Siem Reap, Cambodia, is a place like no other. It is full of history, amazing architecture, and a wide range of modern activities.
Siem Reap is the second-largest city in Cambodia and is home to many of the country's best tourist attractions. It has a wide range of museums, beautiful temples, and busy street markets with tasty foods and interesting souvenirs.
But it also has a lot of strange things to see and do, like intricate dioramas, cutting-edge art galleries, and cultural performances that are unlike anything else.
There are lots of things to do in Siem Reap, whether you want to see the remains of ancient civilizations, try the local food, or learn how to make your own unique things.
Get ready for the most exciting adventure of your life!
1 – Visit Angkor Wat at sunrise
The Angkor temples are a great reason to visit Siem Reap and Cambodia in general. They are probably the most famous landmarks in both places.
But it's even more beautiful to see them at sunrise.
The early morning light really shows off Angkor Wat, the most famous building in the whole complex.
With the help of a local guide who knows the area well, you can explore the temple's complicated ruins and watch the sun rise over the beautiful places of worship.
Then, spend the rest of the morning wandering through the ruins and visiting the other nearby buildings while listening to stories about the old Khmer Empire.
It's a fun way to see one of the best sights in the city.
2: Go on the small Angkor circuit
Because Angkor is so big and has so many things to do, it can be hard to know where to begin your tour.
Take a trip around the Small Circuit if you don't have much time but still want to see the best parts of the temple complex.
This path goes by all of the most famous temples, including Angkor Wat, and can be done in a single day.
Rent a tuk-tuk from a local and start your trip. Along the way, you'll see places like Phenom Bakheng, Ta Prohm, and the Terrace of the Elephants.
It's a great way to get a feel for the complex if you only have a short amount of time, but it can also be a good place to start if you'll be in the area for a few days.
3: Learn more about Angkor with the grand circuit
If you have a lot of time in Siem Reap and want to see everything about the Angkor site, you might want to sign up for the Grand Circuit tour.
With 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day tickets, you can change the schedule to fit your interests and pace.
You'll get to see all of the sights on the Small Circuit, and you'll have more time to get to know these beautiful places inside and out.
You'll also get to see the other temples in this amazing complex, such as Preah Khan, Ta Som, and Srah Srang.
Keep an eye out for beautiful statues and carvings, as well as the striking features of each temple, as you travel.
From the time the sun comes up until it goes down, you'll be in a beautiful world.
4. Go on a tour of the food
All this history might make you hungry, so why not try a food tour?
Cambodian food has a lot to offer travelers who aren't afraid to try new things. It has been shaped by many different cultures over the past few thousand years.
With the help of a guide, you can try all the tasty foods of the country.
As you try some of the best foods the city has to offer, you can learn more about their history and how they are made.
Take a tour of a night market to see how lively and busy it is and to try lots of different foods.
The fruit market, street food carts, and even places that sell fried insects are also possible stops.
Get your walking shoes and taste buds ready, because this is going to be a fun time.
5 – Shop at Artisans Angkor
Artisans Angkor is a great place to go if you want to do something in Siem Reap that gives back to the community.
This group of Cambodian artists works in a wide range of mediums, such as silk painting, polychrome, stone and wood carving, fabrics, and more.
But the group's goal is also beautiful, not just the things they make.
The goal of the organization is to give people in poor communities good jobs and to help keep traditional Khmer arts alive.
With a huge list of products, every shopper can find something they like. And the best part is that you can be sure that your purchases help rural communities.
6: Take a quad tour and hit the road
Try a quad tour if you want to see the sights while getting a little bit of a rush.
Siem Reap and the area around it have a lot to offer every kind of tourist.
Explore some of the nearby villages, get up close to rice paddies, or head out into the countryside to see some beautiful sights.
Try a combo tour for a unique experience: spend the morning learning how to make real Cambodian food in a cooking class, then take a quad tour through the nearby countryside right before the sun goes down.
7: Take a look around the Made in Cambodia Market
The Made in Cambodia Market, as the name suggests, is full of crafts made by local people.
Check out their beautiful clothes, textiles, jewelry, and other items, all of which are made with the beautiful designs that Cambodia is known for.
Best of all, your purchases will help the local communities right away.
Every day from noon to 8 pm, the market is open.
