16 Best Things to Do in Cambodia. “This city in northern Cambodia spins a siren song of faded glory that knows how to lure adventurous backpackers and interested tourists to its old magic mixed with thriving tradition and modernity.
Siem Reap is the door to the famed Angkor Wat, quite possibly the most sacred of shrines. But the city offers more than this landmark. A city that feels at once wholly its own through a foundation of the Khmer Empire, intertwined through the vibrancy of the French Quarter and hum of the Old Market, there is no sense of this place without the other, the past welcoming the present.
There are so many things to do in Siem Reap besides Angkor! Walking the steep downtown streets, vibrant colonial buildings stand between local restaurants whose scents and stories fill the air. As night falls, the city awakens as night markets and Pub Street come alive with fellow travelers and tales of the day’s adventures around the world.”
Psar Chaa (Old Market)
Unless the country has an amazing market, for seasoned travelers—especially those in Southeast Asia—a visit to one of the city’s vibrant markets is a must-do experience. And if you have family back home who are waiting for each souvenir from your travels, then you should visit Psar Chas.
Psar Chas, or Old Market Siem Reap, is a local gem. Spread across more than 300 stalls, it features a range of souvenirs, clothing, and mouthwatering street food for those after a tasty bite. No magnets or generic souvenirs here—instead, the pieces you’ll find intricately mirror the local culture.
Devoting an afternoon to wandering the market’s stalls teeming with intricately carved woodwork, beautifully woven silk fabrics, and hand-spun textiles is a wonderful crash course in a bustling local scene.
War Museum Cambodia
Cambodia today is recognized for its beauty and peace, but the late 20th century was a starkly different time for the Cambodian people.
A trip to the War Museum is also a fascinating experience: you will discover the deadly era of the Khmer Rouge that was from 1975 to 1979!
Tour the museum independently or use the free guide resource available. Go for an in-depth exploration of the sorrowful past, its exhibits revealing weapons and implements of war, from a T-54 tank to a Mil Mi-8 helicopter.
I highly recommend choosing the free guide, as each one has a personal story, whether as a war veteran, bystander, or landmine victim, offering invaluable perspective on this vital part of Cambodia’s history.
Kbal Spean
Kbal Spean, the River of 1000 Lingas, is a fascinating site in the Kulen Mountain hills, about an hour northeast of Siem Reap. This cultural and archaeological treasure offers a wonderful opportunity for nature and history lovers.
This includes a decent 0.5 km walk to the river itself (which is all part of the fun) and exploring the spectacular rainforest in the vicinity of Token Wake. You walk on a beautifully carved sandstone riverbed decorated with Hindu and Buddhist symbols and Lingas, considering fertility and spirituality.
The detailed carvings illustrate the spiritual beliefs and artistic expressions of the ancient Khmer civilization, offering a glimpse into their rich cultural legacy.
Banteay Srey Butterfly Center
Banteay Srey Butterfly Center: Located in Siem Reap, this attractive destination is also a conservation and research center for butterflies. This beautiful centre showcases over 30 species of Cambodian butterflies, one of the largest fully enclosed facilities in Southeast Asia, making it an absolute must for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
For a $6 per adult entrance fee, visitors can walk through verdant gardens and have passionate staff members guide them through the entire life cycle of butterflies, from an egg to a caterpillar to a cocoon. This is an educational center demonstrating the importance of butterfly conservation and the fragile nature of ecosystems.
Angkor Night Market
Siem Reap’s Angkor Night Market is famous for its lively vibe, with colorful stalls and excited sellers. A paradise for foodies, the market has an array of local and international foods, including grilled meats, noodles, and—for the brave eater—fried crickets.
Open daily from 4 p.m. to midnight, the market is not just a culinary center of excellence but also a shopping haven. Shops selling everything from clothing to spices to jewelry to genuine Khmer-style wood line the streets, and prices are negotiable, so a bit of haggling is possible to strike a good deal. If looking for a more relaxed time, it is recommended to arrive before 6 p.m. when the larger crowds tend to visit.
Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity
I am in the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB), and this is a really good place. Founded in 2003, it was Cambodia’s first nature conservation centre, and its mission is to rescue animals caught up in the illegal wildlife trade or injured by humans. A dedicated crew of vets and animal caregivers tirelessly rehabilitates these animals in preparation for a return to the wild.
The center accepts a minimum donation of $5 for daily tours at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. ACCB is very close to Kbal Spean and Banteay Srei, so if one is into experiencing wildlife conservation and contributing to the mission, it is absolutely worth a visit.
Kulen Waterfalls
About 1.5 hours northwest of Siem Reap, at the heart of the Phnom Kulen National Park, the Kulen Waterfalls are a stunning natural wonder in the middle of a jungly paradise. These cascading falls are a great day trip, with opportunities to swim in the cool pools formed by the falls and hear the gentle thunder of rushing water.
Hiking: There are a variety of hiking trails nearby, from easy walks to more challenging hikes.
In addition to their natural beauty, the Kulen Falls hold cultural significance for the Khmer people. They functioned as an important water source for the ancient culture and were imagined to have divine capabilities. Because of the falls’ historical and cultural significance, visitors are also encouraged to be mindful and respectful of local etiquette.
Siem Reap food tour
In addition to its temples and architecture, Siem Reap has a food scene Polson says deserves to be discovered. Cambodia has a delicious and very unique cuisine, and one of the best ways to dive in and learn about it is with a Siem Reap food tour. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the bold flavors, aroma, and fresh ingredients of Khmer cuisine.
