Top 10 Attractions in Siem Reap
Siem Reap is synonymous with Angkor Wat—and while there isn’t much that beats living out your Tomb Raider or Temple Run fantasies while exploring ancient architecture, Siem Reap has a lot more to offer than just its world-famous temples!
I’ve lost count of the number of cities I’ve visited around the world, but I know without a doubt that Siem Reap is one of the safest. This makes it a great place to explore, especially if you travel solo. And because it’s a small city, it’s easy to explore the center on foot.
Siem Reap is a vibrant destination that seamlessly blends its history and culture with more contemporary attractions. No matter what your interests are, you’re spoiled for choice with the experiences on offer.
So, in no particular order, here are our top 10 things to do in Siem Reap:
1. Angkor Wat
Photo: Kimchhen Lach
Angkor Wat is the most famous of Cambodia’s many temples and claims the spot as the largest religious monument in the world! It’s such an iconic symbol of Cambodia that it features on the country’s flag.
Angkor Wat was built in the early 12 century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. The temple complex, which spans more than 400 acres, was later converted to a Buddhist temple.
Don’t miss: Intricate carvings, sunrise and sunset views, monkeys!
Best times to visit: Angkor Wat is incredible year round. During the dry season you can enjoy clear skies and easily snap National Geographic worthy photographs at every turn.
When the rains come, the surrounding jungle flourishes and you can easily snap National Geographic worthy photographs at every turn (it’s really quite impossible not to!)
What to wear: When visiting Angkor Wat and other temples you should wear a shirt or t-shirt that covers your shoulders, and shorts and skirts that cover your knees. Dresses should also cover your shoulders and knees.
This is a temple rule and those who rock up in a tank and short shorts won’t be allowed in. There’s no rule about headwear, but it’s a good idea to wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun.
2. Tonle Sap
Image: Sojourner House
The Tonle Sap lake is something else that Cambodia has the largest of—part of the year at least! In the rainy season it grows up to 1,500 square kilometers and becomes Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.
Serving as a crucial resource for local communities, the Tonle Sap is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that plays a vital role in Cambodia’s ecosystem and economy.
Entry: Group tours are around $25.
Don’t miss: The surrounding stilt villages and grabbing a cold beer or soda from the floating restaurants on the lake.
Best times to visit: The best time to explore Tonle Sap is during the first half or the dry season. This is when the weather is perfect for boat trips and the water level is still high enough to take a canoe through the mangrove forest.
What to wear: There’s no dress code for visiting Tonle Sap. Dress comfortably for a day on the water, and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on and off boats, as well as walking through the village.
3. Apopo
Image: Apopo
Apopo is a unique life-saving organization that trains African rats to detect landmines. When you visit Apopo, you’ll learn about the training process and be amazed at how these often misunderstood animals contribute to humanitarian efforts.
You’ll also get to watch the rats in action in a demonstration of how they clear areas of landmines don’t worry, there are no landmines involved!)
The Apopo visitor center is far far away from any landmines, but quite close to the Botanical Gardens making it easy to visit both on a morning or afternoon.
Entry: Group tours $10 per person, private tours from $20 per person
Don’t miss: The visitor shop
Best times to visit: Tours are available from 8:30am – 4:30pmWhat to wear: Casual, comfortable clothing.
4. Phare, The Cambodian Circus
A night at Phare Circus is a night full of color, music, dance, acrobatics, and captivating performances that showcase traditional folklore and the incredible talent of Cambodia’s young artists.
The circus is a part of Phare Ponleu Selpak – meaning the Brightness of the Arts – a non-profit arts and circus school in Battambang that empowers children, young adults, and communities through programs that focus on art, education, and social support.
Each Phare Circus performance combines traditional Khmer stories with modern elements, creating an unforgettable experience that’s entertaining and culturally enriching.
Entry: Tickets from $18 per person.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to get VIP access into the world of Phare, The Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap!
Best times to visit: Shows start at 7pm, but it’s better to arrive early from 5:30pm to enjoy Cambodian street food from top local chefs from just $1, Happy Hour drinks, and catch a cultural dance performance!What to wear: The evenings are still warm and humid, so comfortable clothing is still best.
5. Botanical Gardens
Image: TripAdvisor
Siem Reap’s Botanical Gardens is the place to snap the classic Instagram shot of standing in a field full of flowers! It’s also a great place to see some of Cambodia’s diverse plant life.