8: Go to Phnom Kulen National Park and see how beautiful it is.
Phnom Kulen National Park is a beautiful place with a lot of religious significance. It is a must-see for people who love both history and nature.
It is known as the place where the Khmer empire began, and it is only two hours from Siem Reap.
It is also known for the beautiful waterfalls and the Holy Mountain, which is an important place in the Hindu and Buddhist religions.
Try a day trip from the city to see these wonders up close, and cool off in the river along the way.
As you walk through the jungle, you can see beautiful statues, pools, and more.
And don't miss the Reclining Buddha, which is Cambodia's biggest statue of this kind.
This beautiful area has both exciting things to do and quiet places to think.
9–Take a helicopter tour to see things from above.
Seeing all of these amazing places up close is great, but seeing them from above is even better.
With a helicopter tour, you can see well-known sights like floating villages, the temples of Angkor, and even the city of Siem Reap from a different angle.
Don't miss the chance to see a panorama of this beautiful area.
10: Take a vespa tour and drive around.
If you like to stay on the ground for your trips, a Vespa tour is a great way to see the streets of Siem Reap and many other nearby sights.
On an evening food tour, you can weave through the market stalls or drive around Angkor Wat to see the sunrise.
Explore temples in the middle of the jungle or take a slow ride out to the countryside to see how people live there.
Vespas are a great way to get around because they are fast and can be used in many ways.
So put on a helmet and go on an adventure!
11: See the floating village of Kampong Phluk.
Visit the nearby floating village of Kampong Phluk. This is one of the most interesting things to do in Siem Reap.
This fishing and farming village in Cambodia is known for its unique houses, which are built on tall stilts to keep them dry during the monsoon season.
You can also visit the War Museum of Cambodia, the Killing Fields, and Tonle Sap Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, which are all close to the village.
For those who want to learn more about Cambodian culture, a trip to the village is a must.
12: Take a boat tour of Tonle Sap Lake
Even though you can often combine a trip to the lake with other trips, it's a great place to visit on its own.
And a boat tour is the best way to do this, of course.
Set sail in a traditional boat and enjoy the lake's calm waters while you learn about its history and people who live there. There are also trips to rice paddies, lotus fields, and fish and crocodile farms that could be done.
Try a sunset cruise, where you can relax and watch the beautiful scenery while eating a delicious dinner.
It's a great way to get to know this beautiful body of water.
13: Learn about history at the Angkor National Museum
Don't miss the Angkor National Museum if you want to learn more about the area after your trip to Angkor.
This well-organized museum is about the Khmer Empire's Golden Age and has a large collection of artifacts from that time.
Walk through eight different galleries and look at works of art, plans for buildings, and historical documents from all over the empire's time in power.
Find out more about the ancient Khmer people's habits, stories, and leaders, and look at the interesting displays that show how they built the impressive city of Angkor.
And don't miss the 1,000 Buddha Images Gallery, which shows how Buddhism and its images have changed from the time of the Khmer to the present day.
This museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Cambodia's long history.
14 - Take a class on Khmer cooking
If you really liked some of the food on your food tour, you might want to take a Khmer cooking class to learn how to make them.
Find out how to make a variety of popular dishes, such as vegetable dishes, curries, spring rolls, and, of course, desserts.
Classes are often held in the homes of locals, which makes the experience feel even more real.
You can also combine your lesson with tours of nearby villages or markets, which is a great time to buy ingredients for new and tasty dishes.
The best part is that you can still use the recipes when you get back home.
15: Ride a Jeep to see the countryside
If you want to go exploring outside of the city, you could book a Jeep tour.
From Angkor Wat to Phnom Koulen to Ta Prohm, you'll bump and drive off-road through some really beautiful places.
Slow down and get a close look at the countryside. Since there are different kinds of Jeeps, you can choose what kind of adventure to go on.
16: Stop by the Siem Reap Art Center Night Market
The Siem Reap Art Center Night Market is a feast for the eyes and ears. It is on the east bank of the Siem Reap River.
This is the place to go to see what the local artists are up to because they have a wide range of souvenirs made by them.
The market is a great place to spend the evening because it is fun and busy and has places to eat right there.
Just get ready for some unique things to steal your heart!
17 – Explore Banteay Srei temple
Banteay Srei Temple is another great example of an ancient religious building. It is probably best known for its beautiful carvings, which show different religious symbols and ways of life at the time.
