27 Awesome Things To Do in Siem Reap Besides Temples

27 Things To Do in Siem Reap Besides Temples

1. Attend the Phare Circus

Cambodia’s Phare Circus is no ordinary circus. It’s a small, intimate performance of gymnastics, theater, comedy, and stunts, that tells a story of Cambodia’s past. The Phare Circus was set up by two refugees of the Khmer Rouge, as a way to provide opportunities in the arts to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. There are several different performances, each just as good as the next.

When you purchase your tickets, you can choose between Open Seating, or upgrade to Preferred Seating for an additional fee. The stage is a half circle with seating all around it. Open Seating includes the areas along the sides of the stage. Preferred Seating is in the middle seating area.

The venue is located on Ring Road, about 2 km (or a 5-minute tuk-tuk ride) from Pub Street. You’ll find plenty of tuk-tuk drivers ready to take you to the show for $5 or less from most places around Siem Reap. You’ll also find plenty of drivers waiting outside the venue after the show.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

2. Try a Khmer Cooking Class

Taking a Khmer Cooking Class is one of the most popular things to do in Siem Reap besides temples! It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture while having a new and unique experience. These classes provide a hands-on opportunity to learn about the traditional flavors and techniques that make Khmer cuisine so distinct.

Not only will you have fun whipping up delicious dishes like fish amok, lok lak, and beef sour soup, but you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind each ingredient and recipe. When you’re done with the class you’ll get to feast on all the dishes you made, and you’ll even leave with a recipe book so you can recreate the recipes at home.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

3. Visit the Floating Village and Flooded Forest

Cambodia is home to many floating villages, where thousands of people live their lives on the water. You’ll also find stilted villages built along the banks of rivers and lakes. The most popular floating village to visit is Kampong Phluk, which is about an hour from Siem Reap.

Visitors can join a tour and take a ferry down the river to Tonle Sap Lake, where the floating village thrives. The floating village is best seen during the wet season, from May to October. Sadly, it was the dry season when we were visiting, and water levels were too low for us to do a tour.

Another popular spot near the floating village is the flooded forest. Here, you’ll take a small boat through the thick mangroves, where locals tie off their boats and sell goods right on the water. We recommend this Floating Village Tour because it includes a boat ride through the flooded forest.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

4. Party on Pub Street

As the sun sets over Siem Reap, the party atmosphere of Pub Street comes to life! This iconic street is the heart of the nightlife scene in the city, drawing tourists and locals alike with its vibrant energy. The street is lined with a huge variety of bars and restaurants, and of course, the famous “fish pedicure” tanks (more on that below). Walking down Pub Street gave us a whole different perspective on Siem Reap.

Parts of the street are loud with booming music and excited tourists, while other parts are more quiet and upscale. Even if you’re not up for partying while you’re in Siem Reap, you should still take a stroll down Pub Street to experience the vibe for yourself. Some of the more popular bars to visit here are The Angkor What? Bar, X-Bar, and Long’s Bar. Barcode Bar and Miss Wong Cocktail Bar nearby are also really popular!

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

5. Get a Bamboo Sakyant Tattoo

Bamboo Sakyant tattoos, or holy tattoos, are a unique and sacred art form throughout Cambodia. This ancient technique involves using a long, thin bamboo needle to ink intricate designs onto the skin. Not only is the tattooing process fascinating to observe, but the cultural significance behind Sakyant tattoos is really amazing.

Each design is believed to have spiritual protection and power, and clients often choose tattoos that symbolize strength, wisdom, or good luck. That’s exactly what we did when we visited a local Tattoo Studio in Siem Reap. After our tattoos were complete, we had them blessed by a former monk and Buddhist teacher. It was such a surreal experience and now we have a meaningful souvenir that will last a lifetime.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

6. Get Blessed by a Monk

Monk Blessings are a tradition that dates back hundreds of years in Cambodia, and it’s something you should absolutely experience during your trip. Cambodian monks are revered for their wisdom and compassion, and the monks’ blessings are thought to bring good luck, health, and prosperity to those who receive them. The blessing ritual includes chanting, sprinkling holy water, and tying blessed strings around the recipient’s wrist.

