Things to do in Siem Reap

Best Things to do in Siem Reap

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Siem Reap? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 2268 activities in Siem Reap, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 449, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Siem Reap in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Best Things to Do in Siem Reap for a Journey Beyond the Temples

About Siem Reap

Most people come to Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat, but the city has more to offer than temples alone. The Old Market is buzzing in the mornings, the small cafés by the river are easy places to linger, and you’ll often find cultural shows or art spaces tucked down side streets. The mix of old traditions and a growing youthful energy makes it a place that’s simple to enjoy.

Well-known Siem Reap tourist attractions include Angkor Wat, Tonle Sap Lake’s floating villages, and the busy market streets. But step aside from the obvious and you’ll come across cooking classes, small galleries, and cycling routes that give the city another layer.

So whether it’s sunrise at the temples or a night market food stall, you’ll never run out of things to do in Siem Reap.

Unique Experiences

Cambodian Village Cooking Class

You’ll be taken out to a rural village by tuk-tuk, shop for local ingredients, and learn to prepare a full three-course Khmer meal with a friendly local chef. This hands-on class is one of the most immersive, fun things to do in Siem Reap as you can cook, sit down to eat, and enjoy what you made.

• Where: Pickup from your Siem Reap hotel
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,800 per person
• Timing: Around 3 hours; slots available at 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM
• When to Visit: Year-round, though morning classes are cooler and quieter

Cambodian Pottery Class

Here you work with clay on a pottery wheel under the guidance of a ceramic artist, shaping and carving your own cup or bowl using traditional Khmer patterns. You’ll return the next day to collect your piece with a small diploma, an artistic take on things to do in Siem Reap.

• Where: Studio reached by tuk-tuk from your hotel
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,200 per person
• Timing: About 1 hour 45 minutes; slots available at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
• When to Visit: Year-round; great activity for rainy or hot afternoons

Siem Reap Countryside Guided Tour by Bike and E-Bike with Snacks

You’ll cycle away from the crowds along quiet dirt tracks, past green rice paddies, and through riverside villages. Break for Khmer snacks, meet local farmers, and breathe in rural life. This is one of the top things to do in Siem Reap if you want nature and culture combined.

• Where: Round-trip transfer from your Siem Reap hotel
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,100 per person
• Timing: Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes; tour starts from 8:00 AM
• When to Visit: November through March, dry skies and good riding conditions

Top Attractions

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and the star of Cambodia’s history. Watching the sunrise here is definitely one of the most unforgettable things to do in Siem Reap, as the reflection spreads across the moat and the towers slowly light up.

• Where: Angkor Archaeological Park, 6 km north of Siem Reap town
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,300 per person (one-day pass)
• Timing: 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily
• When to Visit: Sunrise is the most popular, but afternoons are quieter

Bayon Temple

Famous for its smiling stone faces, Bayon is an atmospheric stop in the Angkor complex. Exploring its maze of corridors and terraces is one of the top things to do in Siem Reap, offering both history and striking visuals.

• Where: Angkor Thom, Angkor Archaeological Park
• Pricing: Included in Angkor pass (from INR 3,300 per person)
• Timing: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily
• When to Visit: Early mornings for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Tonle Sap Lake Floating Villages

A visit to Tonle Sap gives you a look at local life on the water. Houses, schools, and shops float along the lake, creating a setting that feels completely different from the city. It’s one of the Siem Reap tourist attractions that shows the rhythm of daily life and belongs on any list of top 10 things to do in Siem Reap.

• Where: Chong Kneas or Kampong Phluk, around 30–45 minutes from town
• Pricing: It starts from INR 1,600 per person (boat trip)
• Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
• When to Visit: July to February, when water levels are high and villages are fully afloat

Sightseeing Tours

Angkor Wat Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour

You’ll begin with an early pickup, arrive for the magical sunrise over Angkor Wat, and then visit Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Bayon Temple while the day unfolds. It’s one of the most iconic things to do in Siem Reap, combining history with light.

