6 Things To Do in Siem Reap Besides Visit Temples

Siem Reap, Cambodia – the gateway to the world-famous UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat temple complex – has long been a top destination for Southeast Asia travelers. While seeing the ancient sanctuaries is a top activity for visitors, there are many things to do in Siem Reap beside temples!

Siem Reap is a grand melting pot of local customs, tourist attractions and traditional Cambodian life. That said, the old is giving way to the new – and a wave of modern buildings and contemporary mindsets are sweeping through the city.

During our trip, we spent 1 Week in Siem Reap – and 3 days visiting the Temples of Angkor Wat. For the remainder of our stay, we discovered the best Siem Reap things to do in the city center.

 

Best Things To Do in Siem Reap – Besides Temples

To help fellow travelers plan their vacation, we have rounded up the Best Things To Do Siem Reap…beyond temple tours. Later in the article, we share travel tips for planning your trip – like where to stay and what to pack.

 

#1 Embark on a Siem Reap Self-Guided City Tour

Siem Reap is a fantastic city to discover on foot. The condensed city center is relatively flat and walkable and creating your own DIY walk ranks as one of the best free things to do in Siem Reap.

Walking allows visitors to get a glimpse of local life. The streets – many of which are unpaved – are filled with scooters and tuk-tuks offering tourists cheap rides. Family restaurants overflow onto sidewalk space, scents waft from hot grills. Bustling markets are full of chatter, energy and an endless number of products and produce.

 

What To See in Siem Reap City Center

While Siem Reap does not boast a large number of checklist sights, there are a few attractions not to be missed.

Start your DIY tour at one of the best Siem Reap tourist attractions: the Angkor Wat National Museum. The museum displays ancient archaeological finds and Khmer artifacts. Next, stroll through the Royal Independence Gardens. The meticulous, lush grounds are home to stunning shrines and a colony of flying fox bats.

If interested, take in the sight of vibrant temples, like Wat Preah Prom Rath and Wat Bo. Complete your discovery by stepping into alleys and side streets to discover lesser-visited lanes…and see what you find!

Pro Tip: Want a guide to show you to the best sights in Siem Reap city? Learn the history and gain a better understanding of Siem Reap on a private city tour. 

 

#2 Shop at Siem Reap Markets

Some of our favorite places to visit in Siem Reap are the fascinating markets. From traditional produce stalls to tourist night markets to boutique vendors, the markets in Siem Reap are incredible.

We were most enthralled by the Old Market, which still feels authentic, despite the influx of tourism. In fact, we think it’s one of the top places to go in Siem Reap to see local products. The vast building is packed with vendors selling an array of merchandise – from fresh produce to dried fish to pantry goods. Visitors will also find some of the more unusual things to eat in Siem Reap at the Old Market, like crispy crickets and deep-fried spiders.

The Night Markets are a good place to go shopping in Siem Reap for souvenirs – like printed temple pants, elephant tank tops, magnets and postcards. However, what we love best about the evening markets is the tasty street food. The best night market is the Siem Reap Art Center Night Market, which is held near the Old Market Bridge.

Two other markets that we recommend visiting are the Artisans Angkor Market and the Made in Cambodia Market, both of which feature traditional handicrafts, jewelry and tempting fare.

Top Travel Tip: At the markets and in the streets, it is common to see children – some very young  – peddling merchandise and ready to haggle the price of souvenirs, books and bracelets that they carry with them through the streets.

 

#3 Eat Delicious Siem Reap Food

Indulging in the local Khmer cuisine is one of the best Siem Reap, Cambodia things to do – and there are plenty of opportunities for tourists to get a taste of authentic eats.

While eating insects is a novelty, there are several sublime Khmer dishes that visitors should taste. Cambodian Red Curry, Lok Lak Stir-Fried Beef and traditional Fish Amok are some of the top things to eat in Siem Reap. There is no shortage of restaurants that serve typical Cambodian fare – from family-run establishments to upscale eateries.

A top-rated restaurant for local food in Siem Reap is Khmer Taste Restaurant. The popular establishment dishes up Khmer food at inexpensive prices (and serves some Western fare, too!). For fine dining, however, make a reservation at 1932 Restaurant at the posh Raffles Grand Hotel.

Foodie Tip: Khmer food is delicious, but figuring out what to order can be confusing. Rather than determining what and where to eat on your own, experience the unique gastronomy on a guided Cambodian Cuisine Tour – like this Street Food Tour.

