15 Best Things to Do in Siem Reap [Shouldn’t Miss]

1. Discover Amazing Angkor Wat

Named one of the world's wonders and a world heritage site, Angkor Wat is the prime destination for the top things to do in Siem Reap. Because of its rich history, Angkor Wat temple is truly a breath-taking must-see item. The ancient ruins and archaeological beauty are a true wonder. Built during the Angkor period, the Angkor Wat is still considered one of the world's biggest buildings.

If you are planning to visit this world wonder, it's recommended that you spend at least three days viewing the Angkorian ruins, one of the most breath-taking must-see sites. There are a few options to choose from when visiting Angkor Wat; you can choose to take a private guide, rent a bike, or hire one of the Vespa.

Discover Angkor Wat Complex in Siem Reap

There are three ticket options which are: the single-day pass, three-day pass, or the seven-day pass. We recommend that you get the three days to pass so that you can enjoy the full experience of Angkor Wat.

2. Try Dirt Bike or Quad Bike

There are endless things to explore in Siem Reap, but why not explore Siem Reap in quad bikes? Not only in Siem Reap, riding a dirt bike is among the best things to do in Cambodia. You can create unforgettable memories while on your trip. Travel to the Angkorıan temples, countryside, and Buddhist monasteries using the quad bikes.

Many quad bike tours offer day, night, or multiple-day tours around Siem Reap. You don’t have to be a skilled rider or expert because beginners are welcome. There are various types of rides that travelers can choose from such as sunset tours, discovery tours, or even day tours.

Try Siem Reap Quad Bike

Come and join a Sunset by Quad Excursion to try this amazing experience in Siem Reap.

3. Eat Red Ants

Cambodia is undisputed with its amazing local cuisine. Cambodia insect bites give a great opportunity to push yourself into trying new things to do Siem Reap. What better way to discover new cuisine than trying something you have never tried before, like red ants?

When traveling to Siem Reap you must try the local cuisines that are available, like the red ants which are normally served in a tasty sauce. Khmer Kitchen Restaurant comes highly recommended by many travelers who have tried this local gastronomy.

Red Ants Dish

You may also like this guide on Insects - The Special Taste of Cambodian Cuisine

4. Go Shopping at Old Market

Old Market is a local market that showcases local products. Also referred to as Phsar Chas is a market that is buzzing with different vendors selling various goods and items, from fruits and vegetables to clothes, and even hardware or motorbike parts.

In the nighttime, the market takes on a life of its own and becomes decorated with lights and energy. Food stalls and fruit sellers set up stalls and tents. The nighttime atmosphere in the Old Market shifts to a lovely one. It helps that everything becomes a lot cheaper at night too. 

We recommend you check out the old market both in the daytime and the nighttime so that you can get the full experience of the market life.

Siem Reap Old Market

5. Get Wild on Pub Street

If you are looking for an exciting night out lined with pubs at night with affordable alcohol, with beers for as low as a dollar, Pub Street is the place to go. Popular amongst travelers, this place is lovely and vibrant. Many people will pub hop going from one pub to another, meeting fellow travelers, and having a great time.

Not only is it lined with pubs, but Pub Street also is littered with restaurants so if you are looking for some great food with an amazing atmosphere, Pub Street is the perfect place to have dinner.

Have fun at Pub Street (Credit: madmonkeyhostels)

6. Wander around Angkor Night Market

Angkor comes alive during the night to give you the lively Angkor Night Market. It is said it is the place to be if you are looking for anything. It's also a great place to find souvenirs. Established in 2007, Angkor night market is the one-stop-shop you want to be in. It consists of over 200 stalls selling an array of items. The market is always buzzing makes for a genuinely authentic experience. Definitely among the best things to do in Siem Reap on a budget.

Angkor Night Market

7. Explore the Floating Village

Cambodia has a variety of floating villages around the country. These villages are a wonder to see in real life. The two we recommend you see when in Siem Reap are the Great Lake of Tonle Sap and the Chop Kneas.

Famously known as the floating village, Tonle Sap is one of the world's buoyant systems that helps to sustain the village locals. The lake is so great and large that it spans 250 km, making it appear like you are surrounded by an ocean with land being visible on the horizon.

Although Chong Kneas is littered with tour guides, it is still a must-see because of its flawless scenery that looks perfect when you watch the warm and red tones touch the lake during the sunset. Be sure to check out for the best advice and recommendations for visiting the floating village - Chong Kneas Floating Village Half Day.

Visit Floating Village

8. Visit Banteay Srey Butterfly Center

Located north of Siem Reap, the butterfly center is a place where you can experience butterflies flying close, feeding, and even seeing the full life cycle. The butterfly center exhibits different species of butterflies which are cared for by the knowledgeable staff.

This amazing tourist attraction is great for families and travelers who would love to experience this unique wonder.

