What To Do In Siem Reap!

Siem Reap surprised us in ways we didn’t expect. What was meant to be a quick stop turned into an immersive experience that made us extend our stay without hesitation. Between ancient temples, tuk tuk rides and strangers who felt like old friends by day three, Siem Reap unfolded itself slowly — on its own terms.

Experiencing Siem Reap’s Warmth and Community

The people of Siem Reap are incredibly genuine, kind-hearted, and hardworking. Their relaxed attitude combined with their generosity made it easy for us to settle in and harder to leave. So much so that we ended up staying longer and working as reps for a little while at a local hostel.

We stopped being tourists — for a while, we were part of the community.

Exploring Siem Reap’s Temples Beyond Angkor Wat

No visit to Siem Reap is complete without exploring its temples. There are more than 72 ge temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park at Siem Reap, and there are remains of hundreds of smaller temple sites nearby, each with its own story and style. While many travellers cover 3 to 4 temples a day due to the heat and humidity, we challenged ourselves to visit 8 temples in a single day. Looking back, we should have probably stuck to 3/4. However exhausting it may have been, it was extremely rewarding.

Highlights of Our Temple Visits:

• Angkor Wat: The iconic temple known worldwide for its grandeur and detailed bas-reliefs.

• Bayon Temple: Unlike Angkor Wat’s structured path, Bayon offers a maze-like experience, with its famous stone faces and hidden corners to explore. This one was our personal favourite.

• Hidden Temples: Thanks to our tuk tuk driver, who knew the area well, we visited quieter, lesser-known temples away from the crowds.

Tip: Buy your Angkor pass the day before at the official ticket centre (opens early around 5 AM) to avoid lines.

Angkor Pass Prices (2025):

• 1-day pass: $37 USD

• 3-day pass: $62 USD

• 7-day pass: $72 USD

Pro tips:

• Stay hydrated and dress for the heat — breathable clothes and sunscreen are essential.

• Carry bug spray, especially if visiting temples in the early morning or late afternoon.

• Bonus tip: Consider buying light, comfortable Cambodian trousers — great for the heat and a unique souvenir. Only ever 3/4 dollars too !

A Meaningful Visit to Kulen Elephant Forest

One of the most memorable experiences was at Kulen Elephant Forest, a sanctuary where retired elephants live freely under the care of local rangers. This sanctuary focuses on respecting the elephants’ well-being rather than offering rides or performances.

For $100 per person, you can walk alongside these majestic animals and observe them in their natural habitat. The money directly supports their care, food, and protection.

This visit left a lasting impression, highlighting the importance of ethical wildlife tourism.

Understanding Cambodia’s History at Aki Ra’s Landmine Museum

The Cambodian Landmine Museum, founded by Aki Ra — a former child soldier — offers sobering insights into Cambodia’s difficult past. For only $6, visitors can learn about the impact of landmines and hear stories of survival and recovery.

The museum also acted as a refuge for children affected by landmines. Throughout the exhibits, QR codes allow visitors to listen to detailed personal accounts on their phones, deepening the emotional impact. Although the museum itself is small in size, the amount of landmines, guns, bullets and UXO's on display is staggering — especially when you realise that nearly all of it were cleared or deactivated by Aki Ra himself, later joined by friends and family, as part of his life’s mission. When you compare his efforts to those of internationally funded organisations — a comparison actually laid out in the museum — it’s astonishing how far ahead he is in terms of sheer numbers. Even Princess Diana once sought to bring attention to the landmine crisis in Cambodia, and if you’re at all interested in this powerful piece of history, the museum is absolutely worth a visit.

Night Markets and Local Flavors in Siem Reap

Road 60 Market: A Taste of Local Life

This bustling night market offers an authentic experience, filled with local families gathering to eat, shop, and socialise. For the adventurous eater, the market features unusual snacks like fried crickets, snails, frogs, meal worms, and beetles — a playground for daring taste buds.

Pub Street

If you’re looking to party, Pub Street offers numerous bars, lively music, and bustling crowds, it’s certainly a fun spot to enjoy a night out.

That said, visitors should be aware that Pub Street—and a few streets leading up to it—can also expose you to aspects of Cambodia’s underground nightlife. You will encounter offers of “massages” from parlours openly advertising such sex services, or approached by prostitutes, including inside most bars. In addition, tuk-tuk drivers in this part of town ALWAYS offer drugs, especially late in the evening so be careful while partying. The conversation usually goes something like this : "You want a Tuk-Tuk?" - "No Thank You" - "Cocaine? / Weed? / Pills?"- "No Thank you".

While this is largely confined to the Pub Street area and doesn’t reflect the rest of Siem Reap—which remains welcoming and culturally rich—it’s helpful to be prepared for this environment rather than surprised by it. Knowing what to expect allows you to make informed choices and enjoy your visit safely and respectfully.

Hidden Gems: Chocolate and Art in Siem Reap

Did you know Siem Reap is home to a chocolate factory? The Wat Chocolate Factory Tour costs just $5 and offers a fascinating look at local cocoa production along with delicious samples.

For art lovers, the city’s street art scene is vibrant and accessible. Artists paint live on sidewalks, creating beautiful, hand-painted souvenirs on rollable cloth — perfect authentic keepsakes made right in Cambodia.

Practical Travel Tips for Siem Reap

• Tuk Tuks and Drivers: If you find a driver that you think is nice, get their WhatsApp number. Drivers will stay with you throughout your trip and provide insider tips for day time tours. Always agree on prices upfront to avoid surprises.

• PassApp: This local ride-sharing app is cheaper than Grab but requires a Cambodian phone number, which might be tricky if you use an eSIM.

Final Thoughts

While Cambodia isn’t the cheapest country in Southeast Asia, particularly compared to Vietnam ( as a tourist part-taking in activities ) , it is among the most rewarding. Local foods are affordable, but tours and experiences cost more — but every dollar supporting an amazing country. From the awe-inspiring temples to the peaceful elephant sanctuary, the moving museum, and lively night markets, Siem Reap is a journey worth every penny. Have Fun!