Banteay Srei Temple is another great example of an ancient religious building. It is probably best known for its beautiful carvings, which show different Hindu symbols and ideas.
The temple was first built in the 10th century. It is dedicated to the god Shiva and has a large number of designs that represent different stories.
Walk through the complex mazes of sandstone buildings and learn about the temple's history, how it's being kept in good shape, and how it's only recently been opened to the public.
Banteay Srei and its carvings are not to be missed. They are both beautiful and have a lot of history.
18 – Take a sightseeing bike tour
By bike is another great way to see the sights in the area.
Bicycle tours are great for places like Angkor, where there are a lot of miles between sights.
You can also take a slow drive on some country roads or go into the beautiful, dense rainforest.
And if you want to see farms and small towns close up, a half-day tour will give you the chance to do so.
Mix with the locals as you ride your bike through the quiet countryside.
There's a bike route for everyone, no matter what they like.
19: Take a guided walk with a local
Even though there are many great tours by car in the area, a walking tour can be a great way to really get to know Siem Reap.
And when you can book one with a local, it's even better.
With the help of an experienced guide who knows the city well, you can find out all about the area, its culture, and its unique sights.
As you walk around Siem Reap, you'll hear about lots of things to do there and find out a lot about how people live there.
On your way, you might see monasteries, shrines, street markets, and even parks full of giant bats!
There is a walking tour for everyone, from the big-name sights to the hidden gems.
20: Fly through the air in a hot air balloon
Try a hot air balloon ride if the helicopter tours leave you wanting more.
These quiet, beautiful boats give you another way to look at the world around you. They are especially useful in historic places like Siem Reap.
Fly high above the temples and art of Angkor while a knowledgeable historian explains what you're seeing.
Don't miss a balloon ride if you want to see things from a different point of view.
21: Visit the War Museum in Cambodia to pay your respects
Cambodia has a long and interesting history, but tragedies have also happened there.
You need to go to the War Museum Cambodia to learn more about the country's troubled past and how it is trying to move forward.
The museum, which opened in the middle of the city in 2001, tells about the country's brutal civil war and how it changed things.
The museum not only tells about the history of the battles, but it also has some of the real weapons that were used in the war.
See tanks, artillery guns, and planes up close, some of which date back to World War II.
Some of the smaller guns used in the war are even small enough to hold.
It also has many sad stories about the people who were hurt by the war and the people who fought on both sides.
The museum has hired former soldiers to work as tour guides. This is important because it means that when you take a tour, you will hear the story from people who were there.
One of the most important things to do in Siem Reap is to visit the museum. It is a sobering experience, but also a valuable one.
22 – Use a zip line to fly
Try zip lining if you want to see the sights around Angkor in an exciting way.
You can zoom through the trees and fly over the spires of the temples while catching glimpses of local wildlife on the different courses.
There are courses for all skill levels and lots of other fun things to do, like treehouses, sky bridges, and nature trails.
As you fly through the jungle at high speeds, you can see the beautiful monuments. You'll feel like you're in a movie about Indiana Jones.
23: Walk around Koh Ker
Koh Ker, which used to be the capital of the Khmer Empire, has a lot of interesting information about the past of the country.
If you go on a tour of the ruins, you can get a close look at the remains of this beautiful monument and a few other nearby temples that have been taken over by the jungle.
The site is probably best known for its beautiful seven-tiered pyramid, which is the only one of its kind in Southeast Asia.
It also has a lot of early innovations in art and architecture. When you take a tour, you can see where the Khmer culture came from and how it influenced other countries.
Find out about the area's history and culture, as well as the work being done to fix up buildings that have been taken over by nature for hundreds of years.
24 – Visit Beng Mealea's sights
Even though it's not as well known as the nearby Koh Ker, the Beng Mealea Temple is a beautiful and unique place all on its own.
With its moss- and vine-covered sandstone structures, this 11th-century gem is another great example of how nature and culture clash.
Learn about its history as a place of worship for Hindus as you walk around the grounds.
Keep an eye out for the carvings that show scenes from the religion's mythology, as well as two old libraries.
Even though not much is known about Beng Mealea's history, it is a very interesting place to visit and should be seen along with its more well-known neighbors.
