19 Interesting Places to Visit and Things to Do in Siem Reap

April 18, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 2679 Views

Siem Reap is a city capital city of Siem Reap Province in Cambodia. It is among the most popular cities in Cambodia owing to its proximity to the famous Angkor Wat temple. In fact, all the temples of the Angkor region are considered the best places to visit in Siem Reap. The temple was built in the 12th century and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu. It is also a Buddhist temple.

It is not only top among Siem Reap tourist attractions, but also one of the most recognized ancient architectural marvels of the world. Angkor Wat is not the only ancient temple in the region. There are several temples built around the same time as Angkor Wat featuring wonderful works in architecture, sculpture, stone carving, design and ancient construction technology. All of these temples are Siem Reap attractions in their own right. Some of the temples have an even more unique appeal owing to vegetation growing in and around them. They seem to be pulled out of fantasy or an adventure tale and are among the most wonderful things to see in Siem Reap. These temples have been featured in films, music videos, television shows, documentaries, video games and more. Majority of Siem Reap sightseeing revolves around the ancient marvels surrounding the city. But you should not stop at history while exploring this bountiful region.

There are several fun things to do in Siem Reap with regards to nature, adventure, leisure, art, food and culture as well. The city has an appealing art scene with several galleries and art centers to explore regional and international works. There are also several tourist places in Siem Reap which allow to experience local culture and traditions like the Buddhist water blessing, the apsara dance, Khmer cuisine and more. While you are trying food items during Siem Reap travel, you should not miss out Cambodian coffee. We have listed out a few outstanding cafes to help you out. You will also find a list of interesting places in Siem Reap for cultural experiences mentioned above.

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Table of Contents

The Top 19 Tourist Places to Visit in Siem Reap in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Banteay Srei

This temple was first built in the 10th century A.D. and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. The temple holds a rightful place among best places to visit in Siem Reap for its red sandstone construction and intricate stone carvings. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this temple.

I suggest you should book your trip to Banteay Srei in advance

2. Banteay Srei Butterfly Center

This place is home to several butterflies of different species. It is one of the most visited Siem Reap tourist attractions. You will get to see a butterflies in a variety of shapes, sizes, designs and colours. It will take you about half an hour or so to explore this place.

3. Cambodian Landmine Museum

Alongside landmines, this museum also has exhibits concerning guns, mortars and other weapons of war. The money from each ticket goes towards and welfare and education programs in the village. It is one of the best Siem Reap attractions to visit. You will need an hour to tour this museum.

I suggest you can combine your visit of Cambodia Landmine Museum with Phnom Kulen National Park

4. Ta Som

This Angkor temple dates back to the 12th century and was built during the reign of king Jayavarman VII. It is a small temple but is still elaborately structured. You will need 30 minutes from Siem Reap travel for this temple.

I suggest with your trip to Banteay Srei you can also combine visit of Ta Som

5. Neak Pean / Neak Poan

This is an artificial island built for its buddhist temple. It is believed that royalty would bring offerings of gold and other valuables to this temple. It is among the most interesting things to see in Siem Reap. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to explore this temple.

I suggest during your trip to Neak Pean you can also visit Preah Khan

6. Angkor National Museum

This museum exhibits findings from the world renowned Angkor region. Some of the artifacts date back to the Khmer Empire. It is one of the most important places to visit during Siem Reap sightseeing. You will need 2 hours for this museum.

You can book your ticket of Angkor National Museum in advance.

7. Les Chantiers Ecoles / Artisans Angkor

This market is dedicated to arts and handicraft items. If you are looking for fun things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia in form of local handicraft shopping or workshops this place will not disappoint. You can easily spend an hour roaming this market.

Day 2

1. Bayon Temple

This is the last mountain temple built in Khmer style and is believed to have been built atop another monument. The temple has 54 towers representing different periods of the Khmer empire. It is one of the interesting places to see in Siem Reap.

I suggest with your trip to Bayon Temple you can also combine visit of Ta Prohm Temple and Angkor Wat.

2. Baphuon Temple

This 11th century temple was the state temple under the reign of Udayadityavaraman II. It is a 3 tiered temple dedicated to Hindu deity Shiva. It is one of the most elaborately designed tourist places in Siem Reap. You will need about an hour to explore this temple.

I suggest in your one day trip with other attractions you can combine your trip to Baphuon Temple

3. Preah Khan Temple

This temple was built in the 12th century under the reign of King Jayavarman VII. The temple was previously known as Nagara Jayasri meaning Holy City of Victory. It is among the most historically significant places to go in Siem Reap. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this temple.

