Market houses a collection of handicraft items, souvenirs, paintings, etc. As you enter, the market pathway is embellished with lights and fans to help beat the heat, and the restaurants serve authentic Khmer food and local delicacies.

52. MGC Asian Traditional Textiles Museum

52 out of 52 Things To Do in Siem Reap

This wonderful textile museum is located close to the ticketing centre of Angkor Wat. It is home to various traditional and modern fabric artwork, costumes from earlier decades, textiles, and cloth masterpieces. The museum displays fashion from over 6 Asian countries depicting a cultural fusion between the two beautiful rivers, Ganga and Mekong.

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Is Siem Reap, Cambodia A Tourist Trap?

Is the vibrant city of Siem Reap, the gateway to the ancient temples of Angor, a Cambodian version of a tourist trap or something more? The answer is yes…

Is Siem Reap, Cambodia A Tourist Trap? – A Photo Essay

There is no doubt that there are “tourist trap” elements to Siem Reap (a place that attracts or exploits tourists). How could it not be as the gateway to the ancient Khmer capital city of Angkor, which attracts millions of tourists each year?

Yes, the city feels a bit “touristy” especially at night. There are people hawking worthless trinkets and knock-off luxury goods, massage parlors left and right, restaurants and bars with picture menus and eager folks trying to drag you in, and of course crowds.

But there’s a charm to the city as well.

And let me recommend the massages…$5-10/hour and generally excellent ( with no adverse effects ). Do try the fish pedicures…

In fact, there were even two solid massage places across the street from the Park Hyatt that were $10/hour a decade ago during my first visit to the Park Hyatt shortly after it opened …and still $10/hour now.

And the Middle Eastern food . And the Mexican food . Coffee too . I found a great gelato shop called Gelato Lab .

Yeah, it’s certainly a bit tawdry, but there’s still a charm to Siem Reap and it’s a fun place to spend a couple of days. I look forward to taking my family here when the kids get old enough to explore Angkor. It’s worth a visit.

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About author.

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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45 comments.

Siem Reap is what one makes of it. I have been twice, spent my time at Angkor Wat and other temples. I didn’t find it to be a tourist trap.

Can’t one find it a tourist trap and still love it? (my experience)

A tourist is lucky if he escapes with merely a heat rash .

He agreed with you.

Sure. I don’t see why not. Different folks will have different experiences and perceptions. I never found Siem Reap to be a tourist trap. If others do that’s fine, and of course they may also love it.

I was just here a few days ago. Just don’t go to pub street if you want to avoid tourist traps. Check TripAdvisor and google reviews for good hotels, restaurants, massages. Use the Grab for set prices on transportation which is super cheap. Easy to avoid tourist traps. We had an incredible time and will return.

Well, you went to Cambodia and had Middle Eastern food, Mexican food, and gelato…no posts on the local food you had?

To be fair, it does seem to have a nice mix of things catering to local and foreign tastes.

Cambodian food is pretty great.

I’m not too fond of Cambodian food…

But I love that the ex-pats that have moved in and have brought their culinary traditions from around the world.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat. Just you and 4000 cruise ship passengers and Instagram cheese heads packed into one small spot with selfie sticks. Yes, it’s a nightmare tourist destination. As is anywhere UNESCO puts its seal of approval on. The best way to travel now is to plan trips that avoid UNESCO World Heritage sites. Especially within a few hours of cruise ports. Run….away.

@Antwerp … +1 . Better destination would be Alaska wilderness , rather than a seedy Tijuana . Also 100% American , without a commie in sight .

Hint: there’s not a cruise port for hundreds of miles. You obviously are thinking of somewhere else.

If you want to go when there are fewer people, go in the middle of the summer during the afternoon. Nothing says fun like half an inch of rain during the day, 95% humidity when it’s not raining, and 100+ degrees.

They bus them in for an excursion. Trust me. There are thousands often from cruises. Arrive at 5AM and the buses will be lined up down the entrance road.