25: Get ready to ride a horse
Want to go on a tour of the sights, but don't want to ride in one of the usual cars?
Then go on a horseback ride to see the country in style.
Outside of Siem Reap, at the Happy Ranch Horse Farm, you can go on many different trips, such as trail rides through the beautiful countryside.
They also have horse-drawn carts that can take families or people who have trouble moving around around the countryside.
Or, stop by Happy Shepherd Farm for a horseback riding lesson and then ride through a village to see rice paddies, a golden pagoda, and more.
Whether you've never been on a horse before or are a pro, this is a great way to see more of the area and enjoy the scenery.
26 – Take a motorbike tour
If you want something faster than a horse ride, you can get on a motorbike.
Motorbike tours are a great way to see a lot of places in one day because you can move quickly and turn quickly.
You'll have fun from the jungles to the cities and everywhere in between.
Don't miss the six-hour Easy Rider tour, which takes you to villages that most tourists don't go to.
You will see bridges that are hundreds of years old, monasteries, small towns, and other things that make this area so interesting to visit.
27 – Try out some new tricks at ArtBox
After all these outdoor activities, you might want to find something more artistic to do in Siem Reap.
If so, the 3D Artbox Museum is a must-see.
This museum is the first of its kind in Cambodia. It has a large collection of trick paintings that, when photographed in just the right way, make all kinds of funny optical illusions.
This makes it a great place for people of all ages to interact, since they can use the different backdrops to take their own pictures.
Spend some time playing around in the different galleries. You can put yourself in a snowy forest, on a dangerous jungle bridge, on the slopes of Easter Island, and more.
You'll have a lot of fun and come home with some great pictures to show off.
28. Take a look at the Roluos Temples
Did your trip to Angkor and the places around it make you want to see more?
Then, get a tuk-tuk and go to the beautiful Roulos temple ruins.
This impressive complex has three main points of interest: Lolei Temple, which has four crumbling towers; Preah Ko, whose ruins are slowly being taken over by the forest; and Bakong Temple, a five-level building on top of a mountain that is still impressive even though it has been falling apart for centuries.
Even though all of the buildings have been damaged by time, they still give visitors a chance to see beautiful sights and hear interesting stories.
In the 9th century, when Indravarman was king, the temples were an important part of his capital, which was one of the first places of power in the Khmer empire.
Even now, the area is still important to the community. Not far from the ruins, there are busy Buddhist monasteries.
When your tour is over, you can also go to Prolung Khmer, which is a place where people weave and make pottery.
Check out the lovely pieces with old designs and the carefully woven scarves and other clothes.
Then, find out all about how the center works as a place where people can share their skills, including an ongoing project with artists in Japan.
There are half-day tours and full-day tours, so there is plenty of time to see these beautiful places.
29. Go see the people who live at the Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre.
After you've seen the Banteay Srey temples, be sure to visit the nearby Butterfly Center to see some interesting bugs.
The center has a large netted garden where visitors can watch the butterflies fly around freely. The butterflies are all from Cambodia.
It is the biggest show of its kind in Southeast Asia, and there are many ways to learn and talk to other people.
Find out how an insect changes from a caterpillar to a butterfly and about the many projects the center does to protect wildlife.
As you enjoy your trip, you can also feel good about the fact that you are helping to protect the area's wildlife.
The center is a great place to relax, think, and take notice of some of the more delicate animals that live in the area.
30. Take a class in Cambodian pottery
If you like art and want to do something in Siem Reap, try taking a pottery class.
The art form has been around for a long time in the country, and artists who still use it professionally can tell you all about it.
Even if you've never worked with clay or ceramics before, you're sure to have fun as you spin, stretch, and shape your material into beautiful art.
Use techniques that have been used by the Khmer culture for thousands of years to make pots, dishes, bowls, and more.
Once your piece is done, you can add carvings, designs inspired by Khmer art, and other decorations to make it even more unique.
It's a fun, different, and hands-on way to learn about Cambodian culture.
And as a bonus, you'll leave the class with the best souvenir you could ever want.
31 – Tour Pre Rup
The Pre Rup temple is another great example of imperial architecture. It's a great place to stop by as you visit the other nearby sites.
It was first built in the 10th century as the state temple for the Hindu god Shiva by King Rajendravarman.
