9 Best And Trendiest Things To Do In Siem Reap, Cambodia

Do you want to veer from the usual tourist experiences like heading to beach paradises and partying in bustling metropolises? Well, you might want to see the world from a different perspective, and visit Siem Reap, a glorious city in Cambodia. You can enjoy several things to do in Siem Reap. 

The gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor, Siem Reap has always been destined for spectacular things. While most travelers come here to see the temples, of course, there are plenty of other exciting things to do in Siem Reap. 

Siem Reap has reinvented itself to become the epicenter of Cambodia’s chic side, with everything from world-class wining and dining across a wide range of cuisines, great shopping, local tours, a creative cultural scene, and more. Get to know this Cambodian city in this comprehensive guide.

Revealing 9 Of The Best Things To Do In Siem Reap

Explore some of the best things to do in Siem Reap. Here’s the rundown. 

1. Take In The Grandeur Of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap’s Star Attraction

As the light of the morning washes over the temples and ruins of Angkor Wat, a simple Siem Reap sunrise becomes a profound sight to behold. The ancient structures belong to one of the largest religious complexes worldwide. This is one of the main reasons to visit Siem Reap.

Just as tourists flock to Paris for the Eiffel Tower, travelers visiting Siem Reap in Cambodia are looking for the grand Angkor Wat. Tick this off first on your things to do in Siem Reap list if you want to be mesmerized.

Angkor Wat is a beautiful temple complex in Cambodia, located on a site measuring 163 hectares. That’s vast. Well, actually, the Guinness World Records considers this temple complex the largest religious structure anywhere in the world.

Being a temple complex, this Khmer empire capital built in the 12th century has a lot of places within that can be visited. Some of them are Beng Mealea, Bayon, Banteay Srei, Preah Khan, Ta Prohm (where the “Tomb Raider” film was shot), and more. 

2. Dive Into More Learnings About The Khmer Civilization At The Angkor National Museum

You have learned that Angkor Wat was once the capital of the Khmer empire. The Khmers are people from the ethnic group that occupied this region. If you were captivated by the Angkor Wat temple complex and wish to find out more about the Khmer civilization, heading to the Angkor National Museum, which is just a few minutes from Angkor Wat, should also be on your list of things to do in Siem Reap. 

The museum looms large on the road to Angkor, and is a state-of-the-art showpiece on Angkor’ majesty and the Khmer civilization. As you roam around, you will see the galleries’ displays themed according to era, religion, and royalty. There is also the zen-like Gallery of a Thousand Buddhas that also deserves your visit. 

Other exhibits include those that tell about the great Khmer kings and present inscriptions, among others. 

You can do all these things to do in Siem Reap with the backdrop of this charming city before you. Did you know we have also listed Siem Reap as one of the best photographic locations in the world? Click here for the story.

3. The Cambodian Cultural Village Is For The Whole Family

Siem Reap may not have been blessed with highly-commercial theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios, but that should not stop you from bringing your whole family to this amazing Cambodian city. 

In fact, there’s a place in Siem Reap where children can be transported into something educational, and that is at the Cambodian Cultural Village. 

Kitsch and kooky on the outside, but the Cambodian Cultural Village is very popular among the locals and is recommended as a family-friendly tourist spot. This village tries to represent not just Siem Reap, but all of Cambodia in a circus of tours around recreated houses and villages. 

The visit starts with a wax museum, then to homes of the Chinese, Cham, Kreung, and Khmer people (these are indigenous people and ethnic groups in the area). You can also be treated to a visual spectacle featuring miniature replicas of Cambodia’s most important buildings. If you have kids in tow, this is one of the must-try things to do in Siem Reap. 

4. Visit Wat Dam Nak, A Former Royal Palace

Looking for more cultural immersions on your things to do in Siem Reap itinerary? You can head to Wat Dam Nak, a famous Budhhist pagoda and one of the teaching monasteries in this city. The views here are also magnificent. 

Wat Dam Nak was a former royal palace during the reign of King Sisowath, king of Cambodia during the early 20th century, hence the name “dam nak” which translates to “palace.” Today, this landmark is home to the Center of Khmer Studies, an independent institution that promotes the understanding of Khmer culture. 

Aside from having fun with the best things to do in Siem Reap, you might also want to explore the entirety of Cambodia. We have listed Cambodia as one of the best vacation destinations in October. Here’s the list.

5. Understand The Locals’ Way Of Life At Tonle Sap, Home To The Sustainable Floating Village Of Kampong Phluk

Whenever you are traveling, you should take this opportunity to also learn about the way of life of the locals residing in your destination, and here in Cambodia, you can do that in Tonle Sap, home to the floating village of Kampong Phluk. 

