Siem Reap Beyond Temples: 15 Must-Do Activities for a Memorable Experience

While Angkor Wat, a globally renowned attraction, remains a captivating must-visit in Siem Reap, this city offers far more than just its splendid temple complex. In this article, we’ll unveil the top 15 things to do in Siem Reap beyond its temples. Rest assured, your Siem Reap adventure will be anything but ordinary

1. Watch Performances At Phare Circus

Make sure to include the Phare Circus in your Siem Reap itinerary! This one-hour extravaganza seamlessly combines traditional and contemporary theater, comedy, music, dance, and acrobatics to deliver an electrifying experience that will leave you spellbound. The extraordinary skills and boundless energy of the performers have earned the Phare Circus high praise from tourists. Be sure to mark your calendar for the nightly 8 p.m. shows, ensuring you don’t miss out on this exhilarating and unforgettable performance!

2. Shop At The Old Market/Psar Chas

Make sure to add the Old Market, locally known as Psar Chas, to your list of things to do in Siem Reap. This vibrant marketplace comes alive during the day, featuring an array of stalls selling fresh fish, meats, aromatic spices, clothing, souvenirs, and authentic Cambodian handicrafts. Exploring the Old Market provides a fascinating glimpse into Cambodian daily life and culture, and the shops are open around the clock. Ensure you don’t pass up this distinctive and immersive experience!

3. Hunt For Unique Items In The Night Markets

Near the old Old Market, you can find the Phalla Angkor Night Market and the Angkor Night Market. These vibrant marketplaces host numerous stalls where you can peruse and purchase local handicrafts, artwork, silk products, and dine at various restaurants. Exploring the diverse offerings of local vendors is always an exhilarating experience, plus, it’s an opportunity to improve your bargaining skills!

4. Embark On A Siem Reap Food Tour

Embarking on a food tour stands as one of the most immersive ways to fully embrace Cambodian culture and cuisine. Under the expert guidance of a knowledgeable local tour guide, you’ll venture into a bustling night market where you can indulge in authentic local fare, savoring some of the most delectable dishes the region has to offer. Beyond relishing traditional Khmer cuisine, you’ll also gain insights into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

From beloved street food delicacies to tantalizing snacks and hearty dinners, your food tour promises a diverse array of mouthwatering specialties to discover. Even if you follow a vegetarian diet, rest assured that many options cater to your preferences on vegetarian food tours.

5. Join A Pottery Class

If you’re searching for an enjoyable and creative activity to do in Siem Reap, why not give pottery making a try? You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the art of crafting beautiful pottery just like a local artisan, and even depart with a one-of-a-kind keepsake, such as an Angkor-style bowl. For expert guidance and inspiration, the Khmer Ceramic and Fine Arts Centre is the perfect destination. Here, you can shape and design your very own bowl, letting your creativity flow freely. This activity is an excellent choice for those seeking a fun and distinctive experience!

6. Visit The War Museum Cambodia

Exploring this museum feels like a journey through Cambodia’s captivating history, offering a glimpse into its rich heritage. Within its walls, you’ll encounter a wide-ranging exhibit of historical military artifacts, spanning ancient eras, including aircraft, tanks, landmines, and cannons, though some may show signs of wear.

The museum’s noble mission is to safeguard this collection for future generations, ensuring that the legacy of Cambodia’s civil war endures. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., a visit here promises to leave you with indelible memories.

7. Tour The Landmine Museum

For those interested in delving into the history of the Civil War and gaining a close-up view of landmines, the Land Mine Museum stands as an excellent destination. Founded by a former soldier with a heartfelt mission to aid the communities in which he once fought, this museum tells a remarkable story. The soldier personally disarmed the very landmines he had once laid by hand.

Beyond its role as a museum, it serves as a Relief Facility, providing free food, shelter, and education to children in need. The funds generated by the museum are channeled into the construction of schools and the provision of free education for children in Cambodia. It’s a noteworthy organization dedicated to fostering positive societal change.