The temple may be best known for its three-level pyramid, which is meant to look like Hindu mythology's holy Mount Meru.
You can easily combine a trip to this beautiful place with a trip to nearby East Mebon.
32—Go to East Mebon
Like its neighbor Pre Rup, East Mebon was built by King Rajendravarman in the 10th century as a way to honor the god Shiva.
But while Pre Rup is all about the pyramid, East Mebon is known for its statues.
On the grounds, you can see a wide range of ancient art, from big stone elephants to scenes that show stories from Hindu mythology.
The temple was also built in the middle of a lake that is no longer there. As you walk around, you can enjoy the wide views and think about what it was like when it was at its best.
33: Go to a ceremony where a Buddhist monk meditates
Even though Hinduism was a big part of Cambodia's history, Buddhism is also a very important religion there.
Today, there are many places in and around the city where you can visit Buddhist monks and even take part in some of the things they do.
One of the best things to do in Siem Reap if you want to learn more about Buddhism is to go on a meditation tour.
Go to the hills above the city to see the sunrise, then join a monk at a monastery for a ceremony of early morning meditation.
You'll learn all about the rules of meditation, and then you'll get to see this peaceful, important practice in action.
Then, the monks will give you a traditional blessing. After that, you can go see other famous places in the area.
If you don't like getting up early, you can also book a three-day trip that takes you to all of the most important temples in the area and includes yoga and meditation sessions to help you stay calm and centered.
In the middle of all your other tours, it's a good idea to take some time to learn about these special, old ways of doing things.
35 – Sample some Sombai
If you like to try local drinks when you travel, don't leave Siem Reap without trying sombai.
This tasty mix of rice wine and rum, which is often flavored with fruits and spices, is a popular drink all over the city.
Visit the sombai workshop to find out how the drink is made and to try some of the finished product.
With eight flavors that range from spicy to sweet and everything in between, you're sure to find something that suits your taste.
And don't forget to try the jams that have been mixed with alcohol for a fun take on a classic breakfast condiment.
If you really like what you taste, you can buy a bottle or jar to take home with you.
36: Dive into NhumBai - The Village Experience
During your time in Siem Reap, there are many great chances to see how people live in villages.
Try NhumBai: The Village Experience if you want to go on a tour that will give you a real, immersive experience.
This charming town in the countryside has day-long tours for people who want to learn more about how people live in Cambodia.
Take a small group tour with a local guide into this rural village, where you will spend the day talking to Khmer people and learning about their lives firsthand.
Visit the homes of the people who live there to see how they spend their days and look at the unique things they make.
After taking part in some of the visitors' usual activities, you can put your cooking skills to the test and learn how to make a traditional lunch.
You'll even get to work in the rice paddies, where you can wade into the water and try your hand at planting and harvesting the grain that is such an important part of life in the countryside.
This trip is especially good for people who are visiting the country for the first time and want to learn more about its culture.
Spend a day with the villagers, and you'll get a whole new view of the area.
38: Visit Theam's Gallery to learn about traditional arts
Siem Reap has a lot to offer people who like art and people who are interested in history.
Stop by Theam's Gallery to see a place that celebrates both of these ideas at the same time.
The well-known artist Lim Muy Theam is probably best known for his beautiful portraits, but he has also made it his life's work to spread Cameroonian art as a way to help people feel more powerful.
At the gallery, you can look at his beautiful paintings of the Khmer people and their culture and learn how he uses art to bring culture back and help people heal from the horrors of the Khmer Rouge.
Then, take some time to look around the rest of the room, where there are more beautiful and thought-provoking displays.
Theam has also taught a new generation of artists how to make traditional crafts. They have made things out of lacquer, wood, and silk, among other things.
You can also look at Theam's large collection of traditional Khmer artifacts, such as pottery, statues, and musical instruments.
Stop by the beautiful, peaceful garden at the end of your trip to think about what you've seen.
This one-of-a-kind space is a great place to honor the country's artistic and social history.
It's a moving and beautiful experience that you shouldn't miss.
39: Schedule a traditional Khmer massage
A traditional Khmer massage will relax your muscles and lift your spirits, whether you've pulled a muscle exploring the temples or you're just feeling a little tired between trips.
Visit one of the city's many great spas to get a deep tissue massage, a hot herbal compress, and other treatments in a calm and peaceful setting.
