Angkor - Siem Reap Destination Guide
The temple complex of Angkor is Siem Reap's main draw with thousands of visitors from near and far coming every year to see the architectural wonder. However, there are a number of other options of things to see and do whilst in Siem Reap.
An abundance of attractions are waiting for you in Siem Reap!
Use this Siem Reap destination guide to give you ideas about what there is to see and do during your stay in Siem Reap. More general information about what there is to do in the rest of Cambodia can be found in our Cambodia country guide, or check out some of the local highlights of Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville. You can also see what's on offer in Cambodia's South East Asia neighbours, Vietnam, Thailand and Laos. You could also take a tour to one of the things listed below, or just around the city itself.
An abundance of attractions are waiting for you in Siem Reap!
Use this Siem Reap destination guide to give you ideas about what there is to see and do during your stay in Siem Reap. More general information about what there is to do in the rest of Cambodia can be found in our Cambodia country guide, or check out some of the local highlights of Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville. You can also see what's on offer in Cambodia's South East Asia neighbours, Vietnam, Thailand and Laos. You could also take a tour to one of the things listed below, or just around the city itself.
Things to See & Do in Siem Reap
- Apsara Classical Khmer Dance
- Culture and Traditional Crafts
- Shadow Puppets: The House of Peace
- Angkor Silk Farm
- Wood and Stone Carving: Les Artisans d'Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles
- Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
- Boat Tours of the Tonle Sap
- Pagodas & Shrines
- Elephant Rides
- Helicopter Tours
- Land Mine Museum
- Community Projects
- Balloon Rides
- Butterfly Garden
- Cambodian Cultural Village
- Angkor Temples
Apsara Classical Khmer Dance
Apsaras, according to Hindu mythology and legends, are celestial dancers. Their figurines can be found in many Angkorian temples. The traditional Apsara Dances have been adapted to represent Apsaras and are a slow yet graceful form of art. These can be seen at many restaurants in Siem Reap. You can enquire about these performances with your local guide.
Culture and Traditional Crafts
The presence of Angkor Wat has helped Siem Reap become the cultural centre of Cambodia. The Old Market has on offer a variety of souvenirs and handicrafts, including beautiful traditional silverwork. Traditional silks, baskets, carvings and musical instruments are also part of Cambodian handicrafts.
Shadow Puppets: The House of Peace
The House of Peace is located 3 kilometres from the town towards the airport. This is a workshop which trains artisans to produce the traditional Khmer shadow puppets, which are made from leather. Shadow puppetry is an art form which is found across South-east Asia and Cambodia. La Noria Restaurant and Bayon Restaurant organise regular shows of shadow puppetry. See these restaurants listed in Siem Reap Restaurants.
Angkor Silk Farm
Silk weaving was introduced to Cambodia back in the 13th century. Today this is practiced by women in rural villages who still use traditional looms set up below their stilted houses.
At the Angkor Silk Farm, you can see the production of hand woven silks, created using the traditional ‘ikat’ method. Here visitors can see the entire process of producing silk, right from the growing of mulberry leaves, its harvesting and breeding of silk worms. The spinning of silk from cocoons and the dyeing process are also very interesting to watch. The silk farm is located 15 kilometres west of Siem Reap. You can indulge in some silk shopping too at the farm.
At the Angkor Silk Farm, you can see the production of hand woven silks, created using the traditional ‘ikat’ method. Here visitors can see the entire process of producing silk, right from the growing of mulberry leaves, its harvesting and breeding of silk worms. The spinning of silk from cocoons and the dyeing process are also very interesting to watch. The silk farm is located 15 kilometres west of Siem Reap. You can indulge in some silk shopping too at the farm.
Wood and Stone Carving: Les Artisans d'Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles
The art of stone carving started during the glorious period of the Khmer Empire. Its monumental carvings gave rise to the Angkor temples. Today, akin to the work of the craftsmen of the past, stone carving is done on sandstone. Artisans d’Angkor also uses sandstone from Siem Reap province. The school welcomes visitors to take a free tour of the campus to observe students at work, incorporating traditional techniques of wood and stone carving. You can also buy the finished products made here.
Boat Tours of the Tonle Sap
The Tonle Sap or the ‘Great Lake’ is also South East Asia’s largest lake. Located 30 minutes south of Siem Reap, the lake is alive with a variety of bird species and other wildlife. It has also been designated by UNESCO as an ecological hotspot or a biosphere. A number of fishing communities literally float on it.
During the monsoon season, the Tonle Sap river which connects the lake with the Mekong river reverses its flow. Water is pushed up from the Mekong into the lake, increasing its area and its depth. This leads to the flooding of nearby fields and forests. The floodplain then becomes a perfect breeding ground for fish, making Tonle Sap one of the most productive inland fisheries in the world. You can explore Tonle Sap on the various boat tours that last from two to three hours to tours that include an overnight stay on the lake.
During the monsoon season, the Tonle Sap river which connects the lake with the Mekong river reverses its flow. Water is pushed up from the Mekong into the lake, increasing its area and its depth. This leads to the flooding of nearby fields and forests. The floodplain then becomes a perfect breeding ground for fish, making Tonle Sap one of the most productive inland fisheries in the world. You can explore Tonle Sap on the various boat tours that last from two to three hours to tours that include an overnight stay on the lake.
Pagodas & Shrines
Siem Reap has many pagodas or wats where the Buddhists go to offer prayers. Amongst them, Wat Bo, a Hindu temple originally, is very popular. It is one of the town’s oldest temples and was built in the 18th century. The walls have beautiful and detailed paintings from the Hindu mythology Ramayana, which is known as Reamker in Cambodia. You’ll also find many striking Buddhist statues here. The visiting hours are from 6 in the morning to 6 in the evening.
