Siem Reap: Attractions & Things to Do – 2024

Here’s our latest intro to the new look Siem Reap, including the hot attractions and things to do

Home to Angkor Wat and the vast array of ancient temples and wonders that surround it, Siem Reap offers an ever-growing list of diverse activities and things to do, along with being a superb place to just chill and enjoy the customary warmth of the locals. The city itself, and even Angkor Archaeological Park, has been going through a much-lauded process of renewal during the downturn of 2021/22 and has come out looking brighter than ever. So, here’s a fresh guide to one of the most charming cities in Asia.

Like everywhere, a lot of places closed over the past few years, but fortunately, many new enterprises have come to replace them and they are hip, sharp, and customer-focused like never before. Likewise, the government works programs, mostly completed, have made it convenient and easy to get around with new roads, and the riverside around the Royal Palace area is now a popular relaxation and recreation area.

As mentioned, the Angkor area has gone through a renewal too, quite a stunning one, but in no way overdone and keeping the charm and character of the area intact, while making it a really pleasant and convenient place to visit. Angkor Wat has a whole new range of facilities and a lot of effort has gone into beautifying the entire Angkor area, improving facilities, new bike trails, and much more, along with restoration works on numerous sites. It’s a whole new experience compared to what it was only several years ago.

While Angkor Wat and the ancient temples are certainly the star attraction, Siem Reap is beginning to offer more and more, making it a destination where you can easily spend two weeks or more. That’s a big change from several years ago when the area was considered a stopover on the way to somewhere else. I come across many people now who are choosing to stay one month, simply due to the ease of getting a visa and the amazing value that the city offers.

Siem Reap has just hit a sweet spot where it holds small-town charm and value while offering the service of a truly international city.

So, what are the latest attractions and things to do in Siem Reap? Here are the tips for 2024

Attractions

The city has a growing range of attractions with the newest major opening being the Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium. Attractions are moderately priced offering great value, and, are a great way to break up the days in between or after temple visits.

Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium – opening with a saltwater and freshwater aquarium with more to come – Facebook
Angkor Eye – The new 85m tall Ferris wheel overlooking Siem Reap city – Facebook
Angkor Zipline – Family-friendly zipline tour inside Angkor Archaeological Park – Facebook
Angkor Balloon – A helium-tethered balloon located just 800 meters from Angkor Wat (Angkor Pass not required) offering a stunning 360° view of Angkor Wat and the beautiful countryside – Facebook
ICF Wake Park – A new wakeboarding park, offering options for beginners to pros, plus their Adventure Island and restaurant for all the family – website
ArtBox – 3D Art Tricks Museum – Facebook
Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre – South East Asia’s largest butterfly exhibit – Facebook
Phare, The Cambodian Circus – Siem Reap’s top-rated entertainment attraction with the nightly market, dinner, and performance – Facebook
Phnom Kulen – located north of Siem Reap the mountain plateau is both a natural and an ancient wonder, featuring a spectacular waterfall, nature trails, and ancient temples, more here.
Angkor Botanical Garden – beautiful and quite large, the new Angkor Botanical Garden features local traditional medicinal plants & spices, flowers, Angkor forest garden, animal exhibits, games, and much more – Facebook

Museums

The Angkor National Museum is a must-visit, here you can see a lot of features and art of the ancient empire that you just won’t see on-site anymore, likewise for the Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum. Also, I have yet to meet anyone who didn’t rave about Vimean Sokkha Museum or Theam’s Gallery, so don’t miss them too.

Angkor National Museum – a multi-level museum that features a stunning array of well-presented artifacts from the ancient Khmer Empire – website
Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum – a smaller museum that features superbly presented artifacts from an important pre-historic site and ancient sites in the Angkor area – Facebook
Vimean Sokha Museum – an eclectic collection of motorbikes, custom bikes, bicycles, clocks, watches, coins, collectibles, and much more – Google Maps
Theam’s Gallery – another eclectic wonder, focussed on Cambodian art, blending the ancient and the contemporary in an extraordinarily wonderful setting – website
Cambodian Landmine Museum – a great stop on the way to see Banteay Srei Temple, featuring a host of decommissioned landmines and ordinances and insight into Cambodian history of recent times – website
War Museum Cambodia – large grounds featuring relics from the war era inc. tanks, jets, and more – Facebook
MGC Asian Traditional Textiles Museum – Facebook