If you have any kind of long-term pain, make sure to tell the masseuses. They are trained to use techniques that are gentle but effective.
You can also use many of the spas' other services, such as detox and healing programs that are based on ancient Khmer practices.
Make sure to take some time to relax along with all your sightseeing.
40 – Look around the Wat Preah Prom Rath
This beautiful Buddhist temple is famous for its gold decorations, which include a huge statue of the Buddha.
Even though the temple's exact history is unknown, it is thought that it was built as a Hindu temple in the 1200s and that the famous Buddha was added a few hundred years later.
The modern version of the temple was built in 1915, and it is still used as a monastery and as a place to learn about history.
The complex is near the Old Market and along the river. It is also known for its well-kept architecture, with a brightly painted pagoda at its center.
When you add in the bright colors of the buildings and walkways, it makes for a striking sight.
Even though the temple isn't as well-known as the nearby Angkor, it's still worth going to see.
Take a tour of the large grounds to see statues, dioramas of religious scenes, and beautiful buildings in the traditional religious style.
You might even see some monks going to school in the nearby buildings.
This beautiful and interesting place is a great place to go if you want to learn more about Buddhist architecture.
41: The Cambodia Landmine Museum is a good place to think about the past.
The Cambodia Landmine Museum is another sobering museum that tells important stories from the country's past. It looks at the history of some of the most common – and brutal – weapons used in the civil war.
The institution looks into how landmines are made, how they are used in war, and what is being done now to get rid of these still deadly devices.
See some of the real weapons up close and learn more about the NGOs and community projects that are working to safely remove unexploded devices from the ground.
A lot of the history of the Cambodia Landmine Museum is deeply personal, just like the history of the War Museum Cambodia.
One of its founders, Aki Ra, was forced to join the army at a young age and later made it his life's work to clear the minefields that are still all over the country.
He opened the museum to teach people, and as you walk through its galleries, you can learn more about the history of these deadly weapons by hearing from people who have lived with them.
In addition to giving you important information about a sad but important part of American history, your admission fee helps pay for the ongoing work of removing mines.
It's a great way to help the community while you're on vacation.
42: Play a round of golf at the Phokeethra Country Club
At Phokeethra Country Club, you can play golf if you'd like to spend some time on your trip putting.
As the first world-class golf course in the country, this green is close to Angkor Wat and has challenging holes and beautiful views.
You could take lessons from a pro before going out, or you could just grab your clubs and start.
After your round, be sure to stop by the Clubhouse for some tasty food that combines Cambodian and Western flavors or a refreshing drink.
This spectacular course is a great place to relax because it is in a beautiful place and has a classy vibe.
43 – Tee Angkor Wat Putt
Angkor Wat Putt is a good place to go if you want to play golf without a lot of fuss.
This mini-golf course has 14 holes and a lot of creative decorations inspired by the temples nearby.
This can be a fun way to spend a few hours on your trip, whether you're taking a break from seeing the real things or just getting ready to see them.
And if you get a hole-in-one, you get a free drink, so start practicing your swing right away.
44: Take a look around the Old Market
Want some fresh, tasty food, a fun place to hang out, and some cool things to take home?
Then go to the Old Market, where you can buy things like a pro and eat like a king.
One of the most fun things to do in Siem Reap is to look around the markets and see what they have to offer. This unique place is one of the best to check out.
You can get a feel for a busy local market as you weave through stalls with clothes, fruits, jewelry, and much more.
This is also a great place to buy souvenirs for people back home, since you can buy a lot of things made in the area.
If all the shopping makes you hungry, go to "Pub Street," which is close by and has restaurants that serve both Western and Cambodian food.
Get a bag, get better at haggling, and shop until you drop!
Every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Old Market is open.
45 – Take a ride on the Angkor Eye
Want to see the city from above but don't feel like taking a hot air balloon or helicopter tour?
Then give the Angkor Eye a try.
This huge Ferris wheel opened in 2020 and gives great views of Angkor Wat, the city around it, and the countryside nearby.
At 279 feet tall, the Angkor Eye gives you great views at every stop along its 18-minute loop.
Look at the places you've already been and get a chance to look at the places around them.
When you get back to the ground, you might even get ideas for new places to visit.
