15 Best Things To Do In Siem Reap

Siem Reap is known as the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, it is the perfect example of how the Khmer empire ruled the region authentically. The realms of that regime are quite beautifully preserved in this small town; it is very popular for its collection of solacing temples and structures. Here is a list where you can see the best things to do in Siem Reap. Participating in these activities lets you fill the voids you have been seeing in your life due to monotony.

Escape into an abyss of excitement with these breathtaking events provided just for you. The list consists of Quad biking, cycling, zip-lining, kayaking, trekking, mountain biking, hot-air ballooning etc. Of course, they can take all the energy out of you and never think twice before indulging in these mind-blowing adventurous activities.

Here are some of the best things to do in Siem Ream:

01

Cycling

Siem Reap, in Cambodia, is best enjoyed with the help of bicycle tours.

Highlights – The climate of Siem Reap is pleasant all through the year for undertaking these tours. The terrains are pretty easy and all the must-see tourist spots are within close proximity to each other, making cycling quite easy even for those who are new to cycling. With all the hotels and private agencies offering various kinds of cycles on rent, finding an appropriate cycle for your purpose should be child’s play in Siem Reap. Don’t miss to witness the local artisans at work when your drive past he villages and countryside of this province. The famous architectural remnants of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm are easily accessible through cycles.

Cycling

Image Credits : Tejvan Pettinger

Location – All over Siem Reap.

Timings – Can be undertaken all through the year.

Price – Around USD35 per person for half a day tour covering around30km. Rental cycles are available for as low as USD2 per day.

Cycling Trip from Phnom Phenh to Angkor Wat

29 Ratings

9D/8N
Phnom Penh

Starting from ₹ 57,835

02

Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre

Do you love the harmless and colourful, winged-creatures called butterflies? How about spotting hundreds of butterflies at one location? Exciting, isn’t it? You have to come to Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre to witness this.

Highlights – One of the newer tourist spots in Cambodia’s Siem Reap Province, Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre, shortly known as BBC, consists of thousands of butterflies in one single place. It is the biggest butterfly exhibit centre in South East Asia and is definitely worth a visit for nature lovers. When you visit BBC, you can get introduced to butterfly farming, life cycle of butterflies, butterfly conservation and other ecological details. The amount collected by tourists goes towards the welfare of the local people. There are expert guides to take you through the farm.

Location – Siem Reap.

Timings - 9AM to 5PM on all days of the week.

Price – USD4 per adult and USD2 per kid.

03

Visit Preah Khan

Image Credit : dailyonlines.com/travel/

Located towards the northeast of Angkor Archaeological Park, Preah Khan (meaning, Royal Sword), is a temple which was constructed by King Jayavarman VII. It is also quite closely situated to Ta Prohm temple, which makes this a good tourist spot.

Highlights – Lots of plants and trees grow around the Preah Khan temple, which makes it look lovelier than ever before. Lord Buddha, in the name of Avalokiteshwara, is the main deity of this temple. The temple complex is quite huge and there are two gates leading into the temple. Prior to becoming a temple, this complex was used as the residence of the royal clan who ruled over this place, which gives a majestic look to this place.

Location – Towards the western side of the Jataka Baray and north east of Angkor Thom, this temple is situated in close proximity to the Ta Prohm Temple.

Timings – 5AM to 6PM every day.

Price – Temple entry pass of USD20 (one day), USD20 (3 days) and USD60 (7 days).

