Below is the list of my favorite things to do in Siem Reap and places to visit after more than ten trips to the area.
Please also look at my Siem Reap itinerary suggestions for more ideas on organizing your trip. For more information, read where to stay in Siem Reap and the best hotels, or book a Siem Reap hotel on Agoda.
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the most famous attraction in Cambodia and the world’s largest religious structure. It was built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple but later transformed into a Buddhist temple.
Tips to visit Angkor Wat
- Angkor Wat is included in the so-called small circuit tour. It’s close to the Angkor Archeological Park entrance, so that you can visit it as a part of any other Siem Reap itinerary.
- Many agencies and tuk-tuk drivers offer Angor Wat sunrise tours, which are usually very crowded. Visit the temple at the end of the day before leaving the area. The sun is at your back, and the light is lower, so you take excellent pictures. Moreover, there are fewer people before closing time.
- Angkor Wat is one of the few Buddhist temples in the area; therefore, there is a dress code for the inner part of the temple. You must wear a T-shirt to cover your shoulders and long pants below your knees. Tank tops are not allowed, and a scarf is not enough
What are Angkor Wat’s opening hours?
Angkor Wat is open daily from 5 am to 5.30 pm.
How much is the Angkor Wat entrance fee?
The Angkor Wat entrance fee is part of the so-called Angkor Pass. Entrance fee in 2024:
- One-day ticket $37
- Two days ticket $62
- One week ticket $72
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is small but one of the most famous temples in the Angkor complex. It’s where part of the Angelina Jolie movie Tomb Rider was filmed. It’s a Hindu temple from the 12th century and a nice mix of big trees, their roots, and temple stones.
Tip
It’s the most crowded area as everyone wants to visit the temple, which is small. Whether you visit it as a part of a small circuit tour or custom program, the best time to visit the place is at noon when most groups go to lunch.
Entrance fee: No extra payment if you have a valid Angkor Pass.
Bayon temple
Bayon temple is one of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor National Park. It’s also one of the best places to visit near Siem Reap. The temple is from the 12th century and is highly decorated. The highlights are the big Buddha stone faces.
Tips
- Bayon temple is part of the small circuit tour
- It’s a Buddhist temple, but unlike Angkor Wat, no strict dress code exists.
Entrance fee: You can visit it with a valid Angkor pass.
Banteay Srei
Banteay Srei is built of red stone and has the most beautiful carvings. The temple is from the 10th century and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It’s also another location from the movie Tomb Raider.
Tips
- If you book an organized trip, you can include the temple in your Grand Circuit tour.
- Bring a camera with a zoom lens as you’re not allowed to get very close to the monkey statues.
Entrance fee: It’s included in your Angkor pass.
Preah Khan temple
Preah Khan is from the 12th century and is one of the biggest temples in the area. It’s one of my favorite places, with so much to see. Every time I go, I find something new to appreciate.
Tips
- There is a lovely lake near the east entrance.
- The temple has a few similar entrances, so make sure you know where your driver is waiting for you.
Entrance fee: No extra fee as it’s part of the Angkor complex.
Beng Maelea
Beng Maelea is worth visiting as it’s a big and less visited temple from the 12th century. Most of the area is unrestored, so it’s an excellent adventure for a real Indiana Jones experience.
Tip
- Depending on your plan and free time, you can also visit Koh Ker temple on the same day. Read more information below.
Entrance fee: Included in your Angkor pass since 2020. You don’t have to buy a separate ticket anymore.
Koh Ker
Koh Ker is the furthest temple for a day trip from Siem Reap. Therefore, few people visit there, and it’s a great place to avoid the crowds.
Sadly, I don’t have recent pics, as it’s the most expensive trip from Siem Reap, and last time my friends refused to come with me. I like the place but not so much to pay $100+ for a solo trip again.
Tips
- You can hire a taxi or join an organized trip as it’s too far to get a tuk-tuk.
- Koh Ker is on the same road as Beng Maelea, so that you can visit both temples within a one-day trip.
Entrance fee: $10. It’s not included in your Angkor pass.