46 – At Phsar Leu Thom, you can buy food from the area and unique items. They
Sure, anyone who comes to the city can buy a nice bowl or a small Buddha statue.
But what about snacking on some crunchy crickets?
There aren't many better things to do in Siem Reap than to look around the busy markets. Phsar Leu Thom Thmey is a great place to do this.
As the biggest market in the city, it has a huge selection of goods for both tourists and people who just like to shop.
You can buy all kinds of cooked insects, as well as some beautiful gold pieces, fresh food, and even things for your home.
This market has something for everyone, and it's half the fun to look around and see what's there.
It's also a place where many locals like to shop, so you can get a more authentic shopping experience there.
The best part is that it's right in the middle of everything, so it's easy to visit while you're doing other things.
The market is open every day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Keep in mind that not many people here speak English, so plan your trip accordingly.
47 – See models of the temples of Angkor
After you've seen all the amazing temples in and around Siem Reap, be sure to stop by a smaller monument with a powerful story of its own.
Former architect Dy Proeung helped restore Angkor Wat in the 1960s. In the 1980s, as a tribute to his work, he made intricate models of this famous complex and the nearby temples of Ta Keo, Bantaey Srey, and Bayon.
During the Khmer Rouge regime, he had to stop working on architectural projects. His intricate, to-scale works were like love letters to the buildings he had grown to know so well.
People didn't find out about his project until the mid-1990s. Today, you can take a tour of the complex to learn more about how ancient Khmer architecture and technology worked.
Check out how the original architectural drawings and blueprints of Proeung have been used to rebuild each model's design.
The models are beautiful in and of themselves, and they also show different sides of the people they represent in real life. They are a great example of how the artistic spirit can win over oppression.
Don't miss this one-of-a-kind chance to learn about the country's art and culture and see the famous temples in a whole new way.
48 – Look around Banteay Samre
Many of the temples are known for having more than one level, but Banteay Samre is known for the opposite: a single tower in the middle that rises above the rest of the complex.
The temple was built in the early 1100s and fixed up in the late 1930s and early 1940s. It has two libraries and some galleries.
People also think that there was once a small town inside its walls.
Even though Banteay Samre isn't as well-known as some of the other Angkor temples, it has many of the same architectural features and some interesting ones of its own.
It is also close to Banteay Srey, making it easy to visit both at the same time.
Walk around the grounds and try to picture what life was like a thousand years ago.
49 – Go to the Kbal Spean River to see the carvings
At first glance, the Kbal Spean River, which flows near the Kulen Hills, might not look like anything special.
But as you get closer, you'll see right away that it's a special place full of amazing archaeological treasures.
The area is worth going to because it has a number of detailed stone carvings of Hindu figures.
The designs are interesting, but what's even more interesting is where they are: they are carved deep into the riverbed, where the constantly moving water shows them off.
Take a tour of the area to get a closer look at these one-of-a-kind works of art.
As you walk through the forest, more and more carvings will start to show up. Legend says that the river is always holy because it flows over the sacred works.
Spend some time looking at the art up close. There are stories about gods and pictures of different animals.
Kbal Spean is in Phnom Kulen National Park, so a trip there can be combined with a tour of another part of the area.
50. Eat at some of the best Khmer restaurants.
Even though cooking Khmer dishes or buying them at the market can be a great part of a trip, there's something special about trying some traditional meals in a restaurant.
Since the country has a lively food scene, it's not surprising that Siem Reap has a number of great restaurants where you can try local food made by world-class chefs.
The head chef at Cuisine Wat Damnak adds a French touch to traditional dishes like pork belly and lotus stems, making them taste even better.
Or, stop by Malis Restaurant for a variety of seafood dishes in an elegant setting with views of the Siem Reap River and occasional Apsara dance shows.
Embassy Restaurant has a similar high-end atmosphere and serves dishes that change with the seasons, so each visit is different.
Stop by Angkor Reach Restaurant for a more laid-back time with a strong local feel.
This restaurant doesn't try to be fancy, but it has a lot of traditional dishes and is close to Angkor Wat, so it's a good choice after your tour. But be careful: it can get crowded at busy times!
And if you want to eat a meal with great taste and a strong sense of social responsibility, you should go to Mahob, where the staff are all former street kids who are learning new skills in the restaurant business. They offer creative dishes and world-class service.
