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Things to do and see in Siem Reap
Siem Reap, the vibrant gateway to Cambodia’s ancient wonders, entices travelers with its unique blend of rich history, warm culture, and the captivating mysteries of Angkor’s ruins waiting to be uncovered.
This city serves as the ultimate launching point for exploring the legendary Angkor Wat and its surrounding temple complexes. While with vibrant markets, delightful cuisine, and thriving nightlife, Siem Reap serves as the perfect base for anyone looking to experience Cambodia's rich cultural tapestry.
This guide from Asia Links Travel will help you uncover the top things to do in Siem Reap and highlight the best ways to explore the city.
Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Siem Reap
1. Angkor Wat
A top thing to see in Siem Reap of Cambodia, Angkor Wat stands as the largest religious monument on the planet, an awe-inspiring monument that you can’t miss on your Cambodia tour. Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, this UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its grand scale and detailed bas-reliefs.
Visitors typically catch the breathtaking sunrise over the temple, an iconic experience in Siem Reap. Exploring the main temple, with its soaring towers and intricate carvings, can easily take hours, making it the number one place to visit in Siem Reap.
Angkor Wat - the ancient mystery of Cambodia
2. Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple
Located within Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple is another must-see site. Known for its distinctive stone faces, Bayon is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. The temple features 54 towers, each adorned with serene, smiling faces believed to represent Avalokiteshvara, a Buddhist deity.
Bayon's mysterious allure and intricate stonework are captivating and offer visitors an unparalleled glimpse into ancient Cambodian culture.
3. Ta Prohm
Famous for the massive trees and roots that intertwine with the stone structures, Ta Prohm is one of the most atmospheric temples in the Angkor complex. As one of the top places to Visit in Siem Reap, it was left in much the same condition in which it was found, creating a jungle-tangled spectacle that transports visitors to another era.
Known for its haunting beauty and jungle-covered ruins, Ta Prohm gained worldwide fame as the iconic "Tomb Raider Temple" after its appearance in the Angelina Jolie film.
Tangled tree roots wrapped around the temple stones give it an otherworldly, cinematic allure that transports visitors to a different time. It's one of the most photogenic things to see in Siem Reap.
4. Banteay Srei
Discover the charm of Banteay Srei, a breathtaking temple renowned for its remarkable pink sandstone and stunningly detailed carvings. Although smaller in scale compared to Angkor Wat, the intricacy of the carvings in this 10th-century temple is unmatched.
The elaborate artwork, which depicts scenes from Hindu mythology, makes it a top thing to do in Siem Reap for anyone interested in the finer details of Khmer craftsmanship.
5. Preah Khan
Another hidden gem in the Angkor Archaeological Park, Preah Khan was originally a Buddhist monastery and university. The temple complex is vast and relatively peaceful compared to more famous sites, giving visitors a more intimate experience.
Preah Khan’s long corridors, towering trees, and crumbling stonework evoke a sense of discovery, making it one of the things to do in Siem Reap that feels like an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Preah Khan - a temple set among trees and lush vegetation
6. Phnom Kulen National Park
Escape the crowds with a day trip to Phnom Kulen, a mountain range considered sacred by the Khmer people. This unspoiled thing to do in Siem Reap offers a lush landscape of waterfalls, rivers, and temples.
Here, you’ll find the Reclining Buddha at Preah Ang Thom and the sacred Kbal Spean, or “River of a Thousand Lingas,” where ancient carvings grace the riverbed. Swimming under the waterfalls and exploring the forests adds to the adventurous spirit of Cambodia cultural holidays.
7. Tonle Sap Lake and Floating Villages
Don’t miss the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia - Tonle Sap! It is considered the lifeblood of Cambodia, playing a vital role in the nation's fishing and agricultural industries. A visit to the floating villages of Kompong Phluk or Chong Kneas provides a unique glimpse into local life.
Homes, schools, and shops all float on the water, creating an unforgettable landscape in this place to Visit in Siem Reap. A boat tour through the villages and mangroves offers insight into the daily lives of the lake's inhabitants and the ecology of the area.
8. Angkor National Museum
For a more structured overview of the Angkorian era, the Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap provides excellent context to the temples you’ll explore. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from the Khmer Empire, including statues, ancient texts, and religious relics.
Visiting this museum is a great way to deepen your understanding of Cambodia's rich cultural heritage on a Siem Reap tour.
9. Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Phare is a blend of traditional Cambodian storytelling and contemporary performance art. The circus showcases incredible acrobatics, music, and dance, all performed by local artists who have trained at the Phare Ponleu Selpak school.
Attending this top thing to do in Siem Reap not only provides exciting entertainment but also supports a social enterprise that empowers Cambodian youth.
10. Siem Reap Old Market (Psar Chas)
No tour to Siem Reap is complete without a trip to the Old Market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts - all things to see in Siem Reap! It’s a vibrant marketplace where you can experience the local way of life and shop for souvenirs like silk scarves, jewelry, and wooden carvings. The market is also a great place to sample street food, offering visitors a chance to taste Cambodia’s authentic flavors.
