Top 15 Unforgettable Experiences in Siem Reap, Cambodia

It would be a missed opportunity to travel to Southeast Asia without experiencing Siem Reap. This city is renowned for Angkor Wat, a breathtaking and historically significant collection of ancient temple ruins, which may become the most memorable aspect of your journey.

Beyond the intriguing temple explorations, Siem Reap boasts a diverse cultural and historical landscape enriched with various activities. Engage in cooking classes, pottery workshops, visit museums dedicated to the region’s history and effects of landmines, and enjoy socializing with fellow travelers at local taverns offering delicious Western cuisine and affordable beer.

Siem Reap presents a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels with stunning pools, making it easy to immerse yourself in the city for an entire week discovering its many treasures.

Let us delve into the premier activities in Siem Reap:

1. Tour Angkor Wat

Enchanting, enigmatic, and utterly captivating, Angkor Wat is an essential destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. This grand Buddhist temple, the largest of its kind globally, took 30 years to construct in the 12th century, covering an area of over 208 hectares (500 acres).

The temple was constructed as a funerary site for King Suryavarman II, with each aspect signifying different stages of life, death, and rebirth. As you navigate through this once-great civilization, ascending marble steps and traversing ornate stone archways, you will gain valuable architectural insights into a bygone era.

Engaging an English-speaking guide is highly advisable to accompany you from one temple to another, elucidating their significance along the way. Guides can be found at the entrance to the temples or through organized tours, offering varied durations ranging from one day to a full week, depending on your interests.

2. Dirtbike or Quad

Whether you prefer a half-day adventure on Siem Reap’s red dirt paths or a longer excursion lasting two days or even a week exploring Cambodia, there are numerous tours available to cater to your desires.

Popular options include a one-day trip to Phnom Kulen, a revered mountain known for its hidden waterfalls and lush jungles, or a six-day journey that encompasses a broad circuit around the country, complete with accommodations and fuel.

The motorcycles are meticulously maintained and prepared to provide an exhilarating experience in Cambodia.

3. Eat Red Ants

When in Cambodia, it is wise to embrace local culinary practices. Begin modestly with exquisite dishes such as beef paired with red ants. The ants contribute a unique bittersweet flavor and a crunch that evokes the experience of indulging in caviar. This dish beautifully complements the beef and gravy, particularly when enjoyed with a local beer.

Consider ordering this specialty at a chic restaurant like Marum, where meals are designed to be a shared experience, or at Mie Café, renowned for serving the finest red ant dishes in the area.

4. The Old Market

Experience local life at The Old Market, commonly referred to as “Psar Chaa” by locals. Constructed in the 1920s, this market serves as a primary source for residents of Siem Reap seeking fresh produce, grains, and meat for their home-cooked meals.

The market’s structure is organized into sections dedicated to specific goods. Visit the fruit section to purchase organic selections like mangosteens and dragon fruit at local rates, explore the dimly lit meat section filled with hanging sausages, or stroll through rows of vendors selling dried seafood seated on traditional straw mats.

Additionally, there are areas for clothes, handicrafts, and spices, all ideal for thoughtful gifts to take back home.

5. Cambodia Landmine Museum

Years have elapsed since the Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge period, yet life-threatening remnants are still concealed in the Cambodian countryside—approximately six million in total. The Cambodia Landmine Museum is the premier location in Siem Reap for gaining insights into the history, implications, and ongoing challenges of landmines within the region.

Not only does it provide a historical perspective, but visitors can also observe various types of landmines, both active and detonated. You will learn about the consequences for local populations and the ongoing efforts aimed at eradicating this perilous legacy.

6. Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity

This is an opportunity to engage closely with Cambodia’s native wildlife while supporting a noble cause.

Located in Siem Reap, the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation, focusing on species and habitat preservation through breeding programs, animal rehabilitation, community education, and research initiatives.

The center offers tours at 9 AM and 1 PM, during which knowledgeable guides share insights into their rehabilitation efforts for otters, porcupines, birds, and other animals, aiming to prepare them for successful reintegration into their natural habitats.

7. Have a Spa Day

When you seek comprehensive spa treatments without depleting your travel budget, head to Lemongrass Garden. For only a few extra dollars compared to the standard lower-quality massage establishments, you will experience a professional and indulgent service that is sure to rejuvenate you.

For a decadent experience, consider the 4-Hands Massage, which includes various full-body treatments, Khmer massages, and more. Additional offerings encompass manicures, body scrubs, facials, and waxing services.

You can relax further knowing that all staff members are expertly trained and treated with the utmost dignity and respect.

8. Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

Butterfly aficionados, nature enthusiasts, and families alike should not miss this extraordinary opportunity while in Cambodia. This butterfly sanctuary and conservation center is ideal for connecting with an array of fascinating insects.