Suggested Tours

There is an endless array of different tours offered in Siem Reap, be that exploring the temples or the beautiful countryside by Jeep, bicycle, quad bikes, Vespas, etc, or cookery classes, pottery making classes, and the list goes on. The best place to find all of those, and generally at a discount, is on Klook. Some that I would suggest if asked, plus two you can only arrange directly are

Kulen Elephant Forest – Preserving a protected habitat for the elephants of Angkor, two tours options are offered – website
Phnom Kulen – located north of Siem Reap the mountain plateau is both a natural and an ancient wonder featuring a spectacular waterfall, nature trails, and ancient temples, more here.
Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity – see a variety of their animals and learn about their efforts to save Cambodia’s wildlife. Located beside Kbal Spean – website
Floating village tours – the floating villages that line the waterways and the great Tonle Sap offer a view into a very different lifestyle, for part of the year, life in what is a true water world. There are five options, Ang Metrey, Prek Toal, Chong Khneas, Kampong Khleang, and Kampong Pluk, and your favorite tuk-tuk driver/guide will know how to get you there and onto a boat. There are small boats that do the trips and also the larger Tara Boat which has a bar and onboard dining. Tour operators also offer lots of packages combining floating villages and other nearby attractions, see Klook.
Local market and foodie tours – You can wander around the streets or browse the online forums to find the best places to eat, but the only real way to experience local foods is with a local who can introduce all the different foods and spices you’ll see at markets and take you to the best of local street foods, see Klook.
Explore the Pagodas & Buddhist Culture – You can do this by yourself or with the help of a guide, each village has its own wat (monastery) featuring a pagoda (contemporary Buddhist temple) and visitors are welcome whilst observing some simple rules around dress, shoes, and respect for the monks, more here

Local Arts & Crafts

Local arts and crafts are a big feature in Cambodian culture with an array of skills and talents that have been passed down over multiple generations. Textiles, such as the kroma (local scarf) are ubiquitous but also silk, silver works, brass works, ceramics, and wood and stone carvings, should be on your radar.

Artisans Angkor – watch the crafters at work producing stone carvings, jewelry, and much more with a beautiful showroom of their final products – Facebook
Fair Trade Village – handmade items and workshops where local artisans create traditional handicrafts – Facebook
Satcha – Cambodian Handicraft Center – Set amongst landscaped grounds with craftspeople at work, coffee shop and more
Made in Cambodia Market – recently moved to a new location and still featuring a host of stalls with locally made crafts – Facebook

Markets & Shopping

The Pub Street area continues to be the central shopping precinct with a host of fashion, local products, and dining on offer. Heritage Mall is a recent opening offering a selection of shops, a supermarket, a cinema, and dining. Koulen Central, another modern mall, is set to open sometime in 2024.

Old Market (Phsar Chas) – all kinds of shoes, clothes, bags, jewelry, and even everyday needs – Google Map
Night Market – hasn’t really fired back up after covid but it will at some point – similar products to Old Market – Google Map
Siem Reap Art Center Night Market – similar products to Old Market – Google Map
Made in Cambodia Market – featuring a host of stalls with locally made crafts – Facebook
Heritage Walk – contemporary shopping mall with Starbucks, shops, supermarket, Dominos Pizza, and other restaurants – Google Map

Cinemas

The cinemas are modern and of great value compared to Western cinemas. Seats in the middle towards the back are usually best at either.

Legend Heritage Walk – modern cinema with latest releases – website
Major Cineplex – modern cinema with latest releases – website

Nightlife

Nightlife still centers on Pub Street and hasn’t really changed too much, lots of cheap beer still flows freely into the wee hours and does on the nearby Sok San road where things get a little weirder as the lights get dimmer but horses for courses as they say. Some interesting bars can be found outside the Pub Street area too. Some slightly more refined options include

Bar43 – Google Maps
Laundry Bar – Google Maps
Miss Wongs Cocktail Bar – Google Maps
Picasso Bar – Google Maps
Sokhak River Lounge – Google Maps

Dining & Street Foods

Along with Khmer food, there’s also a diverse array of cuisines available, you can find Korean, Japanese, French, Italian, etc, pretty easily. Popular food streets include the whole Pub Street area, street food stalls along Pokambor Avenue near the Old Market and near Wat Preah Prom Rath, and the streets near the Made in Cambodia market. A new opening in the Pub Street area is Green Market offering a food court with a range of international and local options on offer.

