Siem Reap is located in north-western Cambodia and is known as being the gateway to the amazing ruins of Angkor. This vast complex of stone buildings was the seat of the Khmer kingdom between the 9th and 15th centuries, and it includes the main temple, Angkor Wat. Meanwhile, the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom features giant, smiling faces carved into its facade. The Ta Prohm Temple is also of interest to visit, with its ruins overgrown by trees. However, while the resort city is known for these fascinating buildings, there are many more things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia besides visiting the temples. Scroll below to view our top picks.
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1. Attend the Paper Tiger Cooking Class in Siem Reap
Paper Tiger is the first culinary school in the city of Siem Reap and it has been educating people about the culinary arts since the turn of the millennium. World-class instructors here will teach you to prepare truly authentic Khmer dishes such as beef loclac, amok and meat curries over the course of three hours. Start by visiting a landmark market that sells vegetables, meat and other ingredients that you will need to cook. Once you reach the class, your instructor will teach you to prepare lip-smacking dishes and give you a recipe book at the end so that you can go home and prepare the dishes you have learnt.
Book Tours : Paper Tiger Cooking Class in Siem Reap, Cambodia
2. Check out the famous Phare circus
If you wish to immerse yourself in Cambodian culture, there are few places better than visiting the Phare circus. Witness the magnificence of the circus performers as they present an electrifying show filled with music, dancing and arts, adding to traditional circus arts. The entire performances are beautifully choreographed to the very second, and the story is performed in Khmer with English subtitles so you can follow everything on stage. Before the show, you can go for some refreshments or check out the shoppe on the premises that sells souvenirs and small trinkets.
Book Tours : Phare, The Cambodian Circus
3. Shop till you drop at ANM Khmer Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
#AngkorTrip #SiemReap #Cambodia #ANMKhmerMarket
Posted by ANM Khmer Market on Thursday, March 12, 2020
ANM Khmer Market is one of the most famous night markets in Cambodia, and it is frequented by hundreds of tourists and locals alike. Previously known as the Angkor Night Market, this place opens in the evening so you can visit it after a day of sightseeing, and it is designed in a grid so it’s easy to find your way around it. Enjoy shopping for a wide variety of goods from cultural souvenirs to apparel. Once you are done exploring the market, pop into one of the many restaurants or bars lining the streets for some dinner and drinks. The market is wheelchair-accessible and it has plenty of amenities, including clean public bathrooms and fire safety regulations in place.
ANM Khmer Market
Address: Angkor Night Market Street, Steung Thmei, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Website: ANM Khmer Market
Opening hours: 5pm - 12am (daily)
4. Admire Cambodian art at the famous Тheam's Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
After one month of work, Theam's pagoda is done!!! www.theamsgallery.com #theamsgallery #siemreapcambodia #angkorwattemple
Posted by Theam's Gallery, Siem Reap on Friday, October 2, 2020
This lovely and sophisticated museum offers the choicest of Cambodian artwork and historical artefacts, creating a serene sanctuary where you can immerse yourself in Cambodian culture. Home of the famous Cambodian artiste, Lim Muy Theam, this gallery is a treasure trove for art and culture enthusiasts. In addition, you can explore the more modern paintings of Lim Muy Theam, and watch artist apprentices at work. Step out into the courtyard to find a tranquil garden to relax in as you sip a delicious beverage from Theam’s Café and Lounge.
Тheam's Gallery
Address: Veal Village, Phum Kokchack district, 50m on the right of, Street 30, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Website: Тheam’s Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 6pm
Siem Reap Tour Guide
Vichhay Chhom
I am Vichhay, was originally born in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the city of Angkor with a bachelor degree of English Literature from CUS University in Cambodia plus over 7 years working as an English Teacher and I have taken a new opportunity for an offically licensed Tour Guide for Angkor Region. I can speak three languages; Khmer (native language), English, and a bit German. As a native of Siem R... Read more
Tours by Vichhay
Siem Reap Tour Guide
Rain Proun
Greetings from Cambodia, My name is Rain. My profession is that of a legitimate tour guide in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I possess a tour guide license issued by the Cambodian government. I am enthusiastic about being a tour guide because I enjoy establishing positive relationships with individuals from all over the world. I am also proud of the history of my country and am eager to share my cultu... Read more
Tours by Rain
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5. Witness art come to life at ArtBox
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by ArtBox on Tuesday, December 22, 2020
ArtBox Trick Art Museum in Cambodia offers a fantastic experience, whether you are travelling with family, friends or just by yourself. This place features landmarks and wonders of the world recreated in a life-size art piece. This 3D museum allows you to click pictures for social media against magnificent backdrops like 3D sculptures and holograms that bring art to life before your eyes. After exploring the museum, head over to the café on the premises for a quick snack or beverage.
ArtBox
Address: Krous Village Road, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Opening hours: 9am - 7:30pm (daily)
6. Take a sunrise trip over Angkor Wat on a hot air balloon
View Angkor Wat from a different perspective as you ride a hot air balloon at sunrise. Enjoy the rest of your day exploring the area and learning about the fascinating monuments from a professional guide. This tour takes a maximum of 10 persons, and temple entrance fees are additional costs. Meals and drinks are not included in the tour package.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Angkor Wat: Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour
7. Make your own pot souvenirs at Khmer Ceramics
Khmer Ceramics are the specialists in handmade ceramics in Siem Reap. On this fun tour, you will learn how to create your own Khmer pot. You will make your own Angkorian bowl. Add your own finishing touches and decide which piece to hand to the professionals for firing and glazing. You can then collect the finished item the next day. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are available in the package.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Khmer Ceramics Pottery Class in Siem Reap, Cambodia
8. Explore the Floating Village and Tonle Lake on a boat trip
Located 10 mi (15 km) from Siem Reap, the Floating Village is the perfect place to visit while enjoying a boat ride on Tonle Lake. You will be accompanied by your English-speaking tour guide. While on the boat, enjoy the views of the rice paddies and lotus fields, visit the crocodile and fish farm, and learn about the trades in the Floating Market. You will also get a chance to buy some souvenirs to take home.