Take small-group tours by tuk-tuk to discover the city, trying traditional dishes such as beef loklak and fish amok, with a local guide. For an extra thrill, look into a Vespa food tour, zipping through city streets on the back of a scooter and sampling local specialties as you go. It’s a tasty and hands-on way to explore the local food scene in Siem Reap.
Cambodian Circus Show
Dive into the magic of Phare Circus, one of Cambodia’s proudest homegrown concepts, blending native folklore, history, and the daily lives of locals to create stunning performances. Entitled “Circus with Purpose,” the talented artists are students and graduates of the Phare Ponleu Selpak School, which aims to support community development programs in Cambodia and provides employment and training for artists at a young age.
Phare Circus: culture, dance, acrobatics, resilience, immersive experience = MUST SEE. The creators have appeared in spaces that are recognized around the globe, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Sydney Opera House. See the magic of a circus that strives for high art while creating a positive impact and building an escape hatch out of poverty.
Kampong Phluk floating village
Discover the special floating village of Kampong Phluk with the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Roughly translating to “Harbor of Tusks,” Kampong Phluk is a mesmerizing cluster of houses resting on bamboo beams and wooden planks, creating a floating effect during the wet season when water levels reach their peak.
Take a boat tour from Siem Reap, about 20 miles away, to find out how a village lives, which revolves around fishing and farming. Learn about the culture of the residents who adapt to the fluctuating water levels. For another perspective on this extraordinary community, take a second boat ride through flood-submerged floating mangroves halting around the village.
Cambodia Landmine Museum
Founded by Aki Ra, a former child soldier who found himself forced into fighting at the tender age of nine, the Cambodian Landmine Museum is a brutal reminder of Cambodia’s troubled tale of war. Aki Ra established the museum to demonstrate just how much landmines have devastated Cambodia, using money raised to fund landmine clearance initiatives and also help wounded and orphaned children.
On the role of mines in the countryside in Cambodia, the museum is a good source of information because it is basically a storehouse of landmines, which are found in different parts of Cambodia and now cleared in the museum. Visitors can see the displayed mines, learn about the clearance procedure, and help support the museum’s humanitarian project.
Pub Street
Pub Street (See on map) is in downtown Siem Reap; this rambling nightlife hub is a molasses-thick mass of bars, restaurants, and people. The street, lined with many pubs, bars, and restaurants, has something for all palates, from street food to fine dining to Khmer and Western-style menus.
The variety runs even to drinks, with restaurants offering inexpensive beers and cocktails, some whimsically served in chamber pot buckets. Not only does Pub Street have culinary options, it also has an entertainment vibe. Visitors can catch live music, comedy, and theater. Since the street is pedestrianized, there’s plenty of room to walk around or dance. Pub Street is the place you need to go to make your night out in Siem Reap unforgettable.
Angkor National Museum
The Angkor National Museum is full of many artifacts, art, and sculptures belonging to the ancient Khmer Empire and offers insight for exploring Cambodia’s rich history and culture. Housed in an impressive two-story building, the museum displays a wide range of artifacts, including the clothes, weapons, tools, and jewelry of the ancient Khmer Empire.
Housing more than 20,000 books and manuscripts about Khmer culture and history, it is a resource for contextualizing the region, both culturally and geographically. Lectures, workshops, and other educational activities are available for visitors to participate in, ensuring a fun and informative day out.
Visit the Temples of Angkor is one of the 16 Best Things to Do in Cambodia
Arguably Cambodia’s most famous sights, the temples of Angkor, built from the 9th to the 15th centuries, represent the high watermark of Khmer architecture and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among all of the temples, Angkor Wat, initially constructed as a Hindu temple for god Vishnu, is the world’s largest religious monument, complete with a giant moat and the longest continuous bas-relief in the world.
Angkor Wat is a must-see, but it is also well worth venturing out to see the temples of Bayon and Ta Prohm as well. As a remarkable inheritance of the Khmer Empire, and one of the most breathtaking sights you will ever have in Cambodia, come to the temples of Angkor.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
The best area to stay in Siem Reap depends on your personal preferences. If you’re looking for a lively scene close to major attractions, the best choice is the French Quarter. Embodying both history and accessibility, this area offers you a budget-friendly 3-star hotel—the Bangka Kesararam Hotel—that delivers on comfort and serves you daily breakfast while being centrally located between the Old Market and Pub Street.
If you would rather have a laid-back experience with a local feel, check out the eastern banks of the Siem Reap River. This tranquil neighborhood provides a genuine local feel and is also where you will find the 5-star Central Indochine D’angkor Hotel. For a more tranquil stay, this luxury hotel offers high-end amenities, an outdoor pool, a spa, and several restaurants.
How to get there
There are other transport options for travelers around Siem Reap. Direct flights are offered from major cities in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City. Flying is an option if arriving from Phnom Penh, but all common forms of ground transportation — buses, trains, and private hires — are also options. Ground trips normally take about 5 to 7 hours on average but offer a flexible option for travelers who like to control their travel preferences and times.
November to February is the ideal season to explore Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, as the weather is milder, rains are close to nonexistent, and humidity lowers. But visiting in this period is also the busiest and priciest as many tourists — particularly Europeans on Christmas break — are coming in this period.
The hot season sets in, and although temperatures may soar to 36°C (97°F), March and April tempt visitors before the onset of monsoon. The addition of large celebrations like the Giant Puppet Parade and Khmer New Year festivities adds to this period’s cultural vibrancy.
The rainy season is May to October, bringing fewer tourists and lower prices. But in July and August, visitors flock in for summer holidays. Though this season can deliver tropical deluges, there is also a chance of clear skies, which makes it a bit of a lottery for budget-conscious travelers.
