Get your bucket list ready. In this guide, we’ll show you the best things to do in Siem Reap and how to experience them. Need help planning your trip? Check out our tips for visiting Siem Reap — you’ll find the best restaurants, where to stay, how to get around and more!
What to expect in Siem Reap
Once colonised by France, Siem Reap is a small city with a French flair. Scattered around the city you’ll find French-style homes and shops.
But a taste of France, or a good croissant, isn’t why most people visit Siem Reap. Instead, over two million visitors each year come to explore one of the most spectacular religious monuments in the world. Siem Reap is the gateway to the world famous Angkor Wat.
And when you’re not walking around Angkor Wat in utter amazement, there’s a very different way to occupy your time…Pub Street. A party-lover’s dream!
Once you’ve recovered from your hangover, you can spend your days in Siem Reap taking pottery classes, learning how to cook Khmer dishes or zooming around the countryside on an ATV.
Top tours in and around Siem Reap
- 8-hour Angkor Wat sunrise tour for $19
- Sunset tour to Kampong Phluk on Lake Tonlé Sap for $21
- 2-day private tour with sunset and sunrise for $49
#1 Explore the biggest religious monument in the world — Angkor Wat
Built in the 12th century during the Khmer Empire, Angkor Wat originally began as a Hindu temple before becoming Buddhist. That’s why you’ll see brilliant blends of Hindu and Buddhist achitecture throughout the 400 acre complex.
Angkor Wat is so big in fact that it’s four times the size of Vatican City! It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular sites in Cambodia, everyone wants to see the largest religious monument in the world.
But it’s not just it’s size that’s impressive. Sure, from afar the grandeur of the temples is almost mindblowing, but the magic happens when you get up close. Look beyond the moss and you’ll find a plethora of intricate carvings, each with their own meaning.
When to visit Angkor Wat
The best time to visit Angkor Wat is in the morning, particularly for sunrise. During this time, the warm morning glow provides a breathtaking silhouette of the temple’s spires unlike any other. The lake infront of Angkor Wat temple somehow makes the moment even more mesmerising, casting a reflection of the towers in the water.
You’re also better off exploring Angkor Wat in the morning before the temperatures get too high.
The park is open from 05:00-18:00 every day.
How to visit Angkor Wat
There are over 1000 temples in Angkor Wat to explore. That number is somewhat overwhelming. Where do you even start?
Guide vs. independently
Unless you’re willing to sit down and do your research before visiting Angkor Wat, it can be hard to know which temples are worth visiting and the stories behind them. This can mean that you can miss just how spectacular this place is. For that reason, we recommend visiting with a guide.
Visit with a guide
Visiting Angkor Wat with a guide means that you don’t have to worry about anything. They’ll pick the best temples for you to see, arrange an air-conditioned vehicle to take you around the complex, and give you a glimpse into what Khmer civilisation was like here.
The guides are like walking history books, so make use of them! Plus, if you pick the right one, they can make the experience a lot of fun!
There are a ton of different tour options to pick from:
- 8-hour sunrise tour for $19
- 2-day tour with sunrise for $26
- 2-day private tour with sunset and sunrise for $49
Do keep in mind that you’ll need to buy an entrance ticket on top of the tour price.
Visiting independently
A lot of people don’t like joining tours, we get that. They like the freedom of people able to explore by themselves and at their own pace. This is definitely possible to do at Angkor Wat, it just requires more work from your side and you might miss some of the information.
If you’re planning on visiting by yourself, one of the most popular ways to do this is to hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day. This should cost around $15, so not that much cheaper than a tour. But, if you’re lucky, your tuk-tuk driver might know a little bit about Angkor Wat and can share that with you.
Another way is to hire an e-bike or a bicycle and make your way around the temples. This allows you to cover more ground than walking, which would almost be impossible, especially when it gets hot.
Top tip: If you’re visiting independently, plan your route and do some research before visiting so you’re not completely lost when you visit.
Tickets for Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is huge! That’s why they offer multi-day passes, so that you can take your time exploring this magnificent site.
- 1-day pass — $37 (valid for 1 entry during a period of 5 days)
- 3-day pass — $62 (valid for 3 entries during a period of 10 days)
- 7-day pass — $72 (valid for 7 entries during a period of 30 days)
#2 Discover the floating villages on Lake Tonlé Sap
Angkor Wat isn’t the only important site near Siem Reap. Lake Tonlé Sap is the largest lake in Southeast Asia and one of the more important sources of fresh water in Cambodia.
The lake isn’t only home to 300 species of fish, but communities too. Many communities live in floating villages, anchored to the lake bed here. Their stilted houses are built high enough so that when the rain waters come, they’ll remain nice and dry in their homes.
It’s a completely different way of life to the busy city of Siem Reap and awesome to see how humans have adapted to this way of life. You can also find some nice souvenirs from the floating vendors.
And if you’re a bird fan, on the lake’s western edge is the largest water-bird colony in southeast Asia. Visit between December and April to witness the colony at its peak.
