City Siem Reap in Cambodia itself is considered one of the main attractions. The main reason for this is the oldest cultural monument – the temple complex Angkor Wat, located 5 km from Siem Reap.
Siem Reap is located 310 km from Phnom Penh – the capital of the country. The population of Siem Reap is about 200 thousand people; however, if we take into account the tourist flow, then this figure can be safely multiplied several times. The date of city foundation refers to a much earlier period: Siem Reap was found in 802.
Check our travel guide to get more details about best things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This information will be helpful for first timers planning to visit the most popular tourist attractions in this city.
Siem Reap General Information
Siem Reap city is a transit point for travelers who want to visit Angkor Wat temple complex. As there is no infrastructure at all on the territory of Angkor Wat, like hotels, cafes it’s impossible to stay there overnight.
Siem Reap can compete with large Cambodian cities, you’ll find there large number of various hotels, bars, clubs, shops.
The city’s main market is called the Old Market (Psar Chas). There you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and souvenirs at affordable prices.
Siem Reap is not a metropolis, you won’t find skyscrapers there. Building height does not exceed 4 floors. In general, Siem Reap is rightly considered provincial town, where there is not much traffic and no crowds filling the streets.
TOP 10 Things to Do in Siem Reap
The main goal pursued by travelers is the majestic ancient Angkor Wat. You can visit this temple complex with a tour or on your own. But, there are enough tourist attractions in Siem Reap, that are worth visiting as well.
Visit Banteay Srei Temple
Banteay Srei Temple is ancient temple that was built in honor of Lord Shiva. The temple of Banteay Srei is decorated with many statues made of red sandstone. To visit this place, you’ll need to show a pass to the temple complex Angkor Wat.
If you would like to visit Bantay Srei Temple, you can join small group tour. Click here to get more info about this activity and make your reservation.
Attend Water Festival Bon Om Touk
You can attend Water Festival, known also as Bon Om Tuk, if your trip to Siem Reap is planned at the end of October or early November. The festival marks the change in the course of the river and ends with a boat race. More than a million people come to watch this action. The festival begins on the last day of the Full Moon in October.
Angkor Silk Farm (Puok)
You can see the silk fabric production process from start to finish. The factory is located 20 minutes drive from the city center. There are free buses that go from Themey Street. Free guided tours are also organized.
Take a Trip to Tonle Sap Lake and Visit Kampong Phluk Floating Village
Tonle Sap Lake played a huge role in the development of ancient civilizations, and today contributes to the development of agriculture in Cambodia. You can rent a boat for $20 and see how people live in floating villages today.
Also you can join day tour and visit Tonle Sap Lake and Kampong Phluk Floating Village. Click here to get more info about the tour and make your reservation.
In addition to these main Siem Reap tourist attractions, there are other places to visit and things to see.
Watch Apsara Dance
This classical female dance is a part of Khmer culture. There are several places where you can enjoy watching this dance, but the best one is in the theater of the same name.
You can admire traditional Cambodian Aspara dance and taste local food at a restaurant. Click here to get more info about this activity and make your reservation.
War Museum
War devastated Cambodia, needless to say that many people were killed. The goal of this place is to preserve memories about the civil war. In addition to viewing the exhibits, you can ask museum guide to tell you more about this place and period of history it aimed to preserve.
Join Cooking Class and Explore Local Food Market
If you would like to learn more about local cuisine and try to make traditional Cambodian dishes, you can join cooking class and visit local food market to pick fresh products.
Click here to get more info about this cooking class and make your reservation.
Check Some Religious Sites
If you have enough time, make sure to visit some of these places: Baphuon Temple, Pre Rup temple, Neak Pean and other temples.
Visit Wat Preah Prom Rath
It is considered a “new” temple, which is only 500 years old. Various drawings are imprinted on the its walls: from cannibal crocodiles to the complete serenity of the Buddha statue. Entrance to the temple is free, but make sure to be dressed appropriately.
If you would like to visit this temple and some other remarkable landmarks in Siem Reap, you can join half-day tour. Click here to get more info about this activity and make your reservation.
Visit Koh Ker Temple
It is located two and a half hours drive from Siem Reap – the capital of the Khmer Empire. Many temples there are over 1000 years old. Koh Ker archaeological site is located in the heart of the jungle. Not many tourists come to see it. Public transport does not go there (roads were laid only a few years ago). Transportation will need to be arranged from the hotel or hostel.
If you would like to visit Koh Ker Temple – you can join day tour and visit other iconic Cambodian landmarks as well. Click here to get more info about the tour and make your reservation.
Visit the outskirts of the city – there is also something to see there. You can go to Phnom Kulen National Park, Crocodile Farm or Floating Village.
Best Time to Visit Siem Reap
Dry season in Siem Reap lasts from November to early April. In December and January it’s when excellent weather sets in. January is considered the coldest month, with the average temperature +21 degrees.
April can be an unbearably hot, with temperatures reaching 31 degrees, while maintaining high humidity. There are not so many visitors to Angkor Wat at this time. The rainy season is from June to October, but that means only a couple of hours of rain per day. Tourists practically do not visit temple complex at this time, as it becomes too dirty.
Useful Tips for Tourists
Siem Reap in Cambodia is safe for tourists. The most common type of crime is pickpocketing, especially in the Old Market and even in Angkor Wat. So be careful.
Another common way to deceive tourists – scammers under the guise of the police ask you to show your passport. They will return it to you only after you pay the “fine”. Do not rush to give your passport on demand, say it was used as a deposit in the hotel.
You’ll be in a trouble if you have been seen in the use or distribution of drugs or sex tourism.
