Siem Reap Attractions
There are many things to do in Siem Reap and not just visit the temples. The town has grown into a large tourist destination and there are so many things you can see and do during your stay here. We can help you to arrange transport and tickets to any of the attractions listed here and more.
Angkor National Museum
Standing on the road to Angkor Wat, the Angkor National Museum is a large collection, conservation, and display of ancient Khmer civilization dated from Funan period to the 14th century. As you walk through the dramatic galleries, you will see themed displays by era, religion and loyalty. You will be given a short presentation before you enter the elegant gallery of a Thousand Buddhas. You will also be fascinated by other exhibits such as the pre-Angkorian periods of Funan and Chenla, Angkor Wat, Khmer monarchies, and inscriptions.
Siem Reap War Museum
The War Museum is a memorable site as it represents a 3-decade civil war in Cambodia. It is located near Road No.6, not far away from the Siem Reap city. This place is so popular for both local and international visitors. In the museum, you will directly see used-original war machines such as the Soviet tank T-54, Chinese F-6 jet fighter, Soviet Mil Mi-8 helicopter and 85-mm field artillery gun. It will give you a wonderful opportunity to learn deeply of what truly occurred during Cambodian’s civil war.
Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre
The largest butterfly farm in Southeast Asia, Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre is an entirely encased centre with more than 30 rare species of butterflies flying around. This centre is located 25km from Siem Reap, and it is a place to preserve some endangered species of butterflies. It is a good place to get relief from a long day visiting the temples, and a good experience for both adult and children to learn about the life cycle of butterflies.
Khmer Ceramic Centre and Fine Arts
Representing the loss of Cambodian arts, Khmer Ceramic Centre opens daily to all local and international visitors. It was opened in 2006 to revive the rich ceramic heritage of the Khmer Empire (802-1432 AD). KCC offers many types of ceramic products including vases, tableware, lavabos and even painting to promote Khmer culture and environment. You can shop for ceramic products, or you can take a pottery class in KCC and try your hand at the pottery wheel.
Cambodian Cultural Village
Cambodian Cultural Village is a gorgeous park because it represents almost everything about Khmer Culture. It is located on national road 6 about 5km from the popular Pub Street area. The Cambodian Cultural Village has 13 traditional villages, each represents the 19 varieties of ethnic minority groups. There are two museums, an artificial waterfall, traditional wooden houses, restaurants, and stone carvings. You can also see the dance shows and other performances such as Peacock and Apsara dancing, wedding ceremonies, circus shows and even elephant shows and more.
Quad Bike Adventures
One of the most attractive tours in Siem Reap, quad bikes are a modern adventure transportation to explore around this authentic town. It is very exciting when you drive your quad into the hidden and unexposed world. The fresh and remote greenery of the countryside and villages are very beautiful with friendly and smiley people welcoming every visitor. You should try this breath-taking trip with quad bikes to see local people, homes, schools, Buddhist pagodas, untouched Angkor temples, the sunrise and sunset.
Night Markets
Siem Reap has many night markets to ramble around and buy cheap souvenirs to take home. The most popular night markets in Siem Reap are the Angkor Night Market, Old Market (Phsar Chas), Made in Cambodia Market, Angkor Handicraft Association, and Noon Night Market. These markets opens daily and offers a wide range of fair-trade artworks and unique products with affordable prices. You can purchase local-made and original Khmer craftsmanship such as stone or wood carvings, lacquer figurines, silver flatware, and silk. You can also enjoy the live music performance and workshops about Khmer culture and history.
Angkor Silk Farm
Among you temple tour in Siem Reap, you may take a short time to visit the silk farm to balance your historical, cultural and social trip. The silk farm is very fascinating and exciting because you can see the whole process of producing silk. You can come and enjoy a guided tour to walk around and learn the process of silkworm harvesting, the breeding process, and the artworks made from silk. There are a variety of beautiful silk processed products such as scarves, clothes, bags, and other accessories available to buy from the gift shop.
Artisan d’Angkor
Artisan d’Angkor is an attractive shopping destination in Siem Reap. It was created in 1999 to help young people find a job and promote traditional Khmer craftsmanship. You can take a workshop tour to watch students learn to make silk and garments, stone and wood carvings, painting, lacquerware, silver planting and so on. After finishing your tour, you can go to the shop to purchase souvenirs you just saw and be happy about supporting the local craftsman.
West Baray
West Baray is a huge handmade-artificial reservoir with the length of 8km and width of 2.1km. This mega structure began in the 11th century during the reign of king Suryavarman I and finished during the reign of king Udayadityavarman II. There are small-Khmer-style huts on the beach of West Baray where you can stay to refresh yourself from a long day of traveling. You can swim in the cold water or take a boat ride to West Mebon, an island temple at the centre of Baray.
Cambodian Landmine Museum
The War in Cambodia was ended, but plenty of uncleared mines still remain underground and threaten people in rural areas. The Cambodian landmine Museum is located in Banteay Srei District, 25km from Siem Reap city. This museum was first found by Aki Ra, a former soldier in 1997, and all types of mines and bombs are here are for showing to visitors. The income from your ticket is spent on education, food and shelter for dozens of children who live in the Relief Centre and School. If you are looking for an historical site to learn about the Khmer civil war and help the at-risk children, you shouldn’t miss the Cambodian Landmine Museum.
Apsara Dance Show
Apsara dance is a traditional dance and the soul of the Kingdom of Cambodia. It has been in existence in the 6th – 7th centuries according to the Sambor Prei Kuk temple. Today, dinner shows are very favoured venues, and most places offers a one-hour dance performance especially the Apsara dance. It is a must-see performance that you should not miss when you visit Siem Reap. It is an opportunity to get a taste for the amazing classical Khmer culture.