Discover the Temples of Preah Vihear in Cambodia

36 Ratings

9H
Siem Reap

Starting from ₹ 8,982

Attractions

Artbox in Siem Reap Tickets, Book Now @ Flat 20% off

1H
Siem Reap

37 Ratings

Artbox in Siem Reap Tickets, Book Now @ Flat 20% off

₹ 700 ₹ 560

Phnom Kulen National Park Admission Tickets, Book @ Flat 19% off

1D
Siem Reap

35 Ratings

Phnom Kulen National Park Admission Tickets, Book @ Flat 19% off

₹ 2,162 ₹ 1,730

04

Dirt Bike

Image Credit : Brian Lin

If you want to get introduced to a high-adventure ride where you will visit places that are not usually on everybody’s list, you should definitely try out the dirt bike tours in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Highlights – The best attraction of these tours is that you get to visit places that are less-travelled and in remote areas. Usually undertaken in 250exc or 400exc bikes, these dirt bike tours are available for various durations. Due to the sheer intensity of adventure and the number of uneven terrains involved here, these tours should be undertaken only by experienced bikers. These dirt bike trips are so powerful that they have the power to make you come back to Cambodia on your next vacation too.

Location – Siem Reap countryside, Phnom Kulean National Park and more.

Timings – All through the year.

Price – Depends on the timing of tour and places covered. Day tours cost around USD150 per person for about 110km covered.

05

Kayaking

The magical Tonle Sap Lake is located in the province of Siem Reap. Therefore it is no wonder that Kayaking is one of the must-do activities when you come here.

Highlights – With the help of professional Kayaking experts and the pristine waters of Tonle Sap Lake, you can enjoy Kayaking in Siem Reap to the fullest extent. Here, you can be assured about the quality of boats and other accessories. As you sail through the amazing countryside of Siem Reap, you will see the locals going about their daily task with a warm smile. Going through the floating villages and having a causal banter with the locals is indeed a pleasurable experience here.

Kayaking

Image Credits : Lynne Hand

Location – Tonle Sap Lake.

Timings – Early mornings or late afternoons are the best.

Price – Varies as per tours; half a day tour costs USD115, USD85 and USD70 respectively for 2-3, 4-6 and 7-15 people.

06

Trekking

Due to the presence of the mountain, Phnom Kulen in its premises, Siem Reap is one of the better trekking destinations in Cambodia.

Highlights – These are a small group of peaks, with the tallest one at 487m. For a regular trekker, this mountain provides unlimited opportunities to explore the flora and fauna, as the area is covered by mud tracks, fallen trees and a challenging set of stairs that leads to the Preah Ang Jub. Here the area is replete with many Buddha devotees. Watch the scene change as you go further for one hour where you will witness the Valley of Thousand Lingas, dominated by Hindu religious motifs. You cannot afford to miss a couple of waterfalls here – there are where you can relax after a hard trek.

Location – Phnom Kulen, Siem Reap.

Timings – Can be done all through the year.

Price – Depends on the trekking tour package; approximately USD110per person for a tour that lasts from 6AM to 6PM.

Museums

Angkor National Museum Tickets, Book @ Flat 20% off

1D
Siem Reap

28 Ratings

Angkor National Museum Tickets, Book @ Flat 20% off

₹ 1,125 ₹ 900

07

Mountain Biking

When you want to enjoy the best of Siem Reap’s adventurous spots and rough terrains, mountain biking is the best way to do so. Various tour operators provide mountain bikes and accessories for reasonable rates here.

Highlights – Siem Reap contains many hidden treasures within it. The best way to explore these are through high-power mountain bikes. You can whiff past mountains, rivers, country side, paddy fields, ancient architectural remnants, temples and other natural extravaganza without causing any disturbance or damage to them, thanks to these mountain bikes. You can also stop at various place and observe the local Khmers lead their lifestyle and if time permits, enjoy a traditional meal in their houses!

Mountain Biking

Location – Almost all natural attractions of Siem Reap.

Timings – Available all through the year.

Price – For small rides of 20km, it is approximately USD35per person and for rides that cover special attractions like sunrise, sunset etc. it is USD70 per person.

08

Hot Air Ballooning

If you want to make your trip to Siem Reap unforgettable in every possible way, you should try out the magnificent hot air balloon rides that are offered to tourists here.