How to visit Lake Tonlé Sap
From Siem Reap, you can take a motor-taxi ($3) or a 4-seater taxi ($15+) to Chong Khneas, located about 10 km to the south. There, you can take a boat tour for $20 per person.
While you can go there on your own, it is more convenient and even cheaper to join a tour. We recommend this sunset tour to the village of Kampong Phluk on the lake for $21.
#3 Be entertained at Phare Ponleu Selpak, the Battambang Circus
Phare, the Cambodian Circus, is an experience unlike any other. You’ll be glued to your seats as artists juggle fire, walk across unbelievably thin wire and contort their bodies in ways you never thought to be possible.
And what makes this all even more amazing is that there’s a social cause that sits behind these incredible performances.
All performers are trained by professionals of the famous Phare Ponleu Selpak Artistic and Social Centre, a generous non-government association dedicated to helping children, young adults, and their families through art.
Every year 1,000 students are empowered through their schools and programs. So, whilst you get to enjoy an unforgettable performance, you’re also helping a community.
How to attend a Phare show
Performances begin at 20:00, and you’ll find Cambodian street food, drinks, shopping and pre-show entertainment from 17:30 every night.
Tickets cost $18 for adults and $10 for children aged 5-11.
Top tip: There have been reports of fake tickets being sold on the streets in Siem Reap. We recommend booking through Phare’s official website or through a reputable booking company like Viator.
#4 Eat the night away on a food tour
Cambodian food often gets overshadowed by the likes of Vietnamese and Thai food, but if you know where to look, you’ll discover that it has some gems of its own.
One of the best ways to get a taste of the most delicious food in the city is by joining a food tour.
On this 5-hour food tour you’ll make your way through Siem Reap’s night markets sampling the must-try street food. Everything from Cambodian BBQ and spring rolls to BBQ snails and other insects. To wash it all down, you’ll find your night at a liquor house where you can try Cambodian rice whiskey.
The tour is a great way to learn about Cambodian cuisine, as well as getting to know a bit about Cambodia with your knowledgeable guide.
Learn about Cambodia through it’s food on this 5-hour food tour for $45
#5 Get into the party atmosphere on Pub Street
The name says it all. Pub street is where you’ll find the best nightlife in Siem Reap. With live performances, bright lights and ice-cold drinks, who knows what a night out on Pub Street will entail.
As the sun goes down, the street is closed to traffic and turns into a real party zone. Almost every bar offers a happy hour, so what do you expect?
And if you fancy something to eat later on in the night, you’ll find plenty of late-night food vendors selling greasy food to soak up the alcohol and fried insects. Trust us, after a few drinks, trying one of these critters gets a lot easier.
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#6 Explore Phnom Kulen National Park
Cambodia has some incredible nature and wildlife that deserves to be explored. Phnom Kulen National Park is a spectacular place where you can do that. Covering 37,000 acres, you could say it’s pretty big.
Inside you’ll find a number of historical and cultural sites that are of huge importance to the people of Cambodia.
Hike Kulen Mountain
Kulen Mountain definitely won’t be the highest mountain you’ve climbed, at just under 500 metres tall, but it’s considered by the locals to be the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. It’s a popular pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus who want to reach the ruined temples that sit atop the mountain.
There are around 30 ruined temples at the top, but much of the land is yet to be de-mined, meaning a lot of them are out of bounds.
The hike takes around 2-hours from the foot of the mountain, and offers spectacular views from the top.
Kulen Waterfall
If you’re after something a bit more relaxing, consider visiting Kulen Waterfall. It’s definitely the star of the show of the national park with it’s series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush forests.
It’s a great place to admire nature, go for a swim or enjoy a picnic.
And all the while, keep an eye out for wildlife. Phnom Kulen National Park is home to several species of monkeys, birds and other animals.
How to visit Phnom Kulen National Park
Phnom Kulen National Park is a 1.5-2 hour drive from Siem Reap, which is best done in a car or minivan due to the dirt roads. It is possible in a tuk-tuk but the journey won’t be very comfortable and it might struggle.
We recommend joining this all day tour which deals with all the logistics for you. During the tour you’ll visit Kulen waterfall, walk to the river of 1000 lingas and visit the reclining Buddha. The tour costs $48 and lasts for 8-9 hours. It’s a full day of adventure!
#7 Take a Cambodian cooking class
If you want to take a taste of Cambodia home with you, then why not learn how to cook some of the dishes yourself?
This 4-course cooking class starts at the very beginning of the culinary journey — at the market. You’ll get a chance to learn about local fruit, vegetables and herbs before buying them to use later.
Back in the kitchen of your local guide, they’ll teach you how to create dishes such as Fish Amok and Tom Yum. You’ll cook using tried-and-true Khmer cooking techniques.
And after all your hard work, you can sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labour!
Take a taste of Cambodia home with you and book this traditional Khmer cooking class for $20
#8 Visit the Cambodia Landmine Museum
The Cambodia Landmine Museum is dedicated to educating visitors about the ongoing issue of landmines in Cambodia and the efforts to remove them.
