Things to Do in Siem Reap

Siem Reap serves as the gateway to one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites, but the city has grown into something genuinely compelling in its own right. What started as a small town supporting temple visitors has evolved into a fascinating blend of ancient Khmer culture and modern Cambodian life, where you'll find everything from world-class restaurants to traditional silk weaving workshops tucked between tree-lined streets. The city manages to balance its role as a tourist hub with authentic local character - you might stumble across a hidden pagoda while walking to dinner, or find yourself chatting with monks at the morning market. Beyond the obvious temple visits, Siem Reap offers surprisingly diverse experiences, from floating village excursions to cooking classes that actually teach you something useful, all set against the backdrop of genuine Cambodian hospitality that feels refreshingly unforced.

Siem Reap's food scene has evolved far beyond the basic tourist restaurants of a decade ago, with genuinely excellent Khmer cuisine available at every price point. Street food stalls around the markets serve outstanding noodle soups and grilled meats for under $3, while mid-range restaurants like Madam Moch or Sokkhak River Lounge offer refined Cambodian dishes in comfortable settings for $8-15 per meal. The city also supports a surprising number of international restaurants run by expat chefs, from wood-fired pizza at Nest to French bistro fare at Marum, which doubles as a training restaurant for disadvantaged youth. Don't miss trying fish amok (coconut curry), beef lok lak, or the excellent fresh spring rolls that seem to taste better here than anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

The cool, dry season from November through February offers the most comfortable weather for temple exploration, with temperatures in the pleasant 70s-80s°F and minimal rainfall. March through May brings intense heat that can make midday temple visits genuinely uncomfortable, though early morning and late afternoon remain manageable. The rainy season from June through October actually has its appeal - fewer crowds, lush green landscapes, and afternoon storms that cool things down, though some remote areas become harder to access. For temple photography, the dry season's clear skies work best, but rainy season's dramatic clouds and enhanced greenery create a completely different but equally compelling atmosphere.