Choose from 23 Fun Things to Do in Siem Reap
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Phnom Kulen National Park
Thousand-year-old carvings, thundering waterfalls and an iconic reclining Buddha make Phnom Kulen National Park one of the most-visited escapes in all of Cambodia. Travelers pile into four-door sedans that navigate the narrow, scenic road from Siem Reap to the popular park for an up close look at impressive statues and a massive Buddha. But it’s views from the park’s two waterfalls that really draw visitors.
Decrepit “stairs” at the bottom of the climb point to the direction of the trail. Visitors in the know recommend wearing good walking shoes to negotiate the rocks, planks and slippery slopes that lead to spectacular views. Swimming in the pools proves the perfect reward for a difficult climb and gives travelers a place to relax and unwind before heading back to the city center.
Practical Info
The park is located about 60 kilometers from Siem Reap in the Phnom Kulen Mountain, about 45 minutes north of Pub Street off of Route 67. There is a $20 road toll per person. Because the access road is narrow, traffic is allowed up only between dawn and noon and down between 1 p.m. and sunset.
Address: Banteay Srei, Cambodia
Hours: Traffic allowed only from dawn-noon and 1pm-sunset
Admission: $20 per person road toll
From $ 22
Bayon Temple
The Bayon temple forms a square at the center of the much larger square of the vast Angkor Thom, and is the architectural highlight of the complex. This was considered by the Khmers to be the conjunction of heaven and earth, though the auspicious site was covered in jungle for centuries.
Like much in the area it dates to the 12th-century reign of King Jayavarman VII, and is particularly noted for its magnificent carved stone faces with their beatific smiles. They depict either the king himself or a bodhisattva; the confusion was probably deliberate.
The bas relief carvings on the temple’s outer walls are a riot of scenes depicting everything from celestial beings and mighty battles to humble village life.
Practical Info
Bayon is within Angkor Thom, which lies 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) north of Siem Reap, past Angkor Wat.
Address: Cambodia
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Admission: 80,000 riel
From $ 45
Terrace of the Leper King
One of Angkor’s many mysteries, the Terrace of the Leper King once served as the northern half of a long viewing stage and audience platform for King Jayavarman VII and his entourage. The mystery of the site stems from the statue at the top of the terrace, a replica of an original statue of a nude, sexless figure known simply as the Leper King.
Scholars aren’t sure who he was, though legend tells of at least two kings of Angkor having leprosy. Another theory states that the statue isn’t a king at all, but the Hindu god of death, Yama, and that the nickname came from the lichen discoloring the statue’s surface. The original statue of the Leper King sits in the National Museum in Phnom Penh.
Practical Info
The Terrace of the Leper King lies just north of the Terrace of the Elephants within the walled complex of Angkor Thom.
Address: Angkor, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: 1-Day Pass US $20
From $ 68
Srah Srang
Srah Srang is a baray, or reservoir, that is located south of the East Baray and east of Banteay Kde. Srah Srang was created by excavation in the mid-900s and, while there are several theories, it’s not clear whether the significance of this reservoir was religious, agricultural or a little bit of both. However, Srah Srang is best known as an ideal location for viewing the sunrise.
At present Srah Srang measures almost 2,300 feet (700 meters) by almost 1,200 feet (350 meters) and is still partially flooded. A basement was found in the middle of it, which suggests that there may have been a temple on an artificial island at some point in the past. The landing-stage is located opposite the entrance to Banteay Kdei and is bordered by naga balustrades, ending with the head of a serpent mounted by a garuda with unfurled wings; guardian lions watch over the steps that lead down to the water.
Practical Info
Srah Srang is part of the Angkor Wat site and is accessible whenever Angkor Wat is open. Due to its popularity, it can often get crowded at sunrise.
Address: Angkor Wat, Cambodia
From $ 59
Roluos Group
The 3 main temples of Roluos stand apart from the main attractions around Siem Reap, lying to the west of the town rather than on the main northern axis. They’re also significantly older, dating from the 9th century when this area was known as Hariharalaya.
Preah Ko, the oldest, is arranged as two rows of three “prasats” (towers) each, and boasts stunning stone carvings and plasterwork. After that comes the intricate 5-tiered Bakong, and finally Lolei, which dates from 893. This last temple resembles Preah Ko but with 4 instead of 6 towers, once stood on its own island, and is noted for its fine examples of Khmer calligraphy.
