Siem Reap is the perfect place to visit for a truly unforgettable experience of Cambodia.
The area is the location of the world-famous Angkor Wat Temples, a mammoth complex of absolutely stunning temple buildings which feature on many travelers’ bucket lists.
Along with this wonderous archaeological site, the area also plays host to some striking wildlife, beautiful lakes, exotic rainforests, animal sanctuaries, and museums.
This is a wonderful part of Cambodia to visit with a wide variety of activities to keep you entertained throughout your trip.
Read below for our breakdown of the 15 Best Things To Do In Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Visit The Majestic Angkor Wat Temples
When visiting Siem Reap, your top priority should be to visit the truly mesmerizing and iconic Angkor Temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park.
This large archaeological wonder is a truly awe-inspiring sight that will stay with you long after your vacation has ended.
As you walk amongst these magnificent buildings you will be taking a step back in time to a long-lost world of the legendary Khmer Empire.
Amongst these fascinating buildings, you will find the largest Buddhist temple on earth, Angkor Wat which dates back to the 12th century and is said to have been built over the period of 30 years as a funereal temple for King Suryavaram.
Gain an insight into an ancient world as you make your way along the historic climbing stairways, stroll amongst the ruins, and peer through antiquated archways.
Visit this incredible area at sunrise to experience the spectacular sight of these beautiful buildings being lit up as the sun rises and the sky turns pink.
This is a mammoth area and one you should allow a good amount of time for exploring; you can opt for a guided tour which can vary from 1 day up to 1 week depending upon your interest and available time.
The Angkor Wat Remples really are a marvel and quite literally the best thing to do in Siem Reap.
Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride Above Siem Reap
From an utterly unique viewpoint, you can take a pleasurable hot air balloon ride across the area to see Siem Reap and the Angkor Archaeological Park.
You will be able to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the huge temple complex of Angkor and the stunning surrounding cities and rainforest locales.
To add to the beauty of the experience, book your ride at sunset or sunrise for a majestic trip through the skies.
The cost of a hot air balloon will vary according to the season but will cost upwards of $100, not a cheap activity by any means, but worth the investment for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A hot air balloon over the Angkor Wat Temples is without doubt one of the best things to do in Siem Reap.
Pay A Visit To The Angkor National Museum
To gain more of an understanding of the Angkor Temples and the Khmer Empire you can pay a visit to this beautiful museum either before or after your trip to the archaeological site.
The museum houses a fascinating collection of art and artifacts from the Khmer Empire period which are incredibly helpful in increasing your understanding of the wondrous past of this area.
The building itself is a beautiful example of Cambodian architecture and you will have a wonderful time strolling through its cool halls and exploring all the fascinating exhibits which were created and used by the very people who lived in and around the legendary Angkor temple site.
Enjoy An Apsara Dance Performance
During the Khmer Empire, the Aspara (meaning Beautiful Girls) dancers only performed for the royal family and were believed to have supernatural powers.
Nowadays you can be entertained by a one-hour high-production show where talented performers carry out moves and choreography dating back to the reign of Survavarman II.
Enjoy this entertaining slice of traditional culture with spectacular costumes, beautiful backdrops, and fascinating local dancers.
Visit The Cambodian Landmine Museum
Another museum to visit while you are in the area is the Cambodia Landmine Museum which will teach you about an aspect of Cambodia’s history that you may not be familiar with.
Although not officially involved in the Vietnam War, Cambodia served as a military supply route to South Vietnam during the conflict.
As a result of this involvement, Cambodia was subject to a barrage of bombs and landmines from the North Vietnamese forces looking to disrupt the supply of arms to their enemies.
This museum will give you another perspective on the history of the country and is open from 7.30 to 5.30om each day for a cost of $5 USD (children go free.)
The money you spend will go towards landmine clearance, supporting amputee children, and a new school.
Visit The Siem Reap Night Markets
For a great after-dark activity, you can make your way to the streets of Siem Reap town which will be full to the brim of vibrant, colorful, and interesting stalls for you to explore.
Spend some time strolling around the food, clothing, and craft stalls, and you are bound to come across a beautiful bargain to take it home with you as a memento.
There are several different markets all found within walking vicinity of each other, so no matter what you are looking for, chances are that you will be able to pick up the perfect souvenir or gift.
Alternatively, you can spend your time sampling the local food and finish with ice cream whilst indulging in some people watching as tourists from all over the globe mill past.
Spend Some Time At A Floating Village
Have a magical experience at some of the floating villages on the Tonle Sap River.
These villages are popular destinations for tourists looking to experience this uniquely South East Asian phenomenon.
Hire a boat to float amongst the various boat market stalls and pick up some local goods and delicacies from village vendors.
The most popular floating village near Siem Reap is Chong Kneas which is located about 40 minutes from the town, but this area has become known for unreasonable prices and tourist targeted scams.
The nearby villages of Kampong Khleang and Kampong Phluk are more relaxing places to experience a floating market with a noticeably smaller number of tourists and a more authentic feel.