We were fortunate to receive three different monk blessings during our time in Cambodia! If this is on your must-do list, you can often find the monks spread out in Angkor Wat during the day. For a small donation, you can receive a blessing right in the temple. If you’re worried you won’t run across a monk during your trip, you can Arrange A Blessing In Advance.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

7. See an Apsara Dance

The Apsara dance performance in Siem Reap is such a beautiful experience. Apsara is a traditional Khmer dance that dates back to the Angkor period. The dance tells the story of the Apsaras, who were thought to be supernatural beings that descended from the heavens to entertain gods and humans alike. The intricate hand and foot movements, elaborate costumes, and graceful gestures of the dancers make for a mesmerizing performance.

The Apsara dance is an important part of Cambodian culture and history, and witnessing it firsthand is an unforgettable experience. There are several venues around the city that offer dinner and a show, but we recommend the Apsara Terrace at the historic Raffles Grand Hotel. They serve a four-course dinner with a traditional Apsara show for $48 per person. For reservations, you can email them at dining.grandhotel@raffles.com.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

8. Walk With the Elephants

Feeding and walking with the elephants was a highlight of our trip! Being up close and personal with these gentle giants was a bucket list dream come true. A visit to the Kulen Elephant Forest Sanctuary is an absolute must while you’re in Siem Reap.

When you arrive at the Elephant Forest you’ll have an opportunity to make some of the elephant’s food by mixing ingredients together with your own hands. Then you’ll get to feed the elephants yourself! After they’re fed, you’ll go on a casual 2 km (1.2 miles) walk with the elephants through the forest. Walking side by side with these animals is not something you can experience in many places.

The sanctuary was just opened in 2019 as a safe place for elephants that were formerly part of the tourism industry. As the world continues to become enlightened about cruel practices with animals, Cambodia is proud to be a part of the shift in focus from animal-based tourism to conservation efforts. You can reach out to the sanctuary directly for information, or join this highly-rated Kulen Elephant Forest & Tonlesap Lake Tour which combines the elephant sanctuary and the floating village into one incredible day.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

9. Get a Foot Massage Every Day

In Cambodia, foot massages are not just a luxury treat, but a deeply ingrained part of the culture. In many areas of Cambodia, it’s not unusual to see people enjoying a foot massage in the middle of a bustling market or on the side of the road. The massage techniques used are often passed down from generation to generation and involve using pressure points and stretches to relieve tension and promote relaxation.

Most massages throughout Siem Reap are incredibly affordable. We’re talking $5 or $10 for an hour massage! Full body massages and luxury spas are also available. Even the prices at the luxury spas are unbelievably low. So pamper yourself by diving into this rich cultural tradition and say yes to a massage every single day of your trip!

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

10. Explore the Old Market

The Old Market (also called Psar Chas) is the oldest Khmer market in Siem Reap. It’s a hub of activity, with vendors selling everything from colorful textiles to exotic fruits and spices. When we visited the Old Market, we were amazed by the vibrancy of it all — the colors, the sounds, and especially the smells (take that for what you will). It was an instant immersion into the local culture.

The open-air market has a huge roof that provides plenty of shade from the sun for those visiting on a hot day. Part of the market is filled with displays of butchered poultry and live seafood, and other parts house rows of vendors selling vegetables, fruits, dried foods, and household items. The inside walls of the market are lined with clothing, bags, and trinkets. It’s a really fascinating place to explore. This Khmer Cooking Class includes a trip to the Old Market!

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

11. Get a Fish Pedicure

One of the really unique things to do in Siem Reap besides temples is to get a fish pedicure! This is a really cool experience where you dip your fit into a tank full of tiny fish that nibble away at any dead skin cells you have on your feet. It might sound a little strange, but once you experience it yourself you’ll see that it’s pretty relaxing and leaves your feet feeling baby smooth. The fish don’t have teeth, so it doesn’t hurt at all. It just feels slightly ticklish.

We’ve had these fish pedicures in Aruba before, so we didn’t take the time to do it in Siem Reap, but if you’re a newbie, don’t pass this up! You’ll find the fish pedicure benches lined up along Pub Street, where you can pay $3 for a whole hour, and it includes a beer! This is a really popular thing to do on Pub Street, but there’s usually never a long wait.