Tip from tour guide
If you're looking to thoroughly explore the region, you can also visit the Floating Village in Kampong Phluk to wonder at the cute houses perched right on the water and boats ferrying about. Another must-visit spot is the temple of Ta Prohm. Like many other temples in the region, this ancient structure is covered with the roots of tall and majestic trees, which lend a unique beauty to the place.
Tip from tour guide
Kompong Phluk provides a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals who live in this unique environment. Unlike the more touristy floating villages, Kompong Phluk remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, offering a more authentic experience. The village consists of stilted houses that rise up to 10 meters above the water, and during the rainy season, the water level reaches the floors of these homes. This way of life is a fascinating example of how communities adapt to their environments. It’s important to note that the experience at Kompong Phluk can vary greatly depending on the time of year. During the dry season, the water levels are low, and the village doesn’t appear as ‘floating’ as it does in the rainy season. However, even during the dry season, the visit can still be worthwhile as you get to see the towering stilts of the houses and the vast expanse of Tonle Sap Lake. While Kompong Phluk is less touristy than other floating villages, it is still advisable to visit with a guide or as part of a tour. This ensures that you not only reach the village without hassle but also gain insightful commentary about the history, culture, and daily life in the village. It’s also worth considering the impact of tourism on these communities and choosing a responsible tour operator that supports the local economy.Visited this place?9. Go on a night Siem Reap street food tour
Source: www.klook.comSiem Reap is the home of one of the world’s most ancient cuisines, and Khmer food is an important feature of the Cambodia experience. The street food in Siem Reap is influenced by dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, China, and France. There is an amazing array of different flavors that have become unique to the Cambodian taste. A knowledgeable guide will tour with you through the markets and alleyways as you taste test local street foods. The last stop is Pub Street of Siem Reap where you will enjoy a couple of beer servings.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Siem Reap Street Food by Night - Klook
10. Enjoy Sombai cocktail class and liqueur tasting in Siem Reap
Learn how to make your own cocktails using a blend of delicious local liqueurs made from mango, coconut, banana, ginger, chili, or galangal. Learn how the liqueurs are made, then taste-test the results. Enjoy the drinks with banana chips, taro chips, flavored peanuts, and cashew nuts. Top off the experience by shopping around for the liqueur and alcoholic jam souvenirs.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Sombai Siem Reap Workshop Cocktail Class
11. Experience a traditional dance and dinner
Witness a live performance of the Apsara, a classical Cambodian dance, and part of the Khmer identity. The dance was banned during the Khmer Rouge regime of Pol Pot but has now come back. In Buddhist and Hindu mythology, an Apsara is a female spirit and all the dances are elegant. Performers wear traditional costumes. The movements of their hands and feet tell a story of their history and also relates to the cycle of nature. After enjoying the show in a unique wooden theater, head off for a traditional Khmer dinner.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Siem Reap Aspara Dance and Dinner
12. Taste local food at Siem Reap Night Market
Have fun exploring Siem Reap’s night markets, trying out genuine Cambodian BBQ and delicious spring rolls. Or, be more adventurous and try barbequed snails and other insect dishes. Along the way, learn about the typical Cambodian flavoring and cooking techniques. Then, follow up with a nightcap at Sombai Siem Reap Liquor House.
Visited this place?13. Gaze at the Angkor Wat at sunrise or sunset
Visit the UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat at sunrise or sunset, when the temperatures are a bit cooler and there are fewer crowds. Plus, of course, the colors in the sky make an amazing scene during those hours. A guide will take you to the main structures in the Angkor Archaeological Park at dawn, or you can head there in the evening after a perfect day of exploring Siem Reap. What a wonderful ending or beginning to an exciting day in Siem Reap, right?
Visited this place?Book Tours : Angkor Wat Sunrise and Angkor Thom Sunset Tour
14. Make a medieval Khmer knife to take home
Visit a traditional blacksmith’s shop in Siem Reap and learn the ancient Khmer craft of making blades. Angkor Wat was the center of power in the Indochina region in the past, and there was always a booming industry for blacksmiths, especially with the endless wars. But there was also a need to make tools for crafting the amazing sculptures and carvings in the halls of Angkor. This unique hands-on workshop will teach you the age-old process of melting the metal and hammering it over a charcoal fire. You will then craft your own, unique medieval knife as a souvenir to take home. There is a choice of the morning or afternoon class.
Visited this place?15. Explore Siem Reap's countryside on a bicycle
Enjoy cycling in the rural areas outside of Siem Reap. Head out from the busy city to the quiet dirt roads. Ride alongside the river, passing farmlands and rice fields along a 25-mi (40-km) route. Stop off at local villages along the way to join in daily activities and visit an ancient pagoda. Enjoy light refreshments, as well as a lunch consisting of Cambodian dishes, before heading back to the city.
Visited this place?Take in the splendors of Siem Reap in Cambodia
Explore all the history, tastes, and magic the city has to offer by exploring the more things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia besides visiting the temples. Try the activities on this list! We hope you enjoy your visit!
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Anne Sewell was born in England, but has spent most of her life in Africa - Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa - and now resides on the beautiful Costa del Sol in southern Spain. She loves writing...Read more
