19 Interesting Places to Visit and Things to Do in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a city capital city of Siem Reap Province in Cambodia. It is among the most popular cities in Cambodia owing to its proximity to the famous Angkor Wat temple. In fact, all the temples of the Angkor region are considered the best places to visit in Siem Reap. The temple was built in the 12th century and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu. It is also a Buddhist temple.

It is not only top among Siem Reap tourist attractions, but also one of the most recognized ancient architectural marvels of the world. Angkor Wat is not the only ancient temple in the region. There are several temples built around the same time as Angkor Wat featuring wonderful works in architecture, sculpture, stone carving, design and ancient construction technology. All of these temples are Siem Reap attractions in their own right. Some of the temples have an even more unique appeal owing to vegetation growing in and around them. They seem to be pulled out of fantasy or an adventure tale and are among the most wonderful things to see in Siem Reap. These temples have been featured in films, music videos, television shows, documentaries, video games and more. Majority of Siem Reap sightseeing revolves around the ancient marvels surrounding the city. But you should not stop at history while exploring this bountiful region.

There are several fun things to do in Siem Reap with regards to nature, adventure, leisure, art, food and culture as well. The city has an appealing art scene with several galleries and art centers to explore regional and international works. There are also several tourist places in Siem Reap which allow to experience local culture and traditions like the Buddhist water blessing, the apsara dance, Khmer cuisine and more. While you are trying food items during Siem Reap travel, you should not miss out Cambodian coffee. We have listed out a few outstanding cafes to help you out. You will also find a list of interesting places in Siem Reap for cultural experiences mentioned above.

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The Top 19 Tourist Places to Visit in Siem Reap in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Banteay Srei

This temple was first built in the 10th century A.D. and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. The temple holds a rightful place among best places to visit in Siem Reap for its red sandstone construction and intricate stone carvings. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this temple.

I suggest you should book your trip to Banteay Srei in advance

2. Banteay Srei Butterfly Center

This place is home to several butterflies of different species. It is one of the most visited Siem Reap tourist attractions. You will get to see a butterflies in a variety of shapes, sizes, designs and colours. It will take you about half an hour or so to explore this place.

3. Landmine Museum

Alongside landmines, this museum also has exhibits concerning guns, mortars and other weapons of war. The money from each ticket goes towards and welfare and education programs in the village. It is one of the best Siem Reap attractions to visit. You will need an hour to tour this museum.

I suggest you can combine your visit of Cambodia Landmine Museum with Phnom Kulen National Park

4. Ta Som

This Angkor temple dates back to the 12th century and was built during the reign of king Jayavarman VII. It is a small temple but is still elaborately structured. You will need 30 minutes from Siem Reap travel for this temple.

I suggest with your trip to Banteay Srei you can also combine visit of Ta Som

5. Neak Pean

This is an artificial island built for its buddhist temple. It is believed that royalty would bring offerings of gold and other valuables to this temple. It is among the most interesting things to see in Siem Reap. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to explore this temple.

I suggest during your trip to Neak Pean you can also visit Preah Khan

6. Angkor National Museum

This museum exhibits findings from the world renowned Angkor region. Some of the artifacts date back to the Khmer Empire. It is one of the most important places to visit during Siem Reap sightseeing. You will need 2 hours for this museum.

You can book your ticket of Angkor National Museum in advance

7. Les Chantiers Ecoles

This market is dedicated to arts and handicraft items. If you are looking for fun things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia in form of local handicraft shopping or workshops this place will not disappoint. You can easily spend an hour roaming this market.

Day 2

1. Bayon Temple

This is the last mountain temple built in Khmer style and is believed to have been built atop another monument. The temple has 54 towers representing different periods of the Khmer empire. It is one of the interesting places to see in Siem Reap.

I suggest with your trip to Bayon Temple you can also combine visit of Ta Prohm Temple and Angkor Wat

2. Baphuon

This 11th century temple was the state temple under the reign of Udayadityavaraman II. It is a 3 tiered temple dedicated to Hindu deity Shiva. It is one of the most elaborately designed tourist places in Siem Reap. You will need about an hour to explore this temple.

I suggest in your one day trip with other attractions you can combine your trip to Baphuon Temple

3. Preah Khan

This temple was built in the 12th century under the reign of King Jayavarman VII. The temple was previously known as Nagara Jayasri meaning Holy City of Victory. It is among the most historically significant places to go in Siem Reap. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this temple.

I suggest you can combine your trip to Preah Khan with Banteay Srei

4. Ta Keo

This temple was built around 10th century to honor Hindu deity Shiva. This temple remain incomplete as it is believed that lightning struck the site and its construction was abandoned. It is one of the less visited Siem Reap tourist spots. You will need about an hour for this temple.

I suggest you must book a 2 days trip with multiple attractions in Siem Reap and it cover all major attractions with Ta Keo. Main feature of this trip is it covers sunrise trip to Angkor Wat as well.

