5 December 2017

Top Five things to do in Siem Reap


I really enjoyed exploring Siem Reap, even a whole week there wasn't enough for me and I can't wait to go back again one day in the future.

As it is for most people, seeing Angkor Wat and the incredible surrounding temples was the main reason I wanted to go there but there is so much more to see and do as well.

Here are my top five favourite things to do:


1. Marvel at the temples on a day tour

Beginning with the obvious and one of the top things on most people's bucket lists.
Siem Reap is most well known for being the gateway to Angkor Wat and the rest of the Angkor Ruins - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Site covers almost 400 square kilometres, making it arguably one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.

I did a sunrise Angkor Wat and full day temple tour with Happy Angkor and it was such an incredible day and a major highlight of my time there.





2. Floating village and local school visit

Another awesome thing to do is head out of the city centre to visit the nearby floating villages. I went with Kompong Khleang and it was an amazing day witnessing such a different way of life. 
We spent heaps of time on the Tonle Sap River in the midst of village life and got to visit a local school where our guide was originally from. We met some very happy and friendly children and I highly recommend the tour. All of the proceeds made go straight back to the school.





3. Check out Pub Street

Pub Street is the town centre where most tourists tend to gravitate towards. The area is nicely decorated, the restaurants and bars are cheap and plentiful and there are many market-style shopping areas nearby.
Come at night time for a totally different experience. You can try a scorpion or tarantula or sit at one of the many fun pop-up cocktail carts. I can recommend getting a banana and nutella pancake from a street food cart made fresh in front of you for only $1 - so good!





4. Phare the Cambodian Circus

My favourite evening spent in Siem Reap was at the popular show Phare the Cambodian Circus. It's modern circus-style entertainment featuring very talented high-flying acrobats.
I was completely astonished by their amazing skills and drawn in by the compelling story they told. It was fun, high-energy and even emotional.
It is again a wonderful cause and all of the proceeds go straight back into the community and help to transform the lives of Cambodian youth.





5. Indulge in the great food

I enjoyed the food in Siem Reap so much that I already have a whole blog post on it! Five Places to Eat in Siem Reap.
As well as eating your way around some of the best-rated restaurants, you could do a food tour or even take a local cooking class. There is an abundance of great cafes and restaurants to choose from specialing in local Khmer dishes, healthy vegan and vegetarian and various nationalities. Best of all - the price is unbeatable!





Those are five of my top recommended things to do in Siem Reap. Leave me a comment if you have any other suggestions to add!

If you would like to read about what I got up to in Cambodia in more detail check out my travel diary post.

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Happy Travels,
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12 comments

  1. What are the odds!!! I was at Siem Reap just a few weeks back and absolutely LOVEEEDDD it. I managed to do 4 of the 5 top things you suggest; missed experiencing the circus but it's for when I return next. There is soooo much to do there and a week just wasn't enough. We did the Mangrove too and thought it was magnificent. Thank you for this, it brought back pleasant memories.

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  2. All your pictures so beautiful. I love that you can pay for a tour of a city above the water and school and that the money is reinvested into the area!

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  3. Wow your photographs look absolutely amazing!!! I’d totally love to travel here one day!!Shell

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  4. I have been waiting to go on a vacation for the longest time ever.. seeing your post makes me want it even more..

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  5. We were supposed to go a few years ago but cancelled last minute. I think we should get that started again! It's a very interesting country and there's definitely more to discover apart from the temples (I didn't know about the circus!).

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  6. The floating village looks so cool! It looks like an interesting culture, I'd love to try the food!

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  7. WE are going to Siem REap soon and your list is cool. I especially want to check out the floating villages.

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  8. This looks like it would be such a great trip. I am loving all of your photographs.

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  9. That village looks so amazing. I have every intent to travel more!

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  10. I can only imagine how cool the floating villages must be to see in person. I don't know about that food on a stick though!

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  11. These photos are breathtaking! How amazing that you're really seeing the world.

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  12. I have read about this area and the temples there. Your pictures are fascinating. You have great ideas to make a trip there even more fun. Thanks for the tips.

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