Highlights – There is only one operator giving you these tours – Angkor Hot Air Balloon. With professional guides by your side, you can enjoy the serene wonders of the sky and a panoramic view of the architectural marvels of Siem Reap as you travel high up in the sky. Currently there are two rides -for sunrise and sunset. Guests are offered free pickup and drop facilities at their respective hotels.

Hot Air Ballooning

Location – Siem Reap.

Timings – Flying season is from 1st December to 15th March. Flight times are twice daily – anytime between 6.10AM to 6.40AM (based on sunrise) and 5PM – 5.30PM (based on sunset). It takes about 30 minutes to complete one flight.

Price – Around USD25 to USD30 per person.

09

Microlight Flying

What better way to appreciate the view of Siem Reap from up above the sky? Microlight Flying is for those die-hard flying enthusiasts who come to Cambodia on their vacation.

Highlights – With the help of Microlight Flights, you can travel over the amazing landscapes of Cambodia and enjoy natural abundance in the form of temples, architectural remnants, lakes, mountains, beaches, rice fields and the bustling life of local Siem Reap, in its fullest form. With the aircraft flying at about 110km/hour, get ready to enjoy a rocking experience from high above the sky.

Microlight Flying

.

Location – The areas that are normally covered in these tours are Rolous, Beantey Samrie, East Mebon, Pre Rup, Sra Srang and Angkor Wat.

Timings – A flight journey takes around 30 minutes. Flights are available from 7AM to 11AM and from about 2PM till it turns dark, on all days of the week.

Price – Depends on the route taken. Usually in the range of USD75 to USD225. Customised tours too are available.

Shows & Events Explore All (6)

Angkor Dynasty Show Ticket in Siem Reap | Book @ Flat 20% off

1H
Siem Reap

33 Ratings

Angkor Dynasty Show Ticket in Siem Reap | Book @ Flat 20% off

₹ 2,850 ₹ 2,280

Rosana Broadway Siem Reap, Book @ Flat 19% off

1H
Siem Reap

41 Ratings

Rosana Broadway Siem Reap, Book @ Flat 19% off

₹ 2,412 ₹ 1,930

Apsara Dance Show Siem Reap, Book Now @ Flat 19% off

2H
Siem Reap

37 Ratings

Apsara Dance Show Siem Reap, Book Now @ Flat 19% off

₹ 2,437 ₹ 1,950

10

Visit Bayon temple

Image Credit : RichElla17

Part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, the Bayon temple was built during the 12th century CE, during the rule of Buddhist King Jayavarman VII. Today what we see is a perfect blend of Theravada Buddhist and Hindu styles of architecture patterns, as this temple was modified by various kings later on.

Highlights – If you are an architecture lover, you will truly love Bayon temple, where the main deity is Lord Buddha. Built in traditional and historic Khmer style of architecture, this temple contains numerous towers. All these towers have wonderfuls stone faces carved on them. The other highlight here is a couple of bas reliefs found here, representing various mythological values.

Location – Situated in King Jayavarman’s capital city of Angkor Thom.

Timings – 5AM to 6PM.

Entry fee – One day, three-day and seven-day passes cost USD20, USD40 and USD60 respectively.

11

Visit Ta Prohm

Cambodia is known for its ancient temples replete with architectural brilliance of traditional Khmer style. Ta Prohm is one such Angkorian temple in the province of Siem Reap.

Highlights – Of all the architectural remnants found in Cambodia, Ta Prohm is the most scenic with a canopy of greenery all round. Today, one look at the dilapidated towers and walls of the temple remind us of the glory that this temple was used to many centuries ago. During 1186, the year of its construction, this temple was known as Rajavihara (Royal Temple) and was a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site. The very fact that it required 80000 people to maintain the temple is enough to know the glory of the temple. During 1992, it was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit Ta Prohm

.

Location – Siem Reap.

Timings – Temple is open from 5AM to 6PM.

Price – Since this is part of Angkor Archaeological Park, the price is same as the park – USD20, USD40 and USD60 for a single day, 2-day and 7-day pass respectively.