5. Ta Prohm

This temple is included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple was built around 12th century and held great cultural and political significance during the time. The temple has trees, vines and shrubberies growing out of it. It is a very popular place to visit in Siem Reap and will take an hours time to explore.

I suggest with your trip to Ta Prohm Temple you can also combine visit of Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple

6. Banteay Kdei

This 12th century temple was built with bayon style of architecture. The name of this temple means a citadel of chambers. The temple is adorned with beautiful statues and carvings. It is one of the most interesting places in Siem Reap. You will need about half an hour for this temple.

You should cover your trip to Banteay Kdei with 2 Days Trips to Siem Reap.

7. Pre Rup

This 10th century temple served as the state temple of King Rajendravarman. It is a Hindu temple built with sandstone, laterite and bricks. You will need about half an hour for this temple when you visit Siem Reap.

I suggest you can combine your trip to Pre Rup with Banteay Srei

8. Phnom Bakheng

This temple was built in the 9th century under the reign of King Yasovarman. It is dedicated to both Hindu and Buddhist faiths. The temple is situated atop the hill and hiking here is among popular Siem Reap activities. Its high vantage point also makes it an ideal place to witness sunrise. You would need about an hour to explore this temple.

I suggest you must book a Sunset Tour of Phnom Bakheng.

9. Angkor Wat

This is the largest and most well-known temple of the Angkor region. It is believed to have been built during the 1100s. The construction of this temple took 30 years. It is definitely among top things to do in Siem Reap.  It will take you 2 hours or more to explore this temple.

I suggest before you visit the Angkor Wat, you must book your ticket to Angkor Wat in Advance. Also I suggest you must try for Sunrise Tour of Angkor Wat.

Day 3

1. Beng Melea

This temple was built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the 12th century. It follows a similar structure as Angkor Wat, but has its own unique appeal owing to the vegetation growing in and around the ruins. Aside from Angkor Wat, it is among the best places to visit in Siem Reap. You will need about 2 hours to explore this temple.

I suggest you can combine you trip to Beng Melea with Rolous Group of Temples and Floating Village

2. Rolous Group of Temples

This group consists of 4 temples, namely Lolei, Preah Ko, Prei Monti and Bakong. These temples go back to the 9th century and are some of the oldest in the Angkor region. You will need 2 hours to tour them when you visit Siem Reap.

I suggest you can combine your trip to Rolous Group of Temples with Beng Melea and Floating Village

3. Tonle Sap Lake

This lake is the hub for several activities including picnic, leisure, boating and so on. You can also explore the floating village next to the lake. You can easily spend a couple of hours at this lake.

I suggest you should book a Sunset Dinner on Tonle Sap Lake

If you are looking for more fun things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia check out the section below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places and activities you can enjoy in Siem Reap.

Things to do in Siem Reap

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Siem Reap

  1. Angkor Wat
  2. Ta Prohm Temple
  3. Bayon Temple
  4. Preah Khan Temple
  5. Phnom Temple
  6. Banteay Kdei
  7. Pre Rup
  8. Baphuon Temple
  9. Ta Som
  10. Neak Poun
  11. Angkor National Museum
  12. Eastern Mebon Temple
  13. Terrace of the Elephants
  14. Ta Keo
  15. Banteay Samre
  16. Phimeanakas
  17. Prasat Bang Mealea
  18. Preah Ponleah Sdach Komlong
  19. Bakong Temples
  20. Preah Ko
  21. Prasat Kravan
  22. Thommanon Temple
  23. Baksei Chamkrong Temple
  24. Phnom Kraom
  25. Chau Say Tevoda Temple
  26. Ta Nei Temple
  27. Lolei Temple
  28. Victory Gate
  29. Theam’s Gallery
  30. Wat Thmei
  31. North Khleang
  32. War Museum Cambodia
  33. Wat Preah Prom Rath
  34. Landmines Museum
  35. Tonle Om Gate
  36. Suor Prat Tower
  37. Prasat Preah Palilay
  38. Angkor Wat Putt
  39. West Mebon
  40. Wat Damnak
  41. Banteay Prei Temple
  42. Phnom Bok
  43. Cambodia War Remnant Museum
  44. Ak Yum
  45. Preah Pithu
  46. Spean Thmor
  47. Art Box Museum
  48. Easte Baray
  49. Krol Ko
  50. Roluos Group of Temples
  51. Wat Athvear Temple
  52. Wat Bo Temple
  53. Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm Shrine
  54. Prasat Chrung
  55. Churning of the Sea Milk Gallery
  56. Ta Prohm Kel Temple
  57. Phnom Bok Temple
  58. Killing Fields Temple
  59. Preah Norodom Sihanouk Angkor Museum
  60. Prasat Bat Chum
  61. Prasat Bei
  62. Jayatataka
  63. Tep Pranam

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Siem Reap

  1. Srah Srang Reservoir
  2. West Baray
  3. Phnom Kulen National Park
  4. Tonle Sap Lake
  5. Troav Kot Lake
  6. Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB)
  7. Kulen Prum Tep Wildlife Sanctuary
  8. Kulen Elephant Forest

