Siem Reap is one of Cambodia’s most visited destinations – and for very good reason. It’s home to the spectacular Angkor Archaeological Park, which is one of the most impressive archaeological sites I’ve ever been to. However, the town itself offers much more than ancient ruins.
From vibrant night markets and cultural shows to floating villages and historic museums, Siem Reap blends tradition and modern tourism in an intriguing way. Despite its growing popularity, the city still feels like a rural old town, with French-style houses and small shops and boutiques.
If you’re visiting Cambodia for the first time, this Siem Reap travel guide covers everything you need to know – from popular sights and experiences to where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around.
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Best Things to See and Do in Siem Reap
Angkor Archaeological Park
No trip to Siem Reap is complete without visiting Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and Cambodia’s national symbol (it’s even on the country’s flag!). Even if you’re not a history buff, it’s impossible not to be blown away by the sheer scale and beauty of this place. Built between the 9th and 12th centuries, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is world famous for its intricate carvings, massive towers, and stunning sunrises.
Angkor Wat is only one part of the vast archaeological park, filled with incredible temples such as Bayon (known for its giant stone faces) and Ta Prohm (where jungle roots wrap around ancient ruins). Exploring these temples gives you a fascinating glimpse into the powerful Khmer Empire.
Angkor is so huge, you should plan at least one full day (ideally two or three) to explore the complex properly. Check out my dedicated Angkor Archaeological Park blog post to make the most of your time there.
Angkor National Museum – Understand Angkor Before You Go
Before exploring the temples, start at the Angkor National Museum. This museum will help put Angkor Wat in its historical and cultural context, with interactive displays, detailed exhibits, and artefacts.
There are many themed halls focusing on the rise of Khmer civilization, the empire’s religion, how and why Angkor Wat was built, and even a gallery with 1,000 Buddha statues. The exhibitions explain Khmer history, religion, and architecture, helping you appreciate what you’ll later see at Angkor.
It costs $12 to enter (concessions available) and you can pay an extra $5 for the audio guide, to enhance your understanding of the museum.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus – A Must-See Cultural Show
Siem Reap is the ideal place to learn about and experience Cambodian culture, as the city offers many cultural attractions, like traditional Khmer dance performances and artisanal workshops.
One of the most popular activities in Siem Reap was is Phare, The Cambodian Circus. This is not a traditional animal circus – instead, it’s a blend of theatre, live music, dance, and impressive acrobatics.
The performers are young Cambodians who use storytelling to share real-life experiences, history, and social issues in a creative way. Plus, your ticket supports arts education and community projects. You can book your Phare circus tickets here.
Siem Reap Night Markets
If you’re a fan of shopping, you’re in luck! Siem Reap has several large markets full of items to gift to family and friends…or keep for yourself!
- Phsar Chas (Old Market) – Located in the heart of Siem Reap, this market is one of the most popular with both locals and visitors. You can find everything from freshly prepared Cambodian dishes and tropical fruits to clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs such as wood carvings, silverware, and textiles. The Old Market is especially known for its food section, where you can sample traditional Khmer snacks or buy spices and dried goods to take home.
- Phsar Leu Market – This is the largest market in Siem Reap, with hundreds of stalls and vendors. It’s a bustling hub where locals shop daily, and you can find almost anything imaginable: fresh produce, meats, seafood, household goods, clothing, electronics, and even motorbike parts. While it’s less tourist-oriented than the central markets, it’s the best place to experience authentic Cambodian daily life and pick up local products at very affordable prices.
- Made in Cambodia Market – This market stands out for its emphasis on ethical, locally produced goods. Every stall highlights Cambodian-owned businesses and fair-trade practices. Items range from silk scarves, ceramics, and jewellery to eco-friendly handicrafts and contemporary designs. Prices are higher than in traditional markets, but the quality and the assurance that artisans are paid fairly make it worthwhile. The market also hosts occasional workshops and live demonstrations, giving visitors a chance to see how products are made and to connect directly with the creators.
I’m really not a fan of haggling, but there’s no denying that it is part of the Cambodia market culture. Expect the first price to be much higher than what the item is worth, and don’t be shy about haggling. While you won’t get the same deal as locals, you can still land a fairer price than the initial offer.
After sunset, Siem Reap really comes alive, so make a beeline for Siem Reap Art Center Night Market. Situated along the riverside, this market has a more laid-back vibe compared to the bustling daytime markets. It’s especially appealing in the evening, when the stalls are lit up and the atmosphere feels festive yet relaxed. The focus here is on creativity and craftsmanship: you’ll find handmade jewelry, paintings, sculptures, and textiles produced by local artisans. It’s an excellent spot for picking up one-of-a-kind souvenirs, enjoying live music or street performances, and soaking in the riverside atmosphere.
There are also many street food stalls at Siem Reap Art Center Night Market where you can try traditional Cambodian dishes, with fried insects and crispy tarantulas popular snacks for curious tourists! If creepy-crawlies don’t appeal, the markets are also surrounded by restaurants offering delicious local and international cuisine.
