WHAT TO DO IN SIEM REAP BESIDES TEMPLES
Things to do in Siem Reap besides temples
Many people only visit Cambodia for one or two days and spend that short time at the Angkor Wat archeological park, however there are many hidden gems in Cambodia such as the Sihanoukville beaches.
Siem Reap is the city where the Angkor Wat archeological park is located and there are many other things to do besides temples.
From the whole month that I spent in Cambodia, I gave a week to Siem Reap and I do not regret. The city has so much culture and enticing attractions at a stone´s throw away.
Luxury accommodation for a very low costs is very common in Siem Reap . I stayed in a luxury hotel that had just open, for so little as 18 $ per night. It is always nice to dedicate some time chill out in the swimming pool, while integrating your travel experience. No, we do not want to end up having travel burn out.
Get local at Tonle Sap lake and floating village
The Tonle Sap lake is the biggest fresh water lake in South East Asia and it is home to a very diverse ecosystem which consists of at least 149 different fish species. The Tonle Sap lake is connected to the Tonle Sap river that annually feeds the lake when the Mekong causes its flow to reverse towards it, due to the rainy season.
The water level difference between dry and rainy season is of about 8 meters, thus making the rainy season the best period of the year to visit the lake
There are several floating villages to visit around the lake: “Chong Khneas”, “ Kampong Khlean”, “Kampong Phluk” and “Prek Toal”.
The best way to visit is to book an organized tour from your hotel. The costs are around 25 $.
Learn some Khmer history and culture at the Angkor national museum
I visited the museum after my three days visit to Angkor Wat and I would recommend you to visit it before, as it gives you a bit of context when you are temple hoping in the park.
The museum is a great introduction to the Khmer history and exhibits also some pre Angkorian art.
There is a gallery with around one thousand buddhas from Bantei Srei and Angkor Thom. Other galleries exhibit regional ancient customs, stories written in Sanskrit on stones and religious stories among others.
Chill out taking a massage
There are lots of massage shops in Siem Reap where you can enjoy the traditional Khmer massage with or without oil, foot massage or a simple foot spa.
TIP; Many massage places offer discounted prices during the day. You can take a break of your tourist visit and enjoy some relaxation.
Get ready for those beautiful pics taking a manicure or/and a pedicure
Pedicure and manicure is really cheap in Cambodia and you have even the option of taking a pedicure or manicure with art. Flowery motifs in your nails to enhance your looks for your travel pics.
Support local women by visiting the Lotus flowers farms
The lotus flowers farms in Siem Reap is a free tourist attraction where you can observe the manufacturing process of lotus flowers into textiles and attractive handicraft.
You can attend handicraft workshops to learn to do it yourself.
There is a restaurant in the middle of one of the lotus flowers fields where you can chill out and enjoy a drink or a meal.
Learn the hard truth about Cambodia in the landmine museum
This visit can be combined with a visit to the most outer temples in Angkor Wat as suggested in my three days itinerary in Angkor Wat, as it is located very close to the Banteay Srey temple.
The temple was founded by Aki Ra, who was taken from his family by the Khmer Rouge at age five and later in the 90s he worked for the U.N. removing mines around the Angkor Wat and then he decided to dedicate his life to demining the country.
Party like there is no tomorrow at Pub street
Yes, party street is to Siem Reap as Khao San road is to Bangkok. You can party all night and find lots of fellow travelers while drinking a cool Cambodian beer. But I would not sleep close to it as the music is really loud.
Shop until you drop at the Old Market
You can find almost everything in this market, from CDs, boots, local clothes, to food. This is not the place where tourist will usually purchase things but if you want a taste of the Cambodian culture having a stroll is a must do in Siem Reap.
READ MORE:
What to do in Chau Doc and Bentre: Mekong delta, Vietnam
Is Luang Prabang worth visiting?
Stroll around the Night Market
The night market is just at the heart of town and you can buy nice souvernirs there as well as enjoy a drink or a local modest meal. The market is protected by a roof and consists of approximately 250 stalls.
Enjoy the dancing Apsaras while having dinner
Apsaras are beautiful female deities in the Hindu and Buddhist mythology. These supernaturals beings are usually beautiful and smart. There are usually wives to the court musicians of Indra.
There are several places in Siem Reap that offer a generous buffet dinner while enjoying some local women performing the Apsara dance.
Shows usually start at 18:00
TIP: You need to book in advance as it usually fills up. Booking at your hotel reception is best.
As you can see there are several things to do in Siem Reap besides temples and some more I did not do but there on my list for next time I will visit this beautiful country.
Are you planning to include Thailand in your Asia trip? Check out this Thailand three weeks itinerary.
- BAGAMOYO: LAY DOWN YOUR HEART - April 5, 2024
- IRENTE VIEWPOINT LUSHOTO, USAMBARA MOUNTAINS - April 3, 2024
- 16 FACTS ABOUT BANGKOK - March 31, 2024
