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In Northwestern Cambodia, Siem Reap Province is the country's premier tourist destination, home to Angkor Wat and Tonle Sap Lake. Visitors can explore cultural heritage sites and breathtaking natural landscapes. There’s no doubt that when people think of traveling in Cambodia, it often comes to mind before Phnom Penh.
Siem Reap has the most famous landmarks in Cambodia. Photo: Unsplash
Siem Reap is so much more than its sublime destinations, there are plenty of exciting activities to experience. In the article below, Asia King Travel has created a list of the must-do things for you in Siem Reap. Make sure you have your sticky notes out because you’ll want to mark them down
Angkor Wat is the main reason you should visit Siem Reap. As Cambodia's iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its intricate architecture and ancient atmosphere leave every visitor in awe.
A complete view of Angkor Wat Complex. Photo: Smarthistory
But beyond Angkor Wat, there is more to Siem Reap though. Many things you can see in the city, and it has different activities for everyone. Walk through the busy night markets, savor local sharp foods or join in the fun. What's best about that is the costs for all the entertainment and dining here are exceedingly cheap compared to what you should be spending.
Angkor Wat is more than an icon for Siem Reap - it's an icon for Cambodia. The City of Temples in Khmer is indeed the largest temple complex in the world covering 162 hectares which justifies its name. Angkor Wat was built by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century and later served as his burial place.
The carved details on the stone are still clearly visible to this day. Photo: Travel + Leisure
Still, Angkor Wat presents the essence of Khmer architecture with its temple mountain planning along long, narrow corridors. Angkor Wat is the only temple in the Angkor style that faces west. The stone reliefs are a combination of architectural and sculptural arts. This magnificent temple features a beautiful conglomeration of these fine arts.
A unique experience is the Angkor Balloon, which lets you take in a panoramic view of the complex from above in a hot air balloon. The scenery is especially stunning at sunrise or sunset when the sun “touches” the top of the tallest tower. It’s an Angkor like you have never seen before.
The Tuk Tuk is a three-wheeled vehicle with a cabin at the back for carrying passengers or goods. Although it’s not fast, it can weave easily through streets and narrow alleys. The name Tuk Tuk comes from the unique “tuk tuk tuk…” sound it makes while moving. Riding in a Tuk Tuk around town gives you a sense of being a local.
A reliable driver will take you on a tour to explore the entire city. Photo: Escpae
It’s easy to find a Tuk Tuk in Siem Reap. Riding around the city, you can take in all the sights at a relaxed pace. The drivers are friendly and cheerful, often making the journey even more enjoyable. They can even act as your unofficial tour guides along the way.
Despite already being rich in historical sites, Siem Reap is further blessed with the natural wonder of Tonle Sap. It’s the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, big enough to see on a map or be on one side and can’t see the other shore. This lake is home to countless Cambodian communities.
People's life in the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. Photo: Exotic Voyages
A trip on Tonle Sap Lake by boat is an unmissable experience fondly loved by tourists. Not only that, but a lot of locals around here own boats, they are more than willing to take you out on a scenic tour around the lake if you ask.
You'll experience the tranquility of gliding across the calm lake in a small boat. Enjoy the breeze on your face as you see what’s happening in the local life. Some floating fishing villages, like Kampong Khleang and Kampong Phluk, even have schools and hospitals right on the lake.
In the ancient city of Siem Reap, there are adventurous activities like ziplining. This is a favorite among thrill-seekers, who test their courage on the lines and experience the Angkor temples from a unique perspective.
Being up in the air over Angkor lets you see it from a completely different angle than you can on foot. You’ll also be able to take an amazing panoramic view of Angkor Wat, one of the world’s architectural wonders from above. At stop points along the zipline route, you’ll get epic check in photos with the majestic views as backdrop.
Children can also join in the zipline activity. Photo: Angkor Zipline
Besides, you’ll soar like an eagle over the tropical forests in this zipline adventure. Pristine rainforests with diverse ecosystems will unfold before your eyes, along with fascinating stories about the park and its wildlife shared by the guides.
While exploring Angkor Wat, you might notice images of dancers carved into the stone walls. These are Apsara dancers performing a traditional royal dance. This dance has been recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage and is a favorite artistic performance among visitors.
Enjoy a royal dance performance while having a sumptuous dinner. Photo: Klook
Treat yourself to an evening of Apsara dance performances paired with dinner at a Khmer restaurant. Dinner typically begins around 6 or 7 PM, with the dance performance starting about 30 minutes later and featuring 4-5 dances over 45 to 60 minutes. The average price for an evening show is around USD 40.
You’ll be amazed as the young, beautiful dancers appear in glittering gold costumes. Even more impressive, they perform graceful, rhythmic movements while carrying props weighing nearly 10 kilograms. The enchanting music will transport you to an ancient, mystical era. For the best experience, don’t hesitate to pay a dinner at a high-end restaurant or hotel.
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The Phsar Chas, widely known as Old Market in Siem Reap, is a must visit place for exploring local cuisine and souvenir shopping. The market runs from early morning until late afternoon, with more food stalls catering to locals in the morning, and souvenir stalls geared towards tourists in the afternoon.
You can find all kind of Cambodian souvenirs at Old Market. Photo: Siam Reap Wonder
Visitors can buy everything from local clothing and specialties to silverware. Most of the vendors are nice and some can speak a bit of English, so it’s not as hard to shop as it may initially sound. But remember to haggle a little from the vendors’ offers.
The liveliest and most tourist-packed areas are Pub Street and night markets. Pub Street buzzes with countless bustling restaurants, bars, and cafes. From late afternoon into the evening, Pub Street comes alive - street vendors set up their stalls, the air fills with the aroma of cooking, and music echoes from every corner. The best night market you should head to is Angkor Night Market off Sivatha Boulevard.
Have a white night under the dramatic light and sound. Photo: Area Cambodia
All you need to do is choose a few tasty dishes that fit your budget, then relax to the music and maybe even dance a little. Don’t worry - at a purely tourist spot, everyone is there to unwind and enjoy their trip, and no one will judge you for letting loose. What's great is that Pub Street stays open late into the night, so visitors never have to worry about finding a place to play in Siem Reap.
Siem Reap is truly a paradise for tourists in Cambodia, with countless exciting activities that will make you never want to leave. Contact Asia King Travel and let us help you make your dream trip a reality at the best price.
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