💣_{Antisocial Tourist Tip — This type of pedicure is actually quite controversial and has been banned in certain parts of the world due to health risks. If you have any concerns, be sure to do some more research before you try it.}

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

12. Visit the Landmine Museum

The Cambodian genocide from the Khmer Rouge was a dark period in history that led to the deaths of an estimated one-fourth of Cambodia’s population. During this time, millions of landmines were laid all throughout the country. Since 1979, over 64,000 casualties and more than 25,000 amputees have been recorded.

The Cambodia Landmine Museum is a unique attraction that offers visitors a chance to learn about the devastating impact of these landmines on Cambodia’s history and communities. Founded by former child soldier Aki Ra, who has personally defused thousands of landmines, the museum showcases his collection of deactivated landmines and other explosive remnants of war.

A visit to this museum will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the resilience of the Cambodian people and their ongoing efforts to clear their country of landmines. It’s a 40-minute drive from Siem Reap, so it’s a bit off the beaten path, but the reviews alone make it clear that it’s well worth the trip. The cost of admission is $5, which goes directly towards the Landmine Relief Fund.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

13. Eat a Deep Fried Tarantula

First of all, no — we did not try a deep-fried tarantula. But if you’re a food adventurer looking for something unique, then eating a deep-fried tarantula in Cambodia should be on your bucket list! While it may seem unappetizing at first, locals swear by the crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

One foodie who was brave enough to try the dish is Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsey. Check his video out here. The tarantulas are perfectly safe to eat. They’re boiled in salted water and then deep-fried in hot oil until crisp. Sometimes they’re even rolled in sugar or garlic! You can find these delicacies being sold by local street vendors. You can also find fried Scorpians on Pub Street!

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

14. Have a Drink at Miss Wong Cocktail Bar

Miss Wong Cocktail Bar is arguably the most popular bar in Siem Reap. It’s a speakeasy-style bar where the vintage charm of 1920s Shanghai meets modern Art Deco. The bar’s atmosphere is sophisticated and sexy, with glowing lanterns hanging from the ceiling, moody lighting, and velvety pops of color.

Miss Wong is located on Street 26, about an 8-minute walk or a 3-minute tuk-tuk ride from Pub Street. Their extensive and innovative cocktail menu is quite impressive. They were on the Asia’s Best Awards list by Travel + Leisure and have gained a lot of popularity from social media in recent years.

Some of their most popular drinks are the Apricot and Kaffir Lime Martini, the Miss Wong Punch, and the Singapore Sling. They also serve light bar bites and dim sum. The bar is open from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am every day except for Mondays.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

15. Catch a Drag Show at Barcode

Barcode Bar should definitely be on your list of things to do in Siem Reap besides temples! This trendy spot has a huge selection of cocktails, beers, and wines at reasonable prices in a sleek and modern atmosphere. But what really sets this bar apart is the incredible drag show that’s performed each night.

Gay bars and drag shows have become increasingly popular in Siem Reap. Barcode is only one of several gay bars that are worth visiting in the area (although it is the most popular). Barcode’s drag show starts every evening from 9:30 pm to 11:30 pm. After the show, the bar turns into a dance floor until it closes around 2:00 am.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

16. Go on a Khmer Food Tour

Khmer cuisine is absolutely amazing! The food is so fresh and vibrant and full of flavor. We’ve tried to find Khmer food since being back home and sadly haven’t had any luck. Some of the most popular dishes are fish amok, mango salad, beef sour soup, and sweet rice dumplings for dessert. (You can even make some of these dishes yourself if you join a Local Cooking Class)

We recommend this Private Food Tour which includes transportation and ten local tastings! This is a great thing to do on your first night in the city, so you can get familiar with the area and pick up some great tips on the best places to eat and drink. We fell in love with the passionfruit sodas and lime juices during our food tour, and drank them as often as we could during the rest of our trip!

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

17. Check Out the Angkor Night Market

Siem Reap’s Night Market is huge and really fun to explore with over 200 stalls. Part of it is set up under a large roof like the Old Market, but many stalls just line the street, selling everything from tasty street food to knock-off designer bags. We preferred the Night Market over the Old Market because it had a lot more street food, souvenirs, jewelry, and clothes to look through.

