Siem Reap was originally a small town but in connection with tourism, it has grown considerably and even become Cambodia’s second largest city. The city itself, however, is best known for it is closeness to the world heritage Angkor, especially Angkor Wat.
But what do you really do besides visiting Angkor Wat? Here’s a big list of Siem Reap attractions and things to do in the city as a tourist!
Angkor Wat
One of Cambodia’s most famous sights and the biggest reason why so many tourists choose to travel to Siem Reap. Angkor Wat is an old historic temple that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992 along with the rest of the temples of Angkor.
Come here before sunrise and enjoy an amazing sunrise. However, I want to prepare you that there literally are thousands of others who will accompany you, but it really does not matter, because it is such a powerful experience anyway, which is all the more surreal when the lights come up and you see how many people you actually have around you.
In order to get a good spot to take pictures from and not have anyone else standing in front of you, you have to be there at 5:30 when the temple area opens.
Hire your personal Tuk Tuk driver for 15-20 dollars per day – Ratana Lin.
It was him that I went with myself, and to avoid being scammed, I can warmly recommend you to contact him to go around the temples of Angkor.
He is also a cool and funny man who will make your visit even better.
Bar Street
Many backpackers come to Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat during the daytime, but towards evening it’s party at the bar street that’s on schedule.
A fun way to end the day!
Eat something “exotic”
At the street leading towards the big night market with crafts, you will find something quite different, namely a trolley that serves an unusual exotic menu that consists of spiders, snake, beetles, worms, and grasshoppers just to name a few “treats” that awaits.
One favorite thing that many people choose to do in Siem Reap (many do it, just to take a picture).
Bayon Temple
My personal favorite of the many temples of Angkor. It is in this temple that several huge rocks are shaped like faces. Stone faces sitting on top of the temple towers. If you go there before all guided tours arrive, you’ll have the temple area almost to yourself, and that alone is a powerful feeling!
You feel a bit like Indiana Jones or any other adventurers!
Siem Reap floating village
Once you are done with Angkor, it can feel like there is not so much more to do in Siem Reap, but only 40-60 minutes away from Siem Reap by car, you have three interesting floating villages.
If you’ve never seen something like this it will be a great experience where you also get to see the daily life among the locals around the Tonle Sap lake; My favorite of the floating villages is Kompong Khleang,
Why? Well, it’s the most local and authentic of the three, and the locals own the boats that you go with, which means that you are supporting local people and ensure that they receive a portion of tourism revenue into their own pockets.
Go to the spa
As in many other Southeast Asian countries, there is a wide selection of spa and massage treatments. Siem Reap is no exception, and you will find spas around each and every other corner.
They are also very Cheap, so take the opportunity to pamper your body and soul after a few days of sightseeing in Angkor.
Go shopping at the night market
Local handicrafts, paintings, clothing, and souvenirs are available in great amounts at the night market in Siem Reap. Many of the products are nice and well made, so it’s definitely worth it to go there and look around and see if you find something.
But remember to bargain, the night market is is aimed at tourists and prices are set accordingly!
Ta Prohm
Known from the movie Tomb Raider, which makes this temple the second most famous temple in the ruin city of Angkor. The most famous place is the one with the white tree with a massive root that winds down over an opening in the temple wall.
Other attractions and things to do in Siem Reap
Angkor Silk Farm
Learn about the art of making silk clothes and products. Here you can join a free guided tour with the possibility of including how to weave silk.
Tonle Sap
If you ask around about things to do in Siem Reap besides Angkor Wat, the most commons answer will probably be “head to Tonle Sap lake”, and rightly so. It is a beautiful lake which offers a different experience thanks to the floating villages which are located here.
Apsara Theatre
A traditional dance performance that offers an excellent evening entertainment in Siem Reap. Robam Tep Apsara is a traditional local Khmer dance where the dancers have traditional Khmer clothes.
A real cultural experience!
Lisanne
Tuesday 7th of March 2017
Thanks so much for these tips! We are going soon and are super excited to explore all the temples.