Siem Reap is far more than just a stopping point on the way to ancient ruins; it’s a vibrant gateway to Cambodia’s rich heritage and warm hospitality. While the monumental stone temples of the Khmer Empire understandably pull travellers from across the globe, the city itself offers a rewarding mix of quiet riverbanks, energetic markets, and deeply moving historical sites. Whether you’re planning your first trip or looking for the best things to do in Siem Reap, exploring this northern province reveals a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern resilience.
Architectural Wonders of the Khmer Kingdom
No exploration of the region is complete without visiting the ancient sites that defined the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries. These stone monuments represent some of the most remarkable architectural achievements in human history.
Timeless Grandeur at Angkor Wat
As the undisputed jewel of the country, Angkor Wat stands as the world's largest religious monument. Constructed in the 12th century under King Suryavarman II, the complex originally served as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu before transitioning into a central site for Theravada Buddhism. Visiting early in the morning allows you to beat the afternoon heat, while watching the morning light catch the five sandstone spires is an unforgettable experience.
Expert Tip: Keep in mind that Angkor Wat remains an active place of worship, so respect local customs by wearing clothing that covers both your shoulders and knees.
The Enigmatic Gates of Angkor Thom
Just north of Angkor Wat lies Angkor Thom, the grand royal city established by King Jayavarman VII. Passing through its massive stone gates, flanked by carvings of gods and demons, feels like entering another era. At its centre, the Bayon temple stands out with its colossal stone faces gazing down from every tower. Nearby, you can wander along the Terrace of the Elephants, which once served as a giant viewing platform for royal ceremonies, and the intricate Terrace of the Leper King.
Nature’s Reclaimed Sanctuary at Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm offers a striking contrast to the neatly restored monuments nearby. Left largely as it was discovered, this 12th-century monastery is famously entangled with the colossal root systems of silk-cotton and strangler fig trees. The sight of massive wooden roots wrapping around weathered stone doorways illustrates the quiet power of nature over time. Exploring early in the late morning ensures you avoid the largest crowds and enjoy the shaded stone corridors in relative peace.
Everyday Monastic Life at Wat Preah Prom Rath
For a modern perspective on spiritual life, Wat Preah Prom Rath offers a tranquil sanctuary directly within the city centre, perfect if you’re looking for some self-exploration on a Freedom Day. Founded in the late 15th century, this working Buddhist temple features bright pagodas, manicured gardens, and intricate murals depicting the life of the Buddha. It provides a quiet setting to respectfully observe local monks going about their daily routines.
Expert Tip: Always remember to remove your shoes and hats before stepping inside any of the sacred temple buildings.
Beyond the Temples: Rivers, Lakes, and Living History
While the ancient ruins dominate most visits to Siem Reap, stepping away from the stone monuments reveals the vibrant everyday life of the region.
Floating Communities on Tonle Sap Lake
A short drive from the city leads to the vast expanse of Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Visiting a floating village near Siem Reap, such as Kampong Phluk, offers an eye-opening look into how local communities adapt to the water's seasonal tides. Here, wooden homes, schools, and even health clinics sit atop towering wooden stilts that submerge during the monsoon season. Gliding along the waterways by small boat provides an authentic insight into daily fishing routines and life along the water's edge.
Creative Evenings and Alternative Discoveries
As the sun sets, Siem Reap offers a wide variety of cultural experiences that showcase the creative talents of its people.
Acrobatics and Artistry at Phare Circus
When looking for unusual things to do in Siem Reap after dark, Phare Circus delivers an extraordinary night of entertainment. Far from a conventional circus, this high-energy performance combines traditional Khmer folklore, modern theatre, live music, and impressive acrobatics. The artists are all graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak, an NGO school in Battambang that provides free artistic education and social support to disadvantaged youth, making a performance here both entertaining and meaningful.
Sensorial Journeys through Siem Reap’s Local Markets
Exploring the local markets is one of the key Siem Reap attractions for visitors who want to sample authentic street food and purchase handmade crafts. The Old Market, locally known as Phsar Chas, sits near the riverbank and serves as the beating heart of local commerce. Walking through its narrow aisles reveals vibrant displays of exotic fruits, dried spices, handwoven silk, and daily household goods. It’s an ideal spot to observe local life in action, enjoy some local snacks and pick up authentic gifts.
As dusk falls, the city's night markets come alive with warm lighting and relaxed shopping environments. The Angkor Night Market and Noon Night Market feature stalls offering handmade crafts, clothing and local artwork. If you’re searching for high-quality, ethically made souvenirs, the Siem Reap Art Centre Night Market along the east bank of the river highlights delicate wood carvings, silver jewellery, and woven textiles created by local artisans.
A Taste of Cambodia: Culinary Wonders to Savour
Cambodian cuisine is wonderfully aromatic and balanced, relying heavily on fresh herbs, coconut milk, and subtle spice blends. The city boasts a thriving food scene that reflects this rich culinary heritage.
Amok Trey is perhaps the most iconic dish to seek out. This fragrant fish curry is steamed in banana leaves and infused with coconut milk and 'kroeung', a traditional, highly aromatic spice paste made with lemongrass and galangal; it’s silky, delicate, and full of flavour. For a satisfying lunch, Lok Lak is a firm favourite among locals. This stir-fried beef dish is served with rice, salad, and a punchy pepper-lime dipping sauce, often topped with a fried egg.
If you’re a more adventurous eater, try Prahok Ktis, a rich and savoury dip made from fermented fish paste, minced pork, and coconut milk, typically served with raw, crisp vegetables. For breakfast, look out for Num Banh Chok, often referred to as 'Khmer noodles'. This local morning staple features rice noodles topped with a fish-based green curry and a handful of crunchy, fresh vegetables.
Another simple but satisfying street food classic is Bai Sach Chrouk, a dish of grilled pork and rice, often served with pickled vegetables and a splash of sweet garlic sauce. Finally, to cool down in the tropical heat, sticky rice with mango is a beloved dessert made with sweet, coconut-infused sticky rice and slices of ripe mango; it’s beautifully light, creamy and refreshing.
If you wish to master these flavours yourself, joining a local cooking class is one of the best things to see and do in Siem Reap. Under the guidance of a local chef, you’ll learn traditional cooking techniques, often beginning with a guided walk through a local market to source fresh ingredients.
Expert Practical Guidance for Your Visit
Navigating the region is straightforward with a little preparation. The most comfortable time to visit is during the dry season between mid-October and March, when temperatures are warm, and humidity remains manageable.
Currency in Cambodia operates on a dual system. While the Cambodian Riel is widely used for smaller transactions, US Dollars are universally accepted across hotels, restaurants and market stalls. Ensure that any dollar notes you carry are crisp, unblemished, and free of tears, as local vendors will often decline old or damaged bills. When exploring crowded market areas or walking through busy street corridors, keep small denominations handy for hassle-free purchases and modest tips for local guides and drivers.
Plan Your Cambodian Adventure with Distant Journeys
From the timeless grandeur of Angkor’s ancient stone temples to the quiet beauty of river life, Siem Reap offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Southeast Asia. To experience these remarkable sights with total peace of mind, let us take care of every detail.
Enjoy three memorable nights exploring Siem Reap on our popular The Very Best of Vietnam & Cambodia tour, or discover the region on our Discover Vietnam & Cambodia - Exclusively for Solos and Classic Vietnam & Cambodia itineraries.
Contact our travel specialists today or request a brochure to start planning your escorted tour of Cambodia.
First published 10/09/2026