I suggest you can combine your trip to Preah Khan with Banteay Srei

4. Ta Keo Temple

This temple was built around 10th century to honor Hindu deity Shiva. This temple remain incomplete as it is believed that lightning struck the site and its construction was abandoned. It is one of the less visited Siem Reap tourist spots. You will need about an hour for this temple.

I suggest you must book a 2 days trip with multiple attractions in Siem Reap and it cover all major attractions with Ta Keo. Main feature of this trip is it covers sunrise trip to Angkor Wat as well.

5. Ta Prohm

This temple is included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple was built around 12th century and held great cultural and political significance during the time. The temple has trees, vines and shrubberies growing out of it. It is a very popular place to visit in Siem Reap and will take an hours time to explore.

I suggest with your trip to Ta Prohm Temple you can also combine visit of Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple.

6. Banteay Kdei

This 12th century temple was built with bayon style of architecture. The name of this temple means a citadel of chambers. The temple is adorned with beautiful statues and carvings. It is one of the most interesting places in Siem Reap. You will need about half an hour for this temple.

You should cover your trip to Banteay Kdei with 2 Days Trips to Siem Reap.

7. Pre Rup

This 10th century temple served as the state temple of King Rajendravarman. It is a Hindu temple built with sandstone, laterite and bricks. You will need about half an hour for this temple when you visit Siem Reap.

I suggest you can combine your trip to Pre Rup with Banteay Srei

8. Phnom Bakheng

This temple was built in the 9th century under the reign of King Yasovarman. It is dedicated to both Hindu and Buddhist faiths. The temple is situated atop the hill and hiking here is among popular Siem Reap activities. Its high vantage point also makes it an ideal place to witness sunrise. You would need about an hour to explore this temple.

I suggest you must book a Sunset Tour of Phnom Bakheng.

9. Angkor Wat

This is the largest and most well-known temple of the Angkor region. It is believed to have been built during the 1100s. The construction of this temple took 30 years. It is definitely among top things to do in Siem Reap. It will take you 2 hours or more to explore this temple.

I suggest before you visit the Angkor Wat, you must book your ticket to Angkor Wat in Advance. Also I suggest you must try for Sunrise Tour of Angkor Wat.

Day 3

1. Prasat Beng Mealea

This temple was built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the 12th century. It follows a similar structure as Angkor Wat, but has its own unique appeal owing to the vegetation growing in and around the ruins. Aside from Angkor Wat, it is among the best places to visit in Siem Reap. You will need about 2 hours to explore this temple.

I suggest you can combine you trip to Beng Melea with Rolous Group of Temples and Floating Village.

2. Rolous Group of Temples

This group consists of 4 temples, namely Lolei, Preah Ko, Prei Monti and Bakong. These temples go back to the 9th century and are some of the oldest in the Angkor region. You will need 2 hours to tour them when you visit Siem Reap.

I suggest you can combine your trip to Rolous Group of Temples with Beng Melea and Floating Village.

3. Tonle Sap Lake

This lake is the hub for several activities including picnic, leisure, boating and so on. You can also explore the floating village next to the lake. You can easily spend a couple of hours at this lake.

I suggest you should book a Sunset Dinner on Tonle Sap Lake

If you are looking for more fun things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia check out the section below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places and activities you can enjoy in Siem Reap.

Things to do in Siem Reap

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat
Ta Prohm Temple
Bayon Temple
Preah Khan Temple
Phnom Temple
Banteay Kdei
Pre Rup
Baphuon Temple
Ta Som
Neak Poun
Angkor National Museum
Eastern Mebon Temple
Terrace of the Elephants
Ta Keo
Banteay Samre
Phimeanakas
Prasat Bang Mealea
Preah Ponleah Sdach Komlong
Bakong Temples
Preah Ko
Prasat Kravan
Thommanon Temple
Baksei Chamkrong Temple
Phnom Kraom
Chau Say Tevoda Temple
Ta Nei Temple
Lolei Temple
Victory Gate
Theam’s Gallery
Wat Thmei
North Khleang
War Museum Cambodia
Wat Preah Prom Rath
Landmines Museum
Tonle Om Gate
Suor Prat Tower
Prasat Preah Palilay
Angkor Wat Putt
West Mebon
Wat Damnak
Banteay Prei Temple
Phnom Bok
Cambodia War Remnant Museum
Ak Yum
Preah Pithu
Spean Thmor
Art Box Museum
Easte Baray
Krol Ko
Roluos Group of Temples
Wat Athvear Temple
Wat Bo Temple
Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm Shrine
Prasat Chrung
Churning of the Sea Milk Gallery
Ta Prohm Kel Temple
Phnom Bok Temple
Killing Fields Temple
Preah Norodom Sihanouk Angkor Museum
Prasat Bat Chum
Prasat Bei
Jayatataka
Tep Pranam