Stroll through an enclosed garden replicating a rainforest environment, allowing you to witness a multitude of Cambodian butterfly species flying freely. Remain still, and you may find some landing on you to rest for a moment.

An educational tour with a guide is available, detailing the different stages of the butterfly lifecycle. The Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre welcomes visitors every day from 9 AM to 5 PM.

9. Get a Fish Spa Pedicure

Perhaps you have encountered those clear aquariums filled with small fish and comfortable seating; they provide a rather unconventional pedicure experience.

Dip your feet into a tank populated by fish that delight in feasting on dead skin. They will swarm around your feet, delicately nibbling away calluses and trimming dry cuticles within a brisk 20-minute session. This process is more ticklish than it is uncomfortable.

Venture to Walking Street, where you will find various spas offering this unique service for approximately $3.

10. Angkor Pottery Center

Discover ancient Cambodian pottery techniques at the Angkor Pottery Center. Spend your day with English-speaking instructors who will guide you in crafting pots, vases, and bowls. Prepare to enjoy the artistic process as you manipulate wet clay on a pottery wheel, transforming it into beautiful and functional items. These creations can be fired in a ceramic kiln, resulting in cherished souvenirs that reflect your cultural experience in Siem Reap.

This pottery class serves as an excellent activity for groups, couples, solo travelers, and children. Each class lasts just 30 minutes, making it easy to incorporate into your itinerary while visiting Angkor Wat.

11. Kulen Nature Trails

Consult a tuk-tuk driver to assist you in finding a guide for the Kulen Nature Trails. These paths through the rainforest reveal hidden wonders, including ancient temples, esteemed monasteries, and cascading waterfalls. The picturesque river and shaded pathways provide a refreshing respite from the tropical heat.

Upon reaching the waterfall, vendors typically sell snacks and beverages, enabling you to enjoy a leisurely picnic beneath one of the pagodas situated nearby.

It is advisable to explore the trails during the dry season; visiting during rainfall can result in muddy and unwelcoming paths. Also, make an early start to avoid meeting large crowds of tourists.

12. Cycling Tour

Experiencing the authentic charm of Cambodia is best achieved through a cycling tour in the countryside. Join the “Off the Beaten Track” tour with Butterfly Tours Asia, where you will pedal through the rural areas of Siem Reap, gaining insights into the everyday lives of local Cambodians.

This 20-kilometer adventure spans four hours and is guided by an English-speaking expert. As you navigate past rice fields, grazing cows, Khmer villages, and diligent farmers, you will encounter friendly locals who will warmly welcome your presence, particularly the enthusiastic children.

Butterfly Tours also provides cycling tours around Angkor Wat and the trails linking the temples, giving you multiple options to choose from.

13. Take a Cooking Class

What better method to learn about the rich traditions of Cambodia than through its cuisine? Explore Lily’s Secret Garden, a pristine kitchen set in an authentic teakwood house on stilts, surrounded by a verdant tropical garden. This idyllic setting enhances the tranquility of a morning or afternoon filled with culinary exploration.

Over the course of an hour and a half, you will participate in a cooking class where an English-speaking chef will guide you in preparing a three-course menu featuring traditional Khmer dishes made from organic ingredients. You will create appetizers such as spring rolls with chicken, main dishes like Amok curry or stir-fried chicken with noodles, and a dessert of pumpkin in coconut cream. Each step is meticulously instructed, equipping you with cooking skills to take back home.

Once your culinary creations are complete, you will enjoy the delicious results of your hard work.

14. Aspara Dance Performance

The Aspara Dance performance is a captivating blend of Cirque du Soleil and traditional Native American cultural events. The name “Aspara,” translating to “beautiful girls” in Khmer, refers to a dance form historically performed by women believed to hold supernatural abilities. This artistic tradition dates back to the Angkorian era during the reign of Suryavarman II, when these goddess-like performers danced exclusively for the royal family.

Today, you can experience a slice of royalty by attending the evening performance. The show features a full theatrical production, showcasing talented dancers in intricate costumes, accompanied by professional lighting and stunning visual backdrops, making it an hour-long spectacle you will not forget.

15. Wander Pub Street

With an abundance of cultural experiences, history, and ancient architecture to absorb during the day, you may wish to unwind in the evening. For a laid-back atmosphere featuring Western cuisine and a vibrant night scene with local beers on tap, visit Pub Street.

This lively thoroughfare, adorned with neon lights and surrounded by bars offering enticing drink specials, has become a haven for backpackers amidst Siem Reap’s vibrant social scene.

Expect to find an array of clubs and bars that remain open late into the night, alongside several budget accommodations in the vicinity, making it an ideal area for residents and visitors alike to enjoy a memorable evening.