Siem Reap, Cambodia!
Introduction
Siem Reap, once a tranquil Cambodian village, has evolved into the gateway to the majestic Angkor temples. With its lively markets, rustic countryside, and historic landmarks, Siem Reap offers a myriad of activities for every traveller. If you’re wondering what to include in your itinerary, here’s a guide to 14 things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Be sure to take a look at our other guides to Asia and Cambodia, such as the Top 10 Places to visit in Cambodia and the best things to do in Phnom Penh. Enjoy!
5 Key Takeaways
- Rich Historical Experience: Siem Reap offers a treasure trove of historical landmarks, from the grandeur of Angkor Wat to the foundational Roluos Group of Temples, providing a comprehensive journey through Cambodia’s illustrious past.
- Cultural Immersion: Engaging in cultural experiences such as watching Apsara Dance performances and participating in Cambodian cooking classes enables visitors to immerse themselves in the local traditions and customs.
- Adventurous Explorations: Adventures await in the form of countryside cycling tours and sailing through the massive Tonle Sap Lake, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty and rural life of Cambodia beyond its famous temples.
- Culinary Delights: Siem Reap’s vibrant night markets and local eateries offer a chance to delve deep into Cambodian cuisine, presenting a symphony of flavours and exotic dishes to savour.
- Wellness and Relaxation: Opportunities for relaxation are plentiful, whether through a traditional Khmer massage or the serene exploration of lesser-frequented temples like Preah Khan, adding a soothing dimension to the Siem Reap experience.
1. Explore the Magnificent Angkor Wat
Nestled amidst dense forests and a rich historical backdrop, Angkor Wat is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a symbol of national pride for Cambodia and a testament to the architectural prowess of the ancient Khmer civilisation. While the temple complex stands as the most iconic image of Siem Reap, what’s truly captivating is its deeper history and symbolism. Built in the 12th century under the aegis of King Suryavarman II, this magnificent structure was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, later transforming into a Buddhist temple.
Every corner of this massive stone monument tells a story. Its galleries chronicle epic battles and celestial events, with intricate carvings breathing life into folklore and ancient scriptures. While many visit Angkor Wat for its mesmerising sunrise, where the temple’s silhouette reflects against the lotus-filled ponds, it’s also worthwhile to hire a local guide. They can provide valuable insights, sharing legends that aren’t found in guidebooks.
Planning a visit? The best times are early mornings or late afternoons when the crowd is thin and the Cambodian sun less fierce. Official Angkor Wat website
Recommend tour: Angkor Wat full day tour with sunrise experience
2. Traverse the Ancient City of Angkor Thom
Just a stone’s throw away from Angkor Wat lies another monumental gem: Angkor Thom. Established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, this fortified city once served as the Khmer Empire’s heart, symbolising its zenith. The majestic South Gate entrance, guarded by statues of gods and demons, offers a dramatic welcome to visitors.
Inside, the sprawling complex boasts a maze of temples, terraces, and shrines. The Bayon Temple, with its colossal stone faces, often steals the limelight. These enigmatic faces, believed to represent King Jayavarman VII himself or the bodhisattva of compassion, look out in every direction, casting a serene gaze over the entire city. Don’t forget the Elephant Terrace, a platform that once stood as a stage for public ceremonies and royal audiences. Its walls, adorned with parades of elephants and mythical creatures, offer a glimpse into the grandeur of bygone eras.
For those keen on photography, the early morning light bathes these structures in a golden hue, creating a dream-like atmosphere.
More about Angkor Thom
Recommended tour: Angkor temples and sunrise tour
3. Sail Through the Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap, the ‘Great Lake’ of Cambodia, isn’t merely a geographical marvel but a lifeline for millions. This expansive freshwater lake undergoes a unique phenomenon, swelling up during the monsoon and shrinking back in the dry season. This ebb and flow sustain a rich biodiversity and a vibrant community that calls the lake home.
One of the highlights of a visit to Tonle Sap is exploring its floating villages. These aren’t just homes on stilts but entire communities — with floating schools, markets, and even basketball courts! Chong Khneas, Kampong Phluk, and Kampong Khleang are among the popular villages, each offering distinct experiences. As you navigate these waters, you’ll witness a harmonious blend of human life and nature, where locals go about their daily routines of fishing, trading, and even farming on the lake’s floodplain.
