6 THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Things to do in Siem Reap

6 THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Things to do in Siem Reap

Beyond the Kingdom of Wonder| The Best Attractions and Things to Do in Siem Reap

Known as the gateway to the millennium-old Angkor Wat, Siem Reap boasts vibrant culture, rich history, and scenic wonders that attract tourists around the world. Nestled along the Siem Reap River, this quaint provincial capital is filled with attractions and activities waiting for visitors to explore.

1.Travel in Time at the Angkor Archaeological Park

Built during the height of the Khmer Empire, the ruins of the Angkor temple complex is probably the most treasured archaeological site in Cambodia. The Angkor Archaeological Park houses the Angkor Wat, the largest and most famous among the Angkorean temples.

The best time to visit the Angkor Wat is at sunrise, to fully take in its one of a kind splendor. Other temples in the site like the Phnom Bakheng and Ta Prohm are best visited in the afternoon/at sunset.

Things to do in Siem Reap

2. Window Shop at the Angkor Night Market

The Angkor Night Market is rather new compared to other famous night market scenes in Asia. But what makes it unique is the way shops are built to look like traditional Khmer huts and the products they offer. The labyrinthine of more than 300 shops offers Khmer paintings, silk, handicrafts, wood carvings, and local delicacies. There are also plenty of massage and spa bars in the area so you can relax a bit after roaming around.

3. Discover the Khmer Empire at the Angkor National Museum

The Angkor National Museum showcases artifacts from the Golden Era of the Khmer Kingdom. It houses some of the greatest pieces of art, culture, and architecture from Angkor’s historical past. It is suggested to visit the museum first before heading out to the Angkor temple complex since they provide a comprehensive overview of the Angkor civilization,

4. Explore the Floating Villages at the Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Lake is the largest lake in Southeast Asia. It is also home to many Cambodians who live in floating villages, where they also have floating schools and floating restaurants. This fascinating scene and way of life is truly a tourist magnet. Visitors can book a boat trip into these villages, the place is at its most beautiful during the months of May to October where the water is high.

Things to do in Siem Reap

5. Get Amped Up at Pub Street

The name alone kindles excitement to many, Pub Street is a short side street lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants. The best thing about Pub Street is that it’s active all throughout the day. In the morning, cafes like Café Central offers the perfect spot for a coffee break. Restaurants of different flavors from Western to Khmer cuisine also dominated the area. At night, the street comes alive by the glow of neon lights, loud thumps of party music, and amazing street performances from bars like the popular Angkor What? And Temple Bar.

6. Bird Watching at the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary

During the rainy season (May to October), the Mekong river which is connected to the Tonle Sap Lake reverses its flow causing the lake to swell more than seven times its size. This floods the forest around the lake that attracts different species of waterbirds. Visitors can book a boat tour with the Sam Veasna Center, a non-government wildlife conservation organization that oversees the sanctuary. You can even spend a night at their research station so you can watch the birds early in the morning.

Things to do in Siem Reap