12

Visit Angkor Thom

There are many places in Siem Reap that capture the attention of history and archaeological lovers. Angkor Thom is one of them.

Highlights – Set up during the 12th century by King Jayavarman II, Angkor Thom was the last and most reputed capital of the Khmer Kingdom. Built in pure Bayon style, this site was constructed using a large amount of laterite and massive naga-carrying figures on its 5 towers, each 23m tall. The gates opening to this site has massive representations of “Churning of the Ocean” episode from Hindu mythology. The gate on the south is often used by tourists who come from Angkor Wat to Angkor Thom. Traditionally, the Khmers addressed this as Prasat Angkor Thom. By 1609, many parts of Angkor Thom started getting damaged and what is left today are just the colossal remnants.

Visit Angkor Thom

Location – Siem Reap.

Timings- 5AM to 6PM.

Price – Part of Angkor Archaeological Park; therefore prices are USD20 (one day pass), USD40 (2-day pass) and USD70 (7-day pass).

Transfers

Transfer from Siem Reap Airport to Hotel by Tuk Tuk, Flat 14% off

1H
Siem Reap

29 Ratings

Transfer from Siem Reap Airport to Hotel by Tuk Tuk, Flat 14% off

₹ 420 ₹ 360

Private Siem Reap International Airport Transfers, Book Now @ Flat 9% off

Siem Reap

24 Ratings

Private Siem Reap International Airport Transfers, Book Now @ Flat 9% off

₹ 666 ₹ 600

Bus Ticket from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville, Book Now @ Flat 20% off

1D
Siem Reap

40 Ratings

Bus Ticket from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville, Book Now @ Flat 20% off

₹ 2,450 ₹ 1,960

13

Zip Lining

Image Credit : Clark H

For all those adventure enthusiasts out there, Siem Reap offers unlimited opportunities for excitement for fun. Zip lining is one of them.

Highlights – One of the best places for zip lining in the world, the Flight of the Gibbon at Angkor Wat provides ample dosages of fun and adventure with 4 suspended bridges, 10 ziplines and a rappel as well. This is the only zipline site in the world, which is situated within the complex of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you go crisscross across the jungles, get down for up to 50m, come face to face with the gibbons, get awestruck at the exotic flora and fauna of the Angkor Park and unravel the mysteries of the jungle, you will get a thrill and excitement that you will not find anywhere else.

Zip Lining

Location – Angkor Park, Siem Reap.

Timings – Due to the tropical climate, these tours can be undertaken throughout the year.

Price – USD99 per person.

14

Quad Biking

Image Credit : Richard Ella

One of the most important provinces in Cambodia, Siem Reap is a place that is filled with many architectural wonders.

Highlights – The adventure and hilly terrains of this province can be accessed in the best form through ATV Quad Bike tours that are organised by many tour operators all over Siem Reap. The best part of these tours is that there are lots of types available – fun, family, adventure and many more. Explore the lesser-known temples and the wonderful beauty of Siem Reap’s country side with the help of these bikes. Don’t miss the sunset Quad bike tours, as this way, you can appreciate Siem Reap when it much cooler.

Quad Biking

Image Credits : Jason Judge

Location – All over Siem Reap.

Timings – Can be undertaken any time during the year.

Price – Varies as per the tour types and duration.

Price per person – USD32(Sunset tours for 16km), USD37 (easy tours for about 21km), USD65 (full discovery tours covering 45km), USD105 (half-day tours) and USD175 (full-day tours).

15

Visit The Terrace of the Elephants

It is the architectural ruins of Angkor that tourist unearth some historic marvels. Terrace of Elephats is one of them, found in the massive Angkor Thom ruins.

Highlights – Part of the well-protected temple complex of Angkor Thom, the Terrace of Elephants was the platform which King Jayavarman II used to witness his successful army returning. All through the 300m long structure, one can find stunning and rare bas-reliefs covered with small figurines and statues of elephants, dancers, lions, horses, soldiers and more. The entire terrace is about 2.5m tall. Of the three main platforms here, the carvings on the north platform are the most gorgeous. As you walk past the life-size sculptures of elephants, you cannot help but get awestruck at the skill of the local artisans.

