Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
The places to visit in Siem Reap combine historical landmarks, local culture, and scenic spots, attracting travellers keen to discover the city’s heritage. While known for its ancient temples, Siem Reap also features lively markets, peaceful surroundings, and rich traditions. The city blends history and modernity, offering quiet areas and cultural attractions that provide a deeper understanding of Cambodia. With its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere, Siem Reap offers an experience beyond typical tourist sights, making it a destination worth discovering.
10 Best Places To Visit In Siem Reap
Here is a list of the best places to visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia, each offering a unique insight into the city’s history and culture.
1. Cambodia Landmine Museum
Photo: Jwslubbock / Wikimedia Commons
The Cambodia Landmine Museum in Siem Reap offers an educational experience about the devastating impact of landmines on Cambodia. Visitors can learn about the challenges faced by the country and the work done to clear landmines. The museum was founded by Aki Ra, a former child soldier, who used the proceeds to help victims and clear landmines. It’s a poignant place to understand Cambodia’s past and current issues related to landmines. It is located on the road to Banteay Srei temple and is one of the best places to visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia for those interested in Cambodia’s history.
Must-Have Experiences: Exploring the museum’s exhibits on landmine clearance and Cambodia’s history
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Nearest Airport: Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport
2. Angkor National Museum
Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote / Wikimedia Commons
The Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap is a significant archaeological museum that offers an in-depth look at the art and culture of the Khmer civilisation. It is a famous place to visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and is ideal for those wanting to explore the history of the Angkor period and the Khmer dynasty. It features eight galleries that explore the golden era of the Khmer Empire, displaying historical artefacts such as Buddha statues. Visitors can also enjoy audio-visual technology to learn about the culture, shop for unique items, and even take a break at the on-site coffee shop.
Must-Have Experiences: Exploring the galleries and viewing historical artefacts
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport
3. Angkor Wat
Photo: allPhoto Bangkok / Unsplash
Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest religious monument in the world. This temple complex was built in the 12th century and is known for its vast size and detailed carvings. The design of Angkor Wat is said to represent the mountains of Meru in Hindu mythology, with its five towers symbolising the peaks. Visitors can explore the temple’s walls, which are covered with over 2,000 apsara carvings. Visiting Angkor Wat offers insight into Cambodia’s ancient history and culture, making it one of the best places to visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Must-Have Experiences: Watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat, experiencing the spiritual side of the temple
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport
4. Pub Street
Photo: Jensre / Wikimedia Commons
Pub Street in Siem Reap is a lively area known for its vibrant nightlife, making it one of the top places to visit in the city. The street has restaurants offering various cuisines, bars serving drinks until the early hours, and entertainment options such as neon-lit clubs and live music. Visitors can enjoy traditional Khmer performances, dance shows, and DJ sets. For a more relaxing experience, there are massage parlours and unique offerings like fish massages. With its festive atmosphere, Pub Street is a great spot to socialise, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the nightlife in Siem Reap.
Must-Have Experiences: Exploring the local markets, trying Cambodian street food, and shopping for unique souvenirs
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport
5. Bayon Temple
Bayon Temple in Cambodia is renowned for its distinct stone faces carved into the towers, earning it the nickname “the temple of the smiling faces.” These faces represent King Jayavarman VII, who built the temple as a Buddhist state temple during the late 12th century. As the only major temple dedicated primarily to Buddhist deities in the Angkor complex, Bayon showcases the artistic and cultural achievements of the Khmer Empire. Its carvings depict various scenes, including military campaigns and religious stories, making it a significant historical site in Cambodia.
Must-Have Experiences: Admiring the carved stone faces and exploring the detailed carvings
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport
6. Angkor Night Market Street
Photo: Wilsen Escandor / Wikimedia Commons
Angkor Night Market Street is a popular destination in Siem Reap, offering a vibrant atmosphere filled with local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food. The market is a great place to experience the culture of Cambodia and shop for unique items such as clothes, jewellery, and artwork. As the sun sets, the street comes alive with neon lights and lively crowds, making it a perfect spot to explore in the evening. Visitors can also find food stalls offering traditional Cambodian dishes, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the local cuisine.
Must-Have Experiences: Exploring the market’s unique items and sampling local street food
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport
7. Phnom Kulen National Park
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Wikimedia Commons
Phnom Kulen National Park is an important historical and natural site in Siem Reap. The park is home to the sacred Phnom Kulen mountain, which holds religious significance to Cambodians as the birthplace of the Angkor Empire. The park also features impressive waterfalls, ancient temples, and carvings in the riverbed, making it a peaceful place for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Visitors can enjoy a hike through the park, visit the reclining Buddha, and swim in the waterfalls’ cool waters, offering cultural insights and natural beauty.
Must-Have Experiences: Visit the reclining Buddha and swim at the waterfalls
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport
8. Tonle Sap
Photo: Siborey Sean / Unsplash
Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, located in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. It’s renowned for its biodiversity, fishing, and floating villages. The lake’s ecosystem supports a wide variety of wildlife, and it’s one of the most productive fishing areas in the world. During the monsoon season, the Mekong River flows into the lake, bringing abundant fish. Visitors can explore the floating villages built on stilts, offering a unique look at rural life in Cambodia. It’s also a popular spot for eco-tourism, especially during the flood season.
Must-Have Experiences: Exploring the floating villages and witnessing the local way of life
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport
9. Angkor Archaeological Park
Photo: Korp7 / Wikimedia Commons
The Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples and rich cultural heritage. It is one of the best places to visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia, offering visitors a chance to explore the Khmer Empire’s remains, which date from the 9th to the 15th century. The park is home to some of the most impressive architectural and artistic works, including the Banteay Srei temples. Visitors can also discover ancient waterways and communication routes that showcase the engineering skills of the civilisation.
Must-Have Experiences: Exploring the vast temple complex and learning about the Khmer Empire’s history
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 6 hours
Nearest Airport: Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport
10. War Museum Cambodia
Photo: Reggie B / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The War Museum Cambodia in Siem Reap offers a detailed look into the impact of war on the country. The museum showcases a variety of military equipment, such as tanks, guns, and landmines, along with photographs and documents related to the Cambodian Civil War and other conflicts. It provides visitors with an opportunity to understand the struggles faced by Cambodia’s people during the war. The museum is a significant place for learning about Cambodia’s history and serves as a reminder of the challenges the nation has overcome.
Must-Have Experiences: Viewing the collection of war-related artefacts and learning about Cambodia’s history
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport
There are various places to visit in Siem Reap, each offering a unique insight into Cambodia’s history and culture. From the impressive temples of Angkor Wat to informative museums, the city gives visitors a deeper understanding of the past. The lively markets and local landmarks add to the experience. Book your trip with TripXL to explore the top attractions in Siem Reap.
Cover Photo: Antonella Vilardo / Unsplash