8. See The Life On Tonle Sap Lake

If you’re seeking an adventurous experience, Siem Reap has an exhilarating opportunity in store for you! Embark on an eco-tour of the expansive Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in all of Southeast Asia. This vast floodplain sprawls across an area ranging from 2,500 to 12,000 square kilometers and is inhabited by numerous communities residing in stilted houses.

During your tour, you’ll embark on a boat ride leading to one of the floating villages nestled on the lake’s waters. Here, you can explore crocodile farms, discover unique souvenirs, and savor delectable local cuisine. And if that’s not enough, you can even indulge in a sunset meal while soaking in the breathtaking vistas of the lake.

9. Explore the Jungle: Angkor Zipline Adventure

Craving some outdoor thrills amidst the lush forest, especially after a day of temple exploration? Look no further than Angkor Zipline! This adventure is tailor-made for families and intrepid travelers alike. With safety as the utmost priority, you can relish your zipline experience with complete peace of mind. While soaring through the treetops, be sure to keep a keen eye out for gibbons – encountering these majestic creatures amidst your ziplining adventure adds a genuinely unique and gratifying dimension to your Siem Reap journey.

10. Chill On Pub Street

After immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of history, culture, architecture, and landscapes, it’s time to don your dancing shoes for an unforgettable evening at Pub Street, the vibrant nightlife hub of Siem Reap. As the clock strikes 5 p.m., the street transforms into a haven for backpackers, closing to traffic and igniting with a lively atmosphere. Here, you’ll find a plethora of vibrant bars and a bustling ambiance that instantly uplifts your spirits as you observe people relishing their dining and drinking experiences.

Sip on a refreshing Cambodian beer, available for as little as $0.50, while other drinks won’t set you back more than $5. Some bars extend their opening hours until 4 a.m., complete with live musical performances. Immerse yourself in the electrifying energy of this popular hotspot!

11. Cook Your Own Cambodian Food

To truly immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Siem Reap, don’t miss the opportunity to enroll in a cooking class. It’s an enjoyable way to savor authentic local cuisine while mastering the art of preparing it yourself. Explore some excellent options like the Paper Tiger Cooking Class, Khmer Cooking Class at a Local’s Home, Cambodian Village Cooking Class, Morning Cooking Class and Market Tour, and Cambodian Desserts Cooking Lesson with Tastings. Ensure you seize this incredible experience!

12. Capture Siem Reap’s Beauty: Join a Photography Tour

Why not embark on a photography tour to capture the most captivating angles, corners, and scenic wonders of Siem Reap? Early summer emerges as the optimal season for this adventure, offering clear skies and moderate temperatures that create ideal conditions for stunning shots.

13. Watch The Beautiful Sunset At Srah Srang

Unearth the Hidden Treasure of Siem Reap: Srah Srang. At first glance, this man-made lake may appear unassuming, but it harbors a secret that will leave you awe-struck. Once the site of a floating temple, now watched over by guardian serpent statues, this locale offers a breathtaking sunset panorama that should not be overlooked. Remember to include this destination in your Siem Reap itinerary, especially during the dry season, for an utterly unforgettable experience.

14. Picnic In Phnom Kulen National Park

15. Indulge in a Relaxing Massage Experience

When traveling in Southeast Asia, don’t miss the chance to enjoy this thrilling activity. Numerous massage parlors throughout the city offer it at incredibly affordable rates, ranging from $1 to $7. Alternatively, you can partake in the renowned fish spa experience, priced at only $5 to $10. In a fish spa, you’ll immerse your feet in a tank filled with fish that gently nibble away dead skin, creating a delightful tingling sensation. You can even sip on a refreshing beer as the fish work their magic, leaving your feet feeling impeccably clean. Whether you have some leisure time or are planning a trip to Angkor Wat, this is an excellent way to unwind and pamper yourself.

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