I am sure Siem Reap is on everyones Cambodia itinerary since it is the Cambodian city with the world famous Angkor Wat temple and if it is not currently on your itinerary keep reading because at the end of this blog you will be adding it.
I recently travelled to Cambodia and I explored this country for three weeks I visited Phnom Penh, Koh Rong and Siem Reap and Siem Reap was by far my favourite place in Cambodia.
There is so much more to see in Siem Reap besides Angkor Wat like beautiful sunset spots and learning about the Cambodian hero rats.
This post is all about the best things to do in Siem Reap Cambodia.
Angkor Wat Ticket Information
The Angkor Wat passes include a 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day pass option. These passes allow you entry into all the temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park for the number of days you purchased your ticket for. The Angkor Archaeological Park includes temples like Angkor Wat, Bayon, Preah Khan, Ta Prohm, and more.
- 1-day pass to Angkor Wat costs $37
- 3-day pass to Angkor Wat costs $62
- 7-day pass to Angkor Wat costs $72
Important Note: These multiple day passes also do not need to be used consecutively just used within 10-days (for 3-day pass) or 30-days (for 7-day pass) from the date of ticket purchase.
Angkor Wat Ticket Tip
Something I was very grateful my hostel told me when I arrived in Siem Reap was if you buy your Angkor Wat 1-day ticket pass after 5pm that ticket is valid for that night and the following day. I was so happy I knew this to get more our of my 1-day Angkor Wat pass. With knowing this information I was able to watch sunset that night and sunrise the next day at Angkor Wat.
6 Best Things to Do in Siem Reap Cambodia
1. Visit Angkor Wat (during sunrise)
I am sure anyone planning a trip to Cambodia knows about Angkor Wat temple and has it on their Siem Reap travel itinerary. But if for some reason it is not you NEED to add it RIGHT NOW! Angkor Wat is breathtaking especially on a beautifully clear day during sunrise. I recommend booking a sunrise tour of Angkor Wat to learn more about this amazing temple.
There are lots of sunrise tour options on GetYourGuide click HERE to see some tour options. OR if you are staying at a hostel they will most likely organize a sunrise tour to Angkor Wat.
2. Visit Ta Prohm Temple
Ta Prohm Temple is another popular temple to visit during an Angkor Wat tour. Ta Prohm is also known as the “Tomb Raider” temple as this temple was where some scenes of the movie Tomb Raider by Lara Croft was filmed. This temple has a unique look with multiple trees growing from the temple. It is a BEAUTIFUL temple and I recommend you visit if you get a chance to go.
Notes: Ta Prohm is one of the temples included in your Angkor Wat pass.
3. Visit Bayon Temple
Bayon temple is another temple very high on many tourists bucket list when visiting Siem Reap and for good reason. At Bayon Temple you will see various stone faces carved into the temple. There is so much to see walking around these temples which such intricate stone carvings throughout the entire temple. Also look out for the monkeys both in the parking lot and around the temple.
Note: Bayon Temple is included in the Angkor Wat pass
4. Watch the Sunset from Phnom Bakheng
Phnom Bakheng is one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Siem Reap. This sunset spot overlooks Angkor Wat Temple and gives you the most AMAZING views of the sunset on a clear day.
To get to the sunset spot in Siem Reap you need your Angkor Wat day pass (check out my tip about the Angkor Wat pass I mentioned earlier in this blog to enjoy both sunset and sunrise with your day pass). You do need to walk around 10 minutes up to the lookout spot. There are a couple spots along the way but I recommend walking all the way to the temple at the top where you climb a staircase to enjoy the sunset from on top of the temple.
Be prepared for crowds of people it was SUPER busy when I visited. Also a quick warning to bring your phone with a flashlight since you will be walking back in the dark and there are no lights along the path.
5. Visit APOPO- Humanitiarian Demining to learn about and meet the hero rats
I am SO HAPPY I heard about APOPO from other travellers in my hostel in Koh Rong because I did not see this online when searching for things to do in Siem Reap and it was very interesting to learn about. APOPO is an organization that is working towards getting rid of landmines around the world with the help of HeroRATs and HeroDOGS. These animals are trained to sniff our landmines to avoid locals getting injured or killed by landmines in their countries.
This APOPO centre is Siem Reap Cambodia costs $10 for an hour tour. This tour includes a history of landmines in Cambodia, a demonstration with the HeroRATs on how they sniff our landmines, you get an opportunity to hold these rats, and then you learn about the work this company and the animals are doing around the world.
I highly recommend you visiting it is very interesting and informative.
6. Walk around Pub Street at night
If you are looking for somewhere to go at night in Siem Reap Pub Street is the place to go. Pub Street is full of bars and restaurants for you to get something to eat or drink with friends or family. There are also shops around Pub Street so if you want to do some shopping for souvenirs from your trip this is a great place. Pub Street is a popular and fun place to visit at night during your stay in Siem Reap.
That bring us to the end of the best things to do in Siem Reap Cambodia. Siem Reap really is an amazing travel destination and I absolutely loved my time here. I hope these 6 things to do in Siem Reap gave you some ideas to make your trip to Siem Reap one to remember. Have an amazing trip to Cambodia and safe travels!
