Things to Do in Siem Reap, Cambodia: Beyond the Temples (2026 Guide)

Siem Reap exists because of Angkor, but it is far more than a gateway. It is a lively, easygoing town of Khmer food, artisans, art schools and boutique hotels, with a countryside of rice fields, lakes and forest temples beyond. Plan at least three nights.

Top things to do in Siem Reap

1. The Angkor temples

Angkor Wat, the Bayon and Ta Prohm are the headline sights; see our guides to visiting Angkor Wat and the outer temples.

2. Tonle Sap and the floating villages

Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Boat trips to villages such as Kampong Phluk, where houses stand on stilts above the flooded forest in the wet season, show a very different side of Cambodia. Boat fees are paid separately; late afternoon is best for light.

3. Kulen Mountain

The sacred mountain where the Khmer Empire was founded in 802. Visit its waterfalls, the reclining Buddha and the “River of a Thousand Lingas”, carved into the riverbed. The national park charges its own entry fee, which is separate from the Angkor Pass. The road up is typically one-way in the morning, so combine it with Beng Mealea.

4. Beng Mealea

A vast jungle-covered temple about an hour east, left almost as it was found; walkways wind through collapsed towers and mossy galleries.

5. Phare, the Cambodian Circus

An acrobatic theater show performed by graduates of a Battambang arts school: dramatic, moving and a great evening out.

6. Markets and crafts

Browse the Old Market (Psar Chas) for spices, silk and street food, the evening markets for souvenirs, and Artisans Angkor workshops to see traditional crafts such as stone carving and silk weaving.

7. Pub Street and night life

The town’s nightlife strip is loud and fun; head one block away for quieter restaurants serving Khmer dishes such as fish amok.

8. Cooking classes and countryside by bike

Learn to cook amok and lok lak in a village kitchen, or cycle past rice paddies and water buffalo with a local guide.

9. Museums

The Angkor National Museum offers context before you visit the temples, and the Cambodia Landmine Museum tells a moving story about the legacy of war and clearance.

10. Prek Toal bird sanctuary

On the northwest side of the Tonle Sap, Prek Toal is one of the most important breeding grounds for large water birds in Southeast Asia, including storks, pelicans and cormorants. It is a long boat trip, best in the dry season from about January to April, and suits birdwatchers who don’t mind an early start.

11. Kampong Khleang: a quieter lake village

Further from town than Kampong Phluk, Kampong Khleang is a larger community of stilt houses, some of which tower many meters above the dry-season ground. It sees far fewer visitors. Avoid unofficial boat sellers and donation “schools” at the busiest landing points, and book through a reputable operator or your guide.

12. Koh Ker

The capital of the Khmer Empire for a short time in the 10th century, Koh Ker is a remote temple complex in the forest, dominated by a seven-tiered pyramid. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. It takes about two and a half hours by road from Siem Reap, so combine it with Beng Mealea for a full day.

13. An Apsara dance performance

The classical dance of the Khmer court, inspired by the celestial dancers carved on Angkor’s walls, almost disappeared during the Khmer Rouge years. Several restaurants and hotels in Siem Reap stage evening performances, often with a buffet dinner. Choose a show that works with trained dancers from a recognized school.

14. The silk farm and the countryside by Vespa

At the Angkor Silk Farm, outside town, you can follow the process from mulberry trees and silkworms to dyeing and weaving. In the evening, a guided Vespa or tuk-tuk food tour takes you to local markets and family eateries that most visitors never find.

15. Angkor by bicycle

Cycling between the temples is a peaceful way to see Angkor, especially along the earthen walls of Angkor Thom, where you can ride in the shade high above the moat. Choose an e-bike in the hot season.

16. A Khmer spa treatment

After hours of climbing temple steps, a traditional Khmer massage is welcome. Several spas train young Cambodians in hospitality and wellness skills, so your treatment also supports local livelihoods.

Where to stay in Siem Reap

• Near the temples (Charles de Gaulle Road): luxury resorts with large gardens, close to Angkor Wat.
• Old Market and Pub Street: best for restaurants and nightlife, but noisier.
• Wat Bo: a quieter neighborhood of boutique hotels and cafés.

See our guide to the best hotels in Siem Reap.

Practical tips

• Money: US dollars are used everywhere alongside Cambodian riel, and small change is usually given in riel. Bring small, undamaged dollar bills.
• Getting around: tuk-tuks are the classic way to travel, and ride-hailing apps work well in town. For the temples, hire a tuk-tuk or car for the whole day with a driver who waits for you.
• Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered at the temples. The steep upper level of Angkor Wat (the Bakan) has stricter rules, may close on Buddhist holy days and has age restrictions for children.
• Angkor pass: buy it at the official ticket center or online. It is checked at the main temples, so keep it with you.
• Heat: plan temple visits for early morning and late afternoon, and rest in the middle of the day, especially from March to May.

Siem Reap with children

Children often love Angkor more than adults expect: the jungle-wrapped ruins of Ta Prohm, the giant faces of the Bayon and the monkeys along the roads are exciting at any age. Keep temple visits to a couple of hours, use a tuk-tuk for the adventure of it and book the Phare circus for an evening treat. A countryside bike ride on quiet tracks and a cooking class round out a family stay.

Is Siem Reap good for children?

Yes. Ta Prohm, the Bayon, the circus, bike rides and cooking classes all work well for families. Keep temple visits short and plan a pool break in the middle of the day.

A three-day Siem Reap plan

• Day 1: Angkor Wat at sunrise, Angkor Thom and the Bayon, Ta Prohm; afternoon rest; evening Phare circus.
• Day 2: Banteay Srei and the outer temples in the morning; the Angkor National Museum after lunch; dinner and the night market.
• Day 3: Kulen Mountain or Beng Mealea in the morning, or a boat trip on the Tonle Sap; a cooking class or a Vespa food tour in the evening.

When to visit

November to February is the coolest and driest season and the best time for the temples. March to May is very hot; the green season, May to October, brings afternoon rain, flooded landscapes at Tonle Sap and far fewer visitors. See our best time to visit Cambodia.

Siem Reap on a private tour

Explore our Cambodia tours, read about Siem Reap, or combine it with Vietnam on our Vietnam and Cambodia itineraries.

Things to do in Siem Reap: FAQ

How many days do you need in Siem Reap?

Three days for the temples and a day trip, or four to five for a slower pace.

What is Siem Reap known for?

Angkor Wat, its markets, Pub Street and its crafts.

Is Siem Reap worth visiting without the temples?

Yes, for the lake villages, countryside, food and arts, though most travelers come for Angkor.

What is the best area to stay in Siem Reap?

Near Charles de Gaulle Road for temple access, or Wat Bo for a quieter boutique feel.

Is Siem Reap safe?

Generally yes, though bag-snatching and overcharging happen; see our guide to staying safe in Cambodia.

What can I do in Siem Reap in the evening?

Watch Phare, The Cambodian Circus, see an Apsara dance performance, take a food tour or browse the night markets and Pub Street.

Which floating village should I visit?

Kampong Phluk is the closest and most popular; Kampong Khleang is larger and quieter. Visit with a reputable operator.

Planning a Cambodia trip?

Cambodia tour packages: 5 to 10 day routes