The stalls at the Night Market start to open up around 5:00 pm and stay open until midnight. The market is so close to Pub Street, it only makes sense to explore it before making your way to Pub Street for some drinks and fish pedicures.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

18. Relax on a Gondola

The Angkor Gondola Ride Experience is a unique attraction that took us on a scenic journey around the ancient moats of the Angkor Wat temple complex. The views from the gondola were amazing and the tranquil water created an incredibly calming vibe. We did this gondola ride after a morning of temple hopping, and it was just what we needed to wind down from the excitement of the day.

The gondola boats are small replicas of the Khmer king’s ancient fleet, and you’ll have a chance to learn about the skilled boat-builders of the Angkor period during your ride. Each gondola fits four people per boat plus one to two guides, depending on the type of experience you choose. We recommend the Afternoon Gondola Ride, which comes with champagne and canapés.

It’s important to note that you must have a valid Angkor Wat pass to access this experience! You can Purchase A Temple Pass online. It’s a bit more expensive to buy the pass online, but it saves you a ton of time by skipping the ticket office line.

💣_{Antisocial Tourist Tip — This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, but it’s best to do it while you’re already near the Angkor Wat Temple. If you plan on doing the gondola ride before or after exploring the temple, choose Angkor Wat as your pick-up location, and they’ll pick you up at the temple entrance.}

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

19. Take a Pottery Class

One of the really fun things to do in Siem Reap besides temples is a pottery class! You can dive into the artistry of Khmer ceramics and create your own masterpiece at the Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre. You’ll learn the history of Khmer pottery, and hear some fascinating stories about how pottery played an essential role in trade between Cambodia and other countries.

Classes are offered daily at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 4:00 pm. Each class includes a demonstration, use of your own wheel, clay for up to five pieces, and one fired piece. No experience is required, and you’ll get to take home a really unique souvenir that will have more meaning than anything you could buy.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

20. Go on a Countryside Quad Bike Tour

A Countryside Quad Bike Tour through Siem Reap is the perfect way to get off the beaten path and see the deep countryside that Cambodia is known for. As you navigate through the beautiful rural landscapes, you’ll pass by ancient temples, lush rice paddies, and traditional villages. You’ll be venturing through remote locations that are not seen by many tourists.

You can book a tour with the concierge at your hotel, or check out this highly-rated Sunset Countryside Quad Bike Tour. Just be sure to wear comfortable clothes, good shoes, and hats/sunglasses/sunscreen. You should also bring a bandana or face mask to protect your face from the dirt.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

21. Zipline Through the Jungle

What’s more adventurous than ziplining through the Cambodian jungle near one of the world’s oldest archeological sites? It’s an exhilarating experience that offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. We recommend booking this Angkor Wat Park Zip Line Adventure for your ziplining experience.

The course is located deep inside the Angkor Archaeological Park. You can choose between a few different course combinations, depending on the type of lines you want to do and how much time you have. The courses have a variety of lines to try, including double lines and Superman-style lines. The activity is well organized and suitable for all experience levels. Monkeys are often seen along the course, too!

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

22. Countryside and Local Village Tour

We were fortunate enough to visit some local villages in the countryside with the Shinta Mani Foundation, which was organized by the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection hotel, and our VIVE Society travel hosts. This foundation provides underprivileged Cambodian families with homes, schooling, bicycles (for the children to get to school), and small business loans.

If you’re interested in doing this tour, you’ll need to arrange it directly with the foundation by emailing them at smf.ed@shintamani.com. This is not a typical tour, but instead, a first-hand look at the foundation’s work. It was inspiring to see how the foundation has helped so many impoverished families.

If you want to visit a local village but you’re looking for something more adventurous, we recommend the Countryside Cycling Tour. Cycling is a really popular way to explore Siem Reap — you’ll see bicycles everywhere. This tour takes you through several local villages on a bicycle where you’ll peddle past rice paddies, learn about traditional farming methods, and taste the local palm wine.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

23. Take a Ride on an Ox Cart

Taking a traditional Ox Cart Ride through the countryside is one of the many awesome things to do in Siem Reap besides temples. This adventure will transport you back in time to an era when ox carts were the main mode of transportation — literally. This is as rustic as it gets. It’s a hot and bumpy ride but it’s also so surreal and completely worth trying.