See Apsara Dancing
A popular activity to do in Siem Reap is watch an Apsara Dance performance. There are several places where you can see this style of dancing, but Apsara Theatre is one of the most well-known. It may sound like a bit of a tourist trap, but Apsara dance is very much a part of modern Khmer culture. You can book your Apsara Dance Show in advance (with dinner & hotel pick-up included).
Tonlé Sap Lake & Kampong Phluk Floating Villages
If you want to see a different side of Cambodia, take a half-day trip to Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. The entire area is a UNESCO nature reserve for its incredible biodiversity. Visit floating villages like Kampong Phluk, where houses stand on tall stilts and daily life revolves around the water.
You’ll see floating schools, shops, and fishing boats while learning how communities adapt to seasonal water levels. You can rent a boat or book a Kampong Phluk guided tour. You can also book a sunset tour of Kampong Phluk stilt homes to capture stunning images in the enchanting evening light.
Cambodia Landmine Museum & APOPO Visitor Center
For a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s recent history, visit the Cambodia Landmine Museum and the APOPO Visitor Center. Landmines have devastated the country, injuring and killing thousands. They still cause destruction today as remaining mines from the American/Vietnam War (which spilled over into Cambodia) are discovered every year.
The Landmine Museum has an in-depth exhibition, which explains the devastating impact of landmines left behind after decades of conflict – and the inspiring work being done today. You can also learn about the important work that APOPO is doing, training “Hero Rats” to detect landmines safely and efficiently. Foreign visitors are charged a small admission fee, which includes a guided tour in English.
Phnom Kulen National Park
Located just 1.5 hours from Siem Reap, Phnom Kulen National Park is home to the towering Kulen Mountain and a slew of temple ruins and sculptures. This national park is the perfect place to spend a day hiking through the jungle, surrounded by rivers, gushing waterfalls and hidden temples
Don’t miss Kbal Spean, the River of Thousand Lingas. It’s an archaeological site with intricate rock carvings representing Hindu gods and motifs, located in and around a riverbed. The entire park holds a lot of historical national significance, as it was on this mountain range that King Jayavarman II founded the Khmer Empire in 802 CE.
You can travel to Phnom Kulen National Park by yourself, with your own vehicle or a private driver. However, for a smooth, stress-free experience, consider joining a group tour with an expert guide. You can visit Kulen Mountain, Beng Mealea and Tonle Sap Tour with a tour group, or join Kulen Mountain: Small-Group Tour (picnic lunch included!).
Wat Preah Prom Rath
If youre not “templed out” after Angkor Archaeological Park, check out Wat Preah Prom Rath in Siem Reap’s city centre. It’s a “newer” temple as it’s only 500 years old. There are beautiful reliefs depicting everything from man-eating crocodiles to the ever-tranquil Buddha. Entrance is free but be sure to wear respectful clothing as it is a place of worship (chest, shoulders and knees must be covered).
What to Eat in Siem Reap
Cambodian Dishes You Must Try
Cambodian food may not be as world-renowned as its neighbours Thailand and Vietnam, but it’s flavourful without being overpoweringly spicy, and you’ll notice influences from Thai, Vietnamese, French, and Chinese cuisine. Local restaurants sell whole plates of food for around $1.50-3 USD each, making it a very affordable place to eat out.
The must-try Cambodian dishes are:
- Amok Trey – Cambodia’s national dish. Steamed fish curry with coconut milk, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves.
- Lok Lak – Stir-fried beef served with rice and a tangy lime-pepper dipping sauce.
- Bai Sach Chrouk – Grilled pork with rice, usually eaten for breakfast.
- Nom Banh Chok – Rice noodles with green curry sauce and fresh herbs.
- Samlor Machu – A sour soup with fish or meat and local vegetables.
If you’re looking for a night cap after dinner, head to Pub Street. As the name suggests, it’s the city’s vibrant nightlife hub – a pedestrian-only zone packed with lively bars, local and international restaurants, massage parlours, and street food stalls.
Take A Cambodian Cooking Class
If you’re interested in learning more about traditional Cambodian cuisine, why not take a cooking class? Many schools run half‑day sessions where you’ll be guided through preparing authentic local dishes. Having taken classes in different countries myself, I can honestly say there’s something incredibly satisfying about preparing, cooking, then sitting down to enjoy a meal you once didn’t know how to cook. At the end, you’ll even receive recipe cards so you can recreate the dishes when you’re back home.
Do a Food Tour
If you’re more a fan of eating rather than cooking, you can join one of Siem Reap’s food tours. I have joined food tours around the world and think they’re a fantastic way to sample local dishes and flavours. You can choose a morning or evening tour in Siem Reap, and dive into the country’s beloved noodle dishes, fresh seafood, sweets, and street food while also learning about the history and culture behind each dish.
