Siem Reap, located in northwestern Cambodia, is a vibrant city renowned for its remarkable temples, particularly the iconic Angkor Wat.
However, this bustling destination offers much more than just temple-hopping. For today’s exploration, we will delve into some of the best things to do in and around Siem Reap, providing you with a comprehensive guide to make the most of your visit.
Experience the Nightlife at Pub Street
When the sun sets, Siem Reap comes alive, and there’s no better place to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife than Pub Street. This bustling street is located in the heart of town and is famous for its lively atmosphere, a diverse range of bars and restaurants, street performances, and food carts. It’s the perfect spot to sample local cuisine or enjoy a happy hour deal at one of the many bars. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or relax with a drink, Pub Street has something for everyone.
Relax at Angkor Botanical Garden
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap, the Angkor Botanical Garden is a perfect retreat. This serene garden boasts an impressive collection of flora and fauna, including rare orchids and vibrant roses. Take a leisurely walk through the lush greenery and serene ponds while admiring the colourful flowers and plants. The best part? At the time of our visit, you were free to enter the gardens!
Visit the Floating Villages
To experience authentic rural life in Cambodia, a visit to one of the floating villages on Tonlé Sap is a must. Kompong Khleang and Kompong Phluk are two popular options where you can witness the daily lives of locals living in stilted houses. We visited Kompong Phluk, which is more tourist and costs $25 per person for a boat ride. Alternatively, Kompong Khleang is less visited and offers a glimpse into the largest floating village with over 10,000 inhabitants.
Indulge in Local Delicacies at Preah Dak
The nearby village of Preah Dak is famous for its food, particularly the steamed palm cakes. This local specialty is made by squeezing palm fruits, mixing them with flour dough, coconut milk, and palm sugar, and then steaming the individual cakes. You can find many shops selling these delightful treats along the main road of the village.
Shop at Local Markets
Siem Reap offers a wide range of markets where you can find unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and delicious food. The Old Market, Angkor Night Market, and Art Center Night Market are all located in the historic town and sell everything from art to clothing and textiles. Don’t forget to explore food stalls along the river offering affordable local dishes!
Enjoy an Apsara Dance Performance
For a cultural experience, attend an Apsara dance performance in the evening. This traditional Khmer dance dates back centuries and features intricate hand movements, elaborate costumes, and enchanting music. We enjoyed a performance at the Tonlé Sap restaurant, which combined a buffet dinner with the show, offering a selection of both Cambodian and international dishes.
Learn About Landmine Clearance at APOPO
Cambodia is one of the most landmine-affected countries in the world. For the last 25 years, the nonprofit organization APOPO has worked to clear landmines throughout the country by training African giant pouched rats, known as HeroRATs, to detect explosives. At the Visitor Center in Siem Reap, you can take a guided tour to learn about the life-saving work they are doing and even meet these intelligent rats.
Explore the Majestic Kulen Mountains
Another beautiful escape from the city is the Kulen Mountains, located about 1.5 to 2 hours away from Siem Reap. This mountain range is covered in dense jungle and is considered a sacred site by many Cambodians. Visitors can explore ancient temples, see the reclining Buddha statue, and enjoy picturesque waterfalls. We recommend joining a day tour to fully experience this stunning area.
Discover the Angkor Archaeological Park
No visit to Siem Reap is complete without exploring the magnificent temples of Angkor Archaeological Park. Covering an area of over 400 square kilometres, this historical park is home to the remains of different capitals of the Khmer Empire, which thrived from the 9th to the 15th centuries. You can choose to follow the Small or Big Circuit, depending on your preferences for sightseeing.
Experience the Sunrise at Angkor Wat
The star attraction of Angkor Archaeological Park is undoubtedly Angkor Wat. One of the best ways to experience this temple is by rising early to witness the sun rise over its five towers. As the first rays of the sun illuminate the temple’s intricate carvings and reflect on the surrounding moat, you’ll be captivated by the magical atmosphere and sheer beauty of this ancient wonder. This unforgettable experience is a highlight of any trip to Siem Reap.
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you to plan a fantastic trip to Siem Reap. From the vibrant nightlife at Pub Street to the breathtaking temples of Angkor Wat, there are countless experiences waiting for you in this remarkable city. Don’t forget to check out our interactive AI travel guide to make your journey even smoother.
Safe travels!
