Top 10 Things to Do in Siem Reap: A Complete Travel Guide

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Siem Reap is a city of contrasts, where ancient temples rise from the jungle, yet modern comforts wait just around the corner. For years, backpackers have raved about it, but even with its growing popularity, it still feels like a hidden treasure to those of us who prefer a bit more luxury. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of Angkor Wat or captivated by the charm of its bustling markets, Siem Reap offers an unforgettable mix of history and adventure. So, here are my top 10 things to do in this fascinating city.

Table of Contents

• Top 10 Siem Reap Cambodia
• Siem Reap
• 1. Angkor Wat
• 2. Bayon Temple and Angkor Thom
• 3. Ta Prohm
• 4. Banteay Srei Temple
• 5. Fish Amok & Lok Lok
• 6. Siem Reap Brewpub
• 7. 90 Minute Massage
• 8. Shopping in the Local Markets
• 9. Zipline with Flight of the Gibbon
• 10. Chocolate, Banana, and Coconut Crepes/Pancake
• Angkor Wat Ticket Prices
• FAQs

Siem Reap, Cambodia

We arrived at Cambodia’s Siem Reap International Airport, which was just an hour away from takeoff at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport in Vietnam. After landing, we were promptly greeted by the free shuttle service from Sarai Resort & Spa, a ★★★★ hotel nestled along one of the city’s numerous hard-packed dirt roads. I would recommend the hotel if you are looking for a place close to Pub Street and backpackers’ digs. The hotel was also near the night markets, and the temples and airport were just a quick tuk-tuk ride away.

I’ve wanted to visit the temples of Angkor Wat ever since I was a little girl, and I couldn’t believe Angkor Wat has never been considered one of the world’s wonders. It doesn’t have to be a wonder to leave you speechless. Since I’m a big history buff, I am never happier than when I’m walking in the footsteps of history. I traced my fingertips along the hard, cold stone, trekking through ancient, mysterious doorways. At Angkor Wat, I felt like a big kid over and over again.

Siem Reap is a dusty city in a developing country, where you’ll see Mercedes Benz parked next to bike carts and modern buildings standing across from one of its numerous temples. Years of civil war and unrest have given way to political changes, creating economic development, loud construction, and a boom in tourism. The cost of living remains extremely cheap.

1. Angkor Wat

It should surprise no one that Angkor Wat is #1 among the top 10 things to do in Siem Reap. Angkor Wat is the main temple and the one most people think about when they talk about it. Most people don’t realize that Angkor Wat is a complex of many temples until they get here. It’s a massive complex spread across Siem Reap. Angkor Wat may not be the most striking temple, but it’s one of the most revered and easily recognized temples in the world. However, it’s also the only temple at Angkor that was built facing west. Thousands of people flock to its pools in the wee hours to catch a glimpse of the sunrise over its three lotus bud-shaped towers.

It’s also the best-preserved temple at the site and the only one to have remained a significant religious center from its Hindu—now Buddhist—beginnings. Angkor Wat is also the only temple I visited where you must wear appropriate clothing that covers both your shoulders and your knees. The higher temple is closed on religious holidays, and you will need at least two hours to really see it.

2. Bayon Temple and Angkor Thom

If Angkor Wat is the heart of Siem Reap, then Bayon Temple is its soul. The four-faced Buddha statues are breathtaking. Covered in moss, they seem to watch over the city as they have for centuries. Although smaller than Angkor Wat, the intricate carvings and towering faces give it a unique charm. A visit here doesn’t take long—an hour is plenty—but it’s a must.

One hidden gem I recommend is Neak Pean Temple. It’s a bit off the beaten path and offers a more peaceful experience compared to the busier temples like Bayon.

3. Ta Prohm

To say I was excited to see Ta Prohm is a HUGE understatement. I’m embarrassed that most of the anticipation was due to Angelina Jolie, but oh, well. She made that temple popular with Western moviegoers, and it is now referred to as the Tomb Raider Temple. And it is amazing. I still can’t believe I saw it and touched the ancient roots and the walls and blocks of sandstone that they sprang from. All three of the above temples stay pretty busy, but with a great tour guide, you can avoid the massive crowds that come with the temples. Like Angkor Thom, an hour is enough time to walk the temple grounds. You may even be lucky to get a few pictures with no one in them like I was.

4. Banteay Srei Temple

I saved the best for last—in my humble opinion. After you visit Angkor Wat Temple, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm, you HAVE to visit the Banteay Srei Temple. This red sandstone temple was built in the 10th century AD but was only rediscovered in 1914. It’s also the only significant temple not constructed by a monarch. Steven was templed out the day before, so I hired a tuk-tuk and went on a solo adventure—something I’ve come to look forward to when we travel. It gives us some “alone” time while pursuing different interests.

My Favorite Temple

Bantuãy Srĕi—the citadel of the women, or citadel of beauty—is a fitting name, probably related to the intricacy of the bas-relief carvings found on the walls and the dimensions of the buildings, which are almost miniature compared to the Angkor temples. Located about 37km from town, it’s accessible by hired car or tuk-tuk. I took the latter, and it was not a smooth ride—it took roughly an hour each way. I recommend combining this with a visit to Banteay Samre and watching the sunset at Pre Rup Temple with a few hundred of your closest friends to round out your Angkor Wat tour. Make sure to tip your driver well. In Cambodia, the average income is about $950 per year.

5. Fish Amok & Lok Lok

Cambodian cuisine deserves a spotlight, and Fish Amok is the dish you can’t leave without trying. A fragrant, creamy blend of coconut milk, lemongrass, and catfish steamed in banana leaves, it’s a true taste of Cambodia. Pair it with Lok Lok, a simple yet flavorful beef dish, and you’ve got a meal to remember. And don’t forget to grab some Kampot peppercorns as a souvenir—it’s considered some of the best pepper in the world.

