10 Must-dos When Visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, located in northwestern Cambodia, is a captivating city known for its rich history, stunning temples, and vibrant culture.

Home to the magnificent Angkor Wat, Siem Reap offers a plethora of experiences that will leave you in awe.

Here are 10 must-do activities to make the most of your visit to this remarkable destination!

Explore the Magnificent Angkor Wat

3 Monks Walk towards the splendid Angkor Wat

In terms of what to do in Siem Reap, Angkor War is a must-vist location.

Angkor Wat is one of the largest religious buildings in the world. It is located near Siem Reap and was built in the early 12th century as the Monastery of King Suryavarman II.

It is a large and complex group of stone buildings, consisting of a series of towering towers, colonnades, temples, and gardens.

Its architectural style combines elements of Hinduism and Buddhism, showcasing a unique fusion of religion and culture.

For history and cultural enthusiasts, Angkor Wat provides visitors with a unique opportunity to delve deeper into Cambodia's ancient civilization and religious heritage!

Ride around Siem Reap

Encountering local kids while cycling

Whether in the capital city of Phnom Penh or other major cities such as Siem Reap, cycling is one of the fun things to do in Siem Reap, widely adopted by many local residents and tourists.

Cycling has several advantages in cities:

1. Firstly, cities in Cambodia usually have heavy traffic, and cycling can avoid traffic congestion, saving time and energy.

2. Secondly, the distance in a city is usually not too far, and cycling is a convenient and economical way to experience the city's scenery and atmosphere better.

3. In addition, cycling is an environmentally friendly option that helps reduce car exhaust and traffic congestion.

Many cities offer bicycle rental services, allowing tourists to easily rent bicycles for urban exploration.

In addition, some hotels and tourism institutions also offer bicycle tours and cycling tours, providing tourists with the opportunity to experience the city's culture and scenery under the guidance of tour guides.

However, before cycling, please ensure your safety, wear a helmet, and comply with local traffic regulations and laws.

Take a Tuk-tuk Adventure

A tuk-tuk quietly parked on the lawn

Tuk-tuk has a long history in Cambodia. It originated in Thailand and was later introduced to Cambodia in the 1980s.

The tuk-tuk vehicle was originally designed based on a three wheeled motorcycle, but later gradually developed into a four wheeled vehicle. It is usually pulled by a motorcycle with a covered seat that can accommodate several people.

Sudden cars are loved by people for their convenience, affordability, and adaptability. They can easily shuttle through narrow alleys and crowded traffic.

Today, bump cars have become a part of the urban landscape in Cambodia, bringing people a unique experience with their unique appearance and vitality!

As visitors worldwide, we truly recommend to have a tuk-tuk adventure as one of your best things to do in Siem Reap.

Venture to Tonle Sap lake

Stilted houses on the tranquil Tonle Sap

Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Cambodia and one of the largest inland lakes in Southeast Asia.

During the rainy season, the lake fills up, forming a vast lake, and the surrounding wetlands and marshes become lush. This is a period suitable for viewing charming aquatic plant and rich birds.

The lake area is also a place where many locals live, and they have built many floating villages on the lake surface. Tourists can gain a deeper understanding of the local people's lives, fishing, and farming methods.

In addition, Tonlé Sap is also the location of many temples on the lake, the most famous of which is the Bakong Temple on Tonlé Sap.

This temple is one of the largest temples in the Angkor Monuments group, located on the central island of the lake, providing spectacular scenery and incredible historical relics.

On the whole, Tonlé Sap Lake is a natural treasure in Cambodia that is hard to ignore. It showcases the power and beauty of nature, while also providing visitors with a unique experience.

Stroll in Pub Street, Siem Reap

The purple sunset appears on Pub Street

The Pub Street in Siem Reap is an ideal place for tourists to find entertainment and relaxation at night.

This bustling street is filled with various bars, restaurants, and night market stalls, providing tourists with a variety of entertainment options.

You can try Cambodian food especially local specialties such as Amok and skewers, or try international cuisines such as Italian pasta and Mexican tortillas.

In addition, the Bar Street in Siem Reap is also a great place to enjoy nightlife and music.

You can enjoy live music performances, taste cocktails and beer, dance or chat with friends in various bars!

Top Things to Do in Siem Reap

Climb up to the Phnom Bakheng

A captivating sunset on Phnom Bakheng hill

Phnom Bakheng is a place full of historical and natural beauty, and is an important stop for tourists to explore Angkor cultural heritage in Siem Reap.

