Siem Reap, Cambodia is a bucket-list destination centered around Angkor Wat. Below is a practical guide to the best things to do in Siem Reap.
Many visitors arrive for Angkor Wat, but the Angkor region contains roughly 200 temples, with about 50 in the immediate Siem Reap area. The iconic sites from films like Tomb Raider are real and accessible—making Siem Reap an unforgettable stop for history and architecture lovers.
What to do in Siem Reap:
Table of Contents
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the region’s most famous temple and the centerpiece of the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your ticket grants access to the park, so plan to visit multiple temples, including Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Ta Keo. For a detailed itinerary and tips, consult dedicated Angkor Wat guides before you go.
Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom means “great city” and served as the Khmer Empire’s capital. Its vast complex contains more than 50 structures dating to the late 12th century. You could easily spend a full day exploring. Key highlights inside Angkor Thom include Victory Gate, the Elephant Terrace, and the Bayon temple.
Victory Gate
One of five entrance gates through Angkor Thom’s city wall, Victory Gate was traditionally the departure point for the kingdom’s military forces. The structure remains an evocative example of Khmer defensive architecture.
Elephant Terrace
A compact stop but worth the visit for its bas-reliefs showing elephants and the three-headed elephant sculptures. Historically this terrace was used by the king for public ceremonies and military displays featuring war-trained elephants.
Bayon
Bayon is distinctive for its carved stone faces—216 large faces adorn the temple towers. Built by a Buddhist king in the late 12th or early 13th century, the temple was later modified under Hindu rule. Bayon’s complex bas-reliefs vividly depict daily life in the Khmer empire and the maze-like layout invites slow exploration and discovery.
Bayon is popular with tourists. To avoid crowds, aim to arrive at opening time or later in the afternoon when many organized tours have left the site.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm gained international attention when it appeared in Tomb Raider. Built in the late 1100s and later abandoned, the temple has been partially reclaimed by the jungle: massive tree roots and trunks weave through the stone, creating a dramatic, photogenic landscape. Conservation efforts aim to preserve that atmospheric balance between ruins and forest.
Some bas-reliefs at Ta Prohm have generated curious interpretations—what looks like a dinosaur is actually a stylized rhinoceros or boar beside plant motifs. Observing these carvings reveals both artistic skill and symbolic meaning from the Khmer period.
Ta Keo
Ta Keo, near Angkor Thom, is an unfinished mountain-style temple dating from the 11th century. Its tiered platforms and interior galleries were left largely uncarved, which provides a stark contrast to the more ornate temples and offers insight into the region’s architectural process.
Angkor Artisans
Angkor Artisans is a socially responsible workshop where artisans receive fair wages and access to healthcare. Tours demonstrate silk production and traditional weaving techniques, allowing visitors to watch looms in action and learn how scarves and textiles are created from raw materials to finished products.
Old Market (Psar Chaa)
Psar Chaa, the Old Market, blends local commerce and tourist goods. You’ll find clothing, street food, handicrafts, and everyday items. Haggling is common, and the market is a convenient spot to experience local life and pick up souvenirs.
Angkor Night Market
Located near Pub Street, the Angkor Night Market runs from around 5 pm into the night and offers a wide selection of clothing, handicrafts and souvenirs. It’s lively in the evenings and a good place to shop after temple tours.
Pub Street
Pub Street is Siem Reap’s nightlife center, packed with bars and restaurants. Located beside the Night Market, it’s a popular evening hangout where happy hours and budget-friendly draft beer are common. Dining options range from local Khmer food to international choices—Italian, Mexican, Greek and American cuisines are all available. For authentic Italian, a commonly recommended spot is Il Forno.
What to Know Before You Go to Cambodia:
Visas are required for most visitors. If flying in you can usually pre-register; border arrivals or river crossings may involve on-site processing—guides or local staff often assist with the paperwork.
U.S. dollars are widely used in Siem Reap for pricing and change. It’s practical to carry some small dollar bills and local currency for minor purchases.
Be aware of sensitive issues: child exploitation and aggressive souvenir sales are problems in some tourist areas. You may encounter persistent vendors, staged photo opportunities, or solicitations. Stay alert, set firm boundaries, and decline politely when necessary.
These realities don’t diminish the cultural and historical value of Siem Reap, but they are important to know so you can travel responsibly and with awareness.