Visit The Terrace of the Elephants

Image Credits : ronan crowley

Location – Angkor Thom complex, Siem Reap.

Timings – 5AM to 6PM.

Price – USD20, USD40 and USD60 for 1-day, 2-day and 7-day pass respectively. If tickets are bought for Angkor Thom, you need not pay again for Terrace of Elephants.

Day Tours Explore All (39)

Angkor Temple Tour, Book @ Best Buy at ₹800 Only

1D
Siem Reap

26 Ratings

Angkor Temple Tour, Book @ Best Buy at ₹800 Only

₹ 941 ₹ 800

Bicycle Rental in Siem Reap, Book @ Buy at ₹360 Only

1D
Siem Reap

37 Ratings

Bicycle Rental in Siem Reap, Book @ Buy at ₹360 Only

₹ 400 ₹ 360

Angkor Wat Instagram Tour Siem Reap, Book Now @ Flat 9% off

1D
Siem Reap

30 Ratings

Angkor Wat Instagram Tour Siem Reap, Book Now @ Flat 9% off

₹ 1,211 ₹ 1,090

Explore All (39)

Siem Reap Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Siem Reap

Explore Siem Reap

Ta Prohm Temple

Ta Prohm Temple, a key site within Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park, is famed for its enchanting symbiosis of nature and ancient architecture. Constructed in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university, Ta Prohm is distinguished by its unique state of preservation. Unlike many other temples in the Angkor complex, it has been left largely unrestored, allowing massive trees and their sprawling roots to envelop the stone structures.This deliberate decision to maintain Ta Prohm in its "natural state" creates a striking, almost surreal atmosphere where visitors can witness the relentless power of nature reclaiming human creations. The temple's intricate carvings and detailed bas-reliefs, partially obscured by foliage, add to its mysterious allure. Ta Prohm's captivating setting has also made it a popular location for films, most notably "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," enhancing its fame as a must-visit destination in Cambodia.

More Siem Reap Attractions

Tonle Sap Lake, siem reap War Museum Cambodia, siem reap Preah Khan, siem reap War Museum Cambodia, siem reap Me Chrey, siem reap Angkor Silk Farm, siem reap Lotus Farm, siem reap Beng Mealea, siem reap Kulen waterfall, siem reap Banteay Kdei, siem reap Krol Ko, siem reap Cambodia Landmine Museum, siem reap Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre, siem reap Angkor Archaeological Park, siem reap Bakong Temple, siem reap Angkor What? Bar, siem reap Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, siem reap Srah Srang, siem reap Angkor Thom, siem reap Neak Pean, siem reap The Terrace Of The Elephants, siem reap Angkor National Museum, siem reap

Siem Reap Travel Guides

Places to Visit in Siem Reap in 2 Days

Amazing Nightlife in Siem Reap

20 Best Siem Reap Attractions

20 Best Siem Reap Restaurants

Siem Reap Reviews

Hiranmaya Khan Charming Cambodia 4 Days Tour

Excellent

I was not wrong at all with my decision for choosing this destination for my family vacation and I am also glad that my family loves the place and the experience they get from this trip... I'm impressed with the way Thrillophilia organized the tour it was very professional with full detailed about the trip how it will go and also decide the place to visit which they selected with the major attraction of the place, we really enjoyed the visiting to the floating village of Chong Khneas, and the sightseeing in a boat was extremely fabulous, the Wat Temple was really breathtaking, the place has lots of scenics beauty all around, I already in love with the place...Overall this booking platform even took care of all our requirements like accommodation, transport, picked up, and the drop which was extremely great...The whole team, the service, and the trip worth appreciating...