Banteay Srey Butterfly Center

9. Get a Fish Spa Pedicure

Apart from having an authentic experience of getting a fish pedicure in Cambodia, the benefits are bountiful. Though it may sound strange, this pedicure is great because it leaves your feet feeling soft and smooth. It may take a good second to get used to the tingling sensation you get when the fish nibble on your dead skin cells.

Take away from the experience not just smoother feet but an unforgettable memory of giggling with loved ones.

Fish Massage (Credit: gypsetjenn)

10. Explore Kulen Nature Trails

Popular amongst tourists and locals, Kulen nature trails are the perfect summer vacation spot. It can be a great day trip to hike the trails or hang out by the waterfall and have a swim.

A visit to the Phnom Kulen waterfall makes for a wonderful excavation. If you want to enjoy this grand beauty you will have to work your way to the top of Kulen mountain. Though accessible by car or taxi, we recommend you take the hike up the mountain for a more enjoyable experience. On the top of the mountain, you will be greeted by magnificent scenery and a relaxing picnic area where you can kick off your shoes and have a rest.

Kulen Nature Trails (Credit: Kulenrevealed)

If you are interested in exploring waterfalls, be sure to check out the 6 Beautiful Waterfalls in Siem Reap

11. Cycle around Amazing Temples

Cycling in Siem Reap and Cambodia offers travelers the perfect balance of culture, and long-lasting history. Bike tours are a wonderful way to tour the temples and explore the hidden gems of the city that not many tourists get the chance to see or experience.

Cycling around Angkor temples (Credit: grasshopperadventures)

You can find many companies and guides that offer 7day, 4day or even day tours of the city by bike. With the bike tours, you are given the full experience of the city by bike. You may have heard of a normal guide but how many of us have experienced a bike ride tour? Why not get your first innovative bike tour through the amazing architectural designs in a bike tour in Cambodia? Sore muscles in toe, we are sure that exploring the temples of Angkor Wat by bike will be one of the top-ranked memories you will be telling friends about for years to come.

12. Join a Cooking Class

One of the pleasures of traveling is exploring the local cuisine. Why not tantalize your taste buds while learning a new Cambodia recipe by joining a Siem Reap cooking class? Take home a bit of Cambodia with you.

The cooking courses give you the full Cambodian experience by taking you through the market to see where your ingredients were purchased. And give you the feel and experience of what it would be like to go through the market to buy Cambodian ingredients, to cook your delicious Cambodian dish.

Siem Reap Cooking Class

This is a definite must-try experience because it’s a different kind of experience from the norm. Most of the courses will give you the chance to learn to cook 3 Cambodian dishes including desserts. Be sure to visit bestpricetravel.com to get the best offers and options.

13. Have Dinner with Apsara Dance

Treat yourself to an authentic Cambodian experience with the Apsara dance performance. Which is a rational dance based on Hindu and Buddhist methodology. Dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, the Apsara show is inspired by the water and cloud spirits carved on the Angkor temples. The show can be compared to ballet-like moves created by the Royal Ballet of Cambodia.

Cambodia is a country rich in culture and history, therefore we recommend you watch a traditional Khmer dance performance to immerse yourself in the culture and get the most out of your experience of visiting Cambodia.

This memorable night will feature a dinner with a variety of dishes to choose from. You can enjoy your meal while watching the dance performance.

Khmer Apsara Performance

14. Learn about Cambodian History at Landmine Museum

As a result of years of conflict and war, Cambodia is faced with being a country with the most landmines. To this day people face the dangers of these unexploded or forgotten mines which can be found on rice fields, back yards, or even on the roadside.

located close to the Banteay Srey Temple complex in Angkor National Park, the Cambodia Landmine Museum tells a story about how Cambodia has such a big problem with landmines and what resolutions are being made to remove them.

The museum was closed for 2020 and has not seen visitors since then. It runs from donations and through ticket sales, so be sure to show your support by visiting them and learning about Cambodian history. The entry fee for adults is 5 dollars and free for children under 12. Audio or personal English tours can be arranged.

See real live landmines and what they look like and the effects they can have. Visiting the landmine museum would be a different type of experience compared to going to a normal museum.

Cambodian Landmine Museum

15. Trek through the Cambodia jungle

For the adventurous at heart, getting lost in the Cambodian jungle can sound like an alluring holiday activity. If you are looking for a change of pace from your everyday life and need a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we would highly recommend that you check out one of the many tour guides that help you trek the great Cambodian jungle.

Trek through the jungle

Why trek through the Cambodian jungle, you ask? Well, why not? The thrill of exploring mother nature by Cambodia trekking through the jungle with a true tour guide is the perfect holiday for adventure enthusiasts and people who are looking to get some fresh air. If you are looking to be captured by the stunning beauty and mesmerized by the beautiful wildlife, we recommend this as a definite once-in-a-lifetime thing to do in Siem Reap besides temples. Come home feeling recharged, inspired, and ready to take on the world.

If you are ready to experience the best things to do in Siem Reap, please see more information about all the adventures and activities of Cathat await you on BestPrice Travel's Siem Reap Tours.

Swazi

(Image source: Internet)