Sivutha Blvd has restaurants all along its length, as does Taphul Road, and if you want a truly local experience, you can find rustic character and tasty local foods at street stalls along the Street 60 night market.

For a list of foods and dishes that you should try while here, see this list.

Siem Reap has a wide array of dining options ranging from street food stalls to higher-end restaurant experiences. You can find delicious local Khmer food starting from around $2 fairly easily, while many sit-down restaurants with a Western-friendly menu start around $4, and for higher-end restaurant experiences, you should expect to pay around $15 and up per dish.

Some picks for casual eating with amazing value, delicious food, and super clean

Lao Noodles – also featuring Khmer, Thai, and Western dishes – Google Maps
Noodle Corner – classic Khmer noodles – Google Maps
Nick Restaurant – Khmer and Western – Google Maps

There are several higher-end restaurants offering superb experiences, to note a few

Sokkhak River Restaurant – French cuisine – Google Maps
Malis Restaurant – Classic Khmer – Google Maps
Cuisine Wat Damnak – Khmer & French – Google Maps

Spa & Beauty Services

Cambodia is uniquely skilled and has interesting scrubs, cleansers, and masks made from local natural ingredients that you’ll surely love and also want to take home. On top of that, there are massage and beauty services. There are quite a lot, so here are three top-rated picks that are also popular with locals

The Secret Eden Spa – Facebook
Mudita Spa – Facebook
Real Spa – Facebook

Golf

Phokeethra Country Club has been rated one of Asia’s top courses and the rates at either of the three are very attractive compared to courses further afar.

Angkor Golf – website
Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club – website
Phokeethra Country Club – website
Angkor Wat Put Put – fun mini-golf attraction – Facebook

Walking and Bicycle routes

The city along with the Angkor area is becoming more and more bicycle and foot-friendly by the day. Along the river from Old Market all the way north to just past street 60, has pavement making for a really nice walk admiring the old French era bridges and you could also ride your bike this way as Achar Sva st and River Road are usually peaceful, see MAP.

Within Angkor itself, requiring an Angkor Pass, there is a paved circuit for bicycles that leads through the jungle areas and past some of the unseen places of temples which is quite interesting.

A nice route without the need for a ticket is to head out to the airport and then northwest and head to Svay Romiet Pagoda which is quite nice and has views out over the Western Baray, then, follow the trail along the side of the baray to the ruins of Prasat Koh Ho, then across to the baray spillway, then, follow the trail to Ak Yum Temple and around the baray’s northwestern corner and follow a trail to an ancient bridge, Spean Memay, and if you want, go a little further to see Phnom Roung and Kok Po Temple. See MAP

Another nice route by bike is to head south to Wat Athvear and Wat Chedei. Another option, heading south again but to Phnom Krom and the Tonle Sap.

The options are endless, just depends on how far you are comfortable riding.

Temples – Angkor Wat and Angkor Archeaological Park

Whilst Angkor Wat is well known by most as one of the world’s true ancient wonders, Cambodia actually has thousands of temples! The temples of Siem Reap are spread out over a massive area which all comes under the banner of Angkor Archaeological Park which in turn is managed by the APSARA National Authority.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts provides comprehensive training to a multi-lingual team of official guides who can lead you around the temples effortlessly, and fill you in on the local culture, customs, and ancient history. More here.

The main temple group centers around the grandest of them all, Angkor Wat, surrounding which is Angkor Thom and an array of temples that formed the ancient city known as Yashodapura, or Angkor. It’s here that the first-time visitor should focus most of their time. There are around 20+ must-see sites here that are easily transversed via tour routes known as the small and grand circuits.

Going beyond those, but still not too far from the city, to the east is the Roluos Group which features three must-see temples including Bakong Temple, Preah Ko, and Lolei along with an array of smaller sites.