Practical Info
The Roluos temples are off National Highway 6 which heads west out of Siem Reap. Get there in a tuk-tuk or hire a bicycle (take good care in the unpredictable traffic).
Address: Cambodia
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Admission: 80,000 riel
From $ 98
Kompong Phluk
While houses on stilts can be quite common in Cambodia (you’ll often see people relaxing in hammocks strung underneath the houses, homes on stilts in a lake…well, that’s a bit more unusual. Kompong Phluk is a set of villages that are located on the floodplain of the Tonle Sap Lake, about 10 miles (16 km) from Siem Reap. The community, which consists of about 3,000 villagers, mostly live in stilted homes and depend on fishing and tourism for their livelihood. During wet season, this area will be completely submerged (hence the houses on stilts) and Kompong Phluk truly becomes a semi-floating village; in the dry season, the same stilted houses may rise up to 18 feet (about 6 meters) above the water.
Also of interest is a mangrove forest that is also “flooded” during the rainy season, creating an atmospheric journey through the submerged fauna. Usually a trip through this area is part of the standard tour. While the scenery is gorgeous and visiting a stilt village is interesting, perhaps the best part of visiting Kompong Phluk is the opportunity to see a unique way of Cambodian life.
Practical Info
Getting to Kampong Phluk sees fewer tourists than nearby Chong Khneas, so it might be worth the effort to get there. The best bet is to hire a tuk tuk or moto and then take a boat (during wet season only) from Roulos village. A round-trip to Kampon Phluk from Siem Reap will cost about $40 to $60.
Address: On the Tonle Sap, Kampong Phluk, Cambodia
From $ 19
Phimeanakas
Set near the center of the Royal Enclosure in Angkor Thom, Phimeanakas served as the king’s personal temple during the 10th and 11th centuries, before Jayavarman VII constructed Angkor Thom around it. Historians believe the three-tiered temple was once topped with a gold-covered tower, but very little of it remains.
According to local legend, the king would visit the top of the temple each night to meet a woman with the head of a naga (a serpent deity), and that if he failed to show up for the tryst, disaster would strike his kingdom.
While many of the temple’s decorative elements have been removed over time, it’s still worth making the short but steep climb to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with excellent views of nearby Baphuon.
Practical Info
You’ll only need about 30 minutes to visit this relatively small temple, but if you plan to photograph it, the light is best in the morning when the temple face is illuminated by the rising sun.
Address: Angkor, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: 1-Day Pass US $20
From $ 97
Beng Mealea
Beng Mealea is located 40 kilometers east of the main Angkor Wat complex. The temple was mainly constructed from sandstone, with its architectural style identical to that of Angkor Wat. Because of this, it is thought that Beng Mealea was built in the 12th century under the reign of Suryavarman II.
The temple grounds are surrounded by a gigantic moat and was once entirely consumed by jungle. This atmospheric temple is oriented toward the east, with entranceways from the other three cardinal directions also. If entering from the south, visitors will find themselves amid piles of chiselled sandstone blocks, sweeping vines, and mysterious dark chambers.
The layout of the temple consists of three enclosed galleries situated around a central tower, which has now completely collapsed. There’s a well-preserved library in the northeastern quadrant, plus extensive carvings of scenes from Hindu mythology and long balustrades formed by bodies of the seven-headed Naga serpent.
Practical Info
Beng Mealea is situated approximately 70 kilometers from Siem Reap. The shortest route to the temple is found by heading north at the town of Dam Dek, located around 40 kilometers from Siem Reap, traveling in the direction of Phnom Penh. Arranging a vehicle and driver from Siem Reap is recommended.
Address: Beng Mealea, Temples of Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: Open daily 7:30am-5:30pm
Admission: US$5
From $ 59
Pub Street
Travelers looking for cold beers and cheap food almost always find themselves in the throes of chaotic Pub Street. Local taverns, unique vendors, musicians and traditional dancers line this paved pass, giving Siem Reap’s entertainment Mecca a true party vibe.
