Must-do Activities in Siem Reap

There are a plethora of fun and amazing activities to look forward to during a vacation in Siem Reap. It is a mixture of the countryside as well as bustling city life. Let's discover the best things to do in Siem Reap.

There are a plethora of fun and amazing activities to look forward to during a vacation in Siem Reap. Siem Reap is a small town that has all the major city amenities as well as its own charm with alluring quad bike tours, unique Cambodian insects, or shopping at the old market. It is a mixture of the countryside as well as bustling city life. 

Here is a list of the best things to do in Siem Reap. Let's discover!

Visit Amazing Angkor Wat 

The Angkor temples should be on everyone's bucket lists! Named one of the world's wonders and a world heritage site, Angkor Wat is the prime destination in Siem Reap. The ancient ruins and archaeological beauty are a true wonder. 

One day is not enough to explore all of this fantastic site. There are a few options to choose from when visiting Angkor Wat: 

- Buy a three-day pass to visit all the individual ruins

- Rent a tuk-tuk or get yourself a bicycle

- Visit boats, lakes, and ancient trees aside from the ancient temples featured in the archaeological park. 

Discover Angkor Wat Complex In Siem Reap

Try Dirt Bike or Quad Bike 

Come and explore endless things in Siem Reap by riding dirt bikes or quad bikes. Not only in Siem Reap, but this activity is also among the best things to do in Cambodia. You can create unforgettable memories while traveling to the Angkorıan temples, countryside, and Buddhist monasteries using quad bikes.

Many quad bike tours offer day, night, or multiple-day tours around Siem Reap. Apart from skilled riders, beginners are also welcome to join various types of rides, such as sunset tours, discovery tours, or even day tours.

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

Try Siem Reap Quad Bike

Eat Red Ants

Cambodia insect bites give a great opportunity to push yourself into trying new things to do in Siem Reap. What can be a better way to discover new cuisine than trying something you have never tried before, like red ants?

This local cuisine is normally served in a tasty sauce. Khmer Kitchen Restaurant comes highly recommended by many travelers who have tried this local gastronomy.

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

Try Red Ants Dish

Go Shopping at Old Market

Also referred to as Phsar Chas, the Old Market is a local destination that is buzzing with different vendors selling various goods and items, from clothes, leather goods, home furnishings, food, spices, fish, and more. 

We highly recommend you check out the old market both in the daytime and the nighttime. Even if you do not want to buy anything, the experience of walking through the market is worth the trip. You will truly get a sense of how the locals live in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap Old Market

Get Wild on Pub Street

If you are looking for an exciting night out lined with pubs at night with affordable drinks, Pub Street is the place to go. This is the main area for nightlife in Siem Reap. The street is lined up with bar after bar, all serving the freshest beer. There are also some delicious Cambodian restaurants around the area. The energy of Pub Street is lovely and vibrant which offers a unique contrast to the slow-paced relaxing environment of Siem Reap.

Have Fun At Pub Street

Wander around Angkor Night Market 

Angkor comes alive during the night to give you the lively Angkor Night Market. It’s 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 making for a genuinely authentic experience. Definitely among the best things to do in Siem Reap on a budget.

Angkor Night Market

Explore the Floating Market

Cambodia has a variety of floating villages for visitors to experience the daily life on the water of local people. The two most popular villages 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 locals. 

Also, exploring Chop Kneas is among the exciting activities in Siem Reap because of its flawless scenery that looks perfect when you watch the warm and red tones touch the lake during the sunset. 

Visit Floating Village

Visit Banteay Srey Butterfly Center

Located in the 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 knowledgeable staff.

This amazing tourist attraction is great for families and travelers who would love to experience the natural world.

Banteay Srey Butterfly Center

Fish Massage

Though it may sound strange, this pedicure is great because it leaves your feet feeling soft and smooth. The tiny nibble fish eat the dead skin off your feet, leaving them smoother. Most of these fish spas also offer a free glass of beer to help ease the nerves. It may take a good second to get used to the tingling sensation you get when the fish nibble on your dead skin cells.

And, know what's great? It is not expensive and sometimes free for the first treatment. 

Fish Massage

Explore Kulen Nature Trails

Popular amongst tourists and locals, Kulen nature trails are the perfect summer vacation spot. It provides thrilling outdoor activities for visitors to do, such as hiking the trails or hanging out by the waterfall and having a swim.

A visit to the Phnom Kulen waterfall makes for a wonderful excavation. 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.

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

Kulen Nature Trails

Explore by Bike

Cycling in Siem Reap and Cambodia offers travelers the perfect balance of culture and long-lasting history. Follow the course of the Siem Reap River and you will eventually come across rural communities with a lively picture depicting local daily activities. Bike tours are also wonderful for touring the temples and exploring the city's hidden gems that not many tourists get the chance to see or experience. 

There are all sorts of different bike tours on offer in Siem Reap, from fairly easy one-day rides, such as Angkor cycling tours, countryside cycling tours, and Tonle Sap cycling tours, to more demanding multi-day bike tours.

Cycling Around Angkor Temples

Join a Cooking Class

One of the most rewarding ways of exploring the secrets of Khmer traditional cuisine is to take part in a Siem Reap cooking class. Tantalize your taste buds, learn a few Cambodian recipes, and take home a bit of Cambodia with you. 

The cooking course is a definite must-try experience because it’s different from the norm. You can discover all the secrets of this tasty cuisine, from choosing the best ingredients to preparing and cooking your delicious Cambodian dish. Most of the courses will give you a chance to learn to cook 3 Cambodian dishes, including traditional desserts.

Siem Reap Cooking Class

Have Dinner with Apsara Dance

Treat yourself to an authentic Cambodian experience with the Apsara dance performance. Dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, the Apsara show is inspired by the water and cloud spirits carved on the Angkor temples. 

Immerse yourself in the rich 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

Visit Landmine Museum

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. Visiting the landmine museum would be a different type of experience compared to going to a normal museum

The museum was closed in 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.

Cambodian Landmine Museum

Trek through the Cambodia Jungle

For the adventurous at heart, Cambodia trekking and getting lost in the Cambodian jungle can sound like an alluring holiday activity. One of the best things to do in Siem Reap for adventure enthusiasts and people who are looking to get some fresh air is trekking the great Cambodian jungle.

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. 

Trek Through The Jungle

Get a Foot Massage

After a long day of walking from temple to temple, it is nice to treat yourself to a little pampering. In the evenings, many massage parlors are set up along the sidewalk. Sink back into a comfy wicker chair and indulge in a 30-minute foot massage for only $2. 

Foot Massage In Siem Reap 

Create an utmost precious and noteworthy experience in Siem Reap as the list of engaging things to do in this beautiful city goes on and on. If you want to plan your own Siem Reap itinerary, don’t hesitate to contact BestPrice Travel to get the best advice.