Most of the Ox Cart Tours in the area include a Local Village Experience, so it’s a very cultural and immersive tour. We recommend this Ox Cart Tour and Village Experience. It starts with a walking tour through a local village, where you’ll gain a better understanding of why ecotourism is so important as you witness daily life in Cambodia. Then you’ll take a 40-minute ox ride through the countryside, before ending the tour with a sampling of fresh exotic fruits from a host family’s garden. Round-trip transportation from your hotel in Siem Reap is included.

💣_{Antisocial Tourist Tip — You may see some people taking your photo at some point during your ox cart ride. These same people will meet you at the end of the tour and try to sell you the photos on a handmade frame.}

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

24. See the Kulen Waterfall in Phnom Kulen National Park

A Day Trip to Phnom Kulen National Park from Siem Reap is a great way to see some of the natural wonders and historical sites that many visitors miss. This park is where King Jayavarman II declared independence from Java in 802 AD and founded the Khmer Empire. You can see evidence of this history throughout the park, including the remains of an ancient city that was once the capital of the Khmer Empire. But the park has more to offer than ruins and temples.

One of the most popular attractions in Phnom Kulen is its waterfalls. The park has two main waterfalls: Chup Preah and Kulen Waterfall. Chup Preah is smaller but still worth a visit. It has a lovely pool that visitors can swim in and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Kulen Waterfall, on the other hand, is much larger and more impressive, with a height of over 20 meters (65 feet).

Phnom Kulen National Park is also a great place to hike. There are several trekking routes throughout the park that take visitors through the jungle and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. We recommend this Private Tour of the Park, which includes round-trip transportation from your hotel and a local guide. The park is closed during the wet season, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

25. See the Carvings at Kbal Spean River

The Kbal Spean River is home to incredible carvings that have been preserved for thousands of years. These holy carvings were made by Hindu monks during the Khmer Empire in the 11th and 12th centuries, and they symbolize the mountain ranges and rivers of the land. This river is often called the River of a Thousand Lingas because it’s carved with numerous lingas (phallic symbols) of the Hindu god, Shiva.

The Day Trip to Phnom Kulen National Park that we suggested above includes a stop at these carvings! It is a moderate 1.5 km (0.9 miles) hike, mostly uphill, to reach the carvings. Good hiking shoes are recommended! If you decide to trek to the carvings yourself, just be aware that they’re easy to miss. Remember, the park is closed during the wet season, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

26. Visit Theam’s Gallery

For more than a decade, Master Cambodian Artist, Lim Muy Theam, has trained a team of artisan apprentices who work at the gallery where he displays his own work, Theam’s Gallery. This gallery is such a hidden gem in Siem Reap and well worth the visit. Theam’s paintings and sculptures are displaced all throughout his tranquil home and outdoor garden.

You can also explore the art studio and observe various works being created right in front of you. The artists do everything here, from painting to sculpting to lacquering. The property is very serene and immediately takes you out of the busy streets of Siem Reap. Theam’s Gallery is just a short 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from Pub Street.

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES

27. Join a Soap Making Workshop

We love taking workshops and classes during our travels because it’s a great way to meet both locals and other travelers while having a new experience. We were surprised to see that Siem Reap had a Soap Making Workshop, and although we didn’t have time to do this during our visit, it’s definitely on our list for next time.

During this workshop, you’ll learn the ancient art of soap making, a practice that has been perfected by generations of Cambodians. You’ll mix together natural ingredients and essential oils to create the perfect scent. Classes are offered daily at 8:30 am, 10:30 am, and 2:30 pm. Each class lasts about an hour and a half. Round-trip transportation by tuk-tuk is included.

Angkor Wat and Temple Hopping in Siem Reap

There may be tons of awesome things to do in Siem Reap besides temples, but let’s face it, you’re not going to come all the way to Cambodia and skip one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Angkor Wat is the largest temple complex in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it should absolutely be on your list of things to do in Siem Reap.

In addition to Angkor Wat, many tourists also visit Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm Temple, Banteay Srei Temple, and Phnom Bakheng. The Angkor Wat Pass includes access to all of Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples, so be sure to keep it on you at all times. We recommend buying your pass online in advance. Although it does cost more, your pass will be delivered right to your hotel so you can skip the ticket line when you arrive at the temple! This is especially useful if you plan to visit at sunrise.

