Siem Reap in Cambodia is a marvelous tourist destination. The heritage temples, lakes, museums and bustling nightlife have kept Siem Reap on the wish list of travelers of all kinds. Be it your honeymoon or a well-planned family vacation, there are a plethora of things to do in Siem Reap. If you are confused and don’t know what to shortlist, here is what we recommend.
Experiences in Siem Reap you can’t afford to miss
1. Visit Angkor Wat Temple complex- A fascinating temple hopping experience
Walk through the various heritage temples at Angkor Wat Temple complex in Siem Reap. Sprawling over 400 acres, Angkor Wat Temple complex has many Hindu and Buddhist temples. The artwork, sculptures and mesmerizing structure and architecture, leave everyone awestruck. The main temple of Angkor Wat is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and boasts of Mt. Meru Tower and seven-headed Naga shrine. Exploring this temple, one of the seven wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surely one of the top most things to do in Siem Reap.
Time: 5 am to 6 pm
Charges: $20/person
Must Read: 15 Stunning Cambodia Monuments That Should Be On Your Bucket List
2. Hot air balloon ride- An essential bucket list
If you are planning a holiday in Siem Reap, hot air balloon ride should not be missed at any cost. Enjoy panoramic views of the landscape and most photogenic sunrise and sunset, while you fly above in a gorgeous hot air balloon. Feel the charm and thrill of sailing in the air for 30 minutes, just like a bird! This is surely one of the most exciting things to do in Siem Reap with your friends and family.
Time: The balloon takes off twice a day. During sunrise, the take-off is usually between 6:10 to 6:45 am and during sunset it is between 5:00 to 5:30 pm. However, the time may change, depending on the time of sunrise and sunset.
Charges: $600 onwards
3. Khmer traditional boats ride at Tonle Oum- Discovering the city through waterway
Plan for a sunset tour in a traditional Khmer boat or gondola at Tonle Oum and make the Siem Reap holiday memorable forever. Sailing through the inland canal of this resort town and relishing the beautiful vistas of Angkor Thom Great Wall, Angkor Temple complex, Takao Port and Prasat Chrung Temple is not only enthralling but certainly one of the most fun things to do in Siem Reap.
Charges: $ 35/person for a 90-minute gondola ride.
Must Read: 34 Places To Visit In Cambodia – The Erstwhile Khmer Empire
4. Helicopter ride over the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake
The floating village of Tonle Sap Lake is a must visit in Siem Reap. The small huts, fishing nets, shops, markets and schools etc, floating on the huge Tonle Sap Lake is a sight to behold. And nothing can be more fascinating than the view of this picturesque floating village from above in a helicopter. This 30 minutes helicopter ride is exciting, fun and is definitely a lifetime experience for travellers of all kinds.
5. Visit Pub Street- Everything from bars, pubs to live music
Pub Street is the hotspot of Siem Reap, best known for bustling and colourful nightlife scene. Studded with clubs, pubs, disco, lounge and restaurants; Pub Street is crowded and buzzing right after sundown. Roaming in this area and enjoying rejuvenating live music, best of cocktails and food and neon-lit dance floors are surely among the must-try things to do in Siem Reap.
6. Dine at Villa Chandara- Experience the aura of destination dinning
Villa Chandara is one of the most exotic and elegant dining place, tucked amid nature. Located at the outskirts of Siem Reap, this place offers exotic destination dining experience. The authorities arrange a private dining set up amid lush green landscape, while the chefs cook and present authentic celebratory Khmer cuisine, wine and sunset cocktail. Watching sunset while savouring Khmer delicacies in this ambience, is one of the most desired things to do in Siem Reap, especially if you are in honeymoon.
Charges: $115/person, which includes free transportation, unlimited house drinks and 5 course menus.
Must Read: Cambodia Honeymoon Guide: An Intimate Journey Through The Royal Kingdom
7. Night Market- Indulge in a nocturnal retail therapy
One of the most exciting things to do in Siem Reap is to visit the night market and indulge in a hearty retail therapy. Located right next to Pub Street, this buzzing local street bazaar is known as Angkor Night Market and is dotted with shops selling local handicrafts, Khmer artefacts, souvenirs, knick knacks and mouth-watering seafood.
Opening hours: 5 pm to midnight
8. Eat deep fried Tarantulas
If you are a foodie, have a daring heart and still wondering what to do in Siem Reap; here comes the answer. Eating fried tarantulas in roadside restaurants and food kiosks is the rightest thing for you to try. If you think this is easy to taste the soft shelled hairy crabs, deep fried and dipped in various spicy sauces, we dare you.
Suggested Read: 7 Reasons That Will Compel You To Travel To Cambodia In Summer
9. Fish spa- The one of its kind experience
Wanna try something unique and bizzare? Try fish pedicure and manicure. Almost every massage parlour and spa centres in Siem Reap; offers fish pedicure and manicure therapies. You need to dip your hand and feet in the huge fish tanks, where Doctor fish (a typical fish species) clean off the dead skin of the hands and feet by eating them. Though there are health warnings and hygiene issues, but there is no harm is trying this super cool spa once in a lifetime
Charges: $2 onwards
10. Apsara Dance performance
If you are a cultural enthusiast, then watching an Apsara dance performance is the rightest thing to do in Siem Reap. This is a form of traditional Khmer dance where a historical event or story is narrated through a lively dance drama. The dance postures, music, dramatic poses, stage décor and magical ambience will surely leave you captivated.
Further Read: Honeymoon In Siem Reap: Here’s How To Discover Love In The Temple Kingdom
What are we waiting for? With the list of fascinating things to do in Siem Reap, just plan your next vacation to this beautiful resort town. Don’t forget to share your experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Siem Reap
What is there to do in Siem Reap?
There are many interesting things to do in Siem Reap that will keep you hooked. Some of those things are visiting the Angkor Wat Temple complex, taking a Khmer traditional boat ride at Tonle Oum and dining at Villa Chandara.
Is Siem Reap worth visiting?
Siem Reap is one of those unexplored places that miss the eye of the masses but is definitely worth a visit. The interesting places to visit and the activities you can try here are exciting.
Is Siem Reap a safe place to travel to?
Yes, Siem Reap is one of the safest places to visit in Cambodia. It is slowly becoming a tourist hotspot and is a stunning destination. While petty crime still exists, violent crime doesn’t happen here and the destination is quite safe for tourists.
What can I eat in Siem Reap?
Prahok, Green Mango Salad, Beef Skewers, Nom Banh Chok, and Cambodian BBQ are some of the things that you must try in Siem Reap.
How many days should I spend in Siem Reap?
Ideally, you should spend 3-4 days in Siem Reap to explore the place fully, comfortably and at your own pace. There is a lot to see and do here.
What can I shop for in Siem Reap?
Silverware, Kampot pepper, Palm sugar, Krama, and carvings are some of the things that you can shop for in Siem Reap.
What is the best time to visit Siem Reap?
The best time to visit Siem Reap is from November to April as the temperatures are lower during these months making it comfortable for the visitors to explore the city.
