Welcome to Siem Reap, it is a city of beautiful contrasts, where ancient wonders and a vibrant, contemporary spirit live side by side. Dive into Siem Reap with this guide that features more than the usual temple tours. Although Angkor Wat’s grand towers are at the heart of the city, Siem Reap’s real magic is in its vibrant, unexpected experiences.
This is your guide to the heart of the “Kingdom of Wonder”. We’ll show you how to chase the sunrise over a 12th-century masterpiece, discover hidden jungle temples, and then, as the sun sets, dive into a world of bustling night markets, aromatic street food, and stories that live in the smiles of the local people.
1. Explore Angkor Archaeological Park
Explore the timeless heart of the Khmer Empire at Angkor Archaeological Park. This is more than just a site; it’s a sprawling kingdom of stone, where hundreds of ancient temples tell a story. Even if you only have a short time, you absolutely can’t miss seeing these three stunning monuments.
- Your adventure starts with the magnificent Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world and a symbol of Cambodia’s greatness. The sunrise here is an unforgettable, soul-stirring sight, as the morning sun coats the temple’s recognizable spires in a beautiful golden glow.
- Step into the mystical ruins of Ta Prohm, where ancient trees embrace the stone, just like in the movie Tomb Raider. Giant, twisting tree roots have grown over the ancient stone, as if nature is slowly reclaiming the ruins and turning them into a mystical, otherworldly place.
- As you get closer to the Bayon Temple, you’ll notice you’re not alone. The towers are adorned with almost 200 tranquil faces that grin softly and watch you from every direction.
2. Experience the Cambodian Circus (Phare Ponleu Selpak)
When considering what to do in Siem Reap, forget what you know about the circus. Phare, the Cambodian Circus, isn’t about animals or flashy lights; it’s a powerful and soulful performance that tells the stories of Cambodia’s people. More than just a show, it’s a social enterprise. The amazing performers on stage—acrobats, dancers, and contortionists—all trained and graduated from a non-profit school named Phare Ponleu Selpak.This wonderful organization empowers vulnerable young people by offering them free education and job training, along with a creative outlet to build a brighter future.
Your ticket purchase directly helps these artists and their community thrive. Your circus ticket not only gets you a fun night out, but it also empowers young people in Cambodia, which is a terrific cause.It’s a night of entertainment you can truly feel good about.
3. Discover the Floating Villages on Tonle Sap Lake
For those wondering what to do in Siem Reap to see a different side of the culture, Life unfolds on the water at Tonle Sap, a massive lake home to unique floating communities. Take a boat tour to floating villages like Kampong Phluk or Chong Kneas to see a truly unique and fascinating way of life. Here, entire communities—houses, schools, and markets—are not built on land, but on towering stilts or designed to float with the rhythm of the water. It’s a beautiful sight to see people living in tune with nature’s rhythm, showing great strength and cleverness.
4. Wander Down Pub Street
Beyond the temples, Siem Reap truly awakens at night, and Pub Street is the lively heart of the city after dark.
Walking down this famous street, you’ll hear the sizzle of food, a mix of different languages, and music coming from every bar and restaurant. It’s a place that’s both a quiet haven for a drink and a bustling hub of activity. It’s more than a street; it’s the grand finale to your day of adventure. Here, you can unwind with a cold, cheap beer, swap stories, and let the city’s festive and unforgettable energy wash over you.
5. Visit the APOPO Visitor Center
Take a moment to admire the tireless work of APOPO’s HeroRats, true heroes dedicated to saving lives. Explore the fascinating world of giant African pouched rats, whose keen noses are used to find and clear dangerous landmines. These small heroes are making a monumental difference, clearing dangerous fields and giving communities a safe future. It’s a powerful and inspiring look at how innovation and courage are healing the scars of Cambodia’s past.
6. Take a Khmer Cooking Class
Discover how to prepare Khmer cuisine from scratch to enhance your dining experience. The path to a delectable meal starts at a busy local market, where you will collect the abundance of fresh, colourful ingredients for your cooking class that day.
You’ll head back to the kitchen to get hands-on with classic Cambodian dishes. Discover how to properly blend spices and herbs to create the truly authentic flavors of Beef Lok Lak or Fish Amok. It’s an interactive experience that transforms a delectable dinner into an enduring memory.
7. Shop at the Local Markets
No Siem Reap journey is complete until you’ve explored the sights, sounds, and smells of its lively market scene. Instead of souvenir shops, let your senses guide you through a vibrant world of color, scent, and sound. The Old Market is a feast for the senses, overflowing with handcrafted silks, intricate carvings, and unique jewelry that you can bargain for.
For a more curated and meaningful shopping experience, make your way to the Made in Cambodia Market. This place is a tribute to local artistry, not just a market. The items sold here aren’t just souvenirs; they’re pieces of a story, hand-crafted by local artisans who earn a living from your purchase. You’ll find high-quality, authentic crafts, from hand-loomed textiles to beautiful silverwork, all made with pride right here in Cambodia.
8. Explore Phnom Kulen National Park
Hoping to get away from the hustle and bustle? Trade the crowds and ancient sites for a refreshing day trip to Phnom Kulen National Park. This is a great choice for what to do in Siem Reap when you want to escape the city. A profound feeling of history and stunning natural environment may be found on this revered peak.
Hike to two stunning waterfalls, where you can cool off in the crystal-clear pools. Discover the “River of a Thousand Lingas,” an ancient site where intricate Hindu carvings are etched into the riverbed, visible beneath the flowing water. Finally, make a pilgrimage to the summit to see the magnificent reclining Buddha statue, carved directly into a giant sandstone boulder.
9. Learn at the Cambodia Landmine Museum
The temples stand tall, but the most inspiring part of Siem Reap is the courage of its community.
A visit to the Cambodia Landmine Museum, just outside Siem Reap, is a moving experience that highlights the country’s enduring spirit. This museum, started by former child soldier Aki Ra, isn’t just a display of history; it’s a living testament to an important mission. Here, every display tells a story of survival and hope, educating visitors on the devastating legacy of landmines while highlighting the courageous work being done to clear them. It’s a sobering but essential experience that will give you a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s journey and the incredible strength of its people. For a truly impactful answer to what to do in Siem Reap, this museum is a must-visit.
10. Indulge in a Traditional Khmer Massage
Once you’re done exploring the ancient stones and temples, give your body a well-deserved treat. A traditional Khmer massage can help you relax and relieve your stress; it’s a soothing and gentle experience for your entire body.
Unlike its more intense Thai counterpart, this massage is a gentle, rhythmic dance of pressure and stretching, designed to melt away the day’s fatigue. It’s an ancient art form that connects with the body’s energy lines, leaving you feeling not just rested, but completely renewed—ready to continue your journey through the Kingdom of Wonder.
The magic of Siem Reap isn’t just in its sights, but in the memories you’ll make there. You arrive to see the stunning temples, but you depart with a piece of Cambodia in your heart. The moments you’ll cherish most are a circus artist’s powerful performance, the rich flavor of authentic Fish Amok, the electric vibe of Pub Street, and the enduring resilience of the Cambodian people.
After witnessing the sunrise at Angkor Wat, consider exploring beyond the temple ruins. The true magic of Siem Reap lies in its people, its flavors, and its indomitable spirit. Go on, step into the “Kingdom of Wonder” and discover your own story. After all, there are so many options for what to do in Siem Reap.