Recommended tour: Tonle Sap Lake full day cruise
4. Dive Into Khmer Cuisine at Pub Street
In the heart of Siem Reap, Pub Street roars to life as the sun sets. While its vibrant bars and pulsating music attract night owls, gastronomes are in for a treat too. The street and its adjoining alleys are dotted with restaurants and stalls serving mouth-watering Khmer dishes.
If you’re new to Cambodian cuisine, start with ‘Amok’ – a creamy, coconut milk-based curry with fish or chicken, steamed to perfection in banana leaves. The ‘Lok Lak’, a peppery beef stir-fry, is another must-try. These traditional dishes, coupled with the distinct flavour of the locally brewed Angkor beer, promise a culinary adventure. For the more adventurous, street vendors offer an array of exotic snacks, from deep-fried tarantulas to juicy barbecued frogs.
As you dine, the eclectic mix of traditional Khmer music and modern beats create an ambiance that’s uniquely Siem Reap, making Pub Street an essential stopover on your Cambodian sojourn.
5. Unearth History at the Cambodia Landmine Museum
The Cambodia Landmine Museum offers more than just exhibits; it offers poignant tales of resilience and hope amidst adversity. Founded by Aki Ra, a former child soldier during the Khmer Rouge era, this museum chronicles the devastating impact of landmines on Cambodia’s populace. As someone who once planted these mines and later dedicated his life to clearing them, Aki Ra’s story is both harrowing and inspiring.
Interactive displays and personal stories bring to light the harrowing realities faced by landmine victims. Yet, the museum isn’t just about reflecting on the past. It underscores the ongoing demining efforts and educates visitors about the importance of a landmine-free world. Furthermore, the museum also supports a relief centre, offering education and support to affected children.
For those wishing to delve deep into Cambodia’s contemporary history and contribute to a noble cause, this museum is a must-visit.
Official Cambodia Landmine Museum website | Ticket Price: $5 for adults, with proceeds supporting the museum’s charitable initiatives.
6. Experience Serenity at Preah Khan
Hidden amidst dense jungles, Preah Khan is a testament to Cambodia’s rich architectural legacy. Built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, this temple was not only a religious hub but also a centre for learning, with over a thousand teachers once calling it home.
Meandering through its labyrinthine corridors, visitors are transported to an era of grandeur. The temple’s intricate bas-reliefs, depicting scenes from Hindu epics and Buddhist lore, are a visual treat. The delicate carvings, overgrown tree roots, and the play of light and shadow lend Preah Khan an ethereal charm. It’s a sanctuary of tranquillity, away from the bustling tourist circuits.
More about Preah Khan
7. Enjoy Apsara Dance Performances
A journey to Cambodia isn’t complete without immersing oneself in its cultural tapestry, and the Apsara dance is its crowning jewel. Rooted in ancient Hindu and Buddhist traditions, this dance form brings to life the celestial nymphs depicted on temple walls.
Dancers, adorned in ornate costumes and shimmering headdresses, perform delicate movements, telling tales of love, triumph, and morality. The hypnotic rhythms, paired with the fluid choreography, create a magical experience, transporting the audience to a mythical realm. Numerous venues across Siem Reap, from hotels to dedicated theatres, host these performances, often accompanied by a traditional Khmer feast.
More about Apsara Dance
8. Shop at the Old Market (Phsar Chas)
Nestled in the heart of Siem Reap, the Old Market, locally known as Phsar Chas, is a whirlwind of colours, scents, and sounds. This bustling market, with its maze of stalls, offers an authentic slice of Cambodian life.
From intricately woven silk scarves, handcrafted jewellery, and traditional Khmer handicrafts to an array of aromatic spices, tropical fruits, and street food delicacies, Phsar Chas is a shopper’s paradise. The market also provides an excellent opportunity to practice your bargaining skills. Whether you’re on the hunt for souvenirs, curious about local produce, or simply keen to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, the Old Market promises a sensory overload.
More about Old Market
9. Discover the Roluos Group of Temples
Situated a short drive from the bustling centre of Siem Reap, the Roluos group stands as a testament to the Angkor Empire’s earliest days. These temples, built in the late 9th century, signify the genesis of Khmer classical architecture, which was later epitomised by the iconic Angkor Wat. Comprising primarily three temples – Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko – Roluos offers a unique perspective into the evolution of temple-building styles in Cambodia. While they may not match the sheer size of their successors, the temples exude a distinct charm with their intricate lintel carvings and serene surroundings.
