13 best things to do in Angkor Wat & Siem Reap
So you're visiting Siem reap and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat!Yes, everyone knows about Angkor Wat. What I wasn't expecting from Siem Reap was a vibrant city in Cambodia bursting with cafes decorated with fairy lights, bars, outdoor cinemas, restaurants, and adrenaline-fueled adventures. Make your visit to Siem Reap town an unforgettable one by having a look at some of these epic tours! Here's my pick for the 13 best things to do in Angkor Wat & Siem Reap. I also have a blog on the best temples you should visit whilst you're exploring the ruins of Angkor Wat, have a look below - includes pictures of Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Banteay Srei and more!
You might be interested in my other blog on Siem Reap:
Best hotels and places to stay in Siem Reap
13 best things to do in Angkor Wat & Siem Reap Cambodia
Well, look no further, I got you covered with my favourite activities. With an ancient history dating back to 802AD, Siem Reap is rapidly emerging as the ultimate backpacker hub in Southeast Asia. The temples, thanks to Angelina Jolie and Tomb Raider attract numerous visitors, but the destination offers a surprising number of attractions beyond you might initially expect. Prepare to explore temples, affordable accommodations that provide excellent value, and incredibly cheap eats and bevvies. A visit to 'Pub Street' during the evening hours is always intriguing.
While the temples may eventually lose their allure, fret not, as there are abundant budget-friendly day-trips to embark on. Delve into the captivating Kulen Mountain or venture to a fishing village, where towering stilts support every residence and amenity.
Rise Above with Angkor Hot Air Balloon
This is a budget friendly activity that you'll want to snap up quickly! Imagine floating above the stunning landscapes of Siem Reap, with the majestic temples of Angkor Wat in the distance. Imagine it now, but at sunset! The Angkor Hot Air Balloon experience is super fun and a unique way to witness the breath taking beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor National Park - from an entirely new perspective. The hot air balloon is tethered to the ground (by a huge wire), so you don't float across the temples, you float next to them and when it's time to come down, they reel the balloon back down - so if you have a fear of flying, it's no real biggie. Each balloon ride is around 15-20 minutes and costs 20USD - 25USD at sunset, but you can book a combo tour with lunch for 35USD which is super reasonable! Also, you don't need an Angkor Pass to access this activity, so it's worth noting!
Zipping Through the Canopy: Angkor Zip Line - Gibbon Edition
I actually really loved Angkor Zipline - I don't know why but there's a certain something special about flying through the treetops by the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat - could anything be more spectacular? And yes, whilst I may be a little bit scared of heights, this was fine - in fact, it was really fine. We did the Gold Package, meaning we did the longer course! It was super fun. The Angkor Zip Line adventure combines thrilling ziplines with (if you're lucky) an encounter with the rare gibbons. There are only 3 gibbons that have recently been introduced to this part of the jungle - Gibbons are a type of ape and they aren't common encounters (unlike the monkeys, which, are, frankly, everywhere). As you navigate through the lush forest canopy, you'll hear the echoes of the gibbons' distinctive calls. Soar through the air, kick your feet out and immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding jungle vines. It's a unique adventure that will look bloody fantastic in your photos!
Vespa Tour: Unleashing the Inner Explorer
This tour is unforgettable! Did you know? Many of the temples in Angkor Wat can't be accessed by road - they're deep in the jungle with no way to get to them except hiking through the dirt tracks... OR, the temples are only accessible by motorbike, so what better way to do it than with a Vespa Tour? Hop on a vintage Vespa. Our Vespa guide will take you to the best kept secret temples. Start early in the morning at 7am (before it gets too hot - this is essential!), and later in the day they'll serve up ice cold coconuts whilst you stop at some cute village stalls run by local women. This Vespa tour guarantees an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure. Don't worry if you suck at driving a motorbike, or are worried you wont be able to hack it - each person has a motorbike driver, so don't worry about getting stuck in some jungle vines and roots. At the end, they'll take you for lunch, which was actually delicious, and you'll get to try many of the local dishes _I can't remember all the names, but they were vegetable stir fries and chicken stir fries with lots of fresh veg. Also, it's vegetarian/vegan friendly, as one of the girls on our tour was a veggie - they offer tofu and stir fried vegetable noodles. This one gets a full 5 stars from me!
Kulen Mountain, Kulen Waterfalls and Beng Mealea Temple
This is a lovely little day out if you're into diving into some luscious waterfalls. Discover the hidden wonders of Phnom Kulen National Park, where ancient Buddhist monuments, mesmerizing waterfalls, and concealed caves are just begging to be explored. You'll get a chance to trek along the sacred River of a Thousand Lingas. Climb to Kulen Mountain to admire the panoramic views, and don't forget the Bat Cave (literally, a bat cave!). As you explore this stunning landscape, make a stop to visit the mystical Angkor-era temple of Beng Mealea, nestled deep in the jungle amongst the twisted vines and monkey calls.
A Glimpse into the Floating Village: Kompong Khleang
I really like authentic experiences, so I try to jump at the chance to see local villages. Make sure to set aside time to visit the floating village of Kompong Khleang which is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia. Hop aboard a traditional boat at Kampong phluk floating village and explore this mesmerizing world of stilted houses, floating markets, and friendly locals. The village offers a glimpse into a way of life intricately connected to the surrounding Tonle Sap Lake. The phluk floating village makes a lot of their income through tourism, so it gives you a warm glow if you're able to support locals in any way. Tourism hasn't fully returned to Cambodia, so it's a nice thing to do whilst you're there.
