• Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • About
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Last Minute Wanders

Trips & Treks for the Thrifty Traveller

  • Last Minute Wanders
  • Start Here
  • Travel Planning
  • Destinations
  • Hiking
  • FREE Training

8 Great things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Dated: June 1, 2020

28 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
Tree-lined lake with cloud reflection
A lake in the Angkor complex

When you think of Siem Reap, you most likely think temples. Yes, this town is the gateway to the Angkor Temple complex, but there are other things to do in Siem Reap, too.

Located in the north-west of Cambodia, Siem Reap also sits near the largest lake in Southeast Asia.

The town itself has a mixture of colonial, Chinese and local architecture and is very popular with tourists due to its incredible location.

Here’s a list of things to do in Siem Reap including, but not limited to, the temples.

1: Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat temple at sunrise
Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Okay, so I thought I’d start with this one to get it out the way.

The main draw of Siem Reap is its proximity to the absolutely incredible Angkor Temple complex.

You can’t really visit Siem Reap and not visit Angkor Wat!

Depending on how much time you have, you can buy either a 1-day, 3-day or 7-day ticket into the complex. Whichever option you choose, I highly recommend watching the sun rising behind Angkor Wat on at least one of those days.

It’s worth noting that there are so many more temples to see in the complex besides the most famous one, and they are quite far apart, so bear this in mind when organising your transport.

Plus, the ticket office is also quite far away from Angkor Wat itself.

Check out my full in-depth article on exploring all of Angkor by bicycle in Angkor Wat: why you should ditch the tuk-tuk tour.

2: Angkor National Museum

I noticed the Angkor National Museum on the main road out of Siem Reap while we were cycling towards the temples.

It was a very hot day when we visited, as usual, and it was absolute bliss to spend some time inside the large air-conditioned building!

The museum is extremely interesting with a number of exhibitions, incredible archaeological artefacts and multimedia presentations covering much of the Angkor period and diving deep into Khmer culture.

We spent a long time learning and looking at everything; as we had recently explored the temples, we felt that the museum visit gave us a greater understanding of everything we had seen there.

Entrance is a little pricey at US$12 each, but if you’re interested in learning more about the Angkor era, it’s worth it.

3: Tonle Sap Lake

Stilt village by river
Stilt village by the river to the lake

I mentioned earlier that Tonle Sap is the largest lake in Southeast Asia, and if you look at any map of Cambodia you’ll see just how huge it is.

Along the edges and on the lake itself are some villages, either high up on stilts at the water’s edge or floating on the water.

You can take a tour out on the lake or just hail a tuk-tuk to drive you to one of the lakeside villages.

You’ll really get a sense of how the villagers live their lives on the water’s edge.

4: Siem Reap Markets

Open food market
Old Market

There are many different markets you can attend in Siem Reap.

The Old Market is a large enclosed market where you can buy anything and everything.

The Day Market and Night Market are more targeted at tourists, with souvenirs, clothes and paintings for sale.

We bought a couple of beautiful handmade paintings at the Night Market.

5: Fish massage

Three pairs of feet in water tank full of fish
Getting a night-time fish massage

Or any massage, really.

If you fancy a traditional body massage, there are plenty of parlours around Siem Reap.

Or, you could go with the fish massage, where lots of little fish nibble the dead skin from your feet.

It’s a very tickly, strange experience, but your feet come out very smooth afterwards.

And I don’t know about you, but after living constantly in flip flops my feet definitely needed a bit of TLC!

6: Cooking class

There are a few options for cooking classes in Siem Reap where you can make your own tasty Khmer dish.

They usually take you out to the Old Market first to buy the ingredients you’ll need, before taking you back and teaching you exactly how to make your chosen meal.

It is a great way to spend a couple of hours out of the sun, while simultaneously bettering yourself and learning new skills, as well as making some new friends.

They even give you a certificate at the end!

7: Pub Street

Street at night with bars and lights
Pub Street

Pub street is famous (or should I say infamous?) in Siem Reap!

Exactly as it sounds, it’s a long street filled with pubs, bars and clubs with incredibly cheap drinks on sale!

I’m talking 50 cent beers! Plus cocktails, shots and everything else you would expect in a party street.

A lot of the bars are quite obviously named for the area, such as Angkor What? Bar and Temple Club.

What I will say is: be sensible. With strong drinks at low prices and a lot of tourists and backpackers partying the night away, it can be easy to overdo it.

Make sure you know how to get back to your accommodation and keep control of your senses.

8: Try the food

There are so many great places to eat in Siem Reap, especially near Pub Street.

A lot of places do cater mainly for tourists with Western eating styles, but do make sure you try some traditional Khmer cuisine.

It doesn’t have the striking style of Thai or Vietnamese food, but it is still delicious! Khmer curries are my jam.

For cheap eats, try a street food stand or a restaurant down one of the smaller roads, where they don’t have menus in English but you can choose from the photos. I always find this a great experience.

Hand holding tub of ice cream with wafers
Try the ice cream shavings made on a cold plate in front of your eyes!

And that’s it! I’ve visited Siem Reap a couple of times now and I’ve always loved it.

I don’t think I’ll ever tire of travelling in Cambodia, although it is changing a lot with the times.

Another great thing about Siem Reap is that it is the perfect place to start your journey on from Cambodia to Laos or Thailand.

It’s great that tourism is boosting this wonderful country’s economy, but I truly hope that it never loses its charm.