Pedestrian-only streets mean it’s easy to wander between stalls selling traditional crafts, ice-cold beers and spicy hot soups. Food here is as popular with locals as it is with travelers. Strong-stomached visitors can sample frog legs, beetles, snake and crispy grasshoppers, while the less adventurous can head indoors to dance at bumping disco techs, or simply saddle up to one of the numerous outdoor tables and sip cool drinks while absorbing all of the city’s energy.
Practical Info
Pub Street is located between Sivatha Road and Hospital Street, south of Street 8 and north of Street 9 in Siem Reap.
Address: Pub Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia
From $ 48
Terrace of the Elephants
Located within the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, the Terrace of the Elephants stretches across a grassy expanse for nearly 1,150 feet (350 meters) and once served as a ceremonial platform and foundation for the king’s royal audience hall.
The ornately carved Terrace of the Elephants, built near the end of the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, gets its name from the relief stone carvings of parading elephants that adorn the terrace walls. Some of the elephant trunks form decorative columns, while more relief carvings depict circus-like scenes of acrobats and wrestling matches.
From the top of the central staircase onto the platform, you can stand and imagine what the view would have been like for the Khmer king at the height of the kingdom’s power, gazing out over sporting events, ceremonies or the triumphant return of his army.
Practical Info
You might be tempted to rush past the Terrace of the Elephants on your way from one temple to another, but it’s well worth taking a few minutes to appreciate the detail of the carvings here.
Address: Angkor, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: 1-Day Pass US $20
From $ 45
Royal Enclosure
Just to the northwest of the center of Angkor Tom lies one of the Angkor Wat region’s more mysterious ruins, the Royal Enclosure. All that remains of this ancient royal abode (the home of kings during the 10th and 11th centuries) is its surrounding walls and a pair of stone-lined bathing pools. Historians believe the lack of any other archaeological evidence suggests the royal palace itself was constructed of wood.
Unlike the carvings that adorn most of the other temples in the Angkor complex, with subjects limited to religious ones for the most part, the figures carved into the sandstone panels lining the pools here depict the usual demons and deities, but also a series of more whimsical sea creatures and monsters.
Practical Info
While the two pools within the Royal Enclosure aren’t open for swimming, they do make a nice spot to sit in the shade and have a picnic lunch.
Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: 1-Day Pass US $20
From $ 97
Tonl e Sap
This great lake covering 1,000 square miles (2,600 square kilometers) is not only the largest body of fresh water in Southeast Asia, it’s also a UNESCO-designated biosphere due to its remarkable natural features. The flow of water in Tonlé Sap changes direction twice during the course of the year, expanding and contracting with the seasons.
The Basics
Most travelers choose to experience Tonlé Sap by boat, whether en route between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh or during a daytime or sunset dinner cruise. Depending on the option chosen, a sightseeing boat ride might include a visit to Chong Khneas floating village of stilted houses, a fish and crocodile farm, and a meal at a traditional Khmer floating restaurant.
Those with an interest in the lake’s biodiversity can opt for a day trip to Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, a biosphere reserve that’s home to more than 150 bird species.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tonlé Sap is a must-see for adventure travelers and first-time visitors.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat when cruising the lake.
- Many boat tours on the lake include hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Tonlé Sap day trips can last anywhere from four to nine hours, depending on the option chosen.
How to Get There
Most tours of the lake depart from Chong Khneas, located 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) south of Siem Reap. The easiest way to get to the lake is on a guided tour.
When to Get There
From November to May—the country’s dry season—Tonlé Sap empties into the Mekong River, making the lake’s natural features much less spectacular. If you want to get out on the lake when it’s at its largest, plan to visit during the rainy season (August and September) when the waters reverse and the enormous lake forms. Water levels are at their lowest between April and June. The best bird viewing happens between December and April.
The People of Tonlé Sap
Spend some time on the lake, and you’ll quickly realize that most residents of the stilted houses and floating villages are fishermen. Many of these families are ethnic Vietnamese who’ve been in the trade for decades. For the most authentic view of life on the lake, head farther afield to the villages near Kampong Chhnang and Pursat.
Address: Cambodia
From $ 19
Ta Prohm
When the temples of Angkor were abandoned by the kings who built them, the jungle took firm hold of Ta Prohm. This Buddhist monastery, built in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII for his mother, today looks much like it did when it was uncovered in the 29th century. In eerie fashion, giant trees shoot through the tops of structures, while thick vines split walls in two.