 

#4 Party on Siem Reap Pub Street

We love Siem Reap at night; it’s a completely different scene than daylight hours. Tourists return from Siem Reap temple tours in the late afternoon and by nightfall the bars are hopping. One of the top things to do in Siem Reap at night is go to Pub Street. Besides Angkor Wat, it’s one of the most famous Siem Reap places to visit.

Known for its large concentration of late night pubs and clubs – including Angkor What? and Temple Sky Lounge – partying the night away at bars on Pub Street is one of the fun things to do in Siem Reap. Cheap draught beers and inexpensive-yet-strong cocktails entice travelers to abandon their early morning temple schedule (but remember, the Angkor Wat Sunrise is amazing!).

The people-watching on Pub Street alone is worth the trip – think Bourbon Street in New Orleans…minus the beads. If you are looking for what to do in Siem Reap besides temples, Pub Street should top your list.

 

#5 Get a Fishy Cambodian Pedicure

We had heard stories about pedicures involving fish, but we had never seen it…until visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia. Now, we can confirm that plunging your feet into an aquarium for a fish pedicure is one of the most unique things to do in Siem Reap.

The large fish tanks, which are filled with two-inch long fish, are surrounded by bench seating. For just a few dollars, visitors can take a seat and immerse their feet into the water to let fish nibble away the dead skin from their feet and toes.

Initially, the sensation is quite ticklish, but once you get accustomed to the nibbles, it’s quite pleasant. In our opinion, a fish pedicure is the best cheap massage in Siem Reap!

Top Tip: Looking for a massage that doesn’t include fish? A traditional Khmer massage is a perfect way to relax after long days of touring temples. Hour massages are typically affordable – but an upgraded Khmer Massage might be worth the price. 

 

#6 Partake in Organized Siem Reap Activities

Travelers who are interested in learning more about the Cambodian culture can join one of the tourist activities in Siem Reap. Locals lead workshops and classes that showcase their strong tradition and cultural history. 

 

Cambodian Dance Workshop

Dancing is part of the culture in Cambodia – and visitors who want to learn more about the artform can join a Cambodian Dance Workshop, then end the experience with a meal and a performance. Get the specifics!

 

Cambodian Pottery Class

During this workshop in Siem Reap, participants get their hands dirty at a pottery wheel while creating Cambodian ceramics using traditional methods and carving tools. Plus, the final product makes a great souvenir. Book your spot!

 

Cambodian Village Cooking Class

If after tasting the local food, you want to re-create it in your own kitchen, join a cooking class near Siem Reap. Learn the secrets of Cambodian cooking from a local chef…and enjoy the 3-course meal you prepared. Reserve your space!

 

BONUS: Engage with Siem Reap Locals

While Siem Reap sightseeing is a highlight, in our opinion, the top Siem Reap, Cambodia point of interest is the people. Cambodian people are full of life…and smiles.

English is widely spoken – especially by the younger generations – and they are eager to practice speaking it. Most conversations started by locals are an attempt to sell something. Being approached by a young Cambodian woman, a typical conversation would go something like this:

“Where you from?” America.

“Ooohhhh. The United States of America. Washington D.C. your capital. Barack Obama was your president.” Yes, that’s right.

“And before him George Bush and before him George Washington.” Uh huh. Well, close enough.

“Buy a book from me. I use money to pay English lessons. Buy bracelet; my mother made it. She is sick. Ten bracelets for one dollar. You buy from me.”

Everybody wants a dollar – and tourism is definitely what makes the dollar go ‘round. And, the official currency of Cambodia is actually the US Dollar. We really don’t know if the young girls who approached us were seriously just trying to pay for an education or if their mothers are really sick, but we wished we could have given them all a dollar…or more.

Other people that we engaged in conversation – restaurant workers, hotel staff, shop owners – were open and honest with us, willing to share their stories and their future aspirations. They told us where they were from and showed us pictures of their kids. They tugged on our heartstrings and made us feel like welcome friends in their country.

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Things To Do near Siem Reap, Cambodia

We highlighted the best things to do in City Center Siem Reap, but we have a few more tips about what to do in the vicinity.

 

Angkor Wat Cambodia Temples Siem Reap

Of course, the Temples of Angkor are the top places to see in Siem Reap, but they are not in the city center. Furthermore, deciding which to visit can be a little overwhelming. Read our Siem Reap Temples Guide to help plan your Angkor Temple Tour.

