Best 8 Things to Do in Siem Reap: Know Before You Go

Unveil Siem Reap’s Magic Beyond Angkor Wat ! Siem Reap offers vibrant culture, floating villages, & ethical elephant encounters. Siem Reap also has much more to offer and plenty to see, so it’s well worth taking tours to explore and appreciate this beautiful town and the area. With this in mind, here are some recommendations for things to do in Siem Reap:

1. Visit the Angkor Archaeological Park

• With more than 70 ancient temples and hundreds of ruins dotted throughout this vast jungle and rural landscape, it can be difficult to choose which to visit. For access to all the temples in the park, you must buy a pass first; there are a few options: a 1-day pass, a 3-day pass (valid for 10 days), or a 7-day pass (valid for one month). Many visitors opt for the 3-day pass and visit the temples every other day, allowing time to check out the city scene and explore other attractions. With so much to see, it can be useful to do a private tour of Siem Reap and choose one of the circuits offered.
• The Small Circuit is a tour route taking in the key temples around the central area of the Angkor Archaeological Park, including the world-famous Angkor Wat. This tour is perfect for those with a 1-day pass.
• The Grand Circuit is for those with a multi-day pass who wish to continue exploring the temples outside the central area and going farther afield.

2. Angkor Wat

No visit to Siem Reap would be complete without seeing the majesty of Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is one of the best things to do in Cambodia. Many tourists aim to arrive at sunrise to catch their first glimpse of this breathtaking and towering temple, often fighting through crowds to get the perfect photo of this stunning sight. Once across the moat and into the grounds, you will be met with a sense of awe as you marvel at this temple’s grandeur and ancient architecture as you walk its long, intricately decorated corridors to explore its many chambers and courtyards and climb its magnificent towers. Angkor Wat is adorned with intricately carved bas reliefs and statues that are utterly mesmerizing. The temple not only has religious meaning and a deep sense of spirituality, but it also takes you a giant step back in time to the world of the once-mighty Khmer Empire.

3.Ta Prohm

This temple has almost been reclaimed by jungle; the growth of these enormous trees and root systems adds a shadowy mystery that shrouds this stunning temple. Exploring this Ta Prohm is so much fun and a firm favorite with visitors, especially as it has claimed Hollywood fame, having been used as the location in the film Tomb Raider.

4. Bayon

Located at the center of Angkor Thom (a once-ancient city), is the temple of Bayon. Its towers are decorated with no less than 216 giant sculpted faces, smiling enigmatically out in every direction. It is worth having a siem reap guide here to explain the detailed stories carved into the outer walls, screaming tales of war, historical events, and incredible scenes of the daily life of the time.

These are just a few of the main temples to give you an idea of the magnitude of the place and possibly help with planning your itinerary. Exploring the temples can be exhaustive in the heat, so for rest days in between, here are some recommendations for things to do in and around Siem Reap.

5. Take a boat trip to the floating villages.

Journey by boat into a completely different world and observe the unique way of life at the floating villages on the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. This truly is a one-off adventure where you will explore water channels flanked by incredibly high stilted houses (that protect from the rising waters in monsoon) out to colorful floating homes. It is a real hub of activity, as fishermen are hard at work on their farms and boats. You will learn how the locals live and their livelihood while seeing the stunning wild life of the lake and its enchanting floating forests. On your trip, you may opt to canoe through the mangroves, visit a crocodile farm, dine on culinary delights at a floating restaurant, and witness the pink hues of the stunning Cambodian sunset as you return. This is a trip that memories are made of!

6. Visit Kulen Mountain Waterfalls.

Less than a two-hour drive from Siem Reap is Kulen National Park, home to the sacred Kulen Mountain and the giant, leaning golden Buddha carved into the rock at the pagoda. You can swim at the foot of its beautiful waterfalls, trek through its lush jungle to see the 1000 lingas on the river, and discover hidden ruins along the way. It is USD 20 for the day, excluding transport. It can be busy at weekends and holidays, as Cambodians like to come here to relax, paddle in its sacred waters, visit the small market, and sample the local street vendors’ delights.

7. Things to see and do Besides the temples

Siem Reap’s tapestry of experiences extends far beyond the temples, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of Cambodia. So, step off the beaten path, embrace the unexpected, and discover the hidden gems that await you in the countryside and captivating city

A. Learn about the APOPO Landmine Rat Heroes

Yes, you read it right! These hero rats are highly sensitive and almost blind African pouched rats. They are trained by APOPO (Anti-Personnel Landmines Detection Product Development) to sniff explosives detected in land mines. Cambodia still has an estimated 4-6 million unexploded mines, meaning the work of APOPO is vital to mine clearance. The visitor center gives us a chance to meet the rats, to see them in training, and to get background and information on the valuable work of APOPO.

B. Kulen Elephant Sanctuary

If you have never encountered an elephant or are simply a fan of these gentle giants, this is an amazing opportunity to get up close and personal with them at Kulen Mountain Elephant Sanctuary. It is on a 400-hectare piece of land and home to these beautiful creatures, now thankfully retired from working in the tourist industry. They were born into captivity, meaning they cannot be released into the wild. Here you will have the opportunity to interact with them in this natural environment, spend time walking alongside them, learn how to feed and bathe them, and so much more. About one hour from Siem Reap, half-day trips are available for this truly wonderful and moving experience.