Varalakshmi Patil Simply Siem Reap & Phnom Penh in 5 Days

Excellent

Huge thanks to Thrillophilia for this amazing trip we had recently, It was really a trip to be remembered till the end of times. What makes this trip a memorable one for me and my family reasons are mentioned below. Service: we received top-notch service from Thrillophilia and the associate operator who deal with them, we get both online and on-ground support from the team, and they also always available on WhatsApp by 24/7. Arrangement: The hotel they provided to us was great and they served with amazing breakfast and the staff were courteous. Transfers were on-time with the amazing driver. Tours: All the day tours we had were interesting and the places we covered were beautiful and also gave us great pictures. Destination: Truly paradise and very rich with culture, traditions, history, religions, and foods, ... Overall we enjoyed the itinerary and the service, We do create our own itineraries as well in free time which we roam around the nearby places and tried the street foods which was delicious, we even did the shopping and purchased souvinirs, we met nice people and we became friends. Really we had a very fantastic trip. Strongly recommend Thrillophilia and this package.

Anjali Naik Simply Siem Reap & Phnom Penh in 5 Days

Excellent

It was a great expereince!!! Booked this with Thrillophilia was very easy the booking price was very affordable and as well-matched with the experience we had. Your service made my trip effortless because you did all the planning. Thank you so much. They also did a wonderful job of scheduling our day to day activities everything was managed properly which we miss nothing from the package... We had an amazing time in the floating village, traditional dance, cultural sightseeing tour of Siem Reap, and Wat Phnom Temple it was a satisfying trip. Thanks again will definitely use Thrillophilia services again

Gotum Chattopadhyay 6 Days Cambodia Family Tour Package

Superb

The very well-planned trip, We booked our 6 days Cambodia from Thrillophilia and the service they provided was good as they keep tracking us during our trip to make sure that we are fine, we stayed at a very good hotel with an amazing location in the city, we enjoyed the sightseeing and explored the place thoroughly, We had great food tours, markets tours on our own at a free time... Overall this trip was well-organized with no single issues.

Tara Nayar Simply Siem Reap & Phnom Penh in 5 Days

Superb

Five days' trip to Cambodia was absolutely fantastic. I like that the trip was the best option for me within my budget. I have contacted them and the expert team was very helpful who made an itinerary with all things I really wanted too. I am grateful that they made my trip Amazing with awesome itinerary, hotel, vehicle, location, and sightseeing spots... I have no worries at all instead I truly enjoyed the trip and every moment I spend there.

Bhima Mishra 6 Days Cambodia Family Tour Package

Excellent

Overall we had an amazing family trip to Cambodia for 6 days. A big thank you to Thrillophilia for organizing our trip so well!!! During our trip, we were regularly in touch with the agent who helps us from the very first place and even we get great support from the local operator and the staff. The company employee received us from the airport and helps us with the documentation part and as well gave us a warm welcome and the driver already waited for us and very helpful too which helps us with our luggage and kept it in a proper manner in the car, we had an easy checked in at the hotel and as well we really love the hotel they provided to us as we get a great hospitalities and services and with the sumptuous breakfast. All the day tours were well-planned and well-executed and the sightseeing was truly breathtaking and we get to learn about their culture and traditions... The temples, palace, floating village, UNESCO world heritage site, and many more important and famous sites we visited were very impressive at each arrival... We clicked many pictures to keep this trip memorable for a lifetime...

Chandani Guha Charming Cambodia 4 Days Tour

Excellent

Loved!!! this trip like anything, The planned, timing, and service on this trip were absolutely fantastic and everything was very seamlessly for us and the team was always available whenever we required plus they kept inform us if there is any update or changes during the trip... Hotels: was very comfortable with professional and friendly staff and served us with amazing breakfast, Transportation: the car was well-maintained and the driver was on time always, Activities: sightseeing Was the highlight. Place: it's too beautiful with its natural beauty, manmade beauty, and amazing culture and nice people... NO REGRET LOVE THE EXPERIENCE.