A city/country labeled as a tourist trap would not deter me from visiting. What I avoid are cities where junk fees are prevalent. You’re not forced to buy junk souvenirs but you’re forced to pay resort fees. Yes, I would love to visit Cambodia.

A lot of Asian tourist traps are fun. What is Hoi An, Luang Prabang, Kao Sanh Rd, Phuket, Kuta, Langkawi? They’re places that have basically changed 100% from what made them famous, but still compared to other parts of the world they remain a good value with exotic food… So who cares? I’d take an Asian tourist trap over somewhere like Tulum or Hollywood Blvd any day of the week.

… and a never-ending variety of tropical diseases .

At least the healthcare is cheap if you get infected.

Better to spend the big bucks at a legitimate hospital in Singapore or Japan .

It reminds me of Phuket in Thailand. Now, you can always avoid that area that is definitely a tourist trap and go off the beaten path and look for other things. Anyway, everywhere now you will find tourist traps. It is just how things are with lots of people selling fake stuff made in China and trying to make money some way of the stupid people that try to take selfie and post on Instagram. Go to Venice and you will find tourist traps close to San Marco square. Go to New York and tell me if Times Square is not the biggest tourist trap in the world? Have you see that almost next to the Arch of Triumph in Paris you now have a gigantic Five Guys restaurant? Walk around that place and you feel you are anywhere but in France. But fortunately, if you are a but smart you can skip those things and have a great time enjoying the place as a local. For example, I had an amazing time at San Marco square in Venice at 6am when all the scammers were still sleeping. You can make your own experience.

@Santastico … saw you feeding the flocks of pigeons .

I hired a driver for the day. After the first 2 temples, I was already bored. Park Hyatt SR wasn’t that nice. Took the next flight out to Singapore.

Are they legitimate massage parlors or illegitimate massage parlors? Nothing worse than being in a Southeast Asia (and Mexico too) as a single male only for every local hawker to assume you’re there for sex tourism.

I had taxi/pedicab drivers ask me if I wanted “boom boom” but all the massage parlors in the middle of the city looked legit to me (full of people) and the two I went to certainly were.

C’mon Matthew! I have been to Asia hundreds of times and even at top 5 star hotels the massage would almost always turn into a conversation about something else. I don’t recall many times where it was just a “legit” massage. The difference was probably on how fast the massage would take a turn. In the massage parlors on the streets it would turn quickly while at the 5 star hotels it would take much longer. I had times where the masseuse at a 5 star hotel would propose something later when she was off duty because she could not do anything there.

Now on another topic “Do try the fish pedicures…” Are you serious? Have you ever read about how dangerous that can be due to poor sanitary conditions of the place? It is the last thing I would ever do on the streets of an Asian city.

Regarding your massage parlors in 5-star hotels that’s not been my experience at all. I was also in massage parlors in Pattaya, Thailand in which that has not been my experience. I guess you give out certain vibes where such conversations occur fairly quickly.

You have to take much of what he says with a mountain of salt.

@Lukas … It is not the number of stars of the hotel . It is the economic condition of the country . Any sort of steam bath , massage , uncooked food , or swimming pool in any broken impoverished country , is just asking for contamination and disease . Assumption of risk , my friend .

@Santastico, I’m not sure Lucas right and you send out different vibes, but that has also not been my experience. Maybe you’re just too good-looking! 😉

As I pointed out in the KL massage story, it’s pretty easy to spot a legit massage parlor from a brothel. Girls whistling for you as you walk by? Stay away! I’ve never been offered extra service at a fancy hotel and the places I pictured above in Siem Reap were all 100% professional…no extras offered and not even a hint of them. And the one across the street from the hotel was a private room, so it certainly could have happened, but it did not.

@Matthew: Let me clarify my statement. There was never a clear offer for sex at 5 start hotels but a subtle hint if a “happy ending” was OK in exchange for some cash. That was my experience at hotels like Peninsula in Manila, Mulia in Jakarta, Shangri-la in Bangkok and others in Ho Chi Minh. In some cases, a “no” to a happy ending would lead to a conversation about going out after she was off duty. I was never interested so not sure how that worked. Also, in many of the hotels above you would see sex workers dressed up nicely and sitting in the lobby just waiting for clients. Yes, there are legit places for sure but more often than not you will get a hint to see if you are willing to go the extra mile.

