Location: Siem Reap
Top Things to do in Siem Reap
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Siem Reap That You Shouldn't Miss
When the morning light washes over the overgrown temples and ruins of Angkor Wat, a simple Siem Reap sunrise becomes a profound event. The ancient structures are contained within one of the largest religious complexes in the world. The complex and the 12th century Angkor Thom royal city are considered the main reasons to visit Siem Reap. Get a lesson in national history at the Cambodian Cultural Village, and a lesson in bargaining at the Angkor Night Market, a bonanza of shopping stalls, food vendors, and bars.
Restaurants in Siem Reap
1. Angkor Wat
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48,121 reviews
Reviewed By carolsD3992WS - Halfmoon Bay, Canada
Watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat was special and we were amazed learning the history of this UNESCO World-Hertiage Site that has elaborate architecture and intricate carvings of daily life that defy the construction and engineering skills of the times.
2. Angkor Thom
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,614 reviews
This magnificent inner royal city was built by the end of the 12th century and is renowned for its temple grounds and towering southern gate.
Reviewed By BradJill - Hong Kong, China
Angkor Thom was the last great Khmer capital and the zenith of this ancient civilisation. The walled complex measures 10 square km and includes impressive entrances such as the famous South Gate which demonstrates the unique architecture of this time period in the form of a smiling stone face in the tower overlooking a causeway lined with collection of demons and gods both holding a 50 metre long Naga - seven headed snake figure. There are other impressive entrances, most notably the Gate of Death and Gate of Victory on the east side of Angkor Thom. Within the complex, you will also find the second most famous of the Angkor temples in Bayon Temple. North of Bayon, visitors can explore the grounds of Baphuon and Phimeanakas temples as well as the very interesting Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. Note: Most who are taking in the Short Circuit route through the Angkor Archeological Park will enter Angkor Thom from the South Gate after visiting Angkor Wat to the south. You then visit Bayon and the other attractions mentioned above. In the end, we very much enjoyed the South Gate entrance, Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants. These we would consider Must-Sees in Angkor Thom. The rest can be visited depending on the amount of time you have available.
3. Ta Prohm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19,276 reviews
Having undergone minimal restoration, stone pillars and carvings intertwine with massive tree roots and jungle in this stunning temple complex.
Reviewed By lynnem232
An amazing Temple and not too far from the city of Siem Reap. The location for the Lara Croft Tomb Raider movie, this temple is being reclaimed by nature and the sight of these magnificent trees enveloping the temple is awesome in the true meaning of the word. If you can only see one temple during your visit to Siem Reap this would definitely be my choice.
4. Bayon Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20,652 reviews
Reviewed By M9625HWjamesm - Windsor, United States
Take your time, make sure you have either a guide or an in depth guide book, and consider making a second visit....it's amazing and worth every minute you spend there. Go in the morning when all the large groups are still at Angkor Wat.
5. Angkor Archaeological Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,125 reviews
Angkor Wat, the one of the largest religious complexes in the world, and a stunning array of 9th to 13th century temples built by the kings of the Khmer Empire. The Angkor Archaeological Park is breathtaking, and still the principal draw for every visitor to Siem Reap.
Reviewed By eib2017
What an incredible place to see! Any one of the temple ruins would have been a wonder on its own and it seems almost unfair towards the smaller temples that the bigger ones get all the limelight. I hired a bicycle for a day and cycled both routes and I would recommend doing that to anyone who has a reasonable level of fitness and likes having some freedom of movement. (It's also by far the cheapest option.) But most people seem to hire a tuk tuk for a day. It's not expensive and you also have the option to go wherever you like - the tuk tuk driver is at your disposal for as long as you've hired him. Every tuk tuk driver in the city seems to offer tours, so don't bother wasting money to book a tour online. I don't recommend a van tour. It's generally the most expensive and it robs you of the pleasure to slow down as you pass some magnificent ruins and appreciate them briefly (or even stop and see them properly) on your way to the larger and more touristic ruins. Finally, I only bought a day pass because my time in the city was (unfortunately) limited. But the three day pass is DEFINITELY worth it. You will want to go back.
