Home › Destinations › Siem Reap
Siem Reap, ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រ​កម្ពុជា - Things to Do in Siem Reap

Things to Do in Siem Reap

Siem Reap, ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រ​កម្ពុជា - Complete Travel Guide

Siem Reap serves as the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park, home to the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex and dozens of other ancient Khmer temples dating from the 9th to 15th centuries. This charming Cambodian city seamlessly blends its role as a UNESCO World Heritage site guardian with vibrant modern attractions, from bustling night markets and traditional Apsara dance performances to contemporary art galleries and farm-to-table restaurants. Beyond the temples, Siem Reap offers visitors authentic Cambodian experiences including floating village excursions on Tonlé Sap Lake, traditional craft workshops, cooking classes featuring Khmer cuisine, and opportunities to support local communities through responsible tourism initiatives. The city's compact size makes it easy to navigate, while its well-developed tourism infrastructure ensures comfortable accommodations and dining options for every budget, making it an ideal base for exploring Cambodia's ancient wonders and contemporary culture.

Top Things to Do in Siem Reap

Explore Ancient Temple Complexes

Discover the breathtaking Angkor Archaeological Park, featuring over 100 temples including the iconic Angkor Wat, the enigmatic faces of Bayon, and the jungle-entwined Ta Prohm. These magnificent structures showcase the architectural brilliance of the Khmer Empire and offer unparalleled opportunities for photography and historical exploration. Plan to spend multiple days exploring different temple circuits to fully appreciate this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Booking Tip: Purchase temple passes ($37 for 1 day, $62 for 3 days, $72 for 7 days) at the official ticket office. Book sunrise tours through reputable operators for $15-25 including transportation. Visit during shoulder hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds and harsh lighting.

Tonlé Sap Lake Floating Villages

Experience life on Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake by visiting traditional floating villages where entire communities live on stilted houses and floating platforms. Witness the unique lifestyle of fishing families, visit floating schools and markets, and learn about the lake's crucial role in Cambodia's ecosystem and economy. The experience offers insight into rural Cambodian life and the challenges faced by lake communities.

Booking Tip: Choose ethical tour operators that support local communities, typically costing $25-40 per person. Avoid tours that exploit children or disrupt village life. Visit during wet season (June-November) when water levels are higher for the best experience.

Traditional Khmer Cooking Classes

Learn to prepare authentic Cambodian dishes like amok (coconut curry), lok lak (stir-fried beef), and fresh spring rolls while discovering the stories behind traditional recipes. Many classes include market visits to select fresh ingredients and provide insight into Khmer culinary culture and cooking techniques. These hands-on experiences offer a delicious way to connect with local culture and take home new skills.

Booking Tip: Book classes through established cooking schools or hotels for $25-45 per person, including market tour and meal. Look for classes that support local communities and use organic ingredients. Morning classes often include market visits when produce is freshest.

Apsara Dance and Cultural Performances

Witness the graceful traditional Apsara dance, a classical Khmer art form featuring elaborate costumes, intricate hand gestures, and stories from Hindu mythology. These performances, often accompanied by traditional music, preserve centuries-old cultural traditions and provide insight into Cambodia's royal heritage. Many venues offer dinner shows combining cultural entertainment with traditional cuisine.

Booking Tip: Book dinner shows at reputable venues for $25-50 per person including meal and performance. Temple Balcony and Koulen Restaurant offer quality shows. Reserve in advance during peak season and arrive early for better seating.

Countryside Bicycle Tours

Cycle through rural villages, rice paddies, and countryside landscapes to experience authentic Cambodian rural life away from tourist crowds. These tours often include stops at local homes, traditional craft workshops, and Buddhist pagodas while providing opportunities to interact with friendly locals. The flat terrain and scenic routes make cycling an ideal way to explore the area's natural beauty and traditional lifestyle.

Booking Tip: Join organized tours for $25-35 per person including bike rental, guide, and refreshments. Choose operators that support local communities and provide quality mountain bikes. Early morning tours offer cooler temperatures and better light for photography.

Getting There

Siem Reap International Airport receives direct flights from major Asian cities including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur, with connections available from worldwide destinations. Overland travel is possible via bus or private car from Phnom Penh (6 hours), Bangkok (8 hours), or other regional destinations, though roads can be challenging during rainy season. Many visitors combine Siem Reap with other Southeast Asian destinations, making it easily accessible as part of a regional itinerary.

Getting Around

Tuk-tuks are the most popular and convenient way to get around Siem Reap, with rides within the city costing $2-5 and temple tours ranging from $15-20 per day. Bicycle rentals ($2-5 per day) offer an eco-friendly option for exploring the city center and nearby temples, while motorbike rentals ($5-10 per day) provide more independence for experienced riders. Many hotels offer free shuttle services to popular areas, and walking is pleasant in the compact city center, especially along the riverside and Pub Street area.

Where to Stay

Pub Street Area
Old Market Quarter
Riverside District
Siem Reap City Center
Road to Angkor
Wat Bo Village

Food & Dining

Siem Reap's dining scene ranges from street food stalls serving authentic Khmer dishes for under $5 to upscale restaurants featuring innovative takes on traditional cuisine. The Old Market area offers excellent local food courts and family-run eateries, while Pub Street provides international options and lively nightlife venues. Many restaurants focus on farm-to-table concepts using locally sourced ingredients, and cooking classes provide opportunities to learn about traditional Khmer flavors including the famous fish amok, beef lok lak, and refreshing green mango salad.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Cambodia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Trattoria Bello

4.7 /5
(897 reviews) 2

Fellini Siem Reap

4.8 /5
(798 reviews)
meal_delivery meal_takeaway

Pasta La Vista Siem Reap

4.6 /5
(622 reviews)

CUCINA - Pizza & Pasta - Italian Restaurant Siem Reap

4.8 /5
(453 reviews)
bar store

Polo Food

4.9 /5
(338 reviews)
store

Trattoria da Rasy

4.9 /5
(201 reviews) 1

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The cool, dry season from November to March offers the most comfortable weather for temple exploration, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C and minimal rainfall. April and May can be extremely hot (up to 40°C) but offer fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices. The rainy season from June to October brings lush green landscapes and dramatic afternoon storms, but humidity is high and some rural roads may be challenging, though this period offers the most authentic experience of Cambodia's natural beauty.

Insider Tips

Purchase your temple pass the day before visiting to skip morning queues and start exploring at sunrise when lighting is optimal and crowds are minimal.
Respect local customs by covering shoulders and knees when visiting temples, and remove shoes and hats when entering sacred buildings - many temples provide sarongs for visitors.
Support local communities by shopping at social enterprises, eating at locally-owned restaurants, and choosing tour operators that give back to Cambodian communities rather than international chains.

Explore Activities in Siem Reap