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Siem Reap

  1. Angkor Zipline
  2. Tonle Sap Lake
  3. Banteay Srey Butterfly Center
  4. Happy Ranch House Farm
  5. Siem Reap Art Center
  6. Phokeethra Country Club
  7. Miniature Replicas of Angkor Temples Park
  8. Cambolac Art for the People
  9. Khmer Kids Art Gallery
  10. Royal Independence Gardens
  11. Royal Residence Park
  12. Butterfly Paradise
  13. MIRAGE Contemporary Art Space & Design Studio
  14. Apsara Theatre
  15. Divine Sala: Sacred Dancers of Angkor
  16. Lily’s Secret Garden
  17. Cambodian Cooking Class
  18. Khmer Gourmet Cooking Class

Shopping in Siem Reap

  1. Artisans Angkor
  2. Angkor Night Market
  3. Made in Cambodia Market
  4. Siem Reap Art Center Night Market
  5. Psah Chas Market
  6. Old Bridge Market
  7. Hap Guan Street
  8. Kandal Market
  9. Phsar Leu Thom Tmey Market
  10. Phsar Samaki Vegetable & Fruit Market
  11. Palm Container Night Market
  12. Psa Krolanh Market

Beaches & Islands in Siem Reap

  1. West Baray Lake Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Siem Reap

  1. Hiking
  2. Boating
  3. Zipline
  4. Horseback Riding
  5. Ox Cart Tour
  6. Bicycle tours
  7. Kayaking

Sightseeing in Siem Reap

  1. Street 08
  2. Wat Bo Road
  3. Hap Guan Street
  4. Mechrey Floating Village
  5. Kampong Phluk Floating Village
  6. Siem Reap Floating Village
  7. Street 11

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Siem Reap

  1. Brown Roastery
  2. Banlle Vegetarian Restaurant
  3. Temple Design
  4. Blue Pumpkin
  5. Sister Srey Cafe
  6. Bugs Cafe
  7. Sambo Khmer
  8. Indochine
  9. Little Red Fox Cafe
  10. Damnak Lounge
  11. Ratana
  12. Ecstatic
  13. Peace Cafe
  14. Foreign Correspondents Club
  15. Le Pain du Coer
  16. Il Forno
  17. Moloppor Cafe
  18. Khmer Kitchen
  19. The Bean Embassy
  20. Le Tigre de Papier
  21. Footprints Cafe
  22. Marum
  23. Chanrey Tree
  24. Takezono
  25. Source Cafe
  26. Olive

Where to Stay in Siem Reap?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-range and Budget Hotels in Siem Reap. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Siem Reap.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Sokha Siem Reap Resort & Convention Center
  2. Heritage Suites Hotel
  3. Royal Angkor Resort & Spa
  4. Sala Lodges
  5. Gold Smith Residence
  6. Mane Village Suites
  7. Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
  8. THE PRIVILEGE FLOOR by Lotus Blanc
  9. Jaya House River Park
  10. Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang
  11. Metta Residence & Spa
  12. Angkor Privilege Resort & Spa

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Viroth’s Hotel
  2. Sokhalay Angkor Villa Resort
  3. Model Angkor Resort
  4. Nita by Vo Angkor Resort
  5. Nita by Vo Luxury Hotel
  6. The Grand Cyclo Boutique Suite & Spa
  7. Montra Nivesha Residence
  8. Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat
  9. Lotus Blanc Resort
  10. Shintana Saya Residence
  11. Golden Butterfly Villa
  12. Treeline Urban Resort

Budget Hotels

  1. Sarai Resort & Spa
  2. The Privilege Boutique
  3. Golden Temple Villa
  4. Sokkhak Boutique Resort
  5. Golden Temple Boutique
  6. The Embassy Angkor Resort & Spa
  7. The Khmer House -Secret Oasis-
  8. Angkor Suites By Alfa
  9. Maison557
  10. The Cyclo d’Angkor Boutique Hotel
  11. Hillocks Hotel & Spa
  12. Sakmut Hotel & Spa
  13. Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa
  14. Rei Angkor Hotel
  15. Khmer Mansion Residence
  16. Memoire d’Angkor Boutique Hotel
  17. Amatak Boutique Hotel
  18. Riversoul Residence


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How to Reach Siem Reap?

By Air

Siem Reap International Airport receives direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Seoul, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Manila, Shanghai, Hong-Kong, Macau, Singapore and several other cities in the Far East region. You can get buses and cabs for Siem Reap travel from the airport.

By Road

You can get several domestic and international buses to visit Siem Reap. International bus network connects the city with cities in Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

The nearest operational station to Siem Reap is Sisophon. This station receives trains from Phnom Penh and Bangkok.

If you are planning to reach Siem Reap by road, head for routes 6,66 or 67.

By Water

You can get ferry rides from Phnom Penh and Battambang to visit Siem Reap.

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