Many travelers journey to Cambodia with one destination firmly in mind: the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat. While these magnificent structures are undeniably a major draw, to limit your experience to only the temples is to miss out on a wealth of captivating experiences that Siem Reap has to offer.
Over a million tourists annually pass through Siem Reap, transforming it into the fastest-growing urban center in Cambodia, second only to the bustling capital of Phnom Penh. Boasting a history that stretches back to the year 802, a visit to Siem Reap stands as a highlight for countless travelers traversing Southeast Asia. This vibrant city pulsates with a unique energy, offering a diverse array of activities and attractions that extend far beyond the ancient ruins that lie just a short distance away. Let’s explore the 13 best things to do in this captivating city.
1. Take a Day (or Three) to Explore the Angkor Temples
No trip to Siem Reap is complete without immersing yourself in the grandeur of the Angkor temples. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as the primary attraction for visitors, and for good reason. Constructed in the 12th century by the Khmer people under the reign of Jayavarman II, the temples of Angkor Wat are an architectural marvel that must be witnessed to be truly appreciated.
The Angkor temple complex is composed of a vast collection of temples, each with its own distinct character and history. Some have been meticulously restored to their former glory, while others remain partially concealed by the embrace of the jungle, their ancient stones interwoven with the roots of towering trees. Many travelers staying in the hotels and hostels of Siem Reap opt to hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day, providing a convenient and affordable way to navigate the expansive temple complex.
The sheer scale of Angkor Wat is breathtaking. A single-day pass will allow you to see the major highlights, but for a more in-depth exploration, consider purchasing a three- or even seven-day pass. This will allow you to delve into the intricate details of the temples, uncovering hidden carvings and soaking in the rich history of this remarkable site.
2. Enjoy a Thousand-Year-Old Apsara Dance After Dark
The "apsara" dance, a traditional Khmer art form, is a mesmerizing spectacle of grace and beauty. The lithe young female dancers draw inspiration from a tradition as old as the carved apsara figures that adorn the walls of Angkor Wat.
This millennia-old dance form was nearly lost forever during the brutal Khmer Rouge regime, which sought to eradicate traditional Khmer culture. Fortunately, a few dedicated survivors managed to preserve the art, passing it on to a new generation of apsara dancers. Today, these dancers, adorned in form-fitting clothing and elaborate golden headdresses, perform on stages throughout Siem Reap.
For a truly authentic experience, avoid the typical dinner-buffet-dance performances and seek out the "Sacred Dancers of Angkor" at the Divine Sala. This troupe is the only apsara dance group under royal patronage, ensuring a performance infused with a spiritual presence often lacking in other shows. Performances are held on Wednesdays and Sundays from 7 p.m. onward.
3. Wander Through the Angkor National Museum
To gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture that shaped the Angkor temples, a visit to the Angkor National Museum is essential. Opened in 2007, this impressive museum houses thousands of artifacts recovered from Angkor Wat and the surrounding areas.
The museum’s collection showcases relics from the ancient Angkor Empire, including over 6,000 lintels, statues of Hindu gods and Buddhist bodhisattvas, and intricately carved sandstone reliefs. These artifacts tell the fascinating story of the Angkor Empire’s rise to power and its eventual decline.
Visiting the Angkor National Museum before exploring the Angkor temples will significantly enhance your appreciation for the site. To make the most of your visit, rent a portable media player at the entrance for an audio explanation of the exhibits. And before you leave, browse the duty-free mall for a unique souvenir.
4. Take in a Show at the Phare Circus
For a captivating evening of entertainment, head to the Phare Circus. Founded by eight performers from Battambang, this big-top-style extravaganza blends comedy, dance, and acrobatics to interpret Cambodian culture in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
While the Phare Circus has a modern feel, it draws inspiration from the historic Khmer tradition of acrobatics. The performances are authentically Khmer, with spoken parts performed in the Khmer language (subtitles are provided in multiple languages).
Performing at the Phare Circus is a dream for many students at Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), an arts school in Battambang. The students train for years, hoping for a chance to showcase their skills on stage.
5. Wing It at the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
Nature enthusiasts will be enthralled by the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, a 31,000-hectare protected area that has become one of Southeast Asia’s most important breeding grounds for endangered water birds.
Located in the marshes of Tonle Sap Lake, near Battambang province, this sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to observe rare and endangered waterfowl in their natural habitat. During a boat tour, you can spot storks, ibis, pelicans, and many other species.
