Krong Siem Reap is not just a portal to the historical realm of the Khmer and the enigmatic Angkor Wat temple complex, but a vibrant destination with luxury hotels, stylish spas, bustling cafes and rooftop bars.
The sprawling Angkor Archaeological Park spreading over 400 sq km is a time capsule with ruins of many capitals of the Khmer Empire spanning 600 years. While Angkor Wat is undoubtedly the showstopper among the 70 monumental temples, there are several ways to unwind here once you are “templed” out.
Wander around the Old French Quarter, cycle around the rice fields, lose yourself in the lively markets, go fishing or birding, join a cooking class, get on a hot air balloon, enjoy the circus, or simply marvel at the many magnificent sunrises and sunsets framed by the contours of the famed shrines.
Cambodia’s second-largest town can whisk you away on a magic carpet into the mysteries of the past and also captivate you with a contemporary charm at the same time. Be prepared to be spellbound during your visit to this historic city with this list of some of the best things to do in Siem Reap.
Best time to visit Siem Reap
Tourists throng Siem Reap from December to February, ringing in Christmas, New Year, and even Chinese New Year as these months are very pleasant in terms of weather with clear skies and cooler temperatures. The shoulder season is from March to April but it gets very hot. It rains very heavily from May to September but post-monsoon, the landscape is drenched in vivid hues, beckoning many travellers and photographers in October and November.
Best free thing to do in Siem Reap
Visit Wat Preah Prom Rath
A calm oasis in the heart of Siem Reap, this functioning Buddhist monastery with luxuriant gardens is located in the Old Town by the riverside, This pagoda with colourful murals is built in the Khmer style of architecture with an ornate gate, towers, shrines, learning centres and a courtyard filled with sculptures. The main hall or the Preah Vihear houses a mammoth statue of a reclining Buddha and another huge carving of a seated Buddha.
Legends say that the 16th century temple commemorates the miraculous escape of a monk, Preah Ang Chong Han Hoy who was attacked by sharks when he was travelling by boat to neighbouring towns for alms. While the wooden boat was damaged, the monk arrived safely and the broken remnants were used to build a carving of the reclining Buddha.
Best fun thing to do in Siem Reap
Bike around the rice fields in the countryside
If you have had an overdose of temples then this rural escapade is a welcome break. Rent a bike and pedal away in the idyllic countryside around verdant paddy fields and experience local culture. There is Nhum Bai, the Village Experience and Ancient West Baray Rural Village Tour or you can visit villages like Mechhrey or Chrav as well.
Some of these tours also take you to the floating villages around Ton Le Sap Lake. You get to stay in villages, admire local arts and architecture, get your hands dirty in the fields, attend a cooking class and even visit local markets and schools.
Best cultural thing to do in Siem Reap
Be a time traveller in Angkor Archaeological Park
Start your day with a pristine sunrise at Angkor Wat, a UNESCO Heritage Site that represents Mt Meru on earth. Rising 55 metres from the ground like a towering divine mountain, the 12th-century shrine is a creative inspiration that marks the pinnacle of Khmer architectural skills, But Angkor Archaeological Park with over 70 temples can be overwhelming for a first-time traveller.
Enter Angkor Thom through the larger-than-life South Gate with the monumental carvings and bass reliefs. Bayon Temple with 54 towers and 216 faces is another masterpiece. Don’t miss the enchanting Ta Prohm with the moniker, Tomb Raider Temple and the neighbouring Preah Khan. Day trips to Koh Ker in the forests and the spectacular ruins of Beng Mealea are recommended. Banteay Srei with the butterfly park close by is another marvellous shrine. For sunsets, the views from Phnom Bakheng and Pre Rup are some of the best.
Best thing to do with family and kids in Siem Reap
Spend an evening at the Phare Circus
Get mesmerised by the acrobatic feats of the performers as they blend in dance, drama music and storytelling in this iconic and unconventional circus. Brimming with energy and emotion, it is a riveting theatrical performance that is inspired by real-life stories of the artists without any performances from animals. Dramatic and interactive, the circus is also a cultural movement and a social enterprise with a deep history behind it that goes back to the era of the wars. Don’t miss the delicious local street food served here with drinks and you can indulge in shopping as well for arts and crafts. Book your tickets rather well in advance.
Best things to do in Siem Reap for couples
Get dizzy with excitement in a hot-air balloon
Take to the skies, float amidst the clouds and experience a golden sunrise over the historic Angkor Wat or lose yourself in the pristine rosy sunsets. There is nothing more surreal than an exciting journey up in the air as you get a bird’s eye view of the sacred Angkor temples, the green countryside, the towering mountains and the dense rainforests right under your feet. The hot air balloon rides are not allowed to fly directly over Angkor Wat but the tethered helium balloon rides by Angkor Balloon near the main gate take you up 120 metres in the sky. While summers are the best time, do check the weather before you opt for a romantic flight. Some tours even include temple tours and local cuisine.