The museum was founded by Aki Ra, a former child soldier who was forced to lay landmines during the Khmer Rouge regime, and who has since dedicated his life to removing landmines from Cambodia.
The museum houses a collection of decommissioned landmines, bombs, and other explosive devices, as well as photographs, videos, and other exhibits that detail the history of landmines in Cambodia. It’s a sobering and educational experience.
Entrance to the museum costs $5.
#9 Learn about Cambodia’s conflicts at the Siem Reap War Museum
Cambodia’s history is one that is fascinating but dark. The Siem Reap War Museum will give you a deep insight into what the country has been through.
The museum focuses on the Cambodian Civil War which took place from 1970 to 1975, as well as the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime between 1975 and 1979.
Throughout you’ll find a collection of military equipment, including tanks, guns, and other weapons, as well as photographs and videos that document the history of the conflict.
Entrance to the museum costs $3 and includes a free guide if there’s one available.
#10 Watch an Apsara dance performance
Catching an Apsara dance performance before you leave Cambodia is something you need to see. And Siem Reap is full of places where you can watch a show.
Apsara dancing is a classical Khmer dance that dates back to the Angkor period. This beautiful dance is typically performed in elaborate traditional costumes, including an impressive golden headdress. Every move is deliberate and elegant, exhibiting the most intricate of hand gestures and footwork.
The Apsara Theatre is one of the best places to watch a show. They offer a dinner show every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday with the performance starting at 20:30.
#11 See local artist’s work at Old Market
The Old Market (Phsar Chas) in Siem Reap is one of the oldest markets in the area, dating back to the French Colonial era. It’s a wonderful insight into the heart of Siem Reap.
As you wander down the narrow alleyways, getting lost in the labyrinth of the market, you’ll discover local artist’s work, souvenirs and plenty of street food. The Old Market is one of the best places to try some delicious and cheap Khmer dishes.
#12 Shop at the night market
If the Old Market hasn’t satisfied your cravings for an Asian market, there’s also a night market in Siem Reap. Angkor Night Market is an outdoor market that comes alive when the sun sets.
It’s hard to miss as it’s lit up with bright and colourful lights, with your way to the entrance being indicated by a flashy bridge
Over 200 bamboo huts offer a plethora of items. Unlike the Old Market, the stalls at the Night Market only offer products. You’ll find no fresh food like vegetables and fruits here.
#13 Treat your body to a Khmer massage
Want to treat yourself after a long day of exploring? Why not try a massage? There are countless salons all over the city offering a wide variety of massages — relaxing oil massages, sport massages, traditional Khmer massages, or full spa treatments.
We recommend trying a traditional Khmer massage. The technique is said to lower blood pressure, lessen pain, ease muscle and joint tension, and increase alertness. A Khmer massage is similar to a Thai massage, but with a few differences. “Same, same but different,” as the Thai people would say.
If your feet are aching from exploring Angkor Wat all day, you can get a 30-minute foot massage for as low as $2.
#14 Soar through the jungle on a zipline adventure
Ever wondered what it feels like to be as free as a bird, soaring through the sky? Well, the Angkor Wat Zipline adventure gives you a pretty good idea of what it’s like.
Over 5 hours, you’ll get to try out their 21 thrilling ziplines, walk across their sky bridges and test your abseiling skills, all whilst enjoying spectacular views of the jungle.
It’s a super fun way to spend a day in Siem Reap. You can book your zipline adventure tour online for $54.
#15 Explore Siem Reap’s countryside by bicycle
Sometimes being in a city with constant noise can get a little overwhelming. A bike tour taking you through the countryside of Siem Reap is the perfect way to take a break from this.
This countryside bicycle tour starts bright and early, taking you through rice fields, to the local market, mushroom farms, Buddhist temples and much more. It’s an adventure packed day! And after all that cycling, you’re likely to get hungry, but don’t worry you’ll stop for fresh fruits and snacks along the way.
With your knowledgeable local guide by your side, it’s a great chance to learn about a different side of Cambodia.
Join this adventure-packed 5-hour bicycle tour for $35.
#16 Hop on the back of a vespa in the countryside
If a bicycle just isn’t fast enough for you, there’s the option to do a very similar tour on a vespa instead. You’ll be able to cover more ground and you don’t have to be able to drive a vespa yourself, you get your own personal driver.
All you have to do is enjoy the views and the experience.
The countryside vespa tour lasts for 5 hours and costs $40.
#17 Join an ATV tour
Two wheels might not be enough for some people, so there’s a third option to explore Siem Reap’s countryside, by ATV.
This is the ultimate speed and adventure option. You can choose from a number of different tours, starting from 1-hour for $33 to 3 hours for $88.
Book your ATV tour for an injection of adrenaline, starting from $33.
Rounding it up
Now you’ve picked the best things to do in Siem Reap, it’s time to start ticking off that bucket list. Not sure how to plan your trip? Our Siem Reap guide is here to help! You’ll find out how long to stay in Siem Reap, where to eat, how to get around and more. Happy planning!
Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