• Where: Pick up from your hotel in Siem Reap
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,300 per person
• Timing: Around 8 hours; tour starts at 4:30 PM and 4:40 PM
• When to Visit: November to March, for clearer skies and cooler mornings

Siem Reap City Hidden Gems

You’ll explore lesser-known spots such as ancient streets, a hidden 10th-century temple, the old royal residence, and a quiet monastery, then conclude at a local market for snacks. It adds cultural layering to your things to do in Siem Reap.

• Where: Central Siem Reap, starting at a city landmark
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,500 per person
• Timing: About 3 to 4 hours; tour slots available 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• When to Visit: Year-round, though late morning sees fewer crowds

Day Trips

Kompong Phluk Floating Village Half-Day Tour

You’ll ride through mangrove forests, meet locals in stilted homes, and learn how life adapts with changing water levels. It’s one of the top 10 things to do in Siem Reap, especially when you’re looking to explore beyond the temples.

• Where: Pick up from your hotel in Siem Reap
• Pricing: It starts from INR 1,700 per person
• Timing: Around 5 hours; slots available at 1:40 PM and 7:40 PM
• When to Visit: July to February, when water levels are higher and villages fully afloat

Kulen Waterfall & 1000 Lingas River and Small-Group Tour

Drive out to Phnom Kulen for carved riverbeds, the Reclining Buddha, and a refreshing swim under the waterfall. It’s a natural escape well worth adding to your list of things to do in Siem Reap.

• Where: Pick up from your hotel in Siem Reap
• Pricing: It starts from INR 4,700 per person
• Timing: Around 7 to 8 hours; tour starts at 8:00 AM
• When to Visit: November to April, when roads are passable and water is clear

Boat Tours

Kompong Pluk Tonle Sap, Floating Village Tour Cruise

Cruise over Tonle Sap Lake, passing lotus farms, fishing houses, and a floating village. It’s one of the most immersive things to do in Siem Reap, blending culture and nature.

• Where: Pick up from your hotel in Siem Reap
• Pricing: It starts from INR 1,500 per person
• Timing: Approximately 5 to 6 hours, cruise starts at 2:30 PM
• When to Visit: June to November, best time for lush waterways and active wildlife

Floating Village Sunset Boat & Jeep Tour

You head out in a jeep through the countryside, stopping at a small distillery to try local rice wine. Later, you climb aboard a boat on Tonle Sap Lake to watch the sun dip over the water. It’s one of those fun things to do in Siem Reap that combines village life with time on the lake.

• Where: Pick up from your hotel in Siem Reap
• Pricing: It starts from INR 6,300 per person
• Timing: Around 6 hours; tour starts at 3:00 PM
• When to Visit: December to March, when evenings are clear and the breeze is pleasant

Getting Around

• Tuk-tuks: Everywhere and easy. They’re the standard way to travel between temples and into town for Siem Reap tourist attractions. Cheap, quick, and part of the city’s daily rhythm.
• Bicycles: Great if you want a slower pace. Pedalling around shaded backstreets or even towards the temples is one of the more relaxed fun things to do in Siem Reap.
• Walking: The Old Market, Pub Street, and the riverside are close together. If you’re heading out for things to do in Siem Reap at night, walking is the best way to catch the food stalls, music, and atmosphere.
• Private cars or vans: Handy if you’ve got a packed day that includes sunrise at Angkor and an afternoon out at the floating villages. They save time and energy when you’re lining up several top things to do in Siem Reap.
• Motorbikes: Some visitors rent scooters. Not for everyone, but if you’re comfortable, it opens quieter countryside roads that most don’t see.

Traveller Tips

• Go early to the temples: Angkor Wat opens at 5:00 AM. Sunrise isn’t just beautiful, it’s also cooler and far less crowded, easily one of the top things to do in Siem Reap.
• Carry water and a hat: You’ll spend hours outdoors at both temples and floating villages. Staying shaded and hydrated keeps you going through the main Siem Reap tourist attractions.
• Break up your days: Mix in markets, cooking sessions, or a gallery visit with your temple runs. It keeps your list of things to do in Siem Reap varied instead of overwhelming.
• Plan for evenings: Night markets, Apsara dance shows, or just a walk by the river all make good things to do in Siem Reap at night. The city feels very different after dark.
• Dress with respect: Temples expect modest clothing. A sarong or scarf for your shoulders is enough, and it makes the experience more comfortable and respectful.