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Siem Reap

Srah Srang Reservoir
West Baray
Phnom Kulen National Park
Tonle Sap Lake
Troav Kot Lake
Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB)
Kulen Prum Tep Wildlife Sanctuary
Kulen Elephant Forest

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Siem Reap

Angkor Zipline
Tonle Sap Lake
Banteay Srey Butterfly Center
Happy Ranch House Farm
Siem Reap Art Center
Phokeethra Country Club
Miniature Replicas of Angkor Temples Park
Cambolac Art for the People
Khmer Kids Art Gallery
Royal Independence Gardens
Royal Residence Park
Butterfly Paradise
MIRAGE Contemporary Art Space & Design Studio
Apsara Theatre
Divine Sala: Sacred Dancers of Angkor
Lily’s Secret Garden
Cambodian Cooking Class
Khmer Gourmet Cooking Class

Shopping in Siem Reap

Artisans Angkor
Angkor Night Market
Made in Cambodia Market
Siem Reap Art Center Night Market
Psah Chas Market
Old Bridge Market
Hap Guan Street
Kandal Market
Phsar Leu Thom Tmey Market
Phsar Samaki Vegetable & Fruit Market
Palm Container Night Market
Psa Krolanh Market

Beaches & Islands in Siem Reap

West Baray Lake Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Siem Reap

Hiking
Boating
Zipline
Horseback Riding
Ox Cart Tour
Bicycle tours
Kayaking

Sightseeing in Siem Reap

Street 08
Wat Bo Road
Hap Guan Street
Mechrey Floating Village
Kampong Phluk Floating Village
Siem Reap Floating Village
Street 11

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Siem Reap

Brown Roastery
Banlle Vegetarian Restaurant
Temple Design
Blue Pumpkin
Sister Srey Cafe
Bugs Cafe
Sambo Khmer
Indochine
Little Red Fox Cafe
Damnak Lounge
Ratana
Ecstatic
Peace Cafe
Foreign Correspondents Club
Le Pain du Coer
Il Forno
Moloppor Cafe
Khmer Kitchen
The Bean Embassy
Le Tigre de Papier
Footprints Cafe
Marum
Chanrey Tree
Takezono
Source Cafe
Olive

Where to Stay in Siem Reap?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-range and Budget Hotels in Siem Reap. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Siem Reap.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Siem Reap?

How to Reach Siem Reap?

By Air

Siem Reap International Airport receives direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Seoul, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Manila, Shanghai, Hong-Kong, Macau, Singapore and several other cities in the Far East region. You can get buses and cabs for Siem Reap travel from the airport.

By Road

You can get several domestic and international buses to visit Siem Reap. International bus network connects the city with cities in Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

The nearest operational station to Siem Reap is Sisophon. This station receives trains from Phnom Penh and Bangkok.

If you are planning to reach Siem Reap by road, head for routes 6,66 or 67.

By Water

You can get ferry rides from Phnom Penh and Battambang to visit Siem Reap.

Image Reference

Banteay Srei – Andrea Schaffer / Flickr
Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre – Toby Michelena / Flickr
Cambodian Landmine Museum – Ronald Woan / Flickr
Ta Som – Gusjer / Flickr
Neak Pean / Neak Poan – Uwe Schwarzbach / Flickr
Angkor National Museum – I G / Flickr
Les Chantiers Ecoles / Artisans Angkor – rockaroundtheglobe / Flickr
Bayon Temple – Tushar Dayal / Flickr
Baphuon Temple – Miguel Vicente Martínez Juan / Flickr
Preah Khan Temple – Sergii Gulenok / Flickr
Ta Keo Temple – Miguel Vicente Martínez Juan / Flickr
Ta Prohm – Sue and Todd / PixaBay
Banteay Kdei – Miguel Vicente Martínez Juan / Flickr
Pre Rup – Andrea Schaffer / Flickr
Phnom Bakheng – Davidlohr Bueso / Flickr
Angkor Wat – jeffrey.pick / Flickr
Prasat Beng Mealea – Lawrence Murray / Flickr
Roluos Group – Miguel Vicente Martínez Juan / Flickr
Tonle Sap Lake – Sharon Ang / PixaBay