Phnom Bakheng was built in the 9th century. It is located on a small hill near the Angkor Monuments and is an ideal place to watch the sunset and overlook the urban area of Siem Reap.

The square on the top of the tower has become a popular place to watch the sunset, where you can enjoy the magnificent sunset and the charming scenery of the surrounding temples.

It should be noted that due to its unique landscape and limited space, the number of visitors to Phnom Bakheng is limited. Therefore, it is recommended to plan and book admission tickets in advance.

In addition, in order to protect and maintain the original appearance of the temple, tourists should respect and pay attention to environmental protection when climbing to the top of the tower!

Angkor Wat Sunset Tours: A Rendezvous with History and Majesty

Try Cambodian Local Dish

Sugar cane juice vendor

Cambodian cuisine is a delightful taste adventure that blends a variety of delicious flavors and rich culinary traditions. Imagine being next to a street stall in Cambodia, with colorful food in front of you.

You can taste the spicy flavors of fresh vanilla, rich coconut milk, sour and sweet lemon, and chili peppers. The cuisine here is unique and unforgettable.

Moreover, Cambodian cuisine is not only about satisfying the taste buds, but also a window to learn about Cambodian culture.

By tasting local food, you can learn about the Cambodian people's eating habits, traditional values and cooking skills, and feel their enthusiasm for food and respect for ingredients.

So, if you want to experience a unique culinary culture while traveling, Cambodia is definitely a must-have destination!

9 Days Classic Cambodia Tour

Attend a Khmer Cooking Class

Fun and rich Khmer cooking class

Want to understand the essence of Cambodian culture? Let's have a traditional Khmer cooking class as one of your fun things to do in Siem Reap!

You will learn how to use fresh herbs, spices, and other local ingredients to cook delicious and fragrant Khmer cuisine for export.

During the cooking process, you can also interact with local chefs and other participants to share the fun and stories of the food.

Most importantly, you will personally taste the fruits of your handmade cuisine.

Whether it's traditional Amok or refreshing Khmer salad, you will taste true Cambodian cuisine and bring this unique experience home to share with family and friends.

Visit Traditional Cambodian Art Performances

Traditional Apsara dance

In Siem Reap, you can enjoy a variety of traditional art performances and gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia's cultural heritage.

Apsara dance showcases elegant movements and exquisite techniques, Khmer drama tells myths, legends, and historical stories, and roaring lion dance showcases the power and mystery of lions.

In addition, you can also watch displays of handicrafts and silk production, and learn about the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional Cambodian handicrafts.

Whether in theaters, restaurants, celebrations, or cultural festivals, you can enjoy these exciting performances and deeply experience the unique and rich cultural and artistic beauty of Cambodia!

Cambodian Art: A Window into the Heart of Southeast Asia

Enjoy a Cambodian-style Massage or Spa

Massage, the Khmer way

In Cambodia, massage and hydrotherapy enjoy a high reputation and are one of the popular activities for many tourists seeking relaxation and recovery. Now do not hesitate to consider this as one of your best things to do in Siem Reap!

Siem Reap is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cambodia, with many well-known spas and massage parlors.

Massage and hydrotherapy in Cambodia are renowned for their unique techniques and treatments, often combining elements such as herbs, essential oils, and hot stones to promote physical and mental relaxation and recovery.

You can choose different types of massages, such as classic Cambodian massage, hot stone massage, Thai massage, and foot massage, according to your preferences and needs.

At the spa in Cambodia, you can also enjoy various nursing treatments such as body scrub, facial care, aromatherapy, and hot spring soaking. These courses will help you relax your body and mind, relieve fatigue, and restore vitality!

Visiting Tips

Young monks standing side by side

1. Before traveling to Siem Reap, check the visa requirements and ensure you have the necessary documentation.

2. Siem Reap has a hot and humid climate (Cambodian climate), so dress comfortably and carry sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.

3. Respect the local culture by dressing modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites.

4. Bargaining is common in markets and street stalls, so don't hesitate to negotiate prices while being respectful.

5. Interact with the locals and learn a few basic Khmer phrases—it will enhance your interactions and show your appreciation for their culture.

14 Days Cambodia Road Tour to Sihanoukville

Lastly

We have shown you these best things to do in Siem Reap. Hope you all have a fulfilling experience in our homeland.

We are Cambodia local travel agency, and we will show you the real Cambodia at the best price. Hope we can explore the ancient kingdom together.

To tailor your Cambodia tour, feel free to contact us!