A favorite among visitors, Ta Prohm served as the backdrop for Lara Croft’s adventures in the film Tomb Raider, and it’s easy to see why. In all of Angkor, it’s the place where the dominance of nature over manmade creations is most evident and most impressive.
Keep an eye out for a Sanskrit inscription in the stone of the complex, which details that the temple once employed 18 priests, 2,740 officials, 2,202 assistants and 615 dancers, all supported by 3,140 villages.
Practical Info
Unlike many Angkor temples, Ta Prohm is actually best photographed when cloudy. Since sun position isn’t a major factor, this is a good one to visit around midday, and you can grab lunch at one of the food stalls just outside the main entrance.
Address: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: 1-Day Pass US $20
From $ 13
Kbal Spean (River of a Thousand Lingas)
While the decaying structures and overgrown temples of Angkor Wat remain among the most popular destinations in Siem Reap, the rare collection of stone carvings along the Stung Kbal Spean River, often referred to as “Valley of 1000 Lingas,” continues to bring art and archaeology lovers outside the city and beyond Angkor.
The impressive carvings that line the 125-kilometer riverbed pay homage to the Hindu god Shiva. During the 11th and 12th centuries, artisans chipped away at delicate sandstone leaving intricate phallic symbols, mythological creatures and religious images along the shores. Visitors must trek two kilometers up rocky, uneven terrain to spy the hand-carved statues. Some argue the hike is more trouble than it’s worth, but most agree that travelers seeking to connect with nature and explore Cambodia’s rich and colorful history will appreciate a trip to Kbal Spean.
Practical Info
Kbal Spean lies in the Kulen Hills to the northeast of Angkor in Siem Reap. It’s about 25 kilometers from the most popular group of Angkor ruins.
Address: Siem Reap, Cambodia
From $ 45
Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity
Recognized as the first nature preservation in Cambodia, the Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity is known for its wildlife rescue, animal rehabilitation, and endangered species breeding programs.
Visitors to ACCB can tour the grounds under the direction of expert guides who are well informed about the unique challenges facing the protection of Cambodia’s wildlife. From the pileated gibbons to silvered langur, ACCB houses animals found in few other places on earth. Visitors leave impressed by the well-kept grounds, knowledgeable staff, and diversity of animals. And whether it’s combined with a trip to nearby Banteray Srei visited as a destination all its own, ACCB treats visitors to a one-of-a-kind experience.
Practical Info
ACCB is located 12 kilometers north of Banteay Srey. It is accessible only via 90-minute guided tours, which take place Monday through Saturday at 9am and 1pm. Guests are asked to pay a minimum donation of $3.
Address: Kbal Spean, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: Guided tours only, Monday-Saturday at 9am and 1pm
Admission: Suggested donation $3
From $ 440
Banteay Kdei
The unrestored ruins of Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery complex, date back to 1181. This was one of the first structures built by the prolific King Jayavarman VII, and it features four gates, each adorned with a carved face of the king, much like at Bayon.
One of the first things you’ll notice upon visiting Banteay Kdei is the way its walls and structures lean precariously, some held up by ropes and cables. Unlike Banteay Srei, which was constructed from durable red sandstone, Banteay Kdei was made from softer gray sandstone that has eroded over time.
Just opposite the temple is the Sra Serang reservoir, a pleasant place to sit and enjoy a sunset.
Practical Info
While similar in style to Ta Prohm and Bayon, Banteay Kdei is much quieter, making it worthwhile even if you’re pressed for time.
Address: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: 1-Day Pass US $20
From $ 440
Banteay Srei
Located 24 miles (38 km) northeast of Siem Reap, the Hindu temple of Banteay Srei lies off the beaten tourist path in Angkor but is a must-see for temple buffs. While small by Angkor standards, the 10-century red sandstone structure is famous for its intricate and well-preserved decorative carvings. French archaeologists who uncovered it during the early 20th century called it “a jewel in Khmer art.”
At the center of the complex are three temples, a central one honoring the Hindu god Shiva and two smaller ones for Vishnu and Brahma. It’s the only complex built from red sandstone and the only one not commissioned by a king, but instead by a royal adviser.
