Things to do while you are planning to visit Siem Reap

Siem Reap is the gateway to Cambodia’s world-famous Angkor temples, but there’s much more to explore beyond Angkor Wat. Here are the top things to do in Siem Reap for an unforgettable experience:

1. Explore Angkor Wat and the Angkor Temples

• Witness the stunning sunrise at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.
• Visit the Bayon Temple, famous for its 200 smiling stone faces.
• Explore Ta Prohm, the “Tomb Raider Temple,” where massive tree roots embrace the ruins.
• Take a day to visit Banteay Srei, known for its intricate pink sandstone carvings.

2. Discover the Floating Villages on Tonle Sap Lake

• Take a boat tour to Kampong Phluk or Chong Kneas to see houses on stilts and experience life on the water.
• Learn about local fishing communities and enjoy a sunset boat ride.

3. Experience Cambodian Culture and History

• Watch the Apsara Dance Show, a traditional Khmer performance.
• Visit the Angkor National Museum to learn about the history of the Angkor Empire.
• Explore the War Museum Cambodia and the Cambodia Landmine Museum for a deeper understanding of the country’s past.

4. Enjoy Pub Street and the Nightlife

• Pub Street is the heart of Siem Reap’s nightlife, filled with bars, restaurants, and live music.
• Try a cocktail at one of the rooftop bars or enjoy a street food tour.

5. Shop at Night Markets and Old Market (Phsar Chas)

• Find unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and silk products at the Angkor Night Market or Made in Cambodia Market.
• Bargain for clothes, jewelry, and local snacks at Old Market (Phsar Chas).

6. Visit Phnom Kulen National Park

• Hike through the jungle to see the 1000 Lingas River and the sacred Reclining Buddha.
• Take a dip in the refreshing Phnom Kulen Waterfalls.

7. Explore the Countryside by Quad Bike or Bicycle

• Ride through rice paddies, small villages, and scenic landscapes on an ATV or bicycle tour.
• Interact with locals and experience rural Cambodian life.

8. Try Cambodian Cuisine

• Taste local dishes like Fish Amok, Beef Lok Lak, and Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles).
• Visit local restaurants such as Haven, Marum, or The Sugar Palm for authentic Cambodian food.

9. Relax with a Traditional Khmer Massage

• Unwind with a Khmer-style massage at one of the many spas in Siem Reap.
• Try a fish spa on Pub Street for a unique experience.

10. Visit the Artisans of Angkor and Silk Farms

• See traditional Khmer craftsmanship at Artisans Angkor, where locals make sculptures, silk products, and paintings.
• Tour the Angkor Silk Farm to learn about Cambodia’s silk-making process.