You will need to pay an entry fee to enter just about all of the floating villages and this is usually around $20 USD.
Pub Street – Experience The Vibrant Nightlife And Pub Scene
Blow off some steam with a night out on the town in Siem Reap’s busy and exciting night scene centered around the aptly named Pub Street.
To start your night off you can take your pick of one of the many food stalls lining the street where you can pick up a curry for as little as $4 USD.
The streets are closed to traffic from 5 pm each evening and soon become lined with a wide variety of food and drink stalls as well as live music and street entertainments.
This is a fantastic place to visit for a memorable night out with friends where you can make some great memories and maybe even sample a fried scorpion or two!
Pub street is definitely one of the best things to do in Siem Reap on an evening.
Take A Boat Trip On The Tonlé Sap Lake
Spend a pleasant and relaxing time on a boat trip across the largest freshwater lake in the whole of Southeast Asia.
This mammoth body of water is host to more than 300 species of local wildlife and taking a boat ride is a fantastic way to witness them in their natural habitat.
Sit back in the boat and watch the beautiful birds fly by on their way to the Preak Toal Bird Sanctuary, and spot the turtles, fish, and crocodiles that inhabit the water around you.
You will also be able to get a splendid view of the villages surrounding the lake which stand on stilts and are home to the over three million people who make a living from these waters.
Visit The Angkor Center For Conservation
To spend more time amongst the local nature you can visit the Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity which works towards the breeding of species, rehabilitation of animals, and conservation research.
Take a tour of the center where the guides will talk you through the important work the organization does while letting you visit the birds, otters, and other wildlife which are being rehabilitated for release back into the wild.
This is a terrific way for animal lovers to spend a few hours being inspired and learning more about the local environment while supporting the center’s important work at the same time.
Pay A Visit To The Siem Reap War Museum
Learn some more about Cambodia’s history with a visit to this museum devoted to the country’s military past.
Learn about the war and conflicts which have scarred the area while viewing their large and varied collection of military paraphernalia, vehicles, landmines, and relics.
You will gain important insight into the identity and history of the county and culture which will give you a new appreciation of the people and places you are visiting.
The museum entrance fee is $5 USD and is open from 8 am to 5.30 pm, during which time you can get a free guided tour of the exhibits.
Spend Some Time At The Phare Circus
This unique Phare Circus experience is run as a non-profit organization and was originally set up as a form of therapy for refugee survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Now you can visit the circus to enjoy a show which will entertain while showing Cambodian stories to the audience.
No animals are included in the performance, and this is a magical way to learn more about the local culture and history.
The shows last for one hour and cost $18 USD for adults and $10 for children.
The Phare circus is one of the best things to do in Siem Reap, no matter what age!
Visit The Free Temples In Siem Reap
The Angkor Temples aren’t the only sacred sites to visit in the area, there are several temples you can visit for free which are all within walking distance from the center of the town.
Spend an afternoon going on a walking tour from temple to temple to enjoy the beautiful architecture, artifacts, and history of the buildings without any extra cost or need to organize transport.
One of the older temples in Siem Reap is Wat Bo which is usually quite quiet and is a wonderful place to head to for some reflection and peace.
Alternatively, you can head to Wat Damnak which serves as the center of Khmer Studies and has a public library where you can spend some time furthering your knowledge of the area and its history.
Make sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes and bring a water bottle with you before you embark on your walk.
Spend A Day At The Kulen National Park
Spend a day away from the bustle of the town in this beautiful rainforest park where you’ll find stunning waterfalls, ancient temples, crumbling buildings, and monasteries.
Walk amongst the exotic trees and plant life, spotting the colorful birds and wildlife as you follow the River of a Thousand Lingas.
Head up to the top of the river to reach the world-famous Reclining Buddha statue and a beautiful pagoda.
If you need to take a rest during your trip, simply stop off at one of the idyllic waterfalls and dip your feet in the cooling waters.
The park is situated about an hour’s drive from town and transport can be organized easily from your hotel or a local tourist agency.
Visit The Banteay Srey Butterfly Center
Have a magical time amongst the colorful and vibrant inhabitants of the Butterfly Sanctuary.
You will be able to walk through this interactive rainforest garden while the sanctuary’s inhabitants fly above and around you!
This is a must-visit for nature lovers and will also be a wonderful and unforgettable experience for families.
You can choose to take a tour of the sanctuary where a guide will educate you about these beautiful creatures and the sanctuary’s conservation work.
Summary: 15 Best Things To Do In Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is a fantastic place to visit with plenty of attractions and activities to keep you busy and entertained during your vacation.
This list of the 15 Best Things To Do In Siem Reap, is simply the beginning when it comes to this wonderful part of Cambodia.
We hope that you find this list useful when planning your holiday and have a trip you will treasure always in this stunning part of the world.
For more information about places to visit in Cambodia and Asia please check our other helpful guides on this site.
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