Things To Do In Siem Reap: Places Of Interest And Activities
Siem Reap, located in northwestern Cambodia, is best known as the gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor, including the iconic Angkor Wat. Outside of that however, Siem Reap offers a blend of cultural heritage, breathtaking architecture, and immersive experiences that make it a captivating destination for many tourists.
Siem Reap’s transformation into a tourist destination began in the late 19th century when French explorers rediscovered the Angkor temples, which had been hidden beneath dense jungle foliage for centuries. The rediscovery sparked renewed interest in Angkor’s cultural and historical significance. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Siem Reap experienced a tourism boom as peace and stability returned to Cambodia.
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Places To Visit In Siem Reap: Attractions & Activities
Siem Reap possesses several outstanding qualities that contribute to its allure as a tourist destination. Undoubtedly, the most prominent feature of Siem Reap is the Angkor Archaeological Park, home to the breathtaking temples of the Khmer Empire. Siem Reap has plenty to offer, as we’ll see in these must-visit attractions.
Angkor Wat
This magnificent temple complex is the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate bas-reliefs, and spiritual significance. Sunrise and sunset views at Angkor Wat are particularly breathtaking.
Angkor Wat is laden with symbolism, reflecting the spiritual and cosmological beliefs of the Khmer people. The temple’s layout and architectural elements are designed to represent the universe in miniature, with the central tower symbolizing the mythical Mount Meru, surrounded by oceans and continents.
Bayon Temple
Located within the ancient city of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple is famous for its towering stone faces depicting Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. The temple’s central sanctuary and labyrinthine corridors offer a fascinating exploration of Khmer art and architecture.
Built in the late 12th or early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII, Bayon Temple is a striking example of Khmer architecture and artistry. The temple is renowned for its unique structure featuring numerous large stone faces carved into its towers.
Wat Preah Prom Rath
This Buddhist temple, located in the heart of Siem Reap town, is known for its beautifully adorned buildings and serene atmosphere. Wat Preah Prom Rath is a relatively modern temple compared to some of the ancient temples in Cambodia, with its construction dating back to the late 20th century.
Visitors can observe local worshippers, admire intricate carvings, and learn about Cambodian Buddhism. Surrounding the main temple complex are lush gardens, ponds, and shaded areas where visitors can stroll, relax, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Ta Prohm
Also known as the “Tomb Raider Temple,” Ta Prohm is renowned for its atmospheric setting, with massive tree roots engulfing the temple ruins. This 12th-century temple offers a glimpse into the power of nature reclaiming ancient structures. Ta Prohm is known for its distinctive appearance, characterized by the intertwining of massive tree roots with the temple’s crumbling stone walls.
Banteay Srei
Located about 25 kilometers northeast of the main Angkor complex, Banteay Srei is known for its exquisite pink sandstone carvings and intricate decorative motifs. Despite its smaller size, this 10th-century temple is a gem of Khmer artistry. Banteay Srei is often hailed as the “Jewel of Khmer Art” due to the exceptional craftsmanship and detail of its carvings.
Popular Archeological Sites
While South East Asia has many historic locales, not many can match the sheer spectacle of Siem Reap’s archeological sites. They’re rich in history, while still remaining absolutely breathtaking. We definitely recommend visiting these if you’re in Siem Reap for a unique experience.
Kbal Spean
Also known as the “River of a Thousand Lingas,” Kbal Spean is an archaeological site located in the Phnom Kulen National Park. Visitors can hike through the jungle to discover intricately carved riverbeds, sculptures, and lingas (phallic symbols) dating back to the 11th to 13th centuries.
The site’s claim to fame are its intricate rock carvings, which adorn the riverbed and boulders along a stretch of the Stung Kbal Spean River. These carvings, dating back to the 11th to 13th centuries during the reign of the Khmer Empire, depict Hindu gods, goddesses, celestial beings, animals, and mythical creatures.
Beng Mealea
This sprawling temple complex, located about 40 kilometers east of Siem Reap, offers a sense of adventure with its partially collapsed structures and overgrown ruins. Beng Mealea is often compared to a miniature Angkor Wat and provides a glimpse into the wonders of nature reclaiming ancient architecture.
Beng Mealea is often likened to a real-life archaeological adventure, with its hidden passageways, crumbling structures, and sense of discovery evoking the spirit of exploration. The temple’s remote location and overgrown surroundings contribute to its allure, making it a favorite destination for photographers.