 

Cruise the Tonle Sap Lake

Join one of the top tours from Siem Reap on this small-group Tonle Sap Lake Cruise. Tour participants get to see the Siem Reap floating village of Kampong Phluk and a Buddhist Monastery. Book your Spot on the Cruise!

 

Siem Reap Regional Tour

Visitors who want to see more of the area surrounding Siem Reap should join a tour that highlights the best of the region. On a full-day tour, travelers can see attractions at Phnom Kulen National Park, swim under a waterfall at Kulen Mountain and visit the poignant Cambodia Landmine Museum. Reserve Space on this Tour.

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Planning a Trip to Siem Reap: Top Travel Tips

Planning a Siem Reap trip involves a lot more than figuring out what to do! Travelers also need to consider how long to spend in the city, where to stay and what to pack.

Visiting other destinations in Cambodia? Use our 1-Week Cambodia Itinerary – which includes a stop in Phnom Penh – to plan your trip.

Our planning guides for Southeast Asia can also help! Read our guide to 2-Weeks in Vietnam, our plan for 2-Weeks in Thailand and our detailed 2-Week Bali Itinerary for trip ideas. 

As you begin to make your plans, organization is key! Stay on top of all the details with our Travel Planning Printables!

 

How Many Days in Siem Reap?

When determining how long to stay in Siem Reap, there are several factors to consider. Although there are things to do in Siem Reap apart from temples, the Angkor Wat complex will most likely be the focus of your trip. How many days you need in Siem Reap will depend on how many temples you want to see…and how much time you want to spend seeing them.

Personally, we think one day in Siem Reap is not enough. A single day would only allow enough time see Angkor Wat…and zero time for experiencing things to do in Siem Reap other than temples. You need at least 2 days in Siem Reap, but 3 days would be ideal. It allows for enough time to see the temples and the top things to do in Siem Reap besides Angkor Wat.

 

Sample 3-Day Siem Reap Itinerary

Here’s a quick outline of what to do in Siem Reap in 3 days:

• Day 1: Tour the best temples in Siem Reap with a guide (and stay for sunset), go to the Siem Reap Night Market but make it an early one.
• Day 2: Sunrise at Angkor Wat, visit a few more temples, spend most of the day at Siem Reap, Cambodia tourist spots in the city. Visit the markets, explore by tuk tuk or on foot, get a fish pedicure or take a class. Late in the afternoon, swim in your hotel pool and end the day on Pub Street.
• Day 3: Tour more temples and enjoy a traditional dinner on your last night in Siem Reap – or join the Food Tour.

Our suggestions of things to do in Siem Reap in 3 days are based on what we most enjoyed during our trip – so adjust it to your personal interests!

 

Where To Stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia

There are an incredible number of places to stay in Siem Reap – from hotels to guesthouses to hostels – with a range of prices to match.

When choosing a hotel in Siem Reap, we suggest balancing your budget with the offered amenities. For us, it was important to have air conditioning, a swimming pool and included breakfast. We believe hotels located in Siem Reap City Center are the best choice – as the top sights will be right out your door.

Start your search for Siem Reap accommodations on Booking.com – but first, read our tips for Booking Top Hotels at the Best Rates.

 

What To Pack for Siem Reap

Our final tips are all about what to pack for your trip. Find more advice on our Travel Packing page. Need a checklist? Get your FREE Packing Checklist!

 

Clothes for Hot, Humid Siem Reap Weather

Siem Reap experiences hot weather year-round. Be sure to pack comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. It’s also essential to pack a pair of good travel shoes or sandals.

 

Sun and Bug Protection

Packing sunscreen is a must; the sun in Cambodia is intense! We also recommend bringing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for your trip. Don’t forget insect repellent as well (the mosquitos are relentless).

 

Travel Camera

The sights in Siem Reap are astounding. For the best pictures, upgrade to a real travel camera for your trip. We use a DSLR Canon Rebel with an 18-135mm lens, which is an all-around fantastic camera set up for budget travelers.

 

Versatile Day Bag

It’s important to pack a good travel day pack – with multiple zippered compartments – for your trip. We like to use these small backpacks. 

 

SE Asia Trip Insurance

If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

 

Start planning your trip to Cambodia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

 

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