Siem Reap Old Market
Siem Reap Cuisine
Famous food in Siem Reap
Brimming with the rich and diverse flavors of traditional Khmer cuisine, Siem Reap promises abundant culinary delights for anyone! At the heart of Cambodian dining is Amok Trey, a fragrant fish curry infused with coconut milk, lemongrass, and spices, all delicately steamed in banana leaves—each bite melting in your mouth.
Another crowd favorite is Lok Lak, a tantalizing stir-fry of marinated beef, served with fresh vegetables and rice, typically accompanied by a zesty lime and pepper dipping sauce.
If you're feeling adventurous, Siem Reap’s vibrant night markets offer a culinary thrill—exotic street snacks like crispy fried tarantulas and crunchy crickets are a daring delight for the curious palate. Here, food isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that draws you into Cambodia’s rich culture.
So don’t miss these famous dishes on your Siem Reap Tour Package!
Amok Trey - the national dish of Cambodia
Famous drinks in Siem Reap
Quench your thirst with a refreshing glass of sugar cane juice or sample palm wine, a local fermented drink made from the sap of palm trees. If you prefer something familiar, Asia Links Travel consultants can introduce some shops offering Cambodian coffee, typically served black with sweetened condensed milk.
For a stronger kick, local rice whiskey, Sombai, is worth a try, and it also makes for a unique souvenir.
Siem Reap at Night: Best Nightlife Spots and Evening Activities
Siem Reap comes alive at night with plenty of options for those seeking fun after dark. The famous Pub Street is the heart of Siem Reap's nightlife. It’s packed with bars, restaurants, and clubs that are ideal for relaxing after a day of temple-hopping.
For a more relaxed evening, a great thing to do in Siem Reap is to head to one of the local night markets like Angkor Night Market or Made in Cambodia Market, where you can pick up handmade crafts, souvenirs, and snacks while enjoying live music.
For those looking for something unique, consider an evening performance of Apsara Dance – a traditional Cambodian dance form that dates back to the Angkorian era.
Pub Street in Siem Reap - The nightlife hub of the town
Getting around in Siem Reap
Siem Reap is an easy city to navigate, and there are several transportation options available depending on your preferences and budget. Tuk-tuks are the most popular way of getting around. They're cheap, fast, and can easily be hired for the day to take you from temple to temple.
For a more scenic experience, consider renting a bicycle and cycling around the Angkor Archaeological Park. This is the best way to enjoy things to see in Siem Reap. Many hotels also offer free bike rentals, making this an eco-friendly way to explore the area.
Alternatively, you can opt for a motorbike or electric scooter rental if you prefer something faster.
Siem Reap tour suggestion
For a thrilling ride, consider the Full Day Angkor Vespa Tour. This unique tour lets you zoom through Siem Reap's countryside on a vintage Vespa, visiting the lesser-known temples and local villages. It's an exhilarating way to discover some of the best things to see in Siem Reap.
Perfect for those on a time crunch, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Cambodia’s key highlights. You’ll explore the temples of Angkor, as well as Phnom Penh and Kompong Khleang. This tour provides a taste of Cambodia's culture, making it one of the best Cambodia tour packages for first-time visitors.
Best of Vietnam & Cambodia with 3 Nights Cruise combines the best two countries with a luxury tour package that includes visits to Vietnam and Cambodia’s most iconic sites. From the buzzing streets of Hanoi to the tranquility of Halong Bay and the temples of Angkor, this extended Siem Reap tour package is an extraordinary journey through Southeast Asia.
Secrets to Discovering Siem Reap
- Hire a knowledgeable local guide: To truly appreciate the history and details of the temples, having an expert guide can make a world of difference.
- Visit the temples early or late: Avoid the crowds by visiting Angkor Wat and other famous temples at sunrise or just before closing time.
- Explore the countryside: Don’t just stick to the city center. The countryside around Siem Reap has tons of things to do in Siem Reap! Explore picturesque rice fields, charming villages, and hidden temples.
- Support local artisans: Siem Reap has many social enterprises like Artisans Angkor where you can buy souvenirs directly supporting local communities. Be sure to visit their workshops and pick up authentic handicrafts.
- Take a cooking class: Dive deeper into the local culture by learning how to cook traditional Khmer dishes. Cooking classes often include a market visit to buy fresh ingredients, giving you insight into the local food culture.
That’s it! Have you grasped enough information for your next Siem Reap tour? From things to do in Siem Reap to the local tips that none told you about this city, we hope you are ready to visit this fascinating city. Siem Reap offers more than just the temples of Angkor.
Whether you’re into food, nightlife, or unique cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of things to do in Siem Reap. Book your Siem Reap tour with Asia Links Travel for an unforgettable adventure through Cambodia's most enchanting destination.
In case you want to personalize your visit to Siem Reap, feel free to customize any itinerary with our local travel consultants! Whether you opt for a guided tour or prefer to explore independently, Siem Reap is a city that promises to captivate and inspire.
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