Khmer food isn't just a way to refuel while sightseeing; it's an experience in and of itself. It's made with fresh ingredients and comes in a wide range of styles to suit every taste.
51: See the Cambodian Circus and be amazed.
Who doesn't like going to the circus for the day?
At Phare, the Cambodian Circus, you can watch acrobats, dancers, actors, and musicians perform, among other things.
During the show, which honors the stories and customs of Cambodia, you'll also get to see a lot of traditional art, like juggling and contortion.
But while the performances are impressive on their own, it's the artists' personal stories that really move me.
Most of the performers are young people from bad situations, and being in the circus gives them a chance to learn new skills and make their lives better.
You'll be mesmerized by how boldly, brilliantly, and uniquely these shows tell the stories of the country.
Along the way, you can find out how the young performers use the circus arts to build their confidence, learn new things, and look for new opportunities.
Get your tickets and dive into a world of art, stories, and new ideas, all while watching new talent grow.
52: Watch an Apsara dance performance
The Apsara dance is another form of art that is only found in Cambodia. It is a beautiful and unique part of the Khmer culture.
It has carefully choreographed movements, beautiful costumes, and thousands of complex hand gestures and symbols that tell the stories of the country.
All of this can be seen up close at a live show.
As soon as the show starts, you'll be taken in by the beauty of the dance and the stories it tells.
Watch as the well-trained dancers do their moves in perfect sync while wearing traditional clothes based on the designs of Angkor Wat.
It's not hard to see why Apsara was once only seen by kings and queens.
You can book tickets to the dance as part of a package with other tours for an even more complete experience.
Find out how ceramicists and silk painters make their unique products, then watch a dance show to see another side of the city's rich cultural life.
Another interesting idea is to combine the Apsara show with a trip to Angkor Wat. This will help you see how the dancers' costumes and the temples' designs are related.
Seeing an Apsara dance is one of the most famous and memorable things to do in Siem Reap, and you can do it in a few different ways.
53: Try some of Pub Street's drinks
Looking forward to drinking some good cocktails in the city?
Then go to "Pub Street," which is a great place to go on a bar crawl.
This half-day activity gives you the chance to try some good drinks at some of the city's most popular places.
When you're picked up, a traditional tuk-tuk takes you to your first stop, Glide Bar, where the fun begins.
When you get there, you can start your tasting tour with a tasty passionfruit mojito.
Then go to the Elephant Bar, where you can get drinks like the Singapore Sling and others.
The tour ends with well-mixed drinks and live music at the Sokkhak River Lounge, which has beautiful seating areas filled with plants and a calm atmosphere.
A pub crawl is a great way to see what Siem Reap's nightlife is like. You can get great drinks in stylish places.
54: Stay at the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor for a night.
Spend a night at the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor to add a touch of luxury to your trip.
The hotel is near Angkor Wat and other attractions in Siem Reap. It has high-quality service, elegant rooms, and facilities that are among the best in the world.
Take a dip in the large pool or walk through the well-kept tropical gardens before stopping at one of the hotel's many restaurants or bars.
Between these features and the hotel's high-end spa, you may not want to leave.
But it's well worth going out to see the sights in the area before going back to your room for a night of comfort and peace.
Make sure Raffles is on your list of places to go if you're looking for a little break in the middle of your trip.
Last things to say
Siem Reap is a great representation of Cambodia as a whole. It is beautiful, historic, exciting, and aware of its troubled past. It is also working hard to make the future better.
But it's also an interesting place in its own right, with a lot to offer people who want to shop, relax, or learn something new.
Spend some time getting to know the city and the small towns around it to find out what makes this place so special.
Where do I sleep?
You can stay at the Borei Angkor Resort & Spa, the Treeline Urban Resort, the Golden Temple Hotel, or the Onederz Siem Reap during your trip.
And to get your trip off to a good start, book an airport transfer in advance.
Want to go on some adventures away from the city center? Think about signing up for a multi-day tour.
On a two- or three-day trek, you can see the temples of Angkor and Banteay Srei, as well as floating villages, jungle temples, waterfalls, and much more.
You'll get to see these amazing places in more depth than on a typical day tour, and you'll also get a better sense of what life is like outside of cities.
There are lots of great things to see and do in Siem Reap, so get your tickets and start making plans.
Have fun traveling!
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