Practical Travel Tips for Siem Reap
Which Currency to Use
Cambodia’s official currency is the Cambodian riel (KHR), but US dollars (USD) are used and accepted in most places. It is common to pay in dollars and get riel as change, although some places will give you change in dollars.
Cash is still king in Cambodia; you might find some places that accept credit or debit cards, but most places will only accept cash. Cambodians are very selective of the bills they accept. Carry small USD bills (as shops may not accept large notes) and be sure to check your bills when you get change. Avoid taking faded or torn notes, as most shops won’t accept them.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a welcoming and friendly city, with many hotels, guesthouses, and hostels to choose from. It is a great place to meet other travellers and make new friends. I suggest booking a hotel or hostel with a pool. Cambodia gets very hot – you’ll thank yourself later!
I’ve rounded up some highly rated hotels and apartments you might want to check out:
- The Tree – Adults only ($) – An adults-only, highly rated boutique stay with a tranquil vibe, stylish rooms and personalised service that’s ideal for couples or solo travellers looking for a peaceful retreat.
- Travellers Inn ($$) – A well-rated guesthouse in a residential area that’s easy to reach by tuk-tuk from markets and temples. A practical choice if you’re prioritizing location without a big price tag.
- Khemara Angkor Hotel & Spa ($$) – A comfortable 4-star hotel slightly outside the busiest streets with elegant rooms, a pool, spa and restaurant – good for travellers who want more resort-style facilities.
- The Urban ($$) – A popular stylish hotel with modern design and excellent reviews, close to the Angkor Night Market and central attractions.
- The Jungle ($$) – One of the most highly rated stays in this list, offering a lush garden setting with a great pool and social spaces just off Funky Lane – a great combination of central buzz and peaceful hideaway.
Best Time to Visit Siem Reap
The dry season in Siem Reap is from November to late March, which is generally the best time to visit the city and Angkor Archaeological Park. December and January are peak travel months – busy, pricey, but blessed with the best weather. January is Siem Reap’s “coldest” month, with temperatures sometimes dropping to 21°C (70°F). As someone who grew up in the UK, that’s certainly not my definition of cold, but instead a lovely temperature for sightseeing.
April and May can be unbearably hot and extremely humid. Angkor Wat won’t be as crowded but spending a full day exploring the temples can be overwhelming in the heat.
The rainy season lasts from June through October, but this often just means an hour or two of rain per day. It does make Angkor Wat very muddy, but there will also be fewer tourists, greener landscapes and cheaper accommodation prices.
How Long to Stay in Siem Reap
For first-time visitors, 3-4 days in Siem Reap is ideal. You can spend a day or two at Angkor Archaeological Park, depending on how quickly you want to explore the archaeological site. Then on the third and fourth day, you can visit Siem Reap’s local museums and the floating villages. You will also have time for relaxation, rest and browsing the street markets.
Getting Around Siem Reap
All the main attractions in Siem Reap (other than Angkor Archaeological Park) are easily reached on foot, especially in the historical part of the city. The city has a comprehensive transportation system, which includes tuk-tuks, taxis and buses.
Tuk-Tuks
Tuk-tuks are a popular and convenient form of transportation in Siem Reap. Tuk-tuks are small, motorized vehicles that can carry up to three passengers. They are generally cheaper than taxis, but the drivers may try to charge more to tourists. Make sure you negotiate the price ahead of time so you don’t get ripped off. If you’re not sure what price you should be aiming for, ask your hostel/hotel staff in advance. They can usually help you book a trusted driver.
For trips around Siem Reap, tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis usually cost around $2 USD for short trips and under $6 USD from the airport into town. A day’s hire of a tuk-tuk from the town around the major temples at Angkor Wat and back should cost around $25 USD.
Taxis
Taxis are another option for getting around Siem Reap. Most of the taxis in Siem Reap don’t have meters, so the cost of your journey will vary. In general, taxis are more expensive than tuk-tuks. A taxi to the airport costs about $7 USD. You can also hire taxis for the day to take you around Angkor Wat, which costs around $35 USD.
Always agree on a price beforehand or use ride-hailing apps like Grab to avoid awkward misunderstandings.
Buses
The city also has a limited bus system, which is operated by several different companies. Buses in Siem Reap are cheap, but they can be crowded and the routes are not always clearly marked, so it can be difficult to know where to get on and off.
Bicycles
You can rent a bicycle here for less than $5 USD a day. You can find rental shops in the Old Market. Some hotels even have free bicycle rentals.
I hope this blog post has shown you that Siem Reap is much more than just a gateway to Angkor Wat. With its rich culture, interesting museums and fascinating day trip options, you can easily spend a few days here without being bored.
If you’ve been to Siem Reap, what was your favourite thing you did or saw? Let me know in the comments!
Planning a trip to Cambodia? Check out my other posts – including Phnom Penh, Kep, Kampot and How Expensive Is Cambodia? A Complete Travel Cost Breakdown
Ciao for now
Izzie, the Curious Sparrow