What to Do in Siem Reap Besides Angkor Wat: Uncovering Cambodia’s Soul

Beyond Angkor Wat’s iconic temples, what to Do in Siem Reap besides Angkor Wat unveils Siem Reap’s lesser-known treasures through vibrant markets, ancient crafts, and hidden gems. This guide shares insider tips on Siem Reap cultural experiences and unique Siem Reap activities, helping you craft a journey that captures Cambodia’s authentic heart.

Explore Tonlé Sap Lake and Kompong Phluk’s Floating Villages

Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, supports vibrant fishing communities. While Chong Kneas draws crowds, Kompong Phluk, a 45-minute tuk-tuk ride from Siem Reap, offers a quieter, more authentic glimpse into this water-bound world. Its stilted houses, rising up to 10 meters, adapt to the lake’s seasonal shifts.

During the wet season (June to October), Tonlé Sap Lake expands, transforming Kompong Phluk into a floating village where boats navigate channels lined with homes, markets, and a school. The air hums with activity as fishermen weave bamboo traps and children swim between houses. In the dry season (November to May), the water recedes, revealing towering homes and a flooded forest accessible by boat. Visiting the Pagoda or floating school provides insight into local life.

• Best time: Early morning (6 to 8 AM) for cool air, soft light, and fewer visitors. Wet season for the full floating experience; dry season for the flooded forest.
• Responsible travel: Book small, community-run boat tours ($15 to $25 per person) to support locals. Avoid touching fishing gear or entering homes without permission.
• Photography tip: Use a polarizing filter to capture Kompong Phluk floating village reflections. Ask before photographing people.
• Budget: $15 to $25 for a boat tour; $10 to $15 for a round-trip tuk-tuk.
• Logistics: 45-minute tuk-tuk ride to the dock, then a 20-minute boat trip.

What to Do in Siem Reap Besides Angkor Wat: Immerse Yourself in Siem Reap Culture

Siem Reap’s cultural offerings connect you to Khmer traditions through hands-on Siem Reap activities with artisans and performers.

Craft Pottery in Kandal Village

A 15-minute tuk-tuk ride from downtown, Kandal Village is a hub for traditional pottery. The earthy scent of clay and the hum of spinning wheels fill the air as artisans shape pots using age-old techniques. Trying your hand at a bowl is both fun and grounding.

• Best time: Late afternoon (4 to 6 PM) for cooler temperatures and golden light.
• Etiquette: Ask before touching tools or pottery; respect the artisans’ workspace.
• Photography tip: Shoot the spinning wheel with a fast shutter speed for sharp motion.
• Budget: Free to visit; workshops $5 to $10.

Weave Silk at Artisans Angkor

Artisans Angkor, a social enterprise, revives Khmer silk weaving, employing locals to create vibrant fabrics. The clack of looms and faint scent of mulberry dye create a sensory experience. Free guided tours explain the process from cocoon to scarf, and purchases support community livelihoods.

• Best time: Morning (9 to 11 AM) for active workshops and cooler indoor visits.
• Insider tip: Ask about the silk-making process for deeper insight.
• Budget: Free entry; souvenirs from $10.

Watch Shadow Puppets at Sala Bai

Sala Bai, a hospitality school for disadvantaged youth, hosts shadow puppet shows that bring Khmer folklore to life. Leather puppets dance behind a glowing screen, set to traditional music. Your ticket supports the students’ training.

• Best time: Evening shows (check schedules in advance).
• Photography tip: Use a high ISO for low light; avoid flash to preserve the mood.
• Budget: $10 to $15 per ticket.

Cook with a Local Family

Skip hotel cooking classes for a traditional Khmer cooking class with a Khmer family. Start at a morning market to pick fresh lemongrass and galangal, then learn to make fish amok or banana flower salad in a home kitchen. The flavors and hospitality make it a highlight.

• Best time: Morning (8 to 11 AM) for lively markets and fresh ingredients.
• Insider tip: Book via local operators for authenticity.
• Budget: $20 to $40 per person.

