Best things to do in Siem Reap besides temples and museums

Siem Reap is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, and for good reason. The city is home to a number of ancient temples and museums, which can be quite interesting to explore. However, there are also plenty of other things to do in Siem Reap that don’t involve visiting temples or museums. Here are some our favorite recommendations for things to do in Siem Reap when you’re not temple-hopping or museum-visiting.

Watch Phare, The Cambodian Circus

If performing arts is your thing, you shouldn’t miss Siem Reap’s Phare, The Cambodian Circus. This isn’t your typical circus. The hour-long shows feature unique Cambodian stories using modern circus arts with rock music, expressing the Cambodian tradition, character and spirit.

The brilliant artists, who are students and graduates from Phare Ponleu Selpak Artistic Center in Battambang, mix theater, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts, fire, and contortion in their performances.

Attend a traditional Apsara dance performance

Watching Apsara, a traditional Khmer dance, is one of the best things to do in Siem Reap. This cultural dance depicts a historic event or folklore narrated through graceful hand and slow body movements.

Several hotels and restaurants in Siem Reap offer the beautiful Apsara cultural show usually combined with a set of menu or dinner buffet. Enjoy watching the four types of Apsara—the classical dance, folk dance, shadow puppet, and Lakhon Khol, a masque dance theater.

Visit the floating village

Sail through Tonle Sap lake on a traditional wooden boat and get to know the Cambodian culture up close. Vietnamese and Cham communities inhabit the floating village, a place where churches and schools also float on the lake.

The lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, is also home to some endangered birds and marine life. Stay longer if you can and enjoy the magical lake view of the sunset for a more unforgettable experience.

Experience Angkor Zipline eco-adventure canopy tour

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap and experience a world-class zipline. Walk along the suspended bridges and enjoy the breathtaking views of the ancient forest with towering trees, wildlife, flora and fauna.

The park spreads over some 400 square kilometers and contains the remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire from the 9^th to the 15^th centuries. Inside the park are temples such as the world-famous Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Bayon Temple.  

Explore Siem Reap on a bike

Siem Reap is dotted by laidback villages, green paddy fields and quiet temples, making it an ideal place for cycling. Get on a bike and explore the countryside. Pedal your way to the temples if you wish and then cycle away from the town for a more relaxed atmosphere. Follow the quiet trails to the countryside and pass through rice paddies. You can also choose the riverside trail for an easier ride.

Exploring Siem Reap on two wheels is one of the best things to do in Cambodia.

Explore Phnom Kulen National Park

Find time to travel 50km (about 1.5 to 2 hours by van or car from Siem Reap) and visit Phnom Kulen National Park. Hike to the top of Phnom Kulen or Kulen Mountain, regarded as Cambodia’s most sacred mountain with several religious sites.

On the summit, you will find Phnom Kulen’s main attraction, the gorgeous waterfalls. Take a dip and enjoy the refreshingly cool water. You can also picnic and then embrace serenity while resting in a hammock.

Taste Siem Reap nightlife on Pub Street

Even if you’re not a party person or a big beer drinker, visiting Pub Street teeming with bars, pubs, nightclubs, restaurants and cafés is a cool experience. Also with souvenir shops, it is where you can eat, drink, dance, and shop in one night. Get to know the local nightlife atmosphere in this legendary party road of Siem Reap.

The main road is closed to motorists from 5 PM so you can safely walk around the area on foot to enjoy the night.

Try Cambodian exotic dishes

Going on a food trip is a must-try in Cambodia. Taste the local flavors and get to know the local delicacies.

Among the popular Cambodian dishes are Fish Amok (steamed coconut fish in banana leaves), Lap Khmer (lime-marinated Khmer beef salad), and Num Anksom Sach Chrouk (sticky rice cake).

If you’re adventurous with food, try red tree ants with beef, deep-fried tarantula and crickets, fried or grilled frogs, and an array of snake dishes.

Siem Reap is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re into exploring ancient temples and museums or just want to relax by the river, there’s plenty to do in this amazing city. We hope you enjoy your time in Siem Reap and that you get to experience all it has to offer! Which of these recommendations are you most excited to try?

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