Best thing to do in Siem Reap for nature lovers
Cruise along Ton Le Sap Lake and the Floating villages
Cruise along one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia and see life unfolding along the floating villages. Ton Le Sap Lake, part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is the lifeline of the rural and fishing communities and home to millions of people living in stilted homes. You can visit floating villages like Chong Kneas with lush paddy fields or the less touristy Kampong Phluk or Kampong Khleang with mangrove forests.
There is also a bird sanctuary at Prek Toal which is a full-day tour from Siem Reap. Boat rides, floating restaurants and visits to paddy fields and the floating villages are all part of the package. You can also combine the tour with a visit to the Roluos group of temples as well. Tuk tuks can take you to these villages but you can also book a half-day or full-day tour with Tara Boat or Sam Veasna who focus on sustainability.
Best thing to do in Siem Reap for adventure
Go ziplining along the dense rainforest
Get your adrenaline flowing as you soar and glide through the dense jungle canopies and zip right through the towering trees of the rainforest. Say hello to the gibbons as you swoop through the primaeval forest on the ziplines linked by wooden bridges. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Angkor Archaeological Park from dizzying heights. Admire views of the jungles, mountains, temples and ruins as you whiz past. For outdoor enthusiasts, Angkor Zipline also includes biking and jeep tours and jungle walks which focus on sustainability and safety.
Best thing to do in Siem Reap at night
Go pub-hopping at Pub Street
As the sun sets, the lights come up in the spirited and eclectic Pub Street located near the bustling night market, A farrago of chic hotspots, backpacker-friendly pubs and local restaurants, you will also find an array of rooftop bars, lounges, nightclubs, live dance shows, massage parlours, cafes and boutiques here, Siem Reap is a city that doesn’t sleep. The oldest bar Angkor What ? has a cult following even today. Another late-night watering hole is the Laundry Bar. Miss Wong Cocktail Bar is legendary for its retro Shanghai decor,
If you are looking for a quiet relaxed vibe, hop over to FCC located inside the Foreign Correspondent Club Hotel. But the most iconic, premium and classy nightlife venue is the Elephant Bar at the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor.
Best thing to do in summer
Attend a cooking class
Add a dash of spice to your trip to Siem Reap by enrolling in a cooking class especially as the rising temperatures deter you from being outdoors. While there are several speciality restaurants serving traditional Khmer cuisine, nothing is more fulfilling than donning an apron and experimenting with the flavours.
One of the highly recommended cooking classes is the Khmer Cooking House at a local’s house which is an intimate experience — right from shopping in the market for ingredients to cooking up a storm. From starters to dessert, this is a five-course meal and you can opt for vegetarian and vegan as well. If you would like to explore the idyllic villages then opt for the Siem Reap Countryside Cooking Class or the Cambodian Village Cooking Class.
Best thing to do in winter
Visit Phnom Kulen and Kbal Spean
Take a day trip and drive towards Phnom Kulen or Kulen Mountain a sacred site, also believed to be the birthplace of the Khmer Empire. Located deep inside the Kulen National Park and surrounded by dense woodlands, murmuring forest streams and cascading waterfalls it is referred to as the Ancient Site of Mahendraparvata with several shrines.
Don’t miss the giant reclining Buddha statue at Preah Ang Thom Pagoda and Prasat Rong Chen right atop the peak, which was the first “temple mountain” built like a pyramid, However, the most fascinating and hallowed site is by the river at Kbal Spean also called the Valley of Thousand Lingas.” Nestled deep inside the jungle are a series of sandstone rock relief carvings formed along the river bed that add to the mystical experience.
(Hero and feature image credit: Paul Szewczyk/Unsplash)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What are the best shopping places in Siem Reap?
Besides the Old Market, the Night Market and Angkor Market, you can also visit Angkor Handicraft Association and Artisans d Angkor for crafts. There are also popular malls and shopping complexes like Angkor Trading Centre, T Galleria by DFS Angkor and The Heritage Walk.
– What are the best things to buy in Siem Reap?
From souvenirs to silverware, silks to spices, ceramics to carvings, you can buy a lot of artisanal products and handicrafts in Siem Reap.
– Is there any dress code in Siem Reap?
It is advisable to wear formal clothes covering knees, shoulders, arms and legs when visiting any of the temples. Tank tops, sleeveless shirts, shorts and casual dresses are not allowed inside the temples. Scarves and stoles are preferred as well.
– What are the best festivals in Siem Reap?
The Khmer New Year is celebrated in mid-April while Independence Day is on November 9. Festivities are galore for King Sihamoni’s birthday around May 13-15. The locals also celebrate Royal Ploughing Day in May and the Water Festival around October/November.
– What are the nearby cities in Siem Reap that can be explored by road?
You can travel to Battambang by road as it’s only 160 km. Another city is Sisophon which is just 100 km away. Poipet which is on the border between Thailand and Cambodia is also 150 km and is known as a gambling den.
Lakshmi is passionate about everything that is local — from cultural traditions to art and architecture and believes that people make places. A slow and mindful traveller from India, you will often find her listening to stories of people or just sitting in a cafe and watching life pass by. Travelling is a way of life for this former media professional who quit her desk and decade long corporate career to become a storyteller.