Angkor Thom
The last capital of the Khmer Empire, Angkor Thom is a vast archaeological site featuring several notable structures, including the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the imposing South Gate adorned with stone faces. Angkor Thom is enclosed by a massive square wall, measuring approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) on each side and surrounded by a moat.
Best Museums
Naturally, as a state with such rich history, Siem Reap has a ton of museums. Documenting the many different aspects of Siem Reap’s past practically requires a vast number of museums, resulting in many unique offerings.
Cambodian Cultural Village
The Cambodian Cultural Village is a living museum that offers insight into Cambodia’s diverse cultural heritage. Here you can experience traditional performances, recreated villages, and exhibits showcasing various aspects of Cambodian life, including dance, music, and architecture.
The Cambodian Cultural Village offers a range of hands-on activities and experiences for visitors to participate in, including traditional craft workshops, cooking demonstrations, and cultural games. Visitors can learn traditional Khmer dance moves, try their hand at weaving, pottery, or traditional Khmer cooking, and engage with local artisans and performers.
Landmine Museum and Relief Center
Located a short drive from Siem Reap, this museum offers insights into Cambodia’s tragic history of landmines and unexploded ordnance. The museum was founded by Aki Ra, a former child soldier who was conscripted by the Khmer Rouge and later trained by the Vietnamese army to clear landmines.
The museum features displays of deactivated landmines, UXO, and other explosive remnants of war collected by Aki Ra during his years of demining work. Visitors can learn about the history of landmines in Cambodia, the impact of landmine contamination on communities, and the efforts to clear landmines and provide support to landmine survivors.
Cambodian War Remnant Museum
Formerly known as the War Museum Cambodia, this museum provides a sobering look at Cambodia’s recent history, particularly the Khmer Rouge era and its devastating impact on the country and its people. This museum was once a high school converted into a prison and interrogation center by the Khmer Rouge regime.
It is one of the most prominent sites documenting the atrocities committed during the regime’s rule in Cambodia. The museum displays photographs, artifacts, and testimonies detailing the torture and execution of prisoners under the Khmer Rouge.
Best Recreational Areas
It can’t be understated how much of a haven Siem Reap is for nature lovers. Between its rich ecology and intertwining blend of nature overtaking its many ancient structures, Siem Reap oozes fascination and mystique through every pore of its recreational areas.
Phnom Kulen National Park
This scenic area, located about 50 kilometers from Siem Reap, is home to waterfalls, ancient ruins, and a sacred mountain with significant religious and historical importance. Visitors can explore the lush jungle, swim in natural pools, and visit sites like the River of a Thousand Lingas and the reclining Buddha statue.
We also can’t talk about the national park without mentioning Phnom Kulen. Also known as Mount Kulen or Kulen Mountain, Phnom Kulen is a sandstone plateau that rises 487 meters above sea level. It is considered a sacred mountain in Cambodia and is revered for its religious and historical significance.
Tonle Sap Lake
Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap offers visitors a glimpse into rural Cambodian life with its floating villages and stilted houses. Boat tours provide an opportunity to observe local fishing communities and seasonal changes in the lake’s water levels.
Tonle Sap Lake supports a rich and diverse ecosystem, including over 200 species of fish, many of which are commercially important to the fishermen in the area. The lake is also home to numerous bird species, including migratory birds that visit during the winter months.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Phare Ponleu Selpak is a non-profit organization that empowers disadvantaged Cambodian youth through arts education. The circus performances feature a blend of acrobatics, theater, music, and dance, showcasing the talents of the young performers.
Each of Phare’s productions tells a compelling story inspired by Cambodian folklore, history, and contemporary life. The performances often explore themes of resilience, hope, and the human spirit, drawing on the troupe members’ personal experiences and struggles.
Cultural Marketplaces
No visit to Siem Reap is complete without a visit to its marketplaces. You do not want to miss out on its cultural offerings, as well as the many hawker stalls and fresh produce available. Cambodian markets are a unique experience even among South East Asian countries, so make sure to pay these a visit!
Siem Reap Old Market (Phsar Chas)
A bustling marketplace in the heart of Siem Reap, the Old Market offers a sensory experience with its vibrant stalls selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, spices, and fresh produce. It’s an excellent place to shop for gifts and immerse yourself in the local culture.
The market is a paradise for food lovers, with numerous vendors offering a diverse array of street food, snacks, and traditional Khmer cuisine. Visitors can sample local specialties such as Khmer noodles, grilled meats, fresh fruit shakes, and traditional desserts.