The best time to visit is during the dry months of December to March, when thousands of local and migratory birds gather to fish and mate in the waters of Prek Toal. Arrange your visit through your guesthouse or hire a boat from the Phnom Krom/Chong Khneas boat dock. You can also book an overnight stay at the Prek Toal Environmental Research Station.
6. See Siem Reap’s Countryside from Way, Way Above
For an unforgettable aerial adventure, take a microlight flight over the Cambodian countryside. Microlight Cambodia, operated by experienced pilot Eddie Smith, offers a selection of flight patterns that provide breathtaking views of the region.
The Pegasus Quik microlight seats two (pilot and passenger) and flies at a cruising speed of about 68 mph and an altitude of 1,500 feet. You can choose from routes that take you over the floating villages on Tonle Sap, the stork colonies around Kampong Phluk, or an aerial temple route that includes the Roluos Group, Banteay Samrei, Sra Srang, and Angkor Wat (viewed from a safe distance).
7. Buy Upscale Cambodian Culture at Kandal Village
Kandal Village, a charming street south of Siem Reap‘s French Quarter, has become a hub for hip and upscale shops and boutiques. This 500-foot avenue is home to a collection of culturally-conscious establishments offering unique and stylish products.
Explore shops like Louise Loubatieres for lacquerware and textiles, Niko’s Studio for Buddhas with modern paint patterns, Trunkh for clothing and home decor with Khmer and modern influences, and Saarti for beeswax candles from Angelina Jolie’s foundation. Finish your visit with a turmeric-and-ginger-infused coffee at the Little Red Fox or authentic Italian pasta at Mamma Shop.
8. See Authentic Village Life at Kampong Phluk
Escape the tourist crowds and experience authentic Khmer village life at Kampong Phluk, a fishing village built on stilts in the swamps of Tonle Sap Lake.
Located about 13 miles from Siem Reap, Kampong Phluk has retained much of its authenticity due to the relatively small number of tourists who venture there. This is a place to observe daily life in a traditional Khmer village. Try to coincide your visit with a Cambodian festival for an even more immersive experience.
9. See the Ruin of War at the Land Mine Museum
The Cambodia Land Mine Museum offers a sobering reminder of the country’s turbulent past. Founded by a former child soldier whose parents were killed by the Khmer Rouge, the museum aims to raise awareness about the dangers of land mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
Millions of land mines and UXO remain in Cambodia, a legacy of the Khmer Rouge regime and the Vietnamese occupation. The museum is staffed by victims and orphans of mines, and the entrance fee supports a relief center and school attached to the museum.
10. Buy Souvenirs at the Old Market
The riverside Psah Chas, or Old Market, is a bustling marketplace that caters to both tourists and locals. One half of the market is dedicated to tourist souvenirs, offering a wide array of items such as silverworks, T-shirts, brass sculptures, jewelry, handbags, and art.
The other half of the market is geared towards locals, particularly the "wet market" where vendors sell raw meat, vegetables, and processed food products. This is a great place to observe Khmer daily life.
11. Shudder at Relics of Human Cruelty in Wat Thmei
Wat Thmei serves as a poignant memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. A glass-walled stupa on the premises holds a mass of bones belonging to massacre victims.
Like Tuol Sleng in Phnom Penh, Wat Thmei provides a stark reminder of the atrocities that occurred in Cambodia during the 1970s. The monastery here houses a number of monks and orphans under their care.
12. Get Buzzed over Rice Liqueur at Sombai
Sombai offers a modern twist on a traditional Cambodian beverage. This workshop, set in a traditional Khmer wooden house, produces flavored rice liqueurs, combining the conventional Cambodian sraa tram ("soaked wine") with modern rum infusions.
Sombai offers about eight flavored liqueurs, each with a unique flavor profile. You can taste the liqueurs and choose your favorite flavor combination. Book a tour to learn about the liqueur-making process and sample all the available flavors.
13. Party or Shop After Dark at the Pub Street & Night Market
After dark, Siem Reap transforms into a lively entertainment hub. Pub Street and the neighboring Night Market are popular destinations for visitors seeking nightlife and shopping.
Enjoy an Angkor Beer at one of the many neon-lit bars on Pub Street. The Angkor What? bar, which opened in 1998, is a Pub Street mainstay known for its energy, cheap drinks, and late hours. Across Sivatha Street, the Night Market offers a wide range of souvenirs at bargain prices.