@Santastico … +1 . The good ladies in traditional middle-class cultures do not become massage girls anywhere . The good ladies in broken impoverished cultures are lured into becoming massage girls for income , and it is a downhill slope from there .

It would be safer to assume that nothing is sanitary anywhere in a broken impoverished culture , including in any massage room , regardless of the hotel .

The xenophobia is strong in this one.

Alert, in Thailand very good daughters fall into this business to support their families, especially those with younger siblings. The irony is in Thailand those same daughters will inherit any property before the sons. Also the work allows income to provide those same women higher education. You need to see it to understand it.

DO NOT try the fish pedicures!!! Just imagine all other very gross, sweaty people sticking their nasty feet into the water and you are voluntarily putting your delicate feet into the same water. Absolutely disgusting and when you think about it that way, you’ll never have the fish pedicure ever again.

It is rare but it happens. I would not try this myself. Absolutely unnecessary risk.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/fish-pedicures-this-trend-is-more-than-a-little-fishy

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6163115/Woman-five-toes-amputated-catching-infection-FISH-SPA.html

@Lukas … How about swimming in a 5-star swimming poor which is filled with the river water ? I read a medical history in the Annals whereupon a man went on a trip around the world , and caught one species of parasite worm in Asia , and another species in the Middle East , and he ended up getting nearly 20 heavy-duty treatments in N.Y. to rid himself . Took a long time and many consultations for an accurate diagnosis as well .

You will get manufactured tourist traps in the closest city to any UNESCO site in the world so of course it’s a tourist trap. If you don’t want to get trapped, don’t go looking for cheese. Siem is a big city with lots to do & explore after you have done your obligatory Ankor tour.

I don’t put my feet anywhere weird and unless I have open wounds on them I have and will continue to do the fish massages. The only reason they’re not legal in the USA is because health departments require that the fish not be used for more than one person, which makes it cost prohibitive.

I just don’t see the problem either…I like them.

Looking forward to returning to Siem Reap. But only for a luxury Indochine experience at Raffles. 3 nights and I plan not to leave property. Full stop.

When you were there last time and the Raffles folks were on strike, did you visit Angkor Wat and other places in Angkor?

About 20 years ago for the debacle strike. It was impulsive want when I was already in Thailand. A corporate decision was quickly made to close the hotel after rioters and threats against the hotel were voiced. If I had been aware, I would have postponed the trip. But looking forward, I’ve decided to try once again. And hey I’ve still have the lovely linen dresses that still fit! All I want is the not sweet Sling, a translation of Cambodian Customs, the high tea and maybe one tasting dinner. Thank you Matthew for the inspiring trip report!

I haven’t been for 20 years but loved siem reap then.

I’m heading back there in December this year with my 3 kids. I haven’t booked any accommodation yet. Thinking of the FCC.

Needed to use some krisflyer miles that were expiring. So hard to find saver flights these days. Got two saver PE and 3 advantage business from Auckland to Phnom Penh. Bye bye points stash!

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Essential Vietnam and Cambodia Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap (2025)

Booking needs min. 2 travelers

• Fully Guided
• Sightseeing

• Explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels
• Cruise the Mekong on the RV Apsara
• Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
• Discover silk weaving on Silk Island
• Tour the ancient Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom
• Introduction
• Day 1 Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 3 Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Embark Ship, Cai Be
• Day 4 Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau
• Day 5 Tan Chau, Cambodia Border Crossing, Phnom Penh
• Day 6 Phnom Penh
• Day 7 Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh
• Day 8 Phnom Penh, Oknha Tey, Angkor Ban
• Day 9 Angkor Ban, Koh Pen, Kampong Cham
• Day 10 Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap
• Day 11 Siem Reap
• Day 12 Depart Siem Reap

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As a traveller from USA, Canada you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, G. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types A, B, C, E, F. As a traveller from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B, C, E, F, G.

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