More about Roluos Group
10. Cycle through the Countryside
Siem Reap’s allure isn’t confined to its historic temples; its countryside paints a picture of rustic charm and unspoilt beauty. Embarking on a cycling tour lets travellers immerse themselves in this pastoral landscape, punctuated by verdant rice fields, serene lotus ponds, and traditional stilted homes. As you pedal along the quiet trails, you’ll encounter local children waving enthusiastically, farmers tending to their fields, and perhaps even get a chance to sample fresh palm juice. Several tour operators offer guided cycling excursions, ensuring a safe and informative journey into the heart of rural Cambodia.
Recommended tour: Siem Reap countryside bike tour
11. Get a Traditional Khmer Massage
Cambodia’s rich heritage isn’t just reflected in its architecture and art, but also its traditional wellness practices. The Khmer massage, deeply rooted in ancient healing traditions, is a must-experience for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Distinct from its Thai counterpart, the Khmer massage focuses on gentle rhythmic strokes, acupressure techniques, and strategic stretching, aiming to harmonise body and mind. Numerous spas across Siem Reap offer this therapeutic service, often in ambient settings that amplify the relaxation experience.
12. Visit the Artisans Angkor Craft Centre
Artisans Angkor stands as a beacon of hope for Cambodia’s artistic traditions, which were on the brink of extinction post the Khmer Rouge era. This social business enterprise, established in the late 90s, seeks to revive traditional Cambodian arts and crafts while providing employment opportunities to the local youth. Visitors to the centre can witness artisans at work, meticulously handcrafting silk fabrics, intricate wood carvings, and exquisite stone sculptures. The guided tours offer insights into the meticulous processes involved in creating these masterpieces. The centre also houses a shop where one can purchase these handcrafted products, ensuring support for the artisans and their craft.
Official Artisans Angkor website
13. Savour Street Food at Night Markets
When the sun sets in Siem Reap, its night markets come alive with a dazzling array of stalls, lights, and most importantly, delectable street food. These markets, such as the Angkor Night Market and Siem Reap Art Center Night Market, are a gastronomic delight for those eager to delve deep into Cambodian cuisine.
Begin your culinary journey with skewers of freshly grilled seafood, seasoned and charred to perfection. For the more adventurous, there’s a chance to taste some local delicacies like deep-fried insects, which, crunchy and seasoned, are a popular snack among the locals. As you navigate through the maze of stalls, you’ll also come across a wide variety of tropical fruits, from the sweet and creamy durian to the refreshing rambutan and mangosteen. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a cup of freshly squeezed sugarcane juice or a chilled coconut.
More about Siem Reap Night Markets
14. Participate in a Cambodian Cooking Class
For those smitten by the flavours of Cambodia, taking a traditional cooking class in Siem Reap is the perfect way to carry a slice of the country back home. These classes not only teach you the art of preparing iconic dishes like Fish Amok (a rich, coconut-based curry) and Beef Lok Lak (a peppery beef stir-fry) but also introduce you to the myriad spices and ingredients fundamental to Khmer cuisine.
Typically, a cooking class begins with a visit to a local market, where participants learn about selecting the freshest ingredients. Following this, under the expert guidance of a local chef, you’ll grind, chop, stir and steam, eventually crafting a delicious meal. Finally, the best part — you get to savour the dishes you’ve prepared! It’s not just a culinary experience but also a cultural immersion, offering insights into Cambodian traditions and lifestyles. Numerous establishments in Siem Reap offer such classes, ensuring an authentic experience.
Recommended tour: Cooking class with locals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Most travellers spend three to four days, allowing them to explore major attractions without rushing.
Absolutely! Siem Reap is considered safe for solo travellers, but it’s always wise to take standard precautions.
The dry season, from November to April, is ideal. The weather is pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
English is spoken in many tourist areas, but learning a few Khmer phrases can enhance your experience.
The Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted.
Yes, it’s crucial to dress modestly. Covered shoulders and knee-length or longer skirts/shorts are a must for temple visits.
Final Thoughts
Siem Reap, with its blend of history, culture, and modernity, offers travellers a unique experience. From ancient temples to delectable cuisine and vibrant markets, the city is brimming with wonders waiting to be explored. Embarking on these 14 things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia, promises memories that will last a lifetime. So, when are you packing your bags for this Cambodian adventure?
(Note: Ensure to check the official websites for any changes in ticket prices or visiting hours before planning your trip.) Also add us to your socials!
Thank you for reading!
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Recommended websites: Tourism Cambodia , Cambodia Travel Advice
Sam Fisher
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