Discover Hidden Temples and Sacred Sites

Siem Reap’s lesser-known temples and sacred spots provide tranquility and discovery, ideal for Cambodia travel enthusiasts seeking spiritual experiences.

Banteay Srei Temple

Located 25 kilometers from Siem Reap, Banteay Srei temple is famed for its intricate pink sandstone carvings. Its delicate details and serene setting make it a standout among Siem Reap activities.

• Best time: Sunrise (6 to 7 AM) for golden light and fewer visitors.
• Photography tip: Zoom in on lintels for detailed close-ups.
• Etiquette: Cover shoulders and knees; avoid touching carvings.
• Budget: Included in $37 Angkor Pass.

Beng Mealea Temple

An hour’s drive from town, Beng Mealea temple is a sprawling ruin engulfed by vines and tree roots. Its raw, untouched state offers an adventurous escape from polished temple tours.

• Best time: Late afternoon (3 to 5 PM) for dramatic shadows and cooler air.
• Photography tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the jungle’s embrace.
• Budget: $5 entry (separate from Angkor Pass).

Phnom Kulen National Park

This sacred mountain, 50 kilometers from Siem Reap, features Phnom Kulen waterfalls, ancient rock carvings, and a reclining Buddha at Preah Ang Thom. The River of a Thousand Lingas, with carvings beneath the water, adds a mystical touch.

• Best time: Wet season (June to October) for fuller Phnom Kulen waterfalls.
• Photography tip: Use a slow shutter speed for misty waterfall shots.
• Budget: $20 entry; private car $40 to $60.
• Logistics: Private cars recommended due to steep roads.
• Common mistake: Wear sturdy shoes, not flip-flops, for uneven terrain.

Savor Siem Reap’s Food Scene

Siem Reap’s cuisine celebrates Khmer flavors, from vibrant street stalls to local eateries, offering a taste of Siem Reap culture.

Street Food Tours in Taphul Village

Skip Pub Street’s touristy vibe and join a street food tour in Taphul Village. Sample num banh chok (Khmer noodles with fish curry) or bai sach chrouk (grilled pork with rice). The smoky aroma of grills and lively vendor chatter create a vibrant atmosphere.

• Best time: Evening (6 to 9 PM) for bustling stalls and cooler air.
• Budget: $15 to $25 for a guided tour.
• Photography tip: Capture steam from woks; ask vendors’ permission for portraits.

Phsar Leu Morning Market

Phsar Leu morning market buzzes at dawn with piles of mangoes, jackfruit, and grilled fish. Try kralan (sticky rice in bamboo) or sip fresh sugarcane juice. The hum of vendors and scent of herbs make it a sensory delight.

• Best time: 6 to 8 AM for fresh produce and fewer tourists.
• Insider tip: Bring small bills ($1 to $5) for quick purchases.
• Photography tip: Shoot colorful produce piles; ask permission for vendor photos.
• Budget: Free entry; snacks $1 to $3.

Traditional Khmer Restaurants

Malis serves upscale Khmer dishes like prahok ktis (fermented fish dip) in a serene garden setting. Haven, a social enterprise training disadvantaged youth, offers cozy dishes like chicken curry. Both are local favorites.

• Best time: Evening (6 to 8 PM) for a relaxed meal.
• Budget: $10 to $20 per person.

Night Market Food Stalls

Siem Reap’s night markets offer vibrant dining, but quality varies. Seek busy stalls with locals for fresh bites like grilled squid or mango sticky rice. The glow of lanterns adds to the charm.

• Best time: 7 to 10 PM for peak energy.
• Insider tip: Avoid flashy stalls with inflated prices; follow the local crowd.
• Budget: $1 to $5 per dish.

Escape to Siem Reap’s Natural Wonders

Siem Reap’s countryside offers serene escapes and thrilling Siem Reap activities for nature lovers.

Phnom Kulen Waterfalls

An hour from Siem Reap, Phnom Kulen waterfalls in Phnom Kulen National Park are a refreshing retreat. Swim in clear pools or relax under shady trees, surrounded by lush jungle.