6. Seng English Speaking Tuk Tuk & Car Driver
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 504 reviews
Hello Great values visitors My name is Seng, I'm doing Tuk-Tuk & Air-conditioning Car by English Speaking. I'm not a tour guide have license from the government but I can explain the history or Culture information outside the temples. Please Booking me before you're arrival in Cambodia it's better for keeping for your trips and also I had very good friends partners and You're can hire me to be your private tour around the Siem Reap City and whole of Cambodia like Phnom Penh capital city, Sihanoukville city, Battambang City, Kampong Cham city, Kratie city, Sean Monorom City, Ban Lung City. For payment you can pay after finish the Tour. Thank you so much for interesting my Service.
Reviewed By jatflex
Contacted Mr Seng before our trip and he was most helpful via whatsapp. As he was on another job, his friend Mr Sokhy took us daily for the temple tours and into Siem Reap as our hotel was quite remote via tuk tuk. Very knowledgable and friendly service from Mr Sokhy, always on time and with an ice box for complimentary waters and chilled tissues which were much needed after visiting the temples in the heat! Would recommend and not hesitate to book again! Thank you!
7. Bambu Stage Siem Reap
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 291 reviews
Bambu Stage is a hybrid theatre with creative, entertaining and informative nightly shows, as well as daily puppet and drumming workshops. We are a performing arts venue and gathering place for artists and art lovers. We operate as a social entreprise with the goal of contributing to a sustainable Cambodian arts scene.
Reviewed By tripmemories
We had been hoping to see a traditional puppet show for some time now, and we thoroughly enjoyed the Bambu Stage experience. The venue had a lovely ambiance, and it was wonderful to see the traditional arts being revived in Cambodia! During the show, we had the opportunity to watch the puppeteers in action in front of and behind the screen—both of which were interesting perspectives. The puppeteers were superb actors and very talented puppet makers, as well. Our local guide joined us, and it was a hoot seeing him crack up at the many jokes during the performance. After the show, we had the opportunity to watch a puppet being crafted, to operate the puppets ourselves (they were pretty heavy!), and to test out some of the traditional musical instruments. We also got to snap a picture with Archie, their adorable 4-legged security guard. This would be a great venue for a date night or to take the kids, as well. Overall, it was a lovely evening that provided further insight into Cambodian culture while also adding more variety into our daily itinerary of temple visits.
8. Daniel English Speaking Tuk Tuk Driver
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 268 reviews
Hello! My name is Voun Daniel, Call me Mr. Dan. I am an English-speaking Car and Tuk Tuk driver, fully licensed with identity papers and uniform. I've lived in Siem Reap for over 7 years so l know the area extremely well. Hire me to be your private driver for tours and airport pick-up. Save time and money by booking me to take you around Siem Reap and the Angkor archaeological site.
Reviewed By Extraordinary231139
Mr. Daniel wasn’t available himself for the day of our temple tour so he arranged for his brother, Mr. Kong, to drive us, and a guide, Mr. Tong to show us around the temples. Both were lovely and we had a very enjoyable day visiting Angkor Wat and three other temples. The day was planned by Mr. Daniel and all went very smoothly. It was very easy to arrange by WhatsApp. We wanted an air conditioned car rather than tuk tuk due it being a long day in the heat and this was arranged for us.
9. APOPO Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 816 reviews
Reviewed By Seeitalldoitall
Just visited this amazing place. There is about a 45 minute tour that includes a video some visuals and a live demonstration so you can see how the rats are trained and the great work they are accomplishing. Utilizing the rats allows the people working them to move quickly and efficiently which ultimately saves lives. This proves that not all heros wear capes! Please go and see, please donate to this wonderful organization and help to spread the word!
10. Viti's Tuk Tuk & Car Driver
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 275 reviews
I have grown-up in Cambodia surrounded by its historic ancient sights, beautiful scenery, and the timelessness of its world history. I have been working in the tourism industry my whole life to support my family. I do this by guiding travelers, helping them experience Cambodia, and making sure my travelers have a great time! Contact me with the links below so we can get started!
Reviewed By rudyl760 - Melbourne, Australia
Mr Viti and his assistant Mr Tom were both very friendly, approachable and fun! All arrangements for the itinerary was professionally handled by Mr. Viti via WhatsApp. There was always a cold bottle of water and a cool towel, very necessary on these hot Cambodian days!! They were also very informative and went to a couple of extra sites for me without complaint!! Highly recommended, and I hope to use them again next time I am in SIem Reap!!
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