💣_{Antisocial Tourist Tip — There are many Guided Tours of Temples that you can arrange in advance, but most tours do not include a temple pass, so you’ll still need to purchase it on your own!}

How to Get Around Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a truly amazing place with so much to see and experience. But as a first-time visitor, you’re probably wondering how to navigate around this beautiful city. Normally we encourage travelers to rent a car on every trip because it’s the best way to get out on your own. But in Siem Reap, the absolute best way to get around is on a tuk-tuk!

These two-wheeled carriages are pulled behind a motorbike and are a staple of Cambodian transportation. The drivers are friendly and will take you anywhere you want to go — whether it’s the world-famous Angkor Wat temple, the lively Pub Street, or one of the many markets around town.

Most rides are between $2 and $5 (it’s best to negotiate the price upfront). It’s not uncommon for a tuk-tuk driver to ask for your phone number (they use Whatsapp, so be sure to download the app before your trip!) so you can contact them when you’re ready for your next ride. We gladly exchanged numbers with a tuk-tuk driver during our trip, and from then on we felt like we had our own personal chauffeur!

You can even take a tuk-tuk from the airport to your hotel for less than $10. There are always tuk-tuk drivers ready and available outside of the airport, along with taxi drivers. Nothing needs to be arranged in advance. You can pay your driver in US dollars after they drop you off at your destination.

Best Month to Visit Siem Reap

The best time to visit Siem Reap is during the dry season from November to mid-April.  You can expect the highest crowds in December and January (when the weather is at it’s best), so November and February through March are considered the shoulder season.  The temperature starts to rise dramatically in early March and reaches its highest temperature by April. 

We visited at the end of February and the weather was perfect.  It was hot during the middle of the day, but the mornings and nights were just magical.  There were very few tourists too, but the country was just opening up to tourism again after the pandemic, so that may have contributed to the low crowds.

The wet season runs from May to early November, with September and October being the wettest months.  The rain in Cambodia comes in the form of strong downpours, sometimes lasting for days at a time.  If you decide to visit during the wet season, make sure you have plenty of extra time to account for bad weather.  

How Long to Spend in Siem Reap

Unpopular opinion — you really need five to seven days to get the most out of Siem Reap.  Many travel experts suggest three days to explore this city, but we just don’t think that’s enough time!  After all, this post covers all the awesome things to do in Siem Reap besides temples, and exploring the temples can take three days alone!

Even if you do manage to squeeze all the temples into a single day, we think there’s a big misconception about how much there is to do in this city.  It’s just so much more than the temples, and if you don’t give yourself enough time, you’ll never see why. There are so many amazing tours, hands-on classes, and day trips from Siem Reap that every traveler should experience. Don’t rush your time here!

Where to Stay in Siem Reap

Siem Reap has a ton of hotel options, so it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to stay. We’ve highlighted three of the best hotels in Siem Reap based on their location, accommodations, services, and amenities. Each of these hotels offers a luxurious and unique experience that will add to your overall trip.

OUR TOP HOTEL PICKS IN SIEM REAP

📍Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection [OUR TOP PICK]
Shinta Mani is an award-winning boutique hotel located in the heart of Siem Reap. The hotel combines French colonial and Khmer design elements, and its rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated. The hotel also has two swimming pools, a spa, and an on-site restaurant. We loved our stay here! It’s in the perfect location and they even have dedicated tuk-tuk drivers ready and waiting to take you anywhere.

📍Golden Temple Retreat
Golden Temple Retreat is another luxury boutique hotel right in the heart of the city. It’s situated in a quiet part of Siem Reap, providing guests with a peaceful environment to relax in, but it’s still just steps away from all the action and nightlife. The rooms are spacious and feature traditional Khmer decor. The hotel also offers a large pool, spa, restaurant, and organized tours.

📍Viroth’s Hotel
Viroth’s Hotel screams luxury. It’s located in the center of Siem Reap but manages to feel like a secluded oasis. The hotel’s design is a beautiful blend of mid-century motifs and modern style, with lush vertical gardens and a saltwater pool. The rooms are spacious and feature traditional artwork and furnishings. The resort also offers a spa, fitness center, and excellent dining options. They also have a small boutique property called Viroth’s Villa across the street which is just as magical.

Sign up for our newsletter to have new travel inspiration delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Subscribe

Thank you for reading our post! We hope it helps you plan the perfect trip! Check out our other guides here and follow us on Instagram (@AntisocialTourist) or on Facebook to see our latest adventures!