Artisans Angkor
This social enterprise aims to revive traditional Khmer craftsmanship and provide employment opportunities for local artisans. Visitors can take guided tours of the workshops to see artisans creating exquisite silk weavings, stone carvings, lacquerware, and other handicrafts.
Best Food To Try
Brunei’s small stature and relative closeness to other countries means it takes a lot of influence from other countries for its cuisine. Many of its best dishes will seem familiar to those of you who have been to East Malaysia, but with a unique spin. If you’re planning to visit Brunei, then don’t forget to try some of these local specialties you won’t find anywhere else.
- Fish Amok
Considered Cambodia’s national dish, Fish Amok is a creamy curry made with fish fillets, coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and other aromatic spices. The dish is traditionally steamed in banana leaves, imparting a subtle sweetness to the tender fish.
- Khmer Red Curry
Khmer Red Curry is a rich and flavorful curry made with a paste of lemongrass, garlic, shallots, galangal, and dried red chilies, simmered with coconut milk, vegetables, and your choice of meat, such as chicken, beef, or fish. The curry is often served with steamed rice or rice noodles.
- Nom Banh Chok
Nom Banh Chok is a traditional Cambodian breakfast dish consisting of rice noodles topped with a fish-based curry sauce made with lemongrass, turmeric, and kaffir lime leaves, along with fresh herbs, raw vegetables, and bean sprouts. It’s a refreshing and flavorful start to the day.
- Beef Lok Lak
Beef Lok Lak is a popular Khmer stir-fry dish featuring tender strips of beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and sugar, then quickly cooked with onions, tomatoes, and lettuce. It’s typically served with a tangy dipping sauce made with lime juice, black pepper, and salt.
- Kuy Teav
Kuy Teav is a comforting Cambodian noodle soup made with rice noodles in a flavorful broth, often topped with sliced pork, beef, or chicken, along with bean sprouts, green onions, cilantro, and fried garlic. Condiments like chili sauce, lime juice, and fish sauce are typically served on the side for added flavor.
- Bai Sach Chrouk
This popular Cambodian breakfast dish consists of thinly sliced pork marinated in coconut milk, garlic, and soy sauce, then grilled to perfection and served over rice with pickled vegetables and a side of broth or soup. It’s a simple yet satisfying morning meal.
Best Time to Visit Siem Reap?
Generally, the ideal time to visit is during the cooler and drier months, which offer more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. November to February is often considered the peak tourist season in Siem Reap due to the cool and dry weather. It’s the best weather for all the outdoor activities that Siem Reap has to offer, though the crowds will be hectic and unavoidable.
If you’re looking to avoid crowds a bit, then you can consider visiting during October, during the end of the rainy season. ?Rainfall still happens, but it’s less prevalent, and crowds are not nearly as bad as peak times.
How Many Days Do You Need?
The amount of says you need when visiting Siem Reap depends on what exactly you’re looking to experience. However, if you’re looking to visit most of the popular temples and sample the local cuisine, then spending around 3 to 4 days in Siem Reap allows for a fulfilling experience without feeling rushed. We generally recommend making an itinerary of all the attractions you’d like to visit beforehand so you can plan your trip duration.
Where to Stay?
Siem Reap isn’t lacking in accommodation at every price point. From 5-star hotels with all the bells and whistles you could want, all the way down to budget stays, there’s something fitting your needs in Siem Reap. We’ve prepared several recommendations below, though if you’re looking to stay elsewhere, make sure to check out reviews first!
Aspara Residence Hotel – A comfortable 4-star hotel with many amenities.
Onederz Siem Reap – Excellent 2-star hotel that’s comfortable, clean and affordable.
Eightfold Urban Resort – Quality resort providing a unique, high-class experience.
Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang – High-end 5-star hotel with all the bells and whistles.
Sokha Siem Reap – Surprisingly affordable 5-star hotel with many different activites.
Cheata Residences – Affordable 4-star hotel with excellent atmosphere.
How Do You Get Around?
Getting around in Siem Reap is straightforward, with most people recommending you rent a motorcycle. If you’re averse to bikes or need more space, you can also rent a car, both of these options are the most convenient for travel in Siem Reap. You’ll also want to experience tuk-tuks and remorks, they’re a unique form of taxi transportation that’s a uniquely Cambodian experience.
Siem Reap Wrap-Up
Siem Reap’s natural beauty truly cannot be understated. It’s by and far one of the most stunning locales in all of South East Asia, from its ancient temples, retaken by nature and rich in flora, to its untouched religious sites that are still used to this day. If you’re someone who appreciates the history in all every day things, then Siem Reap is the destination for you.
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