Also one of the most famous things to do in Siem Reap, this tour will provide an intimate view into the lives of the locals living in this village. You will also get the chance to meet and converse with the villagers, and learn about their sustainable village. Then, you’ll also be learning how this village adjusts according to the changing of the seasons, wet and dry, hearing stories of locals traveling to their workplaces and schools by boat when water levels here rise. 

6. Partake In A Cooking Class That Will Teach You Khmer Cuisine

If you are presently immersed into Cambodian culture in Siem Reap, you should grab the opportunity to learn about cooking, too. It has been said that there is no better route toward any culture than its cuisine. 

This intimate cooking class allows you to discover Khmer food in a local’s home. Before the class, you will be shopping for the ingredients at the local market. This tour also includes a four-course meal that consists of delights like hot-and-sour soup, fish in banana leaf, and more. If you are looking for things to do in Siem Reap where you will get to satisfy your cravings, this is the ultimate experience.

Enjoying these things to do in Siem Reap? Don’t hold back. Keep exploring Southeast Asia. Here’s a story about Thailand’s top island paradises.

7. Catch A Cambodian Circus Performance 

Phare, the renowned innovative contemporary Cambodian circus, comes to town each night, thanks to their home behind the Angkor National Museum. This show will get your heart racing as you see the risky stunts performed, so this is one of the things to do in Siem Reap that you should not dare miss. 

Here, modern morality tales meet traditional circus spectacles consisting of acrobatics, contortion, and juggling to give you a memorable evening. Plus, the performers also has inspiring stories to tell as many of them come from under-privileged communities in the country, but have gone to make their dreams happen. 

8. Zipline With Gibbons

Gibbons are a kind of apes that live in subtropical and tropical rainforests in various parts of Asia, such as in eastern Bangladesh, northeast India, southern China, and here in Cambodia. What if we tell you that you can zipline together with these gibbons as they move from tree to tree? Yes, you can. 

This zipline adventure in the jungle canopy does not only offer the adrenaline rush, but also the opportunity to see some gibbons in their natural habitat. Look for the operator, Angkor Zipline, if you wish to partake on this adventure. 

The highest point of the ziplining course reaches 50 meters, offering views as far north as the Phnom Kulen holy mountain. If you are looking for thrilling things to do in Siem Reap, this is a must-try. 

9. Shop At Siem Reap’s Night Markets

Night market shopping and bargaining are so big in Asia that many of the world’s best night markets are in this region, from Nanluoguxiang in China to Chatuchak in Bangkok, and so much more. Will Siem Reap allow itself to be left behind? 

The best Siem Reap night markets are concentrated within this city’s downtown area, offering a wide array of handicrafts and fresh produce at affordable prices. You can also find authentic Cambodian crafts such as stone carvings, lacquer figures, silverware, ceramics, and silks. What’s even great is that proceeds go to the local Khmer people. 

Also great for those looking for cultural and historical experiences, these shopping venues also host live music performances and interesting workshops for tourists of all ages. Some of the most recommended shopping destinations in Siem Reap are the Angkor Night Market, Old Market, and Noon Night Market. Searching for worthwhile things to do in Siem Reap? Go shopping. 

Loving these things to do in Siem Reap? Who wouldn’t! Discover more of Southeast Asia. You’ve started with Cambodia, now keep going in Thailand. 

Indulge In The Best Things To Do In Siem Reap: Top Restaurants In This Cambodian City

Cambodian food deserves to be discovered by your palate. The country’s cuisine is diverse and flavorful, reflecting the history, culture, and geography of the palace. Tasting Cambodian recipes, you’ll sense a balance of flavors that fuses elements of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. 

Some of the best dishes in this country are fish amok (steamed coconut fish in banana leaves), char kroeung sach ko (stir-fried lemongrass beef), nom banh chok (Khmer noodles), and more. Wanting to give these dishes a try? Here are the best restaurants in this Cambodian city. 

• Embassy Restaurant 
• Cuisine Wat Damnak
• Café Indochine
• Mahob Cuisine 
• Butterfly Pea Restaurant
• Chanrey Tree
• Sugar Palm

Visit The Land Of The Khmers

As you head to the landmarks and take in the things to do in Siem Reap, you will also learn more about the history of the country where it belongs, Cambodia. Cambodia is the land of the Khmers, one of the oldest ethnic groups in this area. The country is founded on a rich history and heritage, from the French colonial era to the horrifying rule of the Khmer rouge. Sure, Cambodia has been through tough times, honing its people to become very resilient. 

Visiting Siem Reap, you’ll be treated to a world of wonder. From the ancient whispers of Angkor Wat to the vibrant community at the Old Market, this enchanting destination will soak you in a circus of cultures, flavors, and landscapes. Siem Reap is a mosaic of memories just waiting to be etched in your soul.