Practical Info
Banteay Srei is at its most beautiful in the late afternoon light, so if possible, plan you visit for the end of the day. The trip from Siem Reap takes about an hour.
Address: Banteay Srei, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: 1-Day Pass US $20
From $ 59
Angkor Thom
The last capital of the Khmers is a stupendous complex on a stupefying scale; established in the 12th century on the site of an earlier capital, Angkor Thom dwarfs even nearby Angkor Wat. The city’s 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) of wall is ringed by a moat (which no longer holds water or – thankfully – crocodiles). Each of the five enormous gates is a monument in itself, approached by avenues lined with 108 divinities (good on the left, evil on the right).
Some elevation will help you make sense of the layout; head for the Terrace of the Elephants or nearby Terrace of the Leper King with their intricate carvings, or the hilltop Phnom Bakheng, particularly popular at sunset. Among the myriad other points of interest are the temples of East Mebon and Pre Rup, built in the same “temple-mountain” style as Angkor Wat.
Practical Info
The southern gate to Angkor Thom lies 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) north of Siem Reap, past Angkor Wat. Baphuon and Bayon are also within the complex while much-photographed Ta Prohm lies to the east, an evocative ruin where trees force their way through intricately carved stone.
Address: Cambodia
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Admission: 80,000 riel
From $ 13
Angkor Wat
Rising from the jungle as the star of the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park, the Angkor Wat temple complex is a 12th-century engineering marvel that tops many adventure travelers’ bucket lists and justifies a trip to Southeast Asia all on its own. Every surface is covered in intricate carvings and details that don’t disappoint—nymphs dance on columns in shadowy hallways, serpent-topped balustrades line the moat, and huge, chiseled bas-reliefs wrap the outer walls, depicting Khmer Empire battles. The site’s colossal size reflects its ambition, intended as a microcosm of the universe. Nonetheless, it’s difficult to get lost here, with the complex arranged on three tiers.
The Basics
Angkor Wat tours typically run from Siem Reap, with a number of options available. Both small-group and private tours take visitors around the complex—choose a full-day tour to travel with a knowledgeable Angkor Wat tour guide; an epic helicopter tour to see the ruins from above; or a bike tour to make your way to the site from Siem Reap on two wheels. Tours that visit at sunrise or sunset are especially popular for the photo opportunities, while a stop at the nearby Angkor National Museum allows visitors to better appreciate the significance of the structure and its symbolic decorations.
All visitors to Angkor Wat enter through the west-facing main entrance and onto a raised cruciform sandstone terrace. Once inside, the instantly recognizable five inner and four outer towers of the raised central temple serve as orientation points for exploration of the various hallways, chambers, and crumbling inner layers. If not visiting as part of a tour, 1-, 3-, and 7-day passes for the archaeological park are sold at the entrance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s most popular attraction, which makes for large crowds. Book your tour in advance to save time.
- Angkor Wat is a sacred site for Khmer people, and visitors should dress modestly. To visit the top tier, you must have your upper arms and thighs covered.
- At any given time, a limited number of visitors are allowed to ascend to the top tier for views of the surrounding landscape.
- A lawn in the outer ring has two free-standing roofless libraries that serve as peaceful places to escape the inevitable crowds.
How to Get There
Angkor Wat is located four miles (six kilometers) north of Siem Reap in the Siem Reap Province. Travelers can arrive by tuk-tuk or choose a guided Angkor tour with roundtrip transportation from the city.
When to Get There
Peak season at Angkor Wat is between November and February, when cool, dry weather makes for a pleasant visit. Huge crowds gather in the early morning to capture photos of the sun rising over the temple and its reflection in the site’s long pools. To beat the crowds, visit other temples first and save Angkor Wat for midday or try sunset instead. The site is typically open from 5:30am to 6pm.
Exploring the Angkor Temples
The ancient temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park can take days to explore, but day tour highlights include the masterpiece Angkor Wat; Ta Prohm, where banyan tree roots encroach on crumbling structures; the South Gate of Angkor Thom; the Bayon Temple, where ancient smiling stone faces sit atop high towers; and the high wall at the Terrace of the Leper King. Visitors with more time can also see further-away sites like the pink stone temple of Banteay Srei, dating to the 10th century, or take a boat ride on Tonle Sap lake.
Address: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: USD $37
From $ 13