Its name refers to the Khmer Empire's victory over the Thai kingdom's army in the 17th century. At the turn of the millennium, Siem Reap was a provincial town with a few minor roads. The tourism industry was largely sustained by adventurous backpackers ready to brave the Thai border’s tortuous road! With the nearby ruins of Angkor, luxury hotels sprang up like mushrooms. Property values have skyrocketed to European levels and tourism has become a large and lucrative industry. Today, Siem Reap is barely recognizable compared to the city of the 2000s. If Cambodia is a country of contrasts, Siem Reap is the embodiment of it. Despite the massive change in its economic situation, Siem Reap remains a safe, friendly and pleasant city. There is an endless choice of places to stay or dine and a number of activities to enjoy.

Top 9 Things to do in Siem Reap

Apart from the archeological complex of Angkor, Siem Reap has a lot to offer; from floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake to Khmer craftsmanship, or even traditional dance shows ... It is a city in full development. Especially in the tourism industry. 

1. Angkor National Museum 

If you are wondering what to do in Siem Reap, one of the best ways to get an overview of the Khmer civilization’s history is to visit the Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap. You will discover several galleries that preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the region. These objects also testify to the richness of local art in ancient times.

2. Phnom Kulen, Khmer Holy Mountain

Phnom Kulen National Park is in Svay Leu District, about 50 km northeast of downtown Siem Reap. The road is in good condition until the park entrance. From there it will take over an hour on a forest bumpy road before arriving. On the way, you will pass the temple of Banteay Srei, a must-see site !

The journey offers a breathtaking view of the forest dotted with hills and valleys. The highlight is the river and its magnificent waterfalls.
Do not miss the giant lying Buddha, carved on top of a huge rock nor the creek and its 1000 lingas. Phnom Kulen National Park has an impressive water reserve. At the very spot where the Siem Reap River begins its course, the Khmers carved sandstone formations that line the riverbed. It is also a common place for young locals to gather for a picnic at the water's edge. Walking along the river on a small path, you will arrive at the river source. Shallow, this natural tub is often neglected by visitors and yet, legend has it that the water from this source healed the leper king who bathed there. That's why Cambodians come to spray themselves with this "sacred water".

Phnom Kulen National Park is one of those must-see places on a Cambodia getaway, allowing you to enjoy both landscapes and exceptional sites. In any case, a pleasant moment away from the main temples of Angkor and the tourist crowds.

3. Traditional Dance Show

Apsara dance, classical Cambodian ballet, is held in high esteem across the country. Back arched, delicate hand gestures defying the laws of physics and head adorned with a sparkling headdress, this dance is full of mesmerizing sensuality. It is so complex that girls start training from a young age to ensure they gain the flexibility needed in their hands and feet to carry out the graceful choregraphies. Apsara dancers tell you a story. Each movement of the fingers has its own distinct meaning, symbolizing the main stages of life in nature.

Since the first travelers came to visit the city of Angkor in the 19th century, this traditional dance has quickly become customary to greet passing visitors. Today, you can still attend an apsara dance show. We recommend two addresses.

4. Cooking Class

Lok Lak with beef, Amok with fish, Khmer curry, vermicelli soup ... All those who have tasted these typical dishes dream of being able to cook them at home. No need to look for unreliable online tutorials, these recipes are revealed to you by the greatest chefs of the city during a half-day class.

Different rates are available, from the most expensive to the most affordable, depending on where you choose to take classes, but the dishes are still delicious! As a general rule, the prices include the course, all the ingredients needed, lunch, drinks and the recipes (paper or digital format).

5. Biking around

Siem Reap is surrounded by a vast countryside that will teach you about the society, culture and way of life of Cambodians. On a stroll, you can see green rice paddies along the Tonle Sap River, visit authentic villages, go through different markets, and perhaps also come upon a ruined temple.

6. Traditional massage

As in most tourist destinations in South Asia, masseurs dot the busy streets of downtown Siem Reap. The spas and massage parlors range from the large and luxurious ones to the small and cheap. All major hotels and most mid-sized hotels offer wellness packages. You can also find many small parlors almost everywhere in the city.

7. Lakeside or Floating Villages

Several floating villages are located on and around Tonle Sap Lake. During the rainy season (May to October), the lake fills more than 5 times its size compared to the dry season, flooding the surrounding forests and plains. Therefore the best time to visit floating villages is during the rainy season when the water is high. We recommend the most famous villages: Kampong Phluk, Kampong Kleang, Chong Khneas and Prek Toal.

8. Angkor Hot Air Balloon 

If you want to fly over the temples of Angkor and have an incredible experience, we advise you to hop in a balloon. At an altitude of 150 m you will see Angkor Wat, endless plains, agricultural lands and villages, a breathtaking scenery. Flying over Angkor at sunrise or sunset is an even more magical experience. The ascent lasts 10 minutes, but the view is definitely worth it if you do not have vertigo.

9. Khmer handicraft at the Silk Farm

It is possible to take a free guided tour to better understand the process of growing mulberry trees to the production of silk fabrics and accessories. The farm covers an area of 8 hectares, 5 of which being used for mulberry plantations, thus you will enjoy an incredible setting while learning how to make silk. A large showroom is available where you can buy high quality products made in workshops you just visited.

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