To the north of Siem Reap and past the main Angkor area, you’ll find one of the most popular sites, located in a very charming village of the same name, Banteay Srei. It’s one of the most beautiful temples for its pink sandstone and nearby is the Cambodian Landmine Museum, Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre, and just north are Phnom Hap, Kbal Spean, and Phnom Kulen. All of those can be explored over multiple days and in Banteay Srei, there are also homestay options.

To the northeast is a tour route that can include Chau Srei Vibol, Banteay Ampil, and the large temple complex of Beng Mealea, which is surrounded by a few interesting satellite temples.

To the south of Siem Reap are Wat Athvear, Wat Chedei, and the popular sunset spot, Phnom Krom which overlooks the Tonle Sap.

It’s very easy to get temple overload if you rush around them all at once, the best bet is to get the longer duration ticket and spread your visits in between other attractions, or just relax and enjoy the laid-back city this is.

If you really get the temple bug and want to stay longer and see more or explore the countryside and remote temples, ancient bridges, and the like, then, there is plenty waiting for you. For example, see our own recent tours exploring ancient sites or chart your own course with your guide or driver and a map of the temples in Siem Reap Province.

Explore more of Cambodia

Siem Reap is a great base to explore more of Cambodia whether it is for day trips or longer journeys. The options are endless depending on your interests and time, but the recommended destinations to start with are

Koh Ker Temple Group
Preah Vihear Temple
Sambor Prei Kuk Temple group and Kampong Thom
Preah Khan of Kampong Svay
Banteay Chhmar Temple
Battambang – the city, the temples, and the culture.
Kratie and the Mekong River Dolphins

And, there is so much more, check the top of this website for the Province dropdown menu to explore other areas.

Useful info for visiting Siem Reap

Currency

The Reil is the national currency while the US dollar is also used. The Reil is pegged to the dollar at an exchange rate of 4100 Riel = 1 USD. You can change the currency at the airport or numerous places around the Pub Street area, or in the bank such as an ABA branch – Google Map.

ATMs are ubiquitous in the city area, but expensive, with a $5 fee added to withdrawals, so you may want to keep those to a minimum in a way that suits you. If you are withdrawing a large sum, I suggest doing it at the ATM attached to the bank branch so if there is any issue the staff nearby can help.

Major credit cards are widely accepted in larger stores nowadays, at least in the central area. For market stalls, street food stalls, tuk tuk etc, you will want to carry small change either in USD or Reil.

If you travel outside the city area, be sure to carry cash, and in small notes as most beyond the central area will struggle to break even a 20-dollar note. Also, it’s always handy to carry a bunch of 1000 Reil notes while you travel around as you’ll undoubtedly come across shrines/monks, etc, where you’ll want to leave some small donation or give a tip, etc.

Cambodia National Holiday Dates 2024

01 January – International New Year’s Day
07 January – Victory Day over Genocide
08 March – International Women’s Day
13, 14, 15, 16 April – Khmer New Year
01 May – International Labor Day
08 May – Royal Plowing Ceremony
14 May – King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday
22 May – Visak Bochea Day
26 May – Royal Plowing Ceremony
18 June – Queen Monineath’s Birthday
24 September – Constitution Day
01, 02, 03 October – Pchum Ben Festival
15 October – Commemoration Day of King Father
29 October – King’s Coronation Day of King Sihamoni
09 November – National Independence Day
14, 15, 16 November – Water Festival
29 December – Peace Day

Seasons (and the best time to visit Siem Reap)

Cambodia has two distinct seasons, the dry season from November to March, and the rainy season from April to October. The wettest months are typically July to mid-October, and the hottest are from March to May.

The most comfortable time of year, temperature-wise and with the least amount of rain, is generally November through February, that said, some enjoy the cooler months of the wet season while accepting the predictable afternoon downpours.

Flooding isn’t the issue it was a long time back in Siem Reap and many people quite enjoy the deep blue skies that are seen on clear days and the lush greenness of the countryside during the rainy season.

Personally, the only months I don’t enjoy as much as the others are certainly late February, March, and April, especially April. April is really hot, but occasionally there are short rain showers that bring a cool change to that.

So, what’s the best time to visit Siem Reap? There is no doubt that November to early February is especially nice, but really, there is no bad time to visit.