Disposable plastic bottles aren’t allowed in the Botanical Gardens, so take a reusable bottle or pop into the onsite cafe for refreshments. Inside is air conditioned and the terrace has fans, which makes the gardens a great, peaceful spot for lunch.
The gardens are also home to some animals including ducks, ostrich, and turtles.
Entry: Free.
Don’t miss: The giant floating guitar!
Best times to visit: Tours are available from 8:30am – 4:30pm
What to wear: Casual, comfortable clothing, and a hat or cap.
6. Theam’s Gallery
Photo: Theam’s Gallery
Theam’s Gallery is really much more than a museum. The building it’s in is the home of Master Cambodian Artist, Lim Muy Theam.
Whereas you walk though other galleries looking at paintings on the wall, at Theam’s Gallery, you’re immersed in art. The building and Khmer architecture are stunning and it’s a wonderful place to spend a morning or afternoon.
Entry: $5 ($2.5 for Khmer visitors), free for children under 12.
Don’t miss: The serene garden centered around a banyan tree and dotted with architectural elements, and symbols that reflect the vitality of Khmer culture.
Best times to visit: The gallery is open every day from 8am to 5pm.What to wear: Casual attire is perfectly fine for visiting the gallery.
7. Riverside & Royal Independence Gardens
Image: Encircle Photos
Whizzing about in a tuk tuk is great, but you often miss the things you see when you walk. A leisurely walk along the Siem Reap river from the Ta Phnom hotel to the Royal Independence Gardens is around 1.5km.
The well-maintained promenade along the river is shaded by trees and there are benches along the way. As you walk you’ll pass aspects of local life like Siem Reap post office, luxurious hotels such as the FCC, and open air public workout equipment.
Strolling along the riverside and exploring the Royal Gardens is a delightful way to enjoy the natural beauty of Siem Reap. The gardens are well-maintained and perfect for a leisurely walk.
Entry: Free.
Don’t miss: The flying foxes (aka giant fruit bats) that populate the trees in and around the Royal Independence Gardens!
Best times to visit: Late evening.What to wear: Comfortable shoes and loose clothing.
8. Night Market
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
If you need new shoes, souvenirs, or street food you’ll find it all at the night markets. There are a couple in town, but our favorite is the Siem Reap Art Center Market across the bridge from Old Market.
The Night Market is a bustling hub of activity and worth a visit even if you’ve already filled your suitcase to the brim to see the goods and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Entry: Free.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to bargain!
Best times to visit: After sunset when the market really comes alive.What to wear: Casual attire is perfect for browsing the stalls.
9. Apsara Dinner and Dance Show
Photo: Kinchhen Lach
An Apsara Dinner and Dance show is a captivating Cambodian experience. The Apsara dance is an iconic representation of Khmer culture that dates back to the 7th century.
With its graceful movements, exquisite hand gestures, and vibrant costumes, Apsara dancers have enchanted visitors from all over the world. And we haven’t even mentioned the food!
There are a couple of performances in town, but nothing beats the ambiance of the stunning wooden Apsara Theatre on Street 26.
Entry: From $31.
Don’t miss: The meatless menu for vegan and vegetarian visitors and regular restaurant style seating available upstairs.
Best times to visit: Dinner and Dance shows are every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Dinner is served at 7:30pm and the performance is from 8.30pm to 9:30pm.What to wear: Minimum: smart casual attire. Most:
10. Pub Street
Photo: Yasu Torigoe
Even if nightlife doesn’t float your boat, it’s worth taking a quick look at Pub Street while you’re in Siem Reap. As the names suggest, the street is lined with bars!
Best times to visit: The best time to experience Pub Street is during the peak tourist season from November to February when it’s buzzing with energy and beats.
During both Khmer New Year and western New Year Pub Street is heaving with Siem Reap locals, tourists from Phnom Penh, and worldwide visitors. At Khmer New year Pub Street is the center of the giant water fight which takes over the city!
Don’t miss: Christmas Eve on Pub Street—I once saw it full of Santas all dancing to Gangnam Style!
What to wear: Now this is where you can rock your short shorts and show off your shoulders! None of the bars have formal dress codes—wear whatever makes you feel fabulous!
Stay at Sojourner House, Siem Reap!
If you’re looking for comfortable accommodation while you visit Siem Reap, Sojourner House is just 25 minutes from Angkor Wat. Our unique Khmer villa features clean and comfortable rooms, a refreshing pool, poolside bar, private garden, communal lounge, and kitchenette.
Explore our room options or inquire about renting the whole villa for a more private experience. We look forward to welcoming you!