Phnom Bakheng
Bakheng temple is a small Hindu and Buddhist temple on top of the highest point of the Angkor area. The temple is nice and offers a nice view of the area.
Tip
Bakheng temple is worth visiting, but don’t do it like all other tourists. All tour agencies advertise the place as the best spot to see the sunset. However, the sunset is on the other side over the field and not over the temples.
Entrance fee: No extra payment.
Ta Nei
Ta Nei temple is small, and one of the least visited temples, as it’s not included in any famous tours. However, it’s a nice place, and you can avoid the crowds and have the temple for yourself even in the high season.
I visited the place three times with my friends and saw other people only once.
Tip
You can include the temple in the small circuit tour, as it’s right next to Ta Prohm.
Entrance fee: No extra fee.
Kulen Waterfall
Kulen Waterfall is part of The Phnom Kulen Natural Park. I love the place, and if it weren’t for the high entrance fee and taxi rates, I would visit there more often.
It’s a big waterfall with warm water, and you can swim there.
How to visit Kulen Waterfall?
You have to hire a taxi or join a tour group.
Tips
- Don’t get a tuk-tuk as it’s too far from Siem Reap, and the last part of the road is dusty.
- You must go there early in the morning as it’s a one-way road and you can only return in the afternoon.
Entrance fee: $20
Kbal Spean
Kbal Spea means “Bridge Head” in Khmer and is a historical site from the 11th to 12th century. It has carvings of Hindu gods and a small waterfall.
Tip
It’s not far from Beantey Srei Temple, so you can visit both sights in one trip.
Entrance fee: it’s included in your Angkor ticket.
Kampong Phluk Floating Village
Kampong Phuk is a floating village in Tonle Sap Lake with houses built above the water. You can see the houses and watch the local people’s daily life, visit the flooded mangrove forest, and experience the sunset over the lake.
How to visit?
It’s a nice half-day trip from Siem Reap. You can join an organized tour or get a tuk-tuk. The fair tuk-tuk price s up to $20. Then you have to hire a boat for the journey.
Tips
- Plan an afternoon trip to see the spectacular sunset over the lake.
- To save time and money, you can hire a tuk-tuk/taxi for a full-day trip and visit some temples in the morning.
Entrance fee: Everything is around $30, including a big boat for the village trip, a small boat for visiting the mangrove forest, and the entrance fee.
Angkor National Museum
Angkor National Museum is the best museum in Cambodia. It’s a beautiful new building and home to many Angkorian artifacts. The museum provides a lot of information about the Khmer culture.
Opening hours
- 1 Apr – 30 Sep 08.30 am – 6 pm
- 1 Oct – 31 Mar 08.30 am – 6.30 pm
Tip
The museum is huge and has multimedia presentations, so plan at least two hours of visiting time.
Entrance fee: $12
Pub Street
Pub Street is the main party area of Siem Reap, with many restaurants, cafes, and clubs. It’s a must for people who like to enjoy the nightlife.
Tip
If traveling on a budget, you can eat in one of the excellent restaurants on the side streets and drink on Pub Street. If you order a drink, Western Tribes bar is one of the better bars with a free pool table. It’s the former Angkor What bar, but it still has excellent staff and management.
Siem Reap Night Market
Siem Reap Night Market is the best place to buy souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, etc. Unlike other places with millions of tourists, the vendors are friendly and honest, and you can easily negotiate the price.
Opening hours
4 pm – 11 pm. It’s closed on Sunday.
Tip
The vendors are friendly, and unlike other famous markets in other countries, they give you honest prices. Moreover, you can easily negotiate the price.
Cambodia Landmine Museum
Cambodia Landmine Museum is not for everyone, but it’s an exciting place if you are a fan of modern history. An ex-child soldier, Aki Ra, founded the museum, and you can learn about his fascinating story. There are also many different landmines on display with explanations.
Opening hours
Every day from 8 am to 5 pm.
Tip
It’s on the same road and close to Banteay Srei temple, so you can visit both attractions.
Entrance fee: $5 for adult foreigners and free for children under 12 and Cambodians.
If you are going to Phnom Penh, check where to stay in Phnom Penh and the best hotels.