Accommodation

Some of the larger hotels are still in the process of reopening (even still as of late 2023), although many are open along with most of the guesthouses, etc. Siem Reap has a diverse array of accommodation options catering to the backpacker through to the luxury traveler while offering extraordinary value across the range. Guesthouses and hostels can be found for $10 a night, clean and comfortable mid-range options from $30 and up, and numerous fully featured five-star hotels along with international chains.

Here are some suggestions for highly-rated four-star options with rates around $50 USD (and sometimes under)

Tan Sokchea Boutique – great location, near the action but away from the noise of it – Booking.com
Pages Rooms Hotel – in the beautiful Wat Bo village area – Booking.com
Home Indochine D’angkor Hotel – in Wat Bo and always well received – Booking.com

Here are a few picks for the high-end options

Koulen Hotel – superb value in this tier – Booking.com
Park Hyatt – great location on Sivutha Blvd and always top-rated – website
FCC Angkor – great location, by the river, and near the Royal Palace – Booking.com
Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley Collection – the best in Siem Reap, in a secluded but central location – Booking.com

Visa

Tourist Visa is available on arrival, $35 on arrival, and valid for 1 month. It can also be done in advance via https://www.evisa.gov.kh. For more details on other types of visas, see this Facebook group: Cambodia Visa and Work Permit Group

The Airport

The new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is located offers is easy to navigate, and there are several food stalls including a Starbucks. The airport has Wi-Fi.

As for transport, there is a central window where you can book airport transfer services on arrival, or you can book a private car in advance with your own choice of company with rates usually starting around USD25. Your hotel may also offer transfer services from the airport.

You can buy a SIM card at the airport from booths just outside the exit. Smart and Metfone, two of the largest carriers in Cambodia, offer sim cards for travelers providing three-day or seven-day access with data included, and at last check, it was only 5 USD for a card with 30GB data and seven-day access with Smart.

Transport

The prime way to get around is by tuk-tuk, and they are everywhere. A short ride to anywhere in the central area is usually around 2 dollars. You can hail a tuk-tuk, albeit more likely that they have already tried to hail you, or book via APP on PassApp or Grab.

The same goes for vehicles, there are many drivers offering services in small Lexus SUV which are popular here, they can also be booked via PassAPP/Grab.

Renting bicycles is fairly easy, there’ll likely be some available at your guesthouse or hotel, otherwise at a shop nearby.

Renting electric scooters is an option available to everyone and they can be hired from numerous places including Voltra in the Pub Street area, Pople Cafe, and Green E Bike. Renting larger motorised scooters or motorbikes isn’t an option unless you have long-stay visa (like an EB visa for example) and a local license for bikes over 125cc.

Bus services to other cities and provinces, and cross-border (Laos, Vietnam, Thailand), from Siem Reap, are offered by

Giant Ibis – services to Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Kampot, Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), and Bangkok (Thailand) – website
Mekong Express – services to Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) by bus and by van to Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Battambang, Poipet, Bangkok (Thailand), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) – website
Virak Buntham Express – Battambang, Kampong Thom, Koh Rong, Mondulkiri, Phnom Penh, Poipet, Rattankiri, Sihanoukville, Stung Traeng, Bangkok (Thailand) – website

There are numerous online services such as Book Me Bus which can be useful in finding other services and van services.

Healthcare

The provincial hospital is the largest, offers the most services, and is the cheapest. Can be a bit chaotic for some, and looks a bit run down, if so, try the private hospitals.

Siem Reap Provincial Referral Hospital – large public hospital – the main hospital in northern Cambodia – Google Maps
Neak Tep Hospital – Smaller private hospital – Facebook
Angkor Sante Hospital – Smaller private hospital – Facebook
Angkor Japan Friendship Hospital – medium size private – Facebook
Royal Angkor International Hospital – Larger private hospital, most modern, and by far the most expensive – Facebook
Ken Bopha – Jayavarman VII Children’s Hospital – Google Maps
U Care Pharmacy – two locations, has most needs covered for medicines, etc otherwise try Preah Vihear Pharmacy or Angkor Thom Pharmacy – Google Maps.

This post was first published October 29, 2022 and updated January 17 2024