Are you planning to visit Siem Reap? What’s your favourite part of Cambodia? Let me know in the comments! ๐Ÿ™‚

Want more like this? Check out these articles:

  • Angkor Wat: why you should ditch the tuk-tuk tour
  • 7+ reasons to stop in Kampot, Cambodia
  • Luggage List: packing for Southeast Asia

All images in this post are the property of lastminutewanders.com

Tree-lined lake with text overlay - 8 great things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Like it? Pin it!

«
»

Posted Under: Cambodia, Destinations

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lorenza says

    01/06/2020 at 8:40 pm

    Angkor Wat is so high on my list, but I hadnโ€™t considered a cooking class! Thanks for the great idea!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      02/06/2020 at 10:45 am

      No worries! I can highly recommend the cooking class ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  2. Kelly says

    01/06/2020 at 6:54 pm

    Siem Reap looks like a great place to visit , with a real mixture of activities. I would love to take a boat cruise on Tonle Sap Lake and see the villages along the river. I think I would skip the fish massage though.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      02/06/2020 at 10:45 am

      I’d like to take the boat cruise next time as well as I haven’t managed that yet, but I did visit the villages by the lake. The fish massage is quite controversial! I’m still not sure if I enjoyed it or not!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Hello and welcome!

My name is Sarah and I am the owner of Last Minute Wanders.
I started travelling long-term in November 2012 and I haven't looked back!
Exploring new destinations fills me with joy and I'm here to help you plan your own long-term travel adventure, without the drama. Read Moreโ€ฆ

FREE TRAINING!

Subscribe today to get your FREE access to the Travel Plan The Easy Way training! 

You'll learn everything you need for a stress-free travel planning process, and you'll also get weekly travel tips, lessons and destination inspiration straight to your inbox!

Privacy Policy: I hate spam and promise to keep your email address safe. You can unsubscribe anytime. 

Thank you!

Your FREE TRAINING is on its way to your inbox right now!

.

Featured Articles

Ancient stone gateway tower with corridors leading off to left and right and a stone courtyard in front

Top 6 things to do in Cambodia

Silver car with back doors open parked on grass in front of beach

Living in a campervan: surviving van life long term

Pure white sand beach against clear blue sky with white truck in the distance

How to travel for free around the world!

View down wet beach, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds

12 Beautiful Hidden Gems in New Zealand

Connect with me on Instagram!

lastminutewanders

โœˆ๏ธ Travel & Mindset Mentor
โœจ Helping you plan world travel without the drama
๐Ÿ Planning, Destinations & Hikes
๐Ÿ“ England ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
๐ŸŒ 28 countries visited

Sarah Meyer | LMW
Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in Ne Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in New Zealand!
Follow me for more ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful co Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful country were not enough!
New Zealand is more amazing than you could ever dream of...
Do you want to go??
Follow me for more ๐ŸŒ
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first fe Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first few days of your trip? 
Here are my top tips to help you enjoy your adventure from day one!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Check the entry requirements well in advance of yo Check the entry requirements well in advance of your departure so you know exactly what to expect, how much it will cost and how long it will take.
Follow me for more long term travel planning tips! ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD!! Follow me for practic IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD!! Follow me for practical tips and advice for long-term travel planning ๐Ÿ˜ŽโœŒ๐Ÿป
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
When I was planning my first long-term travel adve When I was planning my first long-term travel adventure, my family (understandably) wanted to know all about where I would be going and what I would be doing. And I had only the vaguest of ideas!
Are you a planner or do you prefer to be spontaneous? ๐Ÿค“
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Hostels are such a great accommodation option for Hostels are such a great accommodation option for long-term travellers on a budget!
Follow me for practical tips and advice for long-term travel ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Here's your pre-departure checklist for everything Here's your pre-departure checklist for everything you need to remember in the lead up to your adventure!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
It's time to start booking, buying and applying fo It's time to start booking, buying and applying for those important things that will make your travel plans more concrete!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Load Moreโ€ฆ Follow on Instagram

Footer

Connect with me on Instagram!

lastminutewanders

โœˆ๏ธ Travel & Mindset Mentor
โœจ Helping you plan world travel without the drama
๐Ÿ Planning, Destinations & Hikes
๐Ÿ“ England ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
๐ŸŒ 28 countries visited

Sarah Meyer | LMW
Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in Ne Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in New Zealand!
Follow me for more ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful co Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful country were not enough!
New Zealand is more amazing than you could ever dream of...
Do you want to go??
Follow me for more ๐ŸŒ
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first fe Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first few days of your trip? 
Here are my top tips to help you enjoy your adventure from day one!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Check the entry requirements well in advance of yo Check the entry requirements well in advance of your departure so you know exactly what to expect, how much it will cost and how long it will take.
Follow me for more long term travel planning tips! ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD!! Follow me for practic IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD!! Follow me for practical tips and advice for long-term travel planning ๐Ÿ˜ŽโœŒ๐Ÿป
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
When I was planning my first long-term travel adve When I was planning my first long-term travel adventure, my family (understandably) wanted to know all about where I would be going and what I would be doing. And I had only the vaguest of ideas!
Are you a planner or do you prefer to be spontaneous? ๐Ÿค“
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Hostels are such a great accommodation option for Hostels are such a great accommodation option for long-term travellers on a budget!
Follow me for practical tips and advice for long-term travel ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Here's your pre-departure checklist for everything Here's your pre-departure checklist for everything you need to remember in the lead up to your adventure!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
It's time to start booking, buying and applying fo It's time to start booking, buying and applying for those important things that will make your travel plans more concrete!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Load Moreโ€ฆ Follow on Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
© 2023 Last Minute Wanders
28 shares