6. Siem Reap Brewpub

We found the Siem Reap Brewpub purely by chance. We were stopped near Angkor when I spotted an advertisement on the back of a tuk-tuk. Steven had templed out for the day, and while I hired a tuk-tuk to visit the remaining temples on my bucket list, Steven checked out the brewpub. It turned out to be a great decision. He said it was one of the best brewpubs he’d been to in all of Asia. They had stout, lagers, and IPA—all for $3 a glass. He enjoyed a huge piece of salmon for $16, which is expensive for Siem Reap, but according to him, it was really good. The brewpub is located on the Corner of Street 05 & Shinta Mani, Phum Mondul II, Sangkat Svay Dong Kom, Siem Reap City, Cambodia.

7. 90-Minute Massage

You can’t come to Cambodia without getting at least a foot massage, but I suggest you go even further and get a full-body massage—every single day. The price is right, even for the backpacker’s wallet. It’s that cheap, and if you go to the right spa, it’s worth every riel or dollar. In fact, you’ll likely see more U.S. dollars than local currency. The only time we saw the riel was when we needed to get change back.

Where else can you get a great massage in Asia? Phuket, Thailand

But I digress… The average 90-minute massage should cost about $24. Don’t waste your time on one of those sleazy spas on Pub Street for $10—you won’t get your money’s worth. My favorite spa was Kaya. It’s located across from the Night Market, beautifully done, with professional staff. In addition, they sell some of the products they use. I just wish they sold the jasmine mist I got at the end of my massage.

8. Shopping in the Local Markets

Shopping in Siem Reap is a lot of fun. Many people find it stressful, but I love to haggle over prices. On this last trip, I didn’t utter a word and got a $5 pair of pants for $1.50. I entered a stall and started looking for a cute pair of wide-leg pants you see everyone wearing in the city. “How much are these?” I asked. “Five dollars,” the store proprietor said. I let go of them and walked around the stall, looking at other things. “Four dollars,” she said. I said nothing. “Three dollars,” then “Two dollars,” and I still said nothing. She followed me around the bin and suggested I pay $1.50 for them. “Okay,” I said, and she bagged them up. I bought a few pairs of pants, a couple of paintings, and some jewelry for next to nothing without really trying.

9. Zipline with Flight of the Gibbon

I had no idea I would have so much fun zip-lining. A gibbon is a monkey, by the way. I didn’t know that until recently either! I booked the tour of Angkor Wat’s temples on Viator.com before leaving South Korea, but you can also book them once you arrive. In fact, you can book most trips at your hotel front desk or kiosks around the city. But be careful. Flight of the Gibbon has been operating all around Asia since 2007. It’s now the leading global eco-adventure tour operator, offering phenomenal rainforest zip lines—the longest, highest, and fastest in the world. Maybe you’ll even get a glimpse of the gibbon family as you swing along the zip lines in Chiang Mai.

Check out the Flight of the Gibbon in Chiang Mai.

10. Chocolate, Banana, and Coconut Crepes/Pancake

Sometimes, it’s the simple things that make a trip memorable. Sitting on the side of the street, enjoying a chocolate, banana, and coconut crepe, I couldn’t help but feel content. It’s one of those experiences that’s impossible to replicate, but it stays with you long after the last bite.

Angkor Wat Ticket Prices

• 1-day ticket: $37
• 2/3-day ticket: $62
• 7-day ticket: $72

You can purchase tickets at the main entrance, where only cash payments are accepted (either in US dollars or Cambodian riels). After payment, you’ll have your photo taken and receive an ID pass that grants access to Angkor Wat and other temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Temples Included:

• Angkor Wat
• Bayon
• Ta Prohm
• Banteay Srei

FAQs

1. Where can I buy Angkor Wat tickets?
You can buy tickets at the main entrance ticket window, which only accepts cash in US dollars or Cambodian riels.

2. Do children need a ticket?
Children under 12 do not need a ticket but must show their passport for proof of age.

3. What’s the dress code for visiting the temples?
Visitors must wear long pants covering the knees and shirts covering the shoulders. Skirts, shorts, and tank tops are not allowed.

4. Can I visit in the evening with a 1-day pass?
If you buy your 1-day pass after 5 PM, it is valid for the rest of that evening and the entire next day, allowing you to enjoy the sunset at Angkor Wat for “free.”

5. How long should I plan to spend at Angkor Wat?
Exploring smaller temples can take less than an hour. For larger temples like Angkor Wat, plan to spend two to three hours.

6. Is footwear important?
Yes! The terrain is uneven with steep steps. It’s best to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes for comfort and safety.

7. Are toilets available in the park?
Yes, there are toilets around the temple areas. Show your ticket to use them for free, and bring toilet paper, tissues, and hand sanitizer.

8. What are some visitor etiquette tips?
Do not touch carvings, sit or lean on structures, or move anything inside the temples. Be mindful to avoid any damage to the site.

Best Time to Visit Siem Reap

The ideal time to visit Siem Reap is during the cool, dry season from November to March. During these months, the weather is more comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making temple exploration more enjoyable. This period also coincides with the peak tourist season, so while the temples may be a bit more crowded, the pleasant weather makes it worth the visit.

If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder months of October and April. The temperatures are higher, particularly in April, but the tourist numbers are slightly lower, offering a more serene experience at popular sites like Angkor Wat.

The rainy season from May to September brings heavy monsoon rains, which can make getting around more challenging. However, the upside is that the lush landscapes around the temples are at their most vibrant, and there are far fewer tourists, giving you a more peaceful atmosphere for temple visits. If you’re okay with occasional downpours and muddy roads, this can be a rewarding time to experience Siem Reap.

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