Made in Cambodia Market
Make sure you visit the Cambodia Old Market, especially if you want to help support some of the locals! This crafts market is located along King's Road and is a cute place to see some traditional wares and souvenirs that aren't mass produced. It has a charming village vibe and you can sit down for a coconut right next to Siem Reap river. Unlike other bustling areas in Siem Reap with neon lights and buzzing music, here you can have a market experience without anyone hassling you to make a sale. Browse and shop at your own pace! There is also traditional Khmer music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6pm.
A Khmer Cooking Class
One of my favourite things to do in a new place or culture is a cooking class - learn about all the ingredients that go into making some of the best tasting food - I did this for the first time in Thailand and it's something I love trying out in the countries I go to visit! Learn the secrets of Khmer cuisine by signing up for a cooking class. Siem Reap offers several options, where you'll get hands-on experience preparing traditional dishes like amok (a flavorful fish curry), lok lak (stir-fried beef), and fresh spring/summer rolls. Plus, you'll get to enjoy all the hard work you do; you can gobble up your delicious creations afterward. Yum!
Foodie Tour on Pub Street
If you're a self-proclaimed foodie (like me), a Pub Street Food Tour should be high on your list. This lively and bustling area is home to vibrantly lit street food stalls, restaurants with fairy lights, and neon lit bars. Grab a table at one of the local joints and try grilled skewers, fried noodles, or the famous Cambodian dish called "lok lak." Don't forget to wash it all down with a refreshing glass of fresh watermelon juice, or if you fancy a drink: Angkor Beer, which is usually less than £1.
Angkor National Museum
Step back in time and delve into the fascinating history of the ancient Khmer Empire at the Angkor National Museum. This state-of-the-art museum showcases a stunning collection of artifacts, sculptures, and interactive exhibits that bring the Khmer civilization to life. From the majestic Angkor Wat to the intricately carved statues, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the region's cultural heritage. You can also learn a little more about the Khmer Rouge Regime and the terrible history belonging to the country.
Cambodia Landmine Museum
Prepare to be moved by the heartfelt stories and incredible work at the Cambodia Landmine Museum. This museum not only educates visitors about the devastating impact of landmines but also highlights the efforts made to clear them. Run by dedicated locals, the museum really makes you understand the country's tragic past and showcases the ongoing work to create safer land for everyone.
War Museum Cambodia
Another sobering but essential stop on your Siem Reap itinerary is the War Museum Cambodia. Learn about Cambodia's turbulent history, shedding light on the country's struggle for peace and the incredible resilience of its people; anyone you speak to will have stories to tell about the war and the genocide, which was not at all that long ago.
Angkor Center for the Conservation of Biodiversity
A visit to the Angkor Centre for the Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) is a cute way to learn more about nature, biodiversity and a bit of history - the war had a huge effect on Biodiversity in the region. This unique centre is dedicated to preserving the region's natural habitats and endangered wildlife species. Take a guided tour and learn about their conservation efforts, visit the butterfly enclosure, or explore the beautiful gardens filled with native plants. It's a lovely serene escape from the bustling city.
Outdoor Cinema
This is a totally free outdoor cinema that you'll want to stop by! I was walking past when I saw it, and it's incredible! It's right next to Pub street, you'll have to ask a local at your hotel/hostel what is showing though, as they don't publish the listings online (not in English anyway).
Weather in Siem Reap
When to visit Siem Reap? Have a look at the different months of the year for average termperatures, rainy days and daylight hours.
The wet season, or monsoon season in Siem Reap runs from May to October.
The dry season in Siem Reap runs from November to April. December and January have the coolest months, with low humidity and less rain.
January:
Average Temperature: 25°C (77°F)
Rainy Days: 1 day
Average Daylight Hours: 11 hours
February:
Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F)
Rainy Days: 1 day
Average Daylight Hours: 11 hours
March:
Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F)
Rainy Days: 2 days
Average Daylight Hours: 12 hours
April:
Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F)
Rainy Days: 6 days
Average Daylight Hours: 12 hours
May:
Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F)
Rainy Days: 14 days
Average Daylight Hours: 12 hours
June:
Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F)
Rainy Days: 17 days
Average Daylight Hours: 12 hours
July:
Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F)
Rainy Days: 20 days
Average Daylight Hours: 12 hours
August:
Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F)
Rainy Days: 19 days
Average Daylight Hours: 12 hours
September:
Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F)
Rainy Days: 20 days
Average Daylight Hours: 12 hours
October:
Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F)
Rainy Days: 17 days
Average Daylight Hours: 12 hours
November:
Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F)
Rainy Days: 7 days
Average Daylight Hours: 11 hours
December:
Average Temperature: 25°C (77°F)
Rainy Days: 1 day
Average Daylight Hours: 11 hours
And there you have it, my top adventures in Angkor Wat and around Siem Reap! The city is brimming with even more attractions, obviously this includes the Angkor Archaeological Park, but also the captivating Ta Prohm temple (you know, the one famously entwined with tree roots), and the vibrant Siem Reap night markets where you can haggle for souvenirs and delicious food
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Siem Reap has a magical way of capturing the hearts of travellers, and I guarantee that your time here will be filled with awe, wonder, and unforgettable memories.
Until next time, keep exploring!
You might find my other blogs on Cambodia of interest:
Best hotels and places to stay in Siem Reap
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