12 Best Activities To Do in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap is best known for its ancient temples, but there’s more to this city than sacred stone. The streets hum with creativity, and quiet corners reveal a rhythm shaped by local life and seasonal change.

Outside the temple trails, you’ll find workshops, street food, and floating villages that offer a closer look at Cambodia’s spirit. This is a place for travelers who like their adventures grounded in real experiences.

Wander Through Ta Prohm Temple

Ta Prohm, with its massive roots snaking over stone, looks like nature never left. Unlike the more restored Angkor temples, this one has been left semi-wild, and the result is captivating. You’ll spot sections where the jungle holds the temple together. It’s one of the most photogenic places in the area, especially during early morning or late afternoon light.

Explore Angkor Wat at Sunrise

Arriving early at Angkor Wat lets you catch the temple in soft light, its reflection shimmering across the lotus-filled moat. As the sun climbs, the details in the carvings become more visible, and the scale of the place hits you. Bring water, wear something breathable, and give yourself time to wander off the main paths. Guides are available near the entrance if you want context while walking through centuries of Khmer engineering.

Take a Traditional Khmer Cooking Class

Cooking classes in Siem Reap usually start with a visit to a local market, where you’ll pick out ingredients guided by a local chef. Back in the kitchen, you’ll learn how to make dishes like amok, a fragrant fish curry steamed in banana leaves. Most classes are small and hands-on, which means you get to ask questions and taste as you go. It’s a flavorful way to understand Cambodia through its food.

Visit the Angkor National Museum

Before or after your temple visits, the Angkor National Museum helps connect the dots. It’s a modern space with thoughtful exhibits that walk you through the history, religion, and symbolism of the Khmer Empire. Interactive displays and well-preserved artifacts keep things engaging. You’ll walk out with a deeper understanding of what you’ve seen at the ruins.

Ride a Bike Through the Countryside

Renting a bike in Siem Reap gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Just outside the city center, small dirt paths lead to rice paddies, lotus farms, and quiet villages where daily life unfolds without a rush. Along the way, kids will wave, and farmers might stop to chat if you smile back. It’s a low-cost, high-reward way to see the region.

Cruise Tonle Sap Lake at Sunset

Tonle Sap Lake changes size with the seasons and supports floating villages that adapt to it. A boat ride in the late afternoon is cooler and gives you the chance to watch golden light fall across stilted homes. You’ll see fishermen casting nets and children paddling small wooden boats. Some tours include a stop at a floating school or crocodile farm, offering a look into life on the water.

Shop and Snack at the Night Market

The night market near Pub Street comes alive around dusk. It’s an easy spot to browse for handwoven scarves, carved coconut bowls, and other crafts while nibbling on street snacks like banana pancakes or grilled meats. Many stalls are run by locals who are happy to explain their products if you ask. Haggling is expected, but keep it friendly and respectful.

Experience Phare, the Cambodian Circus

Phare isn’t your typical circus. It combines acrobatics, theater, music, and storytelling to share Cambodia’s history and social issues in a powerful, accessible way. The performers are graduates of an art school that supports disadvantaged youth, so each ticket helps fund their training. The shows rotate regularly, which means every visit feels fresh and surprising.

Take a Pottery Workshop

Local studios offer pottery workshops where you can spin your own Khmer clay creations. These classes are beginner-friendly and usually taught by professional artisans, some of whom were trained as part of community development programs. You’ll leave with something you shaped yourself and a deeper appreciation for the craft. The pace is slow, focused, and calming.

Stroll Through the Royal Gardens

Not far from the town center, the Royal Gardens offer a quiet, leafy escape. Tall trees shelter benches and winding paths where you can watch locals walking or feeding the pigeons. A small shrine sits near the entrance, often draped in offerings. It’s a good spot to sit and take a break if you’ve been temple-hopping all day.

Browse the Made in Cambodia Market

This market focuses on goods created by Cambodian artisans, not imported knockoffs. You’ll find everything from hand-dyed textiles to silver jewelry, and many stalls have signs explaining who made the item and how. It’s a great way to support local talent and pick up souvenirs that tell a story. Prices are usually fixed, but the quality reflects it.

Try a Fish Spa (If You’re Brave)

Fish spas are popular in Siem Reap and hard to miss, with tanks full of nibbling fish right along the street. You dip your feet in, and tiny fish gently clean your skin, creating a ticklish sensation that’s hard not to laugh at. It’s more novelty than necessity, but fun with a group or after a long walk. Just check that the tank looks clean and the fish seem active before trying it.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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