• Best time: Wet season (June to October) for powerful Phnom Kulen waterfalls.
• Budget: Included in Phnom Kulen’s $20 entry.
• Photography tip: Use a slow shutter speed for silky waterfall shots.

Countryside Cycling

Rent a bike and pedal through rice paddies dotted with palm trees and villages. The breeze and chirping birds create a peaceful escape.

• Best time: Early morning (6 to 9 AM) to avoid heat; dry season for firm trails.
• Budget: $2 to $5 per day for bike rental.
• Logistics: Bikes available at guesthouses or local shops.
• Photography tip: Shoot paddies at dawn for soft light.

Bird Watching at Prek Toal

Prek Toal, a Tonlé Sap Lake biosphere reserve, is a haven for rare birds like spot-billed pelicans. Morning boat trips through misty channels offer prime sightings.

• Best time: 6 to 9 AM for active birds; dry season for easier navigation.
• Budget: $50 to $80 for a guided tour.
• Photography tip: Use a 200mm+ zoom lens for crisp shots.

Quad Biking/TUK-TUK to Remote Villages

Quad bike through dirt tracks to villages off the tourist trail. The dust and rice fields make it a thrilling adventure.

• Best time: Dry season (November to May) for manageable trails.
• Budget: $30 to $50 for a half-day tour.

Craft Your Perfect Siem Reap Activities Itinerary

With four days or more, blend these Siem Reap activities into themed days for a balanced, immersive Cambodia travel experience.

Day 1: Cultural Immersion
Start at Phsar Leu morning market (6 AM) for breakfast and local vibes. Join a morning traditional Khmer cooking class, then visit Kandal Village for pottery and Artisans Angkor for silk weaving. End with an evening shadow puppet show at Sala Bai.

Day 2: Nature and Adventure
Cycle through rice paddies at dawn, then head to Phnom Kulen National Park for Phnom Kulen waterfalls and a picnic. Dine at Haven for a cozy, purpose-driven meal.

Day 3: Lake Life and Local Flavors
Take a sunrise boat to Kompong Phluk floating village to explore Tonlé Sap Lake. Spend the afternoon relaxing, then join an evening street food tour in Taphul Village.

Day 4: Hidden Temples and Serenity
Catch sunrise at Banteay Srei temple (Recommend to Phnom Krom – Less tourist with short distance and not interrupted by wake up time), enjoy lunch in a local village, then explore Beng Mealea temple’s jungle ruins. Wrap up with dinner at Malis.

Logistics:

• Tuk-tuks ($10 to $25/day) for short trips like Kandal or Kompong Phluk floating village.
• Bikes ($2 to $5/day) for countryside cycling.
• Private cars ($40 to $60/day) for Phnom Kulen National Park or Beng Mealea temple due to distance or rough roads.

Budget tips:

• Low-cost: Markets, biking, local eateries ($1 to $10).
• Mid-range: Cooking classes, pottery, small-group tours ($15 to $40).
• Premium: Private car tours, bird watching ($50 to $80).

Insider Tips for a Thoughtful Trip

• Best seasons: Wet season (June to October) for lush landscapes and full Tonlé Sap Lake; dry season (November to May) for easier temple visits and cycling.
• Cultural etiquette: Cover shoulders and knees at temples and villages. Ask permission before photographing people or entering homes. Remove shoes when invited indoors.
• Avoid overtourism: Skip Pub Street and Chong Kneas for Taphul Village, Phsar Leu morning market, or Kompong Phluk floating village. Book small, community-based tours to minimize impact.
• Common mistakes: Don’t overpack your itinerary; leave room for spontaneous moments. Avoid unethical attractions like elephant rides or caged animal shows.
• Photography: Mornings (6 to 8 AM) and late afternoons (3 to 5 PM) for best light. Use a polarizing filter for lakes and jungles; a zoom lens for birds; avoid flash in cultural settings.

These authentic Siem Reap activities weave together to create a journey that lingers long after you leave. Our team specializes in crafting personalized Cambodia travel itineraries that blend these experiences into something meaningful, not just a checklist. Ready to explore the real Siem Reap culture? Let us design a trip that’s uniquely yours.