Siem Reap, the second largest city of Cambodia, is a small provincial capital a home to hundreds of sightseeing opportunities, such as well-preserved colonial buildings, museums, traditional markets, and cultural performances. One of the magnificent attractions you should keep in mind while taking a vacation in Siem Reap is this city is best known for the largest temple complex in the world: Angkor. This is the main reason millions of travelers are attracted to Cambodia each year.

In addition to its abundant cultural diversity, Siem Reap boasts plenty of other fun things to do, like natural sites excursions, hiking tours, hot air balloon experience, and wellness treatments. Hence, visiting Siem Reap isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s a journey of discovery where you can immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture and diverse natural landscapes. Below are some lists of fun things to do in Siem Reap:

Phare is the best modern cultural performance in Cambodia. This is the only show you can’t miss in Siem Reap, where the country’s historical, folk, and modern stories are presented by the performers using theater, music, dance, and other contemporary circus arts.

If you prefer an outdoor activity, Angkor Cycling Tour is the perfect solution. Enjoy the fresh air, discover the hidden gems of the Angkor complex, and get ready to marvel at the scenery of the villages and rice paddies as you pass through. This 9.5-hour cycling tour would bring you to the city panorama you’ve never seen before while simultaneously promoting an active and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Aren’t you curious about how the local cuisines are made? Join the cooking class at a local home! It doesn’t only show you the cooking process; you can also accompany a local family on a market to source the needed ingredients, then prepare the authentic Cambodian cuisines under the guidance of a skilled chef.

Phnom Kulen National Park Tour includes an adventure to the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire, a refreshing swim in the waterfalls, and a view of the largest reclining Buddha, Preah Ang Thom surrounded by various sacred sites, like Chhok Ruot, Peung Chhok, Peung Ey Sey, etc.

Another attraction in Siem Reap you won’t miss is Kampong Phluk Floating Village. There, you would experience the unique way of life on the water and discover the hidden treasures in the landscapes. On the boat ride, you can find homes with whimsical structures surrounded by the beautiful and serene river.

The Hot Air Balloon experience at Bakong Village would offer you a wonderful way to explore the Cambodian countryside and the Bakong Temple. It’s because you would soar high in the sky, above the lush landscapes, ancient temples, serene villages, and other breathtaking vistas that would leave you open-mouthed.

Angkor Wat Temples is the heart and the soul of Cambodia. This Hindu-Buddhist temple complex is the largest religious structure in the world, designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its architecture’s grandeur and harmony is depicted as a part of the country’s national flag and attracts million visitors every year.

Also known as the Cambodian Cocoon, Bodia Spa is the most well-known spa in the region. It’s a space of physical, mental, and spiritual healing, reflecting traditional, non-clinical, and holistic based therapies. With their foot massage chairs, treatment rooms both for couples/singles, and rain showers, this place is exactly designed for mind and body relaxation.

Another wellness parlor you can visit after days of city explorations is Sokkhak Spa. Located on the banks of the Siem Reap River, this is the perfect sanctuary for you to get top-quality therapies with natural and locally-sourced essential oils amidst its relaxing atmosphere. Try their signature treatment, Khmer-style, to experience the finest therapeutic care!

Kbal Spean is an Angkorian-era archaeological site on the Kulen Hills. On this landscape, you can hike through the rainforest and discover carvings adorning the riverbed. Besides, enjoy the simplicity of the Preah Dak Village’s local life, then end your day with witnessing the sunset from a hilltop temple.

Added to the UNESCO World Heritage, Beng Mealea is a part of the Angkor Wat. It's a Hindu temple with Buddhist motifs on some carvings. There is an extensive carving of scenes from Hindu mythology, including the Churning of the Sea of Milk and Vishnu being borne by the bird God, Garuda.

Another part of Angkor Wat is Banteay Srei: a Cambodian temple dedicated to the Hindu God, Shiva and Parvati. Built largely of red sandstones, this temple shows elaborate decorative wall carvings still observable today. Banteay Srei is widely praised as the jewel of Khmer and extremely popular with tourists.

Banteay Samre is also a Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat style. This is a breathtakingly beautiful cultural architecture in Siem Reap with smooth surfaces, ornate engravings, appealing symmetry, and exquisite sculptures, making it a must-see for any travelers.

Craving more culture? The next stop is the Cambodia Cultural Heritage Tour! This 9.5 hour tour would bring you to Banteay Srei, Banteay Samre, Preah Dak Village, Neak Pean, Preah Khan Temple, Prasat Kravan, Thommanon, and Tevoda Temple. Prepare yourself to gain insight into the country’s art history and cultural identity!

Tonle Sap is one of the most productive inland fisheries in the world. Adventures in this great lake include bike tour, sunset cruise, and a half-day tour with free local foot reflexology or ice cream. With a boat ride, you would experience the livelihoods of Cambodian people living in the floating village and find out how the families adapt their life to live on the water.

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