Elephant Rides
Try an interesting mode of transportation in Siem Reap, where there are elephants waiting to ferry customers near Bayon or at the South Gate of Angkor Thom. A 20min ride costs $10. In the evening, the elephants move to Phnom Bakheng and are ready to take passengers up the hill at $15 for a view of the sunset and for a ride down at $10.
Helicopter Tours
Starting from as low as US $50 per person, Helicopters Cambodia and Sokha Helicopters can arranges scenic flights and adventurous tours to some of the more remote temples. Needless to say, it is a unique opportunity for some aerial photography during these tours and it can be a good idea to book in advance as the helicopters are often booked out.
Land Mine Museum
Cambodia has to deal with a serious issue due to the successive wars it has had to face – that of land mines. Even today this poses a challenge to the people here. One person who is trying to create awareness about this problem is Aki Ra, a former soldier who subsequently worked as a deminer. He has opened a museum which highlights the problems created by landmines. The museum does not charge any fee but donations are accepted. To reach the Land Mine Museum, you need to turn off the road to Angkor Wat at the Krousar Thmey sign, go straight for 750 metres, turn left, another 750 metres and you are there.
Community Projects
Sangkheum Center for Children - Provides shelter for disadvantaged children.
Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB)
Friends International
Green Gecko Project
NEDO (Norwegian Education and Development Organisation)
Love Cards
The White Bicycles
Angkor Hospital for Children
Cambodia Landmine Museum & Relief Facility
Camboidan Living Art
Handicap International
Krousar Thmey
National Center for Khmer Ceramics Revival
Sam Veasna Center for Wildlife Conservation
Samatoa
Senteurs d'Angkor
Singing Tree Café
Trailblazer Foundation
Think before giving money to begging children.... In Cambodia, as in many developing countries, you will see children begging on the streets. Not only can it be a tough sight, but it also puts the children at high risk of being abused and jeopardises their futures. Many people think that giving them money is helping them when, in fact, it keeps them on the streets...
Saying 'no' to begging children can be difficult, but it's always helpful to learn some of the local language and with a friendly smile it does not make you seem rude.
Please visit Childsafe International's THINK Campaign for more information and alternatives to giving money to begging children.
Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB)
Friends International
Green Gecko Project
NEDO (Norwegian Education and Development Organisation)
Love Cards
The White Bicycles
Angkor Hospital for Children
Cambodia Landmine Museum & Relief Facility
Camboidan Living Art
Handicap International
Krousar Thmey
National Center for Khmer Ceramics Revival
Sam Veasna Center for Wildlife Conservation
Samatoa
Senteurs d'Angkor
Singing Tree Café
Trailblazer Foundation
Think before giving money to begging children.... In Cambodia, as in many developing countries, you will see children begging on the streets. Not only can it be a tough sight, but it also puts the children at high risk of being abused and jeopardises their futures. Many people think that giving them money is helping them when, in fact, it keeps them on the streets...
Saying 'no' to begging children can be difficult, but it's always helpful to learn some of the local language and with a friendly smile it does not make you seem rude.
Please visit Childsafe International's THINK Campaign for more information and alternatives to giving money to begging children.
Balloon Rides
This may well be Cambodia’s answer to the London Eye. Helium balloons located on the road from the airport carry you up and treat you to a view of the Angkor Wat Temple Complex from a bird's perspective. The ascent itself is exciting and you see a new aspect of the temple as you go up. A great view of the lush landscape is an added attraction. The ride is only 10 minutes long and costs from US $11 per person. The balloon rides are conducted between sunrise and sunset.
Butterfly Garden
After visiting the temple head towards the Butterfly Garden for some refreshments. You can relax amongst a thousand live butterflies. Over 50 species of butterflies are kept in this garden. The garden is open from 8am to 5pm.
Cambodian Cultural Village
Cambodian Cultural Village opened in 2003 to showcase Cambodian history, culture, lifestyle, architecture and other facets of Cambodian life. This large complex is set in beautiful gardens and is also a venue for live shows, and music and dance performances. A wax museum here displays landmark incidents and figures from Cambodian history. There are miniature models of important sites such as Phsar Thmei, the hills and temples of Oudung and the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. Also on display are models of houses, huts and temples of Cambodia.
Angkor Temples
Contrary to common belief, Angkor is not only one, but hundreds of temples. The Angkor Temple Complex was built between the 9th and 14th century AD at Angkor. This region served as the capital of the Khmer Empire in Cambodia. Built for King Suryavarman II in the 12th century, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument ever built. Dedicated to the Hindu Supreme God Vishnu, the Angkor Wat Temple is today one of the wonders of the world and one of the major reasoms people visit Siem Reap in Cambodia.
Angkor Wat has five lotus-shaped towers, a larger central tower, and four smaller surrounding towers. These represent the five peaks of Mount Meru, which according to Hindu belief is the abode of Hindu deities and the centre of the continent Jambudwipa. Built between the 9th and 14th centuries AD during the height of Khmer power to be the administrative and religious center of that vast kingdom, the many temples that make up the complex, including Angkor Wat, reveal a rich and interesting religious and cultural history. It is one of the wonders of the world and the first point of call for most people during their travel to Siem Reap. To get the most out of the visit, it is best to read up in advance so you can better appreciate the relevance of the carvings and structures.
To make the most of your visit to Angkor Wat, many people find it useful to have a local guide who will explain the intricacies of the temples. A good guide book can also be handy – you can bring one from back home or purchase one at one of the local markets or just outside the temple gates.
An entry pass at the entrance booths amounting to US$20 for one day, US$40 for 3 days, and US$60 for a week.
Visit our tour and activities page or contact us directly for a tailor made tour.