C. Explore the Markets

 

Many of us love a good market, and there are plenty to choose from in Siem Reap. The locals are well acquainted with tourists looking for a bargain and searching for that special souvenir. Central Market and Angkor Night Market are the most popular and a treasure trove of local produce, clothes, and local crafts, right in the heart of Siem Reap and close to Pub Street. For a really authentic experience, visit the Phsar Leu Thom Thney market on Road 6, a vast market several blocks long where the locals shop for literally everything! It is a treat for the senses to see the array of fresh produce and smell the variety of food wafting through the air as you lose yourself in the maze of assorted stalls and vendors.

D. The Phare, Cambodian Circus

One of the coolest things to do in Siem Reap is to spend an evening under the big top of the impressive Phare Circus. This circus is not only highly entertaining but also a unique form of Cambodian storytelling, employing the incredible skills of its highly trained performers. Prepare to be dazzled by their Cirque-du-Soleil style show, packed with nail-biting acts using tightropes, aerial ballet, dangerous acrobatics, contortion, mime, balancing acts, fire dancing, live music, drama, and comedy. Also an NGO, the organization offers poor children the opportunity to train in the performing arts. It is a perfect way to spend a fun-filled evening relaxing after a day at the temples.

E.Meet for drinks on Pub Street

Pub Street, in the heart of town and close to the night market and river, is the social hub of Siem Reap. This bustling area vibrates with energy bubbling from its many cool bars, clubs, and restaurants that offer a diverse range of international and Cambodian cuisines. Quiet by day, Pub Street ramps it up a few gears by evening, making it one of the best places in Siem Reap for experiencing Cambodian nightlife, so whether you just want to meet for sundown drinks or dance the night away, the choice is yours!

F.Take a cooking class

For a unique and immersive experience, one of the best things to do in Siem Reap is to take a cooking class, which is a great way to learn about the local culture and cuisine. There are several classes to choose from, with some involving a trip to the market to learn about the produce and load up with your ingredients, offering a chance to chat with local vendors. You will learn about the flavor profiles and spices of popular Cambodian dishes like Fish Amok or Tom Yum, and we look forward to tasting your efforts at the end of the lesson.

G.To See Sugar Palm Village

If you have more time to spend in Siem Reap, there are a plethora of things to see and do aside from the temples, including:

• Go on a village tour to learn about the Cambodian people’s everyday life
• Visit the National Museum, which houses an outstanding collection of ancient Khmer artifacts and a chance to learn more about Khmer culture and art history.
• Visit the Landmine Museum, where you will learn first-hand from survivors about these deadly weapons and Cambodia’s dark past during the Khmer Rouge years.
• The Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium.
• Take a class in traditional pottery.
• Take an Ammo jewelry-making class, where they turn once-fired, recycled brass cartridges into stunning pieces of jewelry.
• Visit the lotus farms and learn about these amazing flowers and their uses, from making silk to lotus tea.
• Stroll around the Botanical Gardens and enjoy the abundance and variety of its tropical flora.
• Treat yourself to a spa treatment and massage in one of Siem Reap’s luxury spas.

H. Experiences Ox Cart

Seeking an authentic and unforgettable experience in Cambodia? Look beyond the temples and hop on an ox cart for a journey into the heart of the countryside. An ox cart tour in Siem Reap is more than just a sightseeing excursion; it is a chance to connect with the heart and soul of Cambodia. It is about stepping back in time, immersing yourself in a simpler way of life, and appreciating the beauty and resilience of rural communities. Spending time on a tour of the countryside with an Ox Card will provide you with experiences that you will never forget.

I. Village Tour  with Interacting with Locals

Immersing yourself in the vibrant tapestry of village life and witnessing firsthand the dedication of Cambodian farmers is a truly enriching experience. While Siem Reap is renowned for its awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temples, venturing beyond the ancient stones unlocks a treasure trove of cultural gems. Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect on a village tour to see plantations in Siem Reap, Cambodia:

9.Other cool things to Do in Siem Reap

• Angkor Zipline Adventure: Fly over Angkor’s lush rainforest and soar through the treetops in this thrilling adventure.
• Quad Biking: Be taken off-road and through the unspoiled countryside, paddy fields, and hidden temples, and experience life in rural communities on this exhilarating adventure.
• The Wake Park: Cambodia’s only Wake Park is in Siem Reap. Catering to wakeboarders and visitors alike, it boasts its very own beach area, luxurious outdoor lounge areas, a playground, and a bar and restaurant.
• Angkor Golf Resort: Only 10 minutes from town, play on the superb, award-winning 18-hole course designed by none other than golfing legend Nick Faldo.
• Angkor Wat Putt: This is a fantastically designed 14-hole mini golf course and one of the loveliest Siem Reap Attractions. Each hole is a mini replica of the famous Angkor Wat temples, including Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. This makes for a fun half-day in the lush countryside on the outskirts of town.

Final Thoughts

Rain Angkor Tour is famous for its proximity to the world-famous temples of Angkor, but it offers so much more than meets the eye. There are many things to do in Siem Reap, and often tourists wish they had more time in this welcoming and laid-back city.  Of course, seeing Angkor Wat is the main event for many visitors, who leave all too quickly, wishing they had more time to relax, soak up the atmosphere in Siem Reap, and visit its many attractions. If your time is limited, it is often advisable to use a private guide who will not only be able to help tailor an itinerary for you in advance of your arrival but will also